Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 ranks higher than it (#41 vs #57 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Onkyo GX-30ARC is still sold new at $349. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The Kanto YU6 is the more accurate pick. A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.28 against 3.69 for the Onkyo GX-30ARC. 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 Onkyo GX-30ARC does well: A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The catch: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC if you want one new; the Kanto YU6 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU6 | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380.00 per pair Discontinued | $349.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) | Class D amplification |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | Japan (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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