Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 measures as well as it (#41 vs #46 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus is still sold new at $499.99. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The case for the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus: A compact desktop pair with an even midrange, Bluetooth and USB inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region.
The case for the Kanto YU6: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. The tradeoff: 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 Zero Plus new; the Kanto YU6 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact desktop pair with an even midrange, Bluetooth and USB inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover.
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 Zero Plus | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum cone woofer, 4” long-throw passive radiator, 1” soft dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 120W total (Class D) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, aptX |
| Dimensions | 8.5”H x 5.5”W x 6”D | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| DSP | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.07 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.73 | 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 | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.0 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
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