Short answer: the KEF LS50 Wireless II. It ranks #19 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $2,999.99 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is the more accurate pick. An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.43 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. Watch for: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency.
Why pick the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the KEF LS50 Wireless II. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU is discontinued.
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An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LS50 Wireless II | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Drivers | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| EQ | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction | - |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Amplifier Power | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
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