Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU measures as well as it (#58 vs #57 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Onkyo GX-30ARC is still sold new at $349.
The case for the Onkyo GX-30ARC: A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. The catch: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
The case for 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 Onkyo GX-30ARC if you want one new; the Kanto YU is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Onkyo GX-30ARC | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #57 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Country | Japan (design) | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | 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 | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
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