Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks #20 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $699.99 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is the more accurate choice. Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.57 against 4.28 for the Kanto YU6. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The tradeoff: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
What the Kanto YU6 does well: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. The catch: 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU6 is no longer sold new.
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Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output.
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
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #20 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, aptX |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 | 6.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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