In this review, we will be comparing Genelec G One and YU4, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Genelec and Kanto. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Genelec G One and Kanto YU4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Genelec G One and Kanto YU4 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Genelec G One and YU4 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Genelec G One |
Kanto YU4 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Genelec G One features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the YU4 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Genelec G One has a frequency range of 74-20k Hz whereas YU4 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the YU4 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Genelec G One's min frequency of 74Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Genelec G One and YU4 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Genelec G One's and Kanto YU4's external dimensions. Genelec G One has external dimensions of 195 x 121 x 115 mm ( 7.1 x 4.8 x 4.5) whereas Kanto YU4 has external dimensions of 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm ( 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) .
Kanto YU4 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19mm wider, 25mm taller and 75mm deeper than Genelec G One.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Genelec G One and Kanto YU4 in scale.
Comparison image of Genelec G One and Kanto YU4 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Genelec G One is approximately 139.2cm2 / 21.6inch2 and base area of the Kanto YU4 is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2. The Genelec G One requires 48% less surface area than the YU4 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Genelec G One and Kanto YU4 on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Genelec G One weighs 1.70kg / 3.7lbs and the Kanto YU4 weighs 2.50kg / 5.5lbs. This makes the YU4 47% heavier than the Genelec G One.
Here is a comparison of how Genelec G One and YU4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Genelec G One?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Genelec G One:
Genelec G One 2-Way Powered Bookshelf Speaker (Polar White, Single)Iso-Pod Stand5.9-feet Power Cable
What's in the Box of Kanto YU4?
Here are the items that come with the YU4:
Remote with Batteries Power Cord Speaker Wire (16′) 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5′) 8 x Rubber Feet Manual
 Height |
195mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
139cm2 (121x115mm)
vs
266cm2 (140x190mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
74 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 Price per pair* |
450USD
vs
700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 USB Port |
Charge only
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
 Digital Input |
Optical (2)
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
| General |
Genelec G One |
Kanto YU4 |
| Brand |
Genelec |
Kanto |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
74-20k Hz |
60-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
140-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
N/A |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
N/A |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cone |
Kevlar |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
195.0mm (7.7") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Width |
121.0mm (4.8") |
140.0mm (5.5") |
| Depth |
115.0mm (4.5") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Weight |
1.70kg (3.7lbs) |
2.50kg (5.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
bass reflex |
| Finish |
Aluminum |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
White,Black |
n/a |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
No |
Charge only |
| Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
n/a |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
No |
Optical (2) |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |