Short answer: the Kanto YU4. It ranks #14 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $479.99. The Monoprice Monolith MM-3 ranks #16, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99, $180 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Kanto YU4: Phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, remote control and a subwoofer output make it convenient for a compact multi-source system. The tradeoff: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span.
The case for the Monoprice Monolith MM-3: With the ports plugged, Erin’s Klippel data yields preference scores of 3.82 standalone and 6.24 with an ideal subwoofer, and a measured -3dB point around 62Hz. Watch for: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product.
Buy the Kanto YU4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $180 with the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #14 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | 6.24 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.0 | Yes |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Kanto YU4: $479.99 per pair Kanto eBay
Pros: Phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, remote control and a subwoofer output make it convenient for a compact multi-source system. ASR’s measured horizontal coverage is broad enough for some freedom of seating position. The ideal-subwoofer preference score of 5.83 indicates that bass support would materially improve its usefulness.
Cons: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span. Response irregularities remain even after bass extension is removed from the comparison, so a subwoofer alone will not make it neutral. Sensitivity measured at an arbitrary powered-speaker gain setting is not a reliable basis for judging efficiency or maximum volume.
Full Kanto YU4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Kanto YU4 Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Premium Computer Speakers: Kanto ORA4 Review & Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Monoprice Monolith MM-3: $299.99 per pair Monoprice eBay
Pros: With the ports plugged, Erin’s Klippel data yields preference scores of 3.82 standalone and 6.24 with an ideal subwoofer, and a measured -3dB point around 62Hz. The reviewer found blocking the ports improved the bass peak and midrange resonances. Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands provide a convenient compact desktop package.
Cons: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product. Even in that configuration the review identifies substantial tonal problems and recommends off-axis placement to reduce excess treble. The score therefore does not justify ranking the stock MM-3 alongside better-balanced monitors. Small drivers limit its application, and the proprietary inter-speaker cable complicates replacement.
Full Monoprice Monolith MM-3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States (design) |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine HD3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Monacor SOUND-4BT
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Fluid Audio C35BT
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine A2+
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Fiio SP3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Monoprice DT-3
- See all 9 comparisons