Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,898 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 Neumann KH120 MKII is the more accurate choice. An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.49 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. Watch for: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
What the Kanto YU does well: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz.
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
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 6.38 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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