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 YU6 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
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 4.28 for the Kanto YU6. Watch for: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
What the Kanto YU6 does well: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. 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.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU6 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 6.89 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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