Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#41 and #42 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the Topping MA4 ranks #12 at $378. The Kanto YU6 has been replaced by the Kanto YU6 G2.
What the Kanto YU6 does well: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. Watch for: 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 M-Audio BX5 D3 does well: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The catch: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Kanto YU6 or the M-Audio BX5 D3, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, start with the Topping MA4 instead.
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.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380.00 per pair Discontinued | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) | 100W each |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical | XLR and TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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