Short answer: the Audioengine HD6, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 ranks higher than it (#41 vs #79 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Audioengine HD6 is still sold new at $1,048. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The Kanto YU6 is the better-sounding choice. A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. The catch: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419.
What the Audioengine HD6 does well: A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The catch: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Audioengine HD6 new; the Kanto YU6 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU6 | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380.00 per pair Discontinued | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
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