Kanto YU6, YU4 & SUB6 Review

Kanto YU4 on Amazon: bit.ly/KantoYU4
Kanto YU6 on Amazon: bit.ly/KantoYU6s
Kanto SUB6 on Amazon: bit.ly/KantoSub6
Kanto S4 Speaker Stands on Amazon: bit.ly/KantoS4
Kanto SP32PL 32" Speaker Stands on Amazon: bit.ly/KantoSP32PL
Visit Kanto's website: www.kantoliving.com
The response from Kanto's Engineers.
"The optical input is a digital source and the gain has been set internal to the YU4 and YU6 such that 100% digital input will produce rated output power. Digital devices cannot produce more than 100% digital level or drive the speakers higher than rated output power.
The analog inputs will produce rated output power when the input signal is at around 600 mV. But many devices are capable of producing a higher level than this and can drive the YU4 and YU6 beyond rated output power. That is why devices on the 3.5 or RCA inputs can drive the speakers louder.
BT inputs…sorry, no good theory here why they can go loud like the 3.5 or RCA. Needs further investigation.
Phono inputs: There is no standard “input level” for a phono input. Standard phono cartridges produce a range from about 3.5 mV to 20 mV. We have set the YU4 and YU6 phono gain lower to accept higher phono cartridge levels without producing distortion. If the turntable has a built-in pre-amp, they are able to design the gain to match the cartridge output. It is also now producing a line level output for the analog inputs…see analog inputs comment above to understand why customers can run much louder.
No, the customer isn’t doing anything wrong. If they want more level from phono, then use the turntable pre-amp. No suggestions on more level for the optical input."
Speakers provided to my by Kanto Audio.
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[@diseol33]

"You just can't play music through laptop speaker and have a party" instant sub haha

[@fsdfmsbcxx]

Indeed the funniest Sentence in the Review :D

[@johnfurious8419]

You do an excellent job with your content and attention to detail and really breaking down all the nuances involved in reviewing any product.... Thanks

[@joentell]

Thank you John. I needed to hear that today. 🙏

[@FitWanderEats]

Got a pair of YU6's. Excellent build quality and great sound. The connectivity makes them super easy to use!

[@paulwsp]

This review just convinced me into grabbing a pair of these. THANKS!!

[@marcoVermeulen]

Great review! I ended up adding a sub6 to my setup thanks to the excellent frequency analysis in your video. Keep it up!

[@joentell]

Awesome. Thanks for the positive feedback. I appreciate it.

[@cjr96]

You seem like a cool, honest guy with integrety. I subbed

[@SeventiesVet]

I just got the Sub6 and find it performs very well with any speaker system, not just Kanto. Glad you find this subwoofer worked well for you too.

[@glennaa11]

thanks for this review. Just picked up a pair of Yu4's in teal for $240 including the stands on Mercari. Saved $100 and they are essentially brand new. Sound great on my desktop.

[@mikekelly7550]

Great technical review - love the grey finish too !

[@BogdanSerban]

I like their response. Shows that they know their stuff and that they're honest.

[@joentell]

Who's response specifically?

[@Heinikind]

great review, thank you!

[@ezcompane]

Thanks for the review. I think I have decided to grab a pair of these in red to match my red U-Turn turntable. They should be adequate enough for my office.

[@a.andrewhussey6403]

I recently bought some yu4’s with the 8” sub, still waiting for the sub, but love the speakers right now and appreciate your help on the sub setting. I also have a turntable and I’ve already used line out as my turntable has a preamp but appreciate your recommendation as well. Thx! Great video 🙏

[@NJM1948]

Excellent review. I am seriously considering the YU4's just to use with my laptop to listen to music whilst on the computer. One thing that is missing for me is a headphone socket. I do like to put them on sometimes to keep the sound down for those in the other room!! Shame really as this would have been the icing on the cake. May still get them though for the sheer quality - thanks again for a great review

[@sMASHsound]

the gloss teal looks good.. its different and interesting... great review, man. also, the sound tests, do them..

[@BryceCurtisMiller]

Honestly, a TL;DW kept me watching. That might also be because of the crispy footage....

[@joentell]

LOL. I think it's just polite to put a TL:DW for busy people. Glad you liked the footage.

[@zestytest]

Nicely done , your one of the better reviewers

[@gopen7106]

Excellent review Joe. All killer no filler

[@joentell]

I like that line. I might use that sometime.

[@marcelomunoz4130]

​@@joentellhello,Yu 6 or klipsch the fives for movies and music? Thanks joe

[@tomjones2348]

Good presentation! Thanks for your perspective.

[@keithjohnson2863]

I agree with Joe regarding the omission of a high pass filter in the speakers for bass management. I was not happy with the bass distortion from my YU2 speakers, even when using the sub out to my REL T0. I put an external analog cross over unit in between my preamp and the YU2s. Hi pass frequencies go to the speakers and the low ones go directly to the sub. That solved the issue way better than I expected.

[@keithjohnson2863]

@@AndresMartinez-rg5ky Rolls SX45 Stereo Two Way Crossover. Make sure it's model SX45, that's the one that has high pass and low pass output. It works in the preamp stage. The high pass output will go to powered active speakers, or an amp. Low pass output will go to the low level inputs on the sub.

[@AndresMartinez-rg5ky]

@@keithjohnson2863 thanks a bunch I'm going for the yu6 and 8in sub. I'm in a small apartment so I'm not sure if I'll even need one(hpf) but it's always good to know

[@beefwantko7269]

amazing review.

[@hriley8411]

My favorite Pinoy tech reviewer

[@mishnanua6911]

I have the Matte Grey YU4, might add a SUB6, but loving those stands.

[@vinstinct]

Love the shot of ATLiens vinyl record. I have the same one framed next to my turntables.

[@joentell]

YEAH!!! You know what's up! There are so many records I need to buy still.

[@gametechbuilds3755]

Awsome Well descrived video love when everything is told n shown with that speaker flopping in and out i enjoyed most is output explanation nice 👍

[@joentell]

Always good seeing you here in the comments. The channel is called Joe N Tell (Show & Tell) after all.

[@gametechbuilds3755]

Joe N Tell thats a good one joe hahahaha glad to be here i might end up getting the yu6 because of your detailed video but im moving in a month so cant buy nothing till the new apartment is ready so my new set ups will be there keep going great videos 👍

[@Sibelius101]

Great info! Thank you!

[@mcjonner]

Great video

[@pbhead]

I started scrubbing, saw the TL;DW and thought, "Oh hell yeah. Perfect". Watched the whole video anyways. Glad I did, your dB @ frequency testing charts told me exactly what I wanted to know. I've been using JBL 308 Studio Monitors on my computer for a few years, and now I want to replace the soundbar on my TV with something similar. I don't want the complication or extra equipment of running the optical out through a DAC to Balanced XLR inputs on 308s or 305s. The YU6 would allow the simplicity of a TV with a couple speakers, as they have all the inputs of a soundbar with the DAC and amp built right in. I don't really need perfect studio reference sound for watching youTube or Netflix night, but I do want better sound than the sound bar that came with my TV. So many powered speakers are a joke that it's hard to find the quality items when you can't get your hands on them. All the reviews I've seen say things like , "They're loud, for speakers in this range" or, "They have a lot of bass, for speakers of this size". That tells me nothing. Your's was the first review I found that shows the Kanto's as being a serious loudspeaker and not just another crappy noise box, with included data to show it. Consider that an affirmation to your great work, I Thank You for the information. Now I'm off to poke all your youTube buttons.

[@shahrass]

You should review one of those Audioengine too.

[@benjamincarter6095]

Hoping my wife likes the Tuks arriving later this week!

[@grusilag]

I'm listening this video in 2020 on those same logitech speakers.. Mine are 13 years old now. Pretty good value.

[@joentell]

They totally don't suck! I still have mine also

[@mannuelf]

great video thank you

[@dextermarimon71]

thanks u! I just want to know what speaker is good use for singing just for small 2 bedroom apartment, assuming I have already a mixer for microphone? thank u again!

[@livehockey09]

Great review! How much more powerful are the yu6s than the yu4s? For casual listening/background ambient music purposes, could the yu4s fill a standard house living room or would that be stretching it?

[@djmocok]

I have a Yu4 as TV speakers for general purpose (instead of soundbar). Is it worth adding Sub6 to match Yu 4? Any difference in sound?

[@sav7568]

My first computer speakers were Logitech and I thought they were the coolest thing ever. Technology sure has come a long way since then. When they hit the market the Logitech speakers were pretty advanced.

[@GSP-76]

Logitech speakers are still good but they aren't prosumer grade audio. They cater to regular PC users, not audiophiles. I just ditched my 2.1 THX Ligitechs for Kanto YU6 and a Monolith 10 subwoofer.

[@jeffchong1432]

Great review. Was interested in the yu4 for my MacBook 2017 and wondered what interface device/cable I could use (since MacBook only has thunderbolt ports) to use the speakers internal DAC via the optical input to get the best sound output. Thanks in advance.

[@keithjohnson2863]

Get a USB-B to USB-C cable. I am using one to connect my Mac Mini to a pair active speakers.

[@riteshdhoot7]

Excellent !! Great build and nice deep black color .. But I would still go with Fluance Ai40/Ai60 :)

[@joentell]

You can't go wrong with either. Just depends on how much weight you put on different features.

[@vinstinct]

I was about to buy the Ai40's from Joe's review.. then I saw the 60's.. not sure what to get.

[@joentell]

Depends if you don't mind spending $100 and having a larger speaker...you may want to wait for the Ai60's.

[@carsontrinh414]

this review is so good and cute ahhhH! instant sub

[@antonk5414]

Hi there! I just got a pair of Bamboo YU4's last week and they sound incredible with a very tight bass! (used to have Edifier 1280s which had deeper bass but more distorted). I just wanted to ask if you had notice a small hiss coming from the Tweeters, of course mostly noticeable when there's no music coming out and you put the ear very close, seems more like a floor noise or preamp electric circuits working, but was just curious if you have the same "issue"? It is louder in the RCA output than optical, but it's still there. In my Edifier's I didn't have this issue but also perhaps their preamp is not that high quality or sensitive. I heard that you said you didn't notice any hiss but not sure if you were referring to something else. P.D.: Also, the first day I plugged in these speakers, I accidentally had my Turntable's built-in preamp On along with Phono switch ON in YU4 and it generated a very loud distortion noise, which I turned off after 2 seconds, but then I read on the manual and online that the double preamp can cause damage to my speakers... would you think it could've break that easily in that short time (like a possible overload of power/sound?), even though they still sound ok I think. Thanksss!

[@94Electronic]

Really torn between the Kanto yu 4's and the Edifier R2000DB. Which would you guys pick?

[@marcellinoyohanes43]

Hello Joe! I was wondering about the name of the program you used to measure the frequency responses. I am currently waiting for a subwoofer to be shipped and I was wondering if we could achieve the high pass effect by simply turning down the bass using the remote.

[@MaestroSTY]

Well done sir. I just ordered a pair of YU6 tonight. This was the first video POST purchase. I am incredibly excited to get them in my hands. I will primarily be using analoge , but will also make use of the Bluetooth. Other than noticing the compression of the source, how would you rate the stereo image provided by these speakers via bluethooth?

[@joentell]

I will think they image well. It depends on the placement though. Mess around with it. I made a series of videos that might help. kzbin.info/aero/PLLo6DbkjBoKbfADEICU5N8Ro0rZjAPn_5

[@Berichar88]

How do these YU6s compare to the AI60s? Either good enough (with subs) for main TV/movie speakers in living room?

[@indradinho88]

Quick question: can I connect a bass shaker amplifier to Kanto Yu 6 sub out? I don’t want a subwoofer as it would be too noisy for my neighbourhood, but I want that bass feeling for movies watching. Thanks a lot!

[@guillermomartin8248]

For a PC speaker setup, music and gaming are these a good or overkill? What about the Yu6 or audioengine a2

[@Ambrose657]

In future reviews could you do more discussion about the speakers sound wise in comparison to others you've reviewed in the past? A few of the speakers you have done recently are similar(powered and relatively close in price range,) and I think it would help many of us in choosing between them.

[@joentell]

Please explain in more detail. I want to make my videos more useful so I value your opinion. What would you like to know about the sound that I haven't explained? I showed calibrated mic measurements so that gives you a picture of how the speakers sound. I've started recording music and vocals coming FROM the speakers so you can compare how speakers sound relative to one another. It isn't perfect, but better than nothing. A lot of people requested that. They will be up on my Patreon page www.patreon.com/joentell. I just try to stay away from flowery descriptions because they are highly subjective.

[@Element78]

@@joentell if you had to choose between these and the powered Fluance 40s what would you choose?

[@joentell]

It depends. Just based purely on sound quality, the Fluance. For finish, features and connection options, the Kanto.

[@Element78]

@@joentell you said that the Fluance separated the bass when connected to a woofer, but the Kantos did not?

[@joentell]

I don't think I said that. Let me know what part of the video you're referring to, and I'll be able to explain it better.

[@Snesbass]

Do you get the chance to compare YU6 to the Fluance Ai61? I'm into this dilemma. Fluance are less expensive and have a bigger woofer, and Kanto seem to only being more expensive because of their sexy finish.

[@santiblocks]

i got the yu2's 5 years ago but a driver rattles :(. I really want to fix my Yu2's, but no luck to find support or the drivers yet

[@matthewwyers4342]

I apologize for the long post.. I'm in the market for some good speakers for pc/console series x or ps5/vinyl. I've got the pc and Xbox looking at some turn tables. My question is if the yu4 where paired with the sub would they sound better in treble and bass vs just the yu6? I keep hearing the real only difference is power output volume and the woofer on the yu6 is bigger so more bass but if the yu4 is just as loud and clear with the sub doing the bass would be better?

[@hubert-williams3379]

I 'just ordered the YU6.. for my computer.. can you tell me what is the connection to a pc is it the mini jack into aux?.. Also where do you get the foam pads for these speakers?

[@nickc259]

Any review for the YU2s? How do they compare?

[@haris525]

Great video Joe! If you don’t mind me asking what camera and mic are you using for YT? Thank you

[@joentell]

All on my Kit. www.kit.com/joentell

[@neovisual633]

Great content as usual Joe, do you prefer this over the ai60 or ai40?

[@joentell]

Check out my Speaker Leaderboard: bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard

[@vertskuttaja-8793]

Which one of these would you recommend for a 10m^2 room?

[@joereyes5071]

So I currently have the YU4’s connected to a klipsch 10 subwoofer. My question is do the kanto’s have crossover built in like the “fives” ? Thinking of upgrading to the “fives”

[@cristiandiaz6333]

Joel (or anyone who has an answer), do you use an external sound card from your computer (or laptop) to the Kanto powered speakers?

[@mobilePCreviews]

I have the yu6's with a 400w 12" energy sub paired up and I completely agree that every time I look at these speakers I have to play something through them. It's such a weird feeling. It's like they have a gravitational pull around them and they're constantly whispering "play something". Since I've gotten them none of my headphones get much use and listening to music on regular crappy speakers (ex. like car speakers) feels so lackluster. They're also very warm sounding speakers despite having a fairly flat response and I've found it's easy doing both critical listening where i'm trying to scope out every bit of detail as I can, as well as just relaxed listening where I can just mindlessly listen to something. I still prefer using them for just relaxed listening though because I think that's where they really shine. I 100% do not regret getting these and i can't recommend them enough to people. The companies support and community outreach is probably the best I've seen as well. Some guy had a broken logic board on his yu5's that was well out of warranty and they told him to just break the driver, send in a photo and they'll replace it with the yu6's so he didn't even have to worry about shipping his old speakers to them. Also for comparison, my brother has the kef q500's in our basement, but I found them to be too sharp and analytical. best way I can describe them is that the KEF's are like an electric guitar and these are like a nice acoustic guitar. The KEF's are sharp and you can hear every detail so crisp, but I actually prefer to listen to music on my kanto's, and that's not just bias because they're mine, they just sound so pleasant to listen to. I have a turntable hooked up to them with optical for my computer and sometimes I use the bluetooth. If you want a nice set of speakers to last you a long time I can't recommend these enough.

[@joentell]

I enjoyed reading your comment. Good to know I'm not crazy regarding their "gravitational pull." Lol

[@mobilePCreviews]

Joe N Tell love your reviews btw you deserve so many more subscribers 👌

[@joentell]

dos Santos Loving that S2000

[@mobilePCreviews]

Joe N Tell loving your great taste 👌

[@droche9]

Question you. . . YU6 vs Ai40 orrrr do I wait for the Ai60??? It will be primarily for a Rega RP1 which I am currently running through a little NAD preamp. I know the Ai60 hasn't been tested but it looks like a pretty impressive unit. Any input is welcome as I'm just getting into this audiophile rabbit hole.

[@joentell]

I can always recommend the Ai40's. The Ai60's should be good unless they somehow make it worse. I doubt it though. I think the Ai60 is going to be awesome. Your call. Just know the Kanto YU6 has a phono preamp built in. With the Fluance, make sure you have a preamp.

[@MarlonOrellana]

Would you recommend the YU6 or the audioengine A5+?

[@amanieux]

do you have a recommendation for speakers that sound good at very low volume for near field listening without waking up your neighbors ? thanks

[@indradinho88]

Bump this question, I have same question too

[@DBrownCo]

I am on the fence, I have a 13 x 16 room w/ turntable, tv with soundbar. Yu6 or yu4 ? will the YU4 have enough detail at lower levels to get me there? any opinions from users?

[@blushihtzu]

Hi Joe, can you use the Kanto stand with other bookshelf speakers? Like the Fluance Ai40?

[@joentell]

Sure!

[@phi_b]

Hey, thanks for the review (I'm currently in the market and have an eye on these or Audioengine equivalents)! I noticed there are bass and trebble controls on the remote, however not on the speakers themselves. How does that work? How do you know what it is set to?

[@joentell]

Yes it's trickier than dedicated tone control knobs. Basically, there's up and down arrows on the remote for bass and treble. When you are in the middle, it flashes a certain number of times. When you reach the maximum or minimum, it flashes a different number of times. So you kind of have to count the number of presses in your head to know where it's set at.

[@phi_b]

​@@joentell Well that doesn't sound like too bad of a solution to me. It is unlikely I would touch that very often, and having the option seems nice. Thanks again for the review, which was nice to listen to and very detailed (now I just have to find a review of the A5+s that include frequency response charts as detailed as yours ;) ) Would you say the YU6 are fit for desktop-use? What I mean by that is do they sound decent with: 1. about as little distance speaker to ear as the YU4 here and 2. low-volume scenarios (because I will likely use them a lot at "background" and "small-room" levels, and so I'm not sure if that will work or hurt the experience) I love the esthetics, and the price is not bad at all... Cheers and happy holidays!

[@pollumG]

Good review...very precise and informative. I'm considering these. I just wanna ask if theres any lag between the audio and video whilst streaming something like Netflix via bluetooth? Thanks

[@joentell]

There will always be some latency. It's not noticeable on these.

[@pollumG]

@@joentell thanks for the reply. As long as it's not like a old school kung fu flick style then I'm good👍

[@NewPSCity]

Now I am tempted to buy the YU6, vs AudioEngine A5 plus wireless vs Fluance ai40. Hmmm decisions decisions.

[@joentell]

All good choices. I have more reviews coming soon so you may be waiting a while. These guys keep improving their designs.

[@haris525]

I own both (A5+ and YU6). They are great for your first set - however I would highly (Highly) suggest that you save some money and buy Elac B6 plus Emotiva A-100 or Emotiva TA-100. You will thank me in spades (later) or not 😂. Or buy the vanatoo zero plus a subwoofer. The vanatoo is an amazing speaker.

[@joentell]

haris javed Not a bad recommendation. I agree with everything you've said. What you give up in size and a bit more complexity, you gain in sound quality and modularity/upgradability.

[@DezSantana]

Great review. I own the same YU4 / SUB6 combo in Matte Black (with S4 stands in silver) and they sound excellent. I'm using the Digital Optical connection to my desktop, AUX In to my HDTV monitor and Bluetooth Audio to my Samsung S8 phone and iPad Air 2.

[@joentell]

Awesome combo. It just begs to have music played through it right!?

[@DezSantana]

Agreed. Music, videos, streaming TV......whatever you throw at it. Kanto Audio's craftsmanship and sound are hard to beat.

[@joentell]

I'm sure they would be glad to read your comment.

[@Gotallofthem1]

Hello Dez, I just picked up the YU4 myself, would you say the SUB6 has enough power in it? Or do you think the Sub 8 is needed to actually make a difference? The reason I was asking is that for the price I was thinking I would go with another brand sub perhaps larger, but then after looking at all the subs, just wondering which is good, so perhaps its best to just stick with the Kanto Sub?

[@joentell]

I think you can get a bigger sub at a better price, but the Kanto's do look sweet.

[@HarkamalAujla]

Bought the white kanto u6 now relistening

[@changedahanddlessss]

dam kanto hooked it up

[@GSP-76]

I just got the YU6 for my desktop...I love the sound quality but it needs a sub.. waiting on delivery of a Monolith M-210 v2

[@joesandy9121]

Awesome Job again Joe weeeeeeeee😜

[@wazzupbeckham]

how do u hook it up to the google home mini??

[@edub8803]

Nice work! Do you know how loud the 6's get (spl)? any distortion?

[@joentell]

I do not sorry

[@foshizzlefy]

Thanks for this review Joe! Just a quick question, how do you setup the yu4 monitors with a sub6 subwoofer? As I understand it now, your PC (or AMP in my case) connects to the left YU4 speaker, and then the left speaker connects to the right speaker and the sub6 woofer via the sub out. Is that correct? Are the cables for that included?

[@josieanderson8734]

Hi! I’m about to purchase the yu4 speakers for my turntable. Do you like how they sound? And do you think they need the subwoofer to get the best sound?

[@foshizzlefy]

@@josieanderson8734 Hey. I definitely think you NEED a subwoofer for these speakers. Not that the bass is terrible, but it just makes it so much better with one. I opted for the Sub6 because sub4 is not available anymore in white. Also, in general I think the speakers are pretty good, but not necessarily better then the ones I had before (logitech 2.1 system for about 130 euros). Maybe my ears aren't good enough to hear a difference. Also, I have some static noise when gaming . Thats pretty annoying to me. It's maybe not somethign that has directly to do with the YU4's, but I didnt had it with my previous speakers.. so.

[@josieanderson8734]

Defkoen thanks for the reply!! Great info Thankyou so much, I will buy the speakers and purchase the subwoofer later down the track because base just makes everything better :D

[@guardiantales906]

Joe, you are the only reviewer that talked about pairing this speaker with the google home. How has it worked so far? Can the speakers always on standby just like the google home?

[@joentell]

I haven't had these in a while so I really don't remember. The company is very responsive though. Email them to see.

[@mcjonner]

Hey Joe I know you have the unifi speakers for your home theater right? How do you like them. Would you be able to do a video on rear ported speaker placement with measurements maybe to see if theres a good enough way to wall mount that doesn't hurt the performance? Like to compare speaker stands vs on top of a regular TV stand vs 2 different ways to wall mount to see what the real differences are. I need wall mount for my setup and those speakers are contenders, I would like to know how big the real world differences are. Thanks

[@joentell]

I like them a lot! I can tell you from experience that they are very sensitive to placement near a wall/corner. The closer to a wall, the more amplified the bass and the sense of depth suffers. You may want to consider some foam bungs for the port. Speakers like the B&W 686s2's come with them in case you place the rear ported speaker near a wall. Make sure your wall mounts are robust. These things are heavy. I would recommend ones that allow them to be swiveled.

[@mcjonner]

Joe N Tell does your reciever do room correction, would that help it at all? I wonder if the port plug would take away some of the magic and I should rather consider a sealed or front ported. So the question is are these good enough to still be considered or should I look at the b6.2 possibly instead or something of the sort. Thanks Joe!

[@joentell]

John G oh yeah, my Denon has the highest version of Audyssey and it helps a ton with those issues. I would rather have the 3-way concentric design and the crazy crossover network of the UB5's despite the rear port than the B6.2's with their front port. I think the B6 and B6.2's might have better bass from what I remember since they are using larger woofers. The highs definitely don't sound as refined and the soundstage isn't as good either. Anyway, I use a sub, so I prefer the smoother mid-range and high end response of the UB5's. And not, using the foam for the port doesn't take away from the "magic."

[@mcjonner]

Joe N Tell nice, that's what I was looking to hear. I use a sub as well and have audyssey multeq xt. So the port plug wouldn't affect other sound characteristics other than bass extension? Or possibly dbs? Even though it would be cut off at 80 hz anyways.

[@mcjonner]

Joe N Tell hey just double checking you have a x4000 was it? Do you find that enough power for the speakers, also do you have any other equipment in your home theater set up?

[@shannon1872]

what are your thoughts on the YU6 vs Audioengine 5+ for a computer setup in a 10x12 room ?

[@b.j.thomas8606]

not a computer set up. small room (wife works upstairs) so i'm stuck in a 12 ft. wide x 15 ft. long room for music. 6 or 4? I'd get Tuk's but i'm on an Edifer 1700 budget!

[@reekinhavok420]

Gotta do something krk with the flat response thing you do chart or whatever

[@The_Story_Channel]

So Joe, how do they stack up against the vanatoo's?

[@haris525]

canuckken vanatoo are in another league.

[@joentell]

Different beasts. I answered in more detail in one of the other comments on this video.

[@dkerlee]

I appreciate the aesthetic commentary, and the wife opinions. I have a wife, I want speakers. Heh

[@Shahzad-Khan]

These or the vanatoo transparent zeros for a table setup? Cheers! I’m going for a powered sub too.

[@joentell]

I really enjoyed the Vanatoo's for nearfield listening. With a sub, they are tough to beat. In a living room, I like these better

[@xeeshan126]

If you compare this with Edifier S2000 Pro or with Edifier S2000 MKIII

[@reneeversen]

Hi Joe, I need a set of activ bookshelf speakers for my turntable (SL1200). I have a preamp, i have Amps, i have speakers, but I want to have something more simple, but still with a great sound for a the small livingroom. I saw the Fluance Ai40 on your channel, but love the looks of the YU60... What would be your pick?

[@joentell]

You can't go wrong with either. I think I said everything I could say about each of them. The Kantos look awesome and have a more premium finish. They have more input options and the possibility to add a sub. The analog input has no hiss like with the Ai40's (an issue when listening within a few feet but less so if listening from a distance). The Ai40's play deeper bass without needing to add a sub.

[@reneeversen]

@@joentell yeah, guess I will have a go with the YU6 .. thanks again for your support and great vids

[@joentell]

My pleasure!

[@wontonzilla]

Honey instead of finishing the drywall can I buy a camera and start a youtube channel? I promise to watch every " how to make a youtube video I can find"

Lol that's X230, I still use them :D But not enough mid-range and almost no treble only boomy bass I'm sick of that and looking for some quality 2.0 system with sub-out, Kantos are really expensive here somehow, I can easily buy a new pair of Edifier R1280DBs cheaper than the Kanto YU2s...And those are just the 3 inches, YU4 and YU6 are like 3 and 4 times more expensive. I don't get it. But they look awesome with those kevlar woofers and nice paint jobs :)

[@chrisgacek6069]

Great review! How would you compare the YU4 (or YU6) to the Fluance Ai40? In terms of sound quality mostly.

[@joentell]

Fluance Ai40's dig deeper into the low frequencies. Bass is tighter and more controlled. Highs are about the same, but Kantos have less dynamic range compression. Basically, the Ai40's compress the sound to prevent distortion. When playing loud, you can tell it's holding back some of the punchiness of the bass to keep it from distorting. The Kanto's don't apply that as much (maybe not at all) so they sound more natural when turned up. They also seem to play louder.

[@joshualieder7524]

Are they better than the Fluance ai40?

[@TheGcleveland1]

How do these compare to audioengine?

[@average_joe3325]

Could anyone tell me if the Yu3 would be better than the Edifier R1855db, using a subwoofer also. Thanks! Love your videos Joe.

[@joentell]

Sorry I don't have experience with those specific ones. My experience with Kanto has been very nice finishes with good sound and features. Edifier has really good bang for the buck.

[@average_joe3325]

@@joentell thanks for the answer Joe. Love your videos, been watching for a long time and always follow the speaker board. Best of luck in everything.

[@stellasamuel343]

YU6 or Fluance AI60?

[@Andernol]

Quick question- how loud do the yu4's get? I want to get the yu6's but I don't think I can afford them. I need something I can play music during parties and will get decently loud, fill a room, and not be at risk of blowing out or being damaged. I've been looking for a decibel rating for them but haven't had any luck.

[@joentell]

They get loud enough for a small party to make it hard to talk over, but it would't be my first recommendation for party speakers. Usually bigger speakers will play louder and have deeper bass. Smaller speakers can either play loud or have deep bass but not both. Check my speaker leaderboard and if you want to see what else I've reviewed. Http://bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard

[@Andernol]

@@joentell So would you recommend getting the yu6's, yu4's and picking up a sub later, or a dedicated party speaker like a JBL party box? I'd like something I can use with my desktop but also fill my room with sound. I live in a house where me and roommates will often have parties, but we have equipment for the main area. I just want something for my room (about 10' by 15'). Thank you

[@joentell]

@@Andernol I would recommend passive speakers + amp + sub. Also see my other recommendations at kit.co/joentell I've never reviewed those dedicated party speakers. What's your budget? Why not try a pair of Pioneer FS52 floorstanders and an amp that will allow you to cross them over. When you use a crossover to limit bass, you can play them louder. Then get a sub. I usually get the best sub you can afford.

[@raysmith2400]

My daughter has a small college apartment. A mix of vinyl, Bluetooth audio streaming, and computer or TV video streaming will be her use. What combination of YU4, YU6, Sub6, and Sub 8 would you recommend? Are the YU6s deep enough by themselves? Does the Sub6 not add much to the YU6, given the driver sizes? How would the YU4+Sub6 compare to the YU6 by itself?

[@joentell]

YU4 + Sub 6 digs a bit deeper than the YU6 by itself. I think YU4 and SUB8 is the best combo for sound quality and footprint since the YU4's will take up less deskspace and the sub can be hidden under the desk. When I was a college student, I would've been happy with any of the possible combinations. You're an awesome parent for wanting her to have good tunes!

[@raysmith2400]

@@joentell I'm trying, and she's worked hard and deserves it. How would the Fluance ai60 compare to the YU6 alone, or the YU4/Sub8? Did you notice any hiss with the Fluance? Also, do you have a favorite turntable for around $350 or under?

[@joentell]

I think the Ai40's are nice for a small college apartment. They've since fixed the hiss issue. The Ai60's allow optical inputs for connecting to a TV. Fluance has some nice turntables. Just make sure you have a phono preamp. I've reviewed the Ai60's and Ai40's on my channel.

[@Gotallofthem1]

Iv connected the YU4 via the optical from my PC and it sounds fine, however when I connect via the stereo port (front and rear of pc) to the Aux or RCA ports of the Kanto I am getting some terrible feed back. However when I connect other items such as headphones to these same ports on the PC it sounds just fine. Any Idea of whats going on?

[@joentell]

That's really odd. I think you have your Kanto's set to phono. Make sure it's set to line input.

[@Gotallofthem1]

@@joentell Things I tried, it wasn't on Phono, but I switched it back and forth and still the feed back. Went and grabbed my old 4 year old dell pc connected via aux to speakers, still bad feedback/static/noise. So that I understand your answer, at least according to what your unit had. If you connect the Aux out from the front on your PC (or rear) and connect it to the RCA or Aux in of the Kanto, everything should sound perfectly normal. If thats the case, guess there is some sort of defect here, oh darn.

[@joentell]

There's a switch on the back that says either Phono or Line. It should be on line unless you're connecting it to a turntable without a preamp.

[@Gotallofthem1]

@@joentell Kanto Responded back to me, they said it was due to something called a GROUNDED LOOP, I had no idea what that was and had to look it up.

[@GordonGEICO]

You said they claimed 40 Hz for the YU6 but at 6:15 the specs say 50 Hz - 20 kHz. I mean, it doesn't seem to matter, since you have a "shelf" at 40 - 50 Hz where they're both -10 dB, but just saying...

[@ziggy8757]

yu6s vs elac b6.2, what do you think? which one sounds better?

[@joentell]

Not really a direct/fair comparison just because the YU6 is powered and has a ton of features a non-powered B6.2 doesn't have. Let's just assume you also purchase a SMSL AD18 to get most of the features the YU6 has, you'll end up spending about $50 more. The B6.2 will sound better imo, mostly because it has more bass. Even the B5.2 has more bass. The YU6 will still look better imo.

[@jonathane8585]

Kanto Yu4 or Fluance ai40? Looking for speakers for my 75" tv. After watching your reviews on the Vizio soundbar and the Fluance ai4, Im thinking of going with stereo speakers. Living room size is 17' x 18'.

[@joentell]

Ai40 for the bass response, but YU4 for their optical input x 2 connectivity and their sub output. I would say get the YU4's only if you're planning to add a sub such as their sub6 or for a room like yours, the sub8. You can also go with any other active subwoofer for less money. The Fluance Ai60's might be in-stock soon and they have a larger driver, optical input and sub out. You may be able to even use those without a sub to start. They are $299.

[@jonathane8585]

Joe N Tell please review the Fluance ai60. From a price perspective Fluance ai60 may be perfect for my needs - sound from tv capable of filling 17’ x 18’ room. The YU4 + sub is still more expensive, and probably not as good as the Fluance ai60.

[@joentell]

It's out of stock. Once it's available again...

[@sdtx1112]

looking at the fluance webpage the Ai60 does not list a sub out. they do add an optical and micro usb input

[@joentell]

sdtx 111 It's odd because it says sub out in the ad copy, but it says N/A in the specifications.

[@raze0099]

i have the Yu2 and am looking to pick up a Sub6 or a Sub8 bc i love the finish on kanto products.... which Sub would you recommend for Yu2?

[@joentell]

How much do you care about it matching the finish on your YU2's?

[@raze0099]

@@joentell maybe out of scale of 10, i would say, idk, 6.5?

[@grimer1805]

@@raze0099 did you end up ordering one of the subs? I just got the yu2 and I ordered a sub6 so I’m hoping it’s enough.

[@HarkamalAujla]

Kamal from uk. What is the AF40? Any rivals that sound better? Im on a budget.

[@joentell]

You can't beat the Ai40's at their current price.

[@HarkamalAujla]

Joe N Tell thanku. I never thought u wud actually reply. I hope the Ai s are good. I like low vol good middle and definition of all sounds to saviour so much sparkle going on.

[@derekcampbell4413]

Great review. How do the Kantos compare to the Audioengines.

[@joentell]

Unfortunately I have not heard the Audio Engine stuff

[@breezy7531]

Have you done a review on audio engines a2+ if so how do they compare to Kanto

[@joentell]

I haven't reviewed them, but I've heard them many times. I think they sound very similar. This is without measuring and they weren't in my room so take that with a grain of salt. I believe the A2+'s are way smaller so they don't have as much bass. I'm referring to the larger Audio Engine models.

[@breezy7531]

Joe N Tell Thank You for responding😌 I wanted to add good sounding minimalist speakers for my computer setup I seem to like the design of the kantos and the audio engines I’ll also take a look at the speaker leaderboard to see if there’s anything that change my mind