Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT. It ranks #35 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $699.99 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #56 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU’s replacement, the Kanto YU4 G2, is rated 3.6/5.
The KEF LSX II LT is the more accurate pick. The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.81 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. The catch: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors.
Why pick the Kanto YU: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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- KEF LSX II LT vs Reflector Audio Square Two
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Transform Your Sound System with the KEF LSX II LT Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF LSX II LT
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kanto YU: $349.99 per pair Discontinued Kanto eBay
Newer model: the Kanto YU4 G2, ranked lower, estimated 3.6/5.
Pros: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. ASR’s measurements show a 2.9dB midrange span and a 6.38 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight. The response trends upward toward the treble and retains local irregularities across the listening window. A subwoofer adds bandwidth but does not make the speaker neutral. Connectivity is basic compared with models offering USB, optical or HDMI. Discontinued.
Full Kanto YU review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons