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  1. Home
  2. Kanto Speakers
  3. Powered Stereo Speakers
  4. Kanto YU2
Kanto YU2 Review
Kanto YU2 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 3" Kevlar Woofer
  • 80-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 50-watt RMS( 100-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • No Bluetooth
  • Weight: 2.86 lbs / 1.30 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 5.90"x3.9"x5.3" / 150.0 x 100.0 x 135.0mm
MSRP: $240 (list price)
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Kanto YU2 Review
Kanto YU2 Kanto YU2
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Made by Kanto · Canada · since 2007 · direct and retail

Kanto YU2 is a 2-way Powered bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Kanto. It was released in April 2016. YU2's built-in amplifier provides 50-watt RMS( 100-watt Peak). The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect Kanto YU2 to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Kevlar Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz. Kanto YU2 has an MSRP of 240$ per pair.

Kanto's YU Powered Series of Loudspeakers

YU2 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 kHz 1 x 4"
Kanto YU2
80-20k Hz 50-watt24-bit/96 kHz 1 x 3"
Kanto YU6
Compare
50-20k Hz 100-watt24-bit/96 kHz 1 x 5.25"
Kanto YU
Compare
60-20k Hz 70-watt24-bit/192 kHz 1 x 4"

Frequency Response of the Kanto YU2 Speaker

Kanto YU2 has a Frequency response range of 80-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 80 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from YU2. Unfortunately, the Kanto YU2 speaker lacks a subwoofer output, making it impossible to connect a subwoofer and enhance the bass response of your system.

Here we have a comparison of how YU2's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU2
Min
Average
Median

Handheld Remote

Kanto YU2 comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Kanto YU2 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to play music via bluetooth, you need to attach a bluetooth receiver to your Kanto YU2. YU2 can playback up to 24-bit / 96 kHz with compatible devices.

Inputs and Outputs

  • RCA Input

Kanto YU2 External Dimensions and Weight

Kanto YU2 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 5.90 x 3.9 x 5.3inch (150.0 x 100.0 x 135.0mm ).

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 YU2 is approximately 135.0cm2 / 20.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Kanto YU2, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Kanto YU2 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Kanto YU2 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Kanto YU2 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Kanto YU2 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Kanto YU2 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 1.40kg / 3.1lbs whereas the other speaker weighs 1.30kg/ 2.9lbs. Here is a comparison of how YU2's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU2
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Kanto YU2
Min
Average
Max

How does the Kanto YU2 compare to the Kanto YU4?

One of the natural alternative to the Kanto YU2 is the YU4 which is located one step higher in Kanto's Powered Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Kanto YU2 vs Kanto YU4 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Kanto YU2 and Kanto YU4 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Kanto YU2 vs YU4 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Kanto YU2 has a bass reflex type cabinet.

Port Position

Kanto YU2 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

YU2 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 YU2?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of YU2:
  • Power Cord
  • Speaker Wire (10-feet)
  • USB DAC Cable
  • 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5-feet)
  • 8 x Rubber Feet
  • Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Kanto YU2.

  • 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 YU2, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Kanto YU2

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Kanto YU2 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Kanto YU2

Warranty

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

Kanto YU2 Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
Audioengine A2+ Wireless
Compare
2-way 30w Built-in 5.0 65-22k Hz
Kanto YU4
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 4.0 60-20k Hz
Kanto YU
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 4.2 60-20k Hz
Kanto ORA
Compare
2-way 50w Built-in 5.0 70-22k Hz
Audioengine A1 Wireless
Compare
2-way 30w Built-in 5.0 65-22k Hz
Audioengine HD3
Compare
2-way 30w Built-in 5.0 65-22k Hz
Kanto YU6
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-20k Hz
Mackie CR3-XBT
Compare
2-way 25w Built-in 4.2 80-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanto YU2

Does the Kanto YU2 need an amplifier?

The Kanto YU2 is an active speaker with a 50-watt RMS built-in amplifier (100-watt peak). You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver - just a source.

Does the Kanto YU2 need a subwoofer?

The Kanto YU2 reaches down to 80Hz (full range 80-20k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Kanto YU2 use?

The Kanto YU2 is a 2-way design using a 0.75" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 3" Kevlar woofer.

Is the Kanto YU2 sealed or ported?

The Kanto YU2 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.

Can the Kanto YU2 be wall mounted?

The Kanto YU2 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 YU2?

The Kanto YU2 weighs 1.30kg / 2.9lbs each and measures 5.90 x 3.9 x 5.3inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Kanto YU2 cost?

The Kanto YU2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $240 per pair.


Kanto YU2 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKanto
Full Model NameKanto YU2
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response80-20k Hz
Release DateApril 2016
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS50 watts
Watts Max100 watts
TypeClass D
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate96 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size3-inch
Woofer CompositionKevlar
Tweeter Size0.75-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Port Positionrear
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Amazon AlexaNo
Google AssistantNo
Subwoofer OutputNo

CONNECTIONS
Ethernet PortNo
USB PortNo
Aux InputRCA
Phono InputNo
Digital InputNo
HDMI InputNo
Headphone JackNo
BluetoothNo
Wi-FiNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height150.0mm ( 5.90-inch)
Width100.0mm ( 3.9-inch)
Depth135.0mm ( 5.3-inch)
Height150.0mm ( 5.90-inch)
Weight1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
Enclosurebass reflex
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty2 Years
Labor Warranty2 Years
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