Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 ranks higher than it (#41 vs #54 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Dayton Audio M4 is still sold new at $249.98. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
Why pick the Kanto YU6: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. The tradeoff: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419.
The case for the Dayton Audio M4: A compact, affordable powered desk pair with Bluetooth, USB-C, a subwoofer output and a soft, unfatiguing treble. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. Watch for: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the Dayton Audio M4 if you want one new; the Kanto YU6 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU6 | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380.00 per pair Discontinued | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| App | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
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