Short answer: the Dynaudio LYD 5. It ranks #6 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $998 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU6 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The case for the Kanto YU6: 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.
The Dynaudio LYD 5 is the better-sounding pick. An affordable studio monitor with highly accurate, uncolored midrange, especially strong when paired with a subwoofer. The catch: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors.
Buy the Dynaudio LYD 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU6 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
An affordable studio monitor with highly accurate, uncolored midrange, especially strong when paired with a subwoofer.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU6 | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380.00 per pair Discontinued | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical | XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Dynaudio LYD 5: