In this review, we will be comparing YU2 and HD3, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Kanto and Audioengine. 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 YU2 and Audioengine HD3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Kanto YU2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 50-watt RMS( 100-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 3" Kevlar Woofer
- 80-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Weight:1.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 3.9" x 5.3"( 150.0 x 100.0 x 135.0mm )
Audioengine HD3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS( 60-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Weight:1.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 231.8" x 4.25" x 7.25"( 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Kanto YU2 and Audioengine HD3 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 YU2 and HD3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Kanto YU2 |
Audioengine HD3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3-inch
|
1 x 2.75-inch
|
YU2 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the HD3 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
YU2 has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz whereas HD3 has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the HD3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the YU2's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
YU2 has a rear firing port whereas HD3 has a front firing ports. Audioengine HD3's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Kanto YU2 with its rear-firing port.
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 YU2's and Audioengine HD3's external dimensions. Kanto YU2 has external dimensions of 150.0 x 100.0 x 135.0mm ( 5.90 x 3.9 x 5.3inch) whereas Audioengine HD3 has external dimensions of 231.8 x 108.0 x 177.8mm ( 9.125 x 4.25 x 7.25inch) .
Audioengine HD3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 8mm wider, 81.8mm taller and 42.8mm deeper than Kanto YU2.
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 YU2 is approximately 135.0cm2 / 20.9inch2 and base area of the Audioengine HD3 is approximately 192.0cm2 / 29.8inch2. The YU2 requires 30% less surface area than the HD3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.