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  1. Home
  2. Kanto Speakers
  3. Powered Stereo Speakers
  4. Kanto YU4
Kanto YU4 Review
Kanto YU4 - Front View

Compare To

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 / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight: 5.50 lbs / 2.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8.7"x5.5"x7.5" / 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm
MSRP: $450 (list price)
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Kanto YU4 Review
Kanto YU4 Kanto YU4
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Kanto · Canada · since 2007 · direct and retail

Kanto YU4 is a 2-way Powered bass reflex Bookshelf speaker by Kanto. It was released in January 2017. YU4's built-in amplifier provides 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak). The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect Kanto YU4 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 YU4 has an MSRP of 450$ per pair.

Kanto's YU Powered Series of Loudspeakers

YU4 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
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
Compare
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 YU4 Speaker

Kanto YU4 has a Frequency response range of 60-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, YU4 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 YU4's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU4
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Kanto YU4?
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Handheld Remote

Kanto YU4 comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Kanto YU4 employs Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops. YU4 can playback up to 24-bit / 96 kHz with compatible devices.

Inputs and Outputs

  • 3.5mm Minijack Input
  • RCA Input
  • USB Port: Charge only
  • Phono Input
  • Wired Subwoofer Output
  • Digital Input: Optical (2)

Kanto YU4 External Dimensions and Weight

Kanto YU4 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 YU4 is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Kanto YU4, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Kanto YU4 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Kanto YU4 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Kanto YU4 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Kanto YU4 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Kanto YU4 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 3.20kg / 7lbs whereas the other speaker weighs 2.50kg/ 5.5lbs. Here is a comparison of how YU4's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Kanto YU4
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
Kanto YU4
Min
Average
Max

How does the Kanto YU4 compare to the Kanto YU6?

One of the natural alternative to the Kanto YU4 is the YU6 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 YU4 vs Kanto YU6 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Kanto YU4 and Kanto YU6 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Kanto YU4 vs YU6 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Kanto YU4 has a bass reflex type cabinet.

Port Position

Kanto YU4 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

YU4 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 YU4?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of YU4:
  • Remote with Batteries
  • Power Cord
  • Speaker Wire (16′)
  • 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5′)
  • 8 x Rubber Feet
  • Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Kanto YU4.

  • 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 YU4, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Kanto YU4

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Kanto YU4 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Kanto YU4

Warranty

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

Kanto YU4 Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
Kanto YU6
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-20k Hz
Kanto YU2
Compare
2-way 50w No 80-20k Hz
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-22k Hz
Kanto YU
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 4.2 60-20k Hz
Fluance Ai41
Compare
2-way 90w Built-in 5.0 35-20k Hz
Kanto ORA
Compare
2-way 50w Built-in 5.0 70-22k Hz
Audioengine HD4
Compare
2-way 60w Built-in 5.0 60-22k Hz
Klipsch R-41PM
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 3.0 76-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanto YU4

Does the Kanto YU4 need an amplifier?

The Kanto YU4 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 YU4 need a subwoofer?

The Kanto YU4 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 YU4 use?

The Kanto YU4 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 4" Kevlar woofer.

Is the Kanto YU4 sealed or ported?

The Kanto YU4 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 YU4 have Bluetooth or wireless streaming?

Yes. The Kanto YU4 supports Bluetooth 4.0.

Can the Kanto YU4 be wall mounted?

The Kanto YU4 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 YU4?

The Kanto YU4 weighs 2.50kg / 5.5lbs each and measures 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Kanto YU4 cost?

The Kanto YU4 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $450 per pair.


Kanto YU4 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKanto
Full Model NameKanto YU4
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response60-20k Hz
Release DateJanuary 2017
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS70 watts
Watts Max140 watts
TypeClass D
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate96 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 PortCharge only
Aux Input3.5mm, RCA
Phono InputYes
Digital InputOptical (2)
HDMI InputNo
Headphone JackNo
BluetoothBuilt-in 4.0
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)
Weight2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Enclosurebass reflex
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteYes
Parts Warranty2 Years
Labor Warranty2 Years
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