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Kanto YU Review
Kanto YU - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Kevlar Woofer
  • 60-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
  • Weight:5.28 lbs / 2.40 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8.7"x5.5"x7.5" / 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm
MSRP: $300 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Kanto YU Review
Kanto YU Kanto YU
Check price atAmazon›

Kanto YU is a 2-way Powered bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Kanto. It was released in 2016. YU's built-in amplifier provides 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak). The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect Kanto YU to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Kevlar Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz. Kanto YU has an MSRP of 300$ per pair.

Kanto's YU Powered Series of Loudspeakers

YU is a member of Kanto's YU Powered series of Powered speakers. The YU Powered range are Kanto's popular powered bookshelf speakers with built-in amplification and Bluetooth. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Kanto YU Powered models compared »

Kanto YU Powered Series Speakers
Model Frequency Watts RMSMax Depth / Sample Rate Woofer
Kanto YU4
Compare
60-20k Hz 70-watt24-bit/96 kHzΩ 1 x 4"
Kanto YU2
Compare
80-20k Hz 50-watt24-bit/96 kHzΩ 1 x 3"
Kanto YU6
Compare
50-20k Hz 100-watt24-bit/96 kHzΩ 1 x 5.25"
Kanto YU
60-20k Hz 70-watt24-bit/192 kHzΩ 1 x 4"


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Kanto YU Speaker

Kanto YU has a Frequency response range of 60-20k Hz at ±3dB. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, YU delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how YU's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Kanto YU?
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Handheld Remote

Kanto YU comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Kanto YU employs Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops. YU can playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz with compatible devices.

Inputs and Outputs

  • RCA Input
  • Wired Subwoofer Output

Kanto YU External Dimensions and Weight

Kanto YU has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch (220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Kanto YU is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Kanto YU, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Kanto YU Real Life Body Size Comparison
Kanto YU Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Kanto YU virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Kanto YU placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Kanto YU Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The speaker with the built-in amplifier weighs 2.80kg / 6.2lbs whereas the other speaker weighs 2.40kg/ 5.3lbs. Here is a comparison of how YU's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Kanto YU
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Kanto YU has a bass reflex type cabinet.

Port Position

Kanto YU is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Wall Mounting

YU doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

What's in the Box of Kanto YU?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of YU:
  • Remote with Batteries
  • Power Cord
  • Speaker Wire (16-feet)
  • 8 x Rubber Feet
  • Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Kanto YU.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Kanto YU, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Kanto YU

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Kanto YU speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Kanto YU

Warranty

2 years of parts warranty and 2 years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Kanto YU Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
Kanto YU4
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 4.0 60-20k Hz
Kanto YU2
Compare
2-way 50w No 80-20k Hz
Kanto YU6
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-20k Hz
Jamo S 801 PM
Compare
2-way 50w Built-in 3.0 76-26k Hz
Fluance Ai41
Compare
2-way 90w Built-in 5.0 35-20k Hz
Sonos Five
Compare
2-way - No
Kanto ORA4
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 5.0 60-22k Hz
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanto YU

Does the Kanto YU need an amplifier?

The Kanto YU is an active speaker with a 70-watt RMS built-in amplifier (140-watt peak). You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver - just a source.

Does the Kanto YU need a subwoofer?

The Kanto YU reaches down to 60Hz (full range 60-20k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Kanto YU use?

The Kanto YU is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 4" Kevlar woofer.

Is the Kanto YU sealed or ported?

The Kanto YU uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the Kanto YU have Bluetooth or wireless streaming?

Yes. The Kanto YU supports Bluetooth 4.2.

Can the Kanto YU be wall mounted?

The Kanto YU does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

How big and heavy is the Kanto YU?

The Kanto YU weighs 2.40kg / 5.3lbs each and measures 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Kanto YU cost?

The Kanto YU has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $300 per pair.


Kanto YU Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKanto
Full Model NameKanto YU
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response60-20k Hz
Release Date2016
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS70 watts
Watts Max140 watts
TypeClass D
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate192 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer CompositionKevlar
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Port Positionrear
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Amazon AlexaNo
Google AssistantNo
Subwoofer OutputWired

CONNECTIONS
Ethernet PortNo
USB PortNo
Aux InputRCA
Phono InputNo
Digital InputNo
HDMI InputNo
Headphone JackNo
BluetoothBuilt-in 4.2
Wi-FiNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height220.0mm ( 8.7-inch)
Width140.0mm ( 5.5-inch)
Depth190.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
Height220.0mm ( 8.7-inch)
Weight2.4 kg (5.3 lbs)
Enclosurebass reflex
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteYes
Parts Warranty2 years
Labor Warranty2 years
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