Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #13 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $339.98; the Kanto YU ranks #50 and costs $349.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Yamaha HS5 offers: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. Watch for: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
What the Kanto YU offers: A compact powered pair with RCA, aptX Bluetooth, subwoofer output, remote control and tone adjustment. ASR predicts a 5.51 preference score with a subwoofer and measured 68Hz in-room extension from the small 4-inch cabinet. Watch for: Its 2.59 standalone preference score confirms that the limited bass strongly benefits from a subwoofer. Connectivity is sparse versus newer powered rivals—no USB, optical or HDMI—and Bluetooth is the older 4.2 generation.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Kanto YU and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Kanto YU. It ranks near the bottom of the 60 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $349.99/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 6.1 lbs active, 5.2 lbs passive |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Power Output | - | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Yamaha HS5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kanto YU: $349.99/pair Kanto Audio eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with RCA, aptX Bluetooth, subwoofer output, remote control and tone adjustment. ASR predicts a 5.51 preference score with a subwoofer and measured 68Hz in-room extension from the small 4-inch cabinet.
Cons: Its 2.59 standalone preference score confirms that the limited bass strongly benefits from a subwoofer. Connectivity is sparse versus newer powered rivals—no USB, optical or HDMI—and Bluetooth is the older 4.2 generation.
Full Kanto YU review and specifications →
| Country | Canada (design) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Power Output | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs active, 5.2 lbs passive |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples