Are you having a tough time deciding which bookshelf speaker is perfect for your living room? Or maybe you just want a speaker that can do multiple jobs for you but still haven’t found anything like that. Then here is the comparison Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5 to give the full information.
Kanto YU6 and Audioengine A5 are two of the most exquisite speakers in the market and can be your ultimate choice. These two speakers were released way back and still dominating the market. As they have some similarities, people sometimes get confused while being unable to decide which one is the best for them.
Undoubtedly, those two shelf speakers are quite similar in nature; they can be utterly different in certain areas. Audioengine A5 provides a clear, rich, full, and room-shaking sound in any position. In contrast, Kanto YU6 moderately delivers detailed music with a stunning base. Here Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5 will help you to decide which is better.
Audioengine A5: Things You Should Know
If you used speakers before, you have already heard about the brand Audioengine. Audioengine has a great history of bringing high-quality audio equipment for audiophiles around the world. The A5 type is the oldest and one of the best-powered speakers they have still now.
The bookshelf speakers are allowing you to have studio-quality music in your living room or workstation with high-end luxurious, full stereo sound.
Product Highlights
- Powered bookshelf stereo speakers
- Two 50-watt amplifiers
- Frequency response: 50-22,000 Hz
- 3/4″ silk dome tweeter
- 5″ Kevlar mid/woofer
- Video-shielded
- Volume control
- Minijack input for connecting an iPod
- USB power output
- Additional (rear) minijack input
- RCA stereo line output
- Power cord
- 7-3/16″W x 10-5/16″H x 8-1/4″D (each)
Kanto YU6: Stunning And Underrated
The caption can be a little misleading for some of you, but I think people don’t really talk about these beautiful but straightforward audio speakers. Kanto Yu2, Kanto Yu4, Kanto Yu6 – this is the Kanto Yu series, and obviously, Kanto Yu6 is the best among them.
Aesthetically pleasing and undeniably loud, this product can surely satisfy your craving for good music of various genres.
Product Highlights
- Bluetooth 4.0 with high-quality aptX™ audio streaming
- Switchable phono preamp built in
- 1″ silk dome tweeter
- 5-1/4″ Kevlar woofer
- Rear-firing bass-reflex port
- Built-in Class D amplifier provides 100 watts total RMS power
- Frequency response: 50-20,000 Hz
- Remote included
- Gold-plated binding post speaker terminals (16-foot speaker wire included to connect left and right speaker)
- Dual Toslink optical digital audio inputs
- Optical digital inputs support up to 24-bit/96kHz input (two-channel PCM only)
- Analog stereo RCA input with phono switch
- Analog 3.5mm auxiliary input (6.5-foot cable included)
- Mono RCA subwoofer output
- USB Type-A charging port (5V/1A
- 6-15/16″W x 10-3/4″H x 8-1/8″D
Table: Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5: Similarities
| Kanto YU6 | Audioengine A5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 20 kHz | 50 Hz - 22 kHz |
| Driver Material | Kevlar woofers Silk dome tweeters | Kevlar woofers Silk dome tweeters |
| Subwoofer Output | Included | Included |
| Inputs size | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Remote Control | Included | Included |
| RCA Input | Included | Included |
| Crossover system | 2-way | 2-way |
| USB power charge port | Included | Included |
| Price | Latest Price on Amazon | Latest Price on Amazon |
It’s clear here that, in some aspects, both speakers are almost the same.
Frequency Response
Frequency Response or frequency range tells you how low or high the speakers can play. The lower the number goes, the deeper and detailed the bass sounds. Any speakers that reach 50Hz or lower are considered reasonable and usually don’t need any subwoofers. Although, if you find yourself an audiophile, the subwoofers are a must. These two speakers have an almost similar frequency range.
Driver Material
The sound quality mostly depends on the driver’s material. Both of these speakers’ woofers are made from Kevlar, which is a fiber material. This material allows the speakers to produce the intended sound without moving. And they have dome-shaped tweeters that have an excellent directionality. And also, the tweeters are soft dome type and very much useful to form two-way systems.
Table: Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5: Differences
| Kanto YU6 | Audioengine A5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 1” Silk dome tweeters 5.25” Kevlar Woofers | ¾” Silk dome tweeters 5” Kevlar woofers |
| Amplifier class | D-class | Dual-class AB monolithic |
| Power output | 200W Peak Power (100 Watts Total RMS) | 150W Peak Power (50W RMS / 75W peak per channel) |
| Inputs | RCA and AUX | Only RCA |
| Input Impedance | 6 ohm | 10 ohm |
| Optical Inputs | Included | Excluded |
| Enclosure | Solid Bamboo Rear Ported Cabinets | Hand-built MDF Rear Ported Wood Cabinets |
| Crossover frequency | 2.0kHZ | 2.2KHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| Dimensions | 6.9” W x 8.1” D x 10.7” H | 7.75” W x 7” D x 10.75” H |
| Price | Latest Price on Amazon | Latest Price on Amazon |
As you can see, several features are entirely different between YU6 and A5 speakers.
Driver Size
Speakers usually have three main types of drivers: woofers, midrange, and tweeters. When it comes to speakers, the size really does matter. Huge speakers play music louder and create additional bass, which makes the sound more vibrant and bold. If we compare drivers of both speakers as mentioned earlier, Kanto YU6’s tweeters and woofers are bigger than those of Audioengine A5.
Winner: Kanto YU6
Amplifier Class
Amplifier class is pretty essential if you want your speaker to be more efficient. Class A, Class B, Class AB, and Class D – these are the four types of classes. The amplifier of YU6 is D-class, while A5 has Dual class AB monolithic.
Winner: Kanto YU6
Power Output
The peak power means the utmost power level that the speaker is capable of utilizing in short bursts. And RMS means the power an amplifier can put out over a long period. These terms are both equally important as the higher the power, the louder and more precise the speakers, although 60W peak power is quite efficient. Both RMS and Peak Power differ between those speakers.
Inputs
Better connectors improve sound quality and cut down on electronic interference, although the impact is meager. AUX cable offers more versatility than RCA, and RCA AUX combined cable is generally better. Audioengine A5 provides only RCA cable inputs.
On the other hand, Kanto YU6 offers both RCA and AUX. And another point is YU6 has optical data, while A5 only has an analog input system. The optical audio connection is the neatest way to transfer the audio between devices.
Winner: Kanto YU6
5 other Kanto speaker
Input Impedance
Input impedance is another critical specification that should be given importance. Your speaker should neither have high nor low impedance, 6-8 ohms impedance rating is viewed as ideal. The speaker that has high impedance needs more current, and the sound becomes weaker when the required impedance is not found.
Low impedance damages the speaker by overheating. Audioengine A5’s input impedance is 10 ohm, so it needs a fair amount of current to play loud. On the contrary, Kanto YU6’s impedance is quite good, only 6 ohms.
Winner: Kanto YU6
5 other Audioengine speakers that might grab your attention!
Total Harmonic Distortion
Total Harmonic Distortion is a factor in measuring overall Harmonic Distortion in a sound or a signal of a speaker. Low THD means higher efficiency, and it should be kept under 0.1%. The speakers we are talking about today have low THD, less than 0.1%.
What Aspects Should You Consider Before Buying A Speaker?
Obviously, you are in the quest of finding some speaker. Hence, there are some facts that you need to take into account before reaching your final decision. And, we are right here for you to help you to choose the appropriate speaker that suits you the most. We’ve compiled some factors that might grab your attention! let’s jump right into it!
Positioning
Where do you want your bookshelf speakers positioned? On an actual bookshelf? Or on speaker stands? Maybe you can put them on a media console? Anyhow, the positioning of your speakers can play a vital role in the sound you’re expecting. If you want the best from your speakers, the placement should be perfect.
Both Kanto YU6 and Audioengine A5 have rear ports, which eventually enhance the bass. Position the speakers at the minimum distance from the wall to get the best sound. If the speakers have the same distance between both of the walls, move them. The distance of the sidewall and front wall should not be the same. To allow sound waves to reach their potential, you should aim your speakers down the longest wall.
Keep the speakers at the ear level to have the perfect sound. Create a perfect triangle between you and your speakers; the distance between you and your speakers should be equal. And, of course, point the speakers towards your ears. Click here to know more about Speaker placement.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers are mainly used for the lowest audio frequencies known as bass and sub-bass. It is for the speakers that are unable to produce the lowest frequencies with their woofers. Both of the speakers, as mentioned above, need subwoofers. Typically, you should place your subwoofers along the front wall of the room.
Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer is perfect for pairing with Audioengine A5. Kanto SUB6 is a sealed box, front-firing subwoofer, compatible with Kanto Yu6.
5 Best Subwoofers
When Should You Go for Audioengine A5?
If you need your speakers to perform equally as a bookshelf speaker and a PC speaker, Audioengine A5 is the best one in the market.
The small or middle-sized rectangle well-suited living rooms are perfect for A5 speakers.
Some people love their music to be rich, vibrant, loud, and wall-shaking. If you consider yourself as that kind of person, these speakers are a must for you.
Why Should You Love Audioengine A5?
- Room-shaking bass
- Works with all computers, phones, and tablets; extremely versatile
- PC friendly
- Analog inputs
- Unique design
- Can perform in any positions
The Other Side of Audioengine A5
- A subwoofer is needed as the bass is weak at low volume
- Bluetooth auto reconnects
- Power-wise it will use more power than usual and have the big heat sink
- Expensive; more than 400$ US Dollars
- Limited Remote control
- Too small for bookshelf speakers but too big for PC speakers
- Not suitable for big spaces.
- Hip-hop, rap, and urban music are not suitable.
- Also not suitable for filming
Its amplifier is class AB, which offers good efficiency (78.5% efficiency at best and typically closer to 50%)) but not the best.
When Should You Go for Kanto YU6?
Mostly, the small rooms bring the best out of YU6. So if you have a small or rented living room, why not? If you want to use your speakers for all kinds of music and movies, YU6 can be your ultimate choice. If you are low-budgeted and still want the most exquisite bookshelf speaker in the market, you should not hesitate to go for this product.
Expert Review
Why Is It One of The Best Bookshelf Speakers in The Market?
- Powerful and detailed bass
- The cheapest; less than 300$ US Dollars
- Integrated phono preamp for both old or modern turntables
- Amazing Bluetooth connectivity
- D-class amplifier
- Elegant design with seven different colors to choose
- Good for all kinds of movies and music genres
- Two optical TOSLINK ports
- Remote Control with a wide range of capacities
The Places of Improvement for Kanto YU6
- Not suitable for PC
- Need Subwoofers for the best bass experience
- The remote control needs to be directly pointed at the sensor
Alternative Product
KEF LSX
The Kef LSX wireless speaker is a one-of-a-kind product with excellent sound quality, a sleek build, and excellent connectivity. With a rugged build and sleek features, this high-end product offers you the space you need for your music. Here is KEF two other models KEF q150 and q350 for you.
Pros
- Advanced Uni-Q driver array for improved sound quality
- Leading class awareness
- Vast connectivity
- Colorful and elegant design
- Comparatively affordable
- Exceptional, attractive, rich, and airy sound
Cons
- Users have to use the KEF LSX with two apps
- Faltering remote control
Klipsch the Fives
Klipsch The Fives are clearly a high-quality product, with over seven decades of speaker success behind them. Though it’s tipped mildly toward the bass and away from the mids and highs, the sound is smooth, polished, and elegant.
Pros
- Smooth, refined, sophisticated sound
- Extensive connection options
- Handsome design, with removable tweed grilles
- Extensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and an input for turntables
- 192 kHz/24-bit decoding from USB inputs
Cons
- Bass is slightly overemphasized, sometimes a bit bloated
- When played very loud they can get shrill and thin
Audioengine A5+
The Audioengine A5+ Speakers are one of the few instances where a high price tag is justified by efficiency that exceeds what you’d expect from a pair of computer speakers. They’re one of the finest sets of bookshelf speakers we’ve reviewed, with roaring bass, outstanding sound, and a solid construction quality.
Pros
- Stereo and 3.5mm input
- remote control
- tight, well-marshalled bass
- good sonic detail
Cons
No iPod dock
FAQ
Is a subwoofer needed for Kanto YU6 speakers?
The Kanto YU6 speakers can accommodate heavy bass at various volume speeds, but they sound more subtle when paired with a subwoofer.
Is it possible to use the Kanto YU6 as a machine speaker?
And, you really will. Kanto YU6 speakers can be connected to a device through Bluetooth, or audio from a Mac or PC can be played from one of their optical ports.
Is a subwoofer needed for the Audioengine A5?
If you want proper bass response in a larger space, you’ll need a dedicated subwoofer, as the A5 can’t go that deep.
Is it safe to use Audioengine A5 speakers in close proximity to a monitor?
Yes, since both drivers are video shielded, which means they won’t get damaged even though they’re just a few inches away from the display.
Verdict: Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5
It’s hard to judge two speakers from a personal point of view. But I recommend everyone to buy Kanto Yu6. Since most of the buyers love moderate sound at a cheap rate, I don’t think they will disagree with me.
Moreover, YU6 is modern, exclusive, and provides the best features in the market. Despite being expensive, A5 doesn’t really offer any extra features for the customers except being a good PC speaker and having a room-shaking sound quality. But, then again, the choice solemnly depends on the budget and the taste of music. Kanto YU6 vs Audioengine A5 comparison is just here to assist.
Nowadays, there are many options to buy bookshelf speakers, and many of them are way better than the aforementioned speakers. If you consider yourself an audiophile, you surely will do a lot of research before buying the speakers for your house. And if you wish to purchase any of those two, I will suggest you go for Kanto Yu6.Here is the budget Audiophile Speakers list for you, if you’re still confused about which one to choose.
Editor’s Pick: Kanto YU6
Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More
