Kanto YU2MB Powered Desktop Speakers - 100 Watts - Amplifer (Matte Black)

Product Information

Kanto Audio YU2 Powered Desktop Speakers, made to enhance desktop audio, combine high-performance materials with innovative design elements. With integrated high-quality DAC, the YU2 bypasses the computer's soundcard letting you stream high-quality audio directly from the USB port of your PC. Silk Dome Tweeters While their predominant focus is as desktop speakers for your computer, they could do with some additional connections. For example, there is no Bluetooth which you get with some of the other Kanto models. These speakers are limited somewhat but their connectivity – they only offer two AUX-in connections – but for a basic set of speakers this is all you can expect. The thing that I found unique about this speaker is the aesthetics and performance. When it comes to the aesthetics and looks of a speaker, this one is unrivaled. You can’t find a better-looking speaker than this one within its competitors.

Let me preface this section by saying that I had a terrible headache when I started the listening tests. My allergies have also gotten bad as well. So read this section with a grain of salt. Judging by standard of great sound regardless of cost and class, the YU misses the mark. I did not enjoy listening to it longer term for that reason. But if you are going from nothing or some cheap computer speaker, it surely is a big step up. So while I am too much of a perfectionist to recommend it, you may want to consider it given its functionality and price. On the former, a powered pro monitor would do much better but comes with no remote or volume control which can be a major hassle/cost to accommodate. However, the setup of these speakers can be time-consuming, as they have no built-in wireless connection features. Key features To save power, the YU2 features automatic standby and power-up modes, so when you're gone you'll conserve power and when you're in range it will detect and power on. Features The Audioengine A2+ is smaller but heavier than the Kanto YU2, which may affect portability or placement on a desk or shelf.

Although they can deliver clear and accurate sound at high volume, turning up the volume frequently will likely damage them. However, chances are that you will be able to use these speakers for a long time if you don’t exceed their limitations too often. Audioengine A2+

They also can’t be controlled remotely however there are plenty of other Kanto options out there if that is the kind of functionality you need. Design There is no Bluetooth or other kind of wireless connection. There also isn’t any remote control although these are desktop speakers for computer use after all. You can make your own mind up if this hampers you or not but you need to go further up the Kanto line to find speakers with more varied connection types. No headphone output However I have very small space on desk for those. Ruark are 13cm wide, so this is max I can go, so for example Kanto YU4 are already too big. Kanto YU2 doesn’t support Bluetooth connections, whereas the Audioengine A2+ comes with the built-in Bluetooth featureRuark is a British company that has been in business since the mid-80s. There's probably no other country in the world as fiercely competitive in small-to-medium-sized speakers as the UK. It's no accident that foreign brands struggle to get a foothold here when you look at the home grown talent that includes the likes of B&W, KEF, Celestion, Tannoy, Quad, Castle, Heybrook, Linn, Naim, Meridian, Monitor Audio, PMC, Rega and Wharfedale. The fact that Ruark not only survived but won award after award for its speakers demonstrated that they knew what they were doing, and they still do. The Audioengine A2+ has a slightly higher amplifier power than the Kanto YU2, which means it may be able to play louder or have more headroom for dynamic peaks in music. Audioengine A2+ has 30 Watts total RMS per channel, whereas Kanto YU2 has 50W RMS. Frequency response:

There is no grill on the front part, which leaves the drivers of the speakers unprotected. Instead, the cabinet is made with MDF, making the sound clear and powerful. They offer 50W RMS per channel and a 100W peak power capacity. The length of the auxiliary cable is 6.5 feet, and the speaker’s frequency range is 80Hz to 20 kHz. It also includes a class D amplifier to deliver a great sound with mid and high frequencies. The EQs are designed in the context of regular stereo use i.e. domestic environment, no warranty is provided for a near field use in a studio environment although the LW might be better suited for this purpose. Their businesses were both established around the mid-2000s. With respect to them, my own impression is that they're both .com start-ups doing pretty much the same thing with pretty much the same story. In fact, it's almost like the YU2 and A2+ are products of the roughly the same variables fed in to each company's CAD program and it churned out pretty close to the same result. It is easy to add a subwoofer as well if you wish to enhance the sound even more but setting these speakers up is basic and anyone can do it. Warranty Whether you will opt for Kanto YU2 or Audioengine A2+ depends on the type of desktop speakers you’re searching for. If you want speakers that can be connected to an audio source wirelessly the Audioengine A2+ is the right choice for you.

Reference axis for measurements was the center of the tweeter. Grill was not used in either measurements or listening tests. The Audioengine A2+ has a wider frequency response than the Kanto YU2, which means it may be able to reproduce lower bass and higher treble frequencies more accurately. Drivers: Both the Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 are compact and powered desktop speakers with similar inputs and outputs. However, there are some differences in their specifications that may affect their performance: Amplifier power: The bass is deep and the high notes are clear. There isn’t any noticeable distortion or buzzing at higher volume levels either. Different music genres all perform very well and we weren’t left disappointed with any of the sound that came from these speakers.