Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives on measured sound quality, the Kanto YU on price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #12 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The Kanto YU ranks #39 at $349.99, $349.01 cheaper.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 4.62 standalone and 6.98 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
What the Kanto YU offers: 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 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance. Watch for: Standalone preference is 2.59 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.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Kanto YU when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #12 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, aptX |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.62 | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.98 | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Dimensions | - | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Weight | - | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Amplifier Power | - | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Klipsch The Fives: $699 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 4.62 standalone and 6.98 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Fives Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Fives
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Kanto YU: $349.99 per pair Kanto Audio eBay
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 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 2.59 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.
Full Kanto YU review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| 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 |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons