In this review, we will be comparing Kanto ORA4 and YU, two Powered Bookshelf speakers by 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 Kanto ORA4 and Kanto YU 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 Kanto ORA4 and Kanto YU 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 Kanto ORA4 and YU are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Kanto ORA4 |
Kanto YU |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Kanto ORA4 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the YU features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
Kanto ORA4 has a frequency range of 60-22k whereas YU has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz.
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 Kanto ORA4 and YU 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 Kanto ORA4's and Kanto YU's external dimensions. Kanto ORA4 has external dimensions of 210.82 x 119.38 x 182.88mm ( 8.3inch x 4.7inch x 7.2inch ) whereas Kanto YU has external dimensions of 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm ( 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) .
Kanto YU is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 9mm taller and 7mm deeper than Kanto ORA4.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Kanto ORA4 and Kanto YU in scale.
Comparison image of Kanto ORA4 and Kanto YU 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 Kanto ORA4 is approximately 217.8cm2 / 33.8inch2 and base area of the Kanto YU is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2. The Kanto ORA4 requires 18% less surface area than the YU 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 Kanto ORA4 and Kanto YU 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 Kanto ORA4 weighs 1.80kg / 4lbs and the Kanto YU weighs 2.40kg / 5.3lbs. This makes the YU 33% heavier than the Kanto ORA4.
Here is a comparison of how Kanto ORA4 and YU's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Kanto ORA4?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kanto ORA4:
4-pin Speaker Connector (6’) Power Cord 8 x Rubber Feet Quick Start Guide
What's in the Box of Kanto YU?
Here are the items that come with the YU:
Remote with Batteries Power Cord Speaker Wire (16-feet) 8 x Rubber Feet Manual
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
N/A
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
211mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
217cm2 (119x183mm)
vs
266cm2 (140x190mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 USB Port |
USB-C
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
| General |
Kanto ORA4 |
Kanto YU |
| Brand |
Kanto |
Kanto |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
60-22k |
60-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
70-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
140-watt RMS |
140-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
96 kHz |
192 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Kevlar |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
211.0mm (8.3") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Width |
119.0mm (4.7") |
140.0mm (5.5") |
| Depth |
183.0mm (7.2") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Weight |
1.80kg (4lbs) |
2.40kg (5.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
bass reflex |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black,Matte White |
n/a |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
RCA |
RCA |
| USB Port |
USB-C |
No |
| Phone Input |
No |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
No |
No |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 years |