It can be hard to find the right speaker for you when there are so many companies producing quality speakers. Both the Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ desktop speakers tables are excellent options with almost identical dimensions and outstanding audio performance. Which of the two should you choose?
This article will compare these speakers in detail to help you make an informed purchase decision.
If you are looking for a small-sized speaker with multiple input options and colors, the Kanto U4 is a good choice. This speaker has a 4” drive, which provides exceptional sound performance, but may not have sub-bass.
If you’re looking for a speaker that is affordable and can deliver the best sound in small spaces, the Audioengine A2+ is the right choice. The built-in amplifier and wireless technology make it a great choice for digital or analog sources.
About the Kanto YU4
Kanto, a Canadian manufacturer of computer electronics, is perhaps best known for its YU series speaker. The YU2 speaker is the most affordable model in the series, which also includes the YU, YU4 and YU6 speakers.
It is also the only model specifically designed for smartphones and computers, since all other speakers in the YU series are bookshelf speakers that can be used both with analog and digital audio sources.
Kanto’s YU Series models have great sound playback capabilities. The YU2 speakers do not differ from the rest. They may look small, but the sound quality they produce is not typical for such a small pair.
These speakers are not wirelessly connected, so it can take some time to set up.
Key Features
- 100W peak power total (50W RMS per channel)
- USB-DAC and 3.5mm mini-jack inputs
- Built-in subwoofer port
- 80Hz – 20 Hz frequency response
- Class D amplifier
- MDF cabinets
- 8 rubber feet
Kantu YU4 is a new series of speakers produced by Kanto Living. If you’re looking to improve the sound at your desk, have a versatile design that can fit in with other furniture, or display excellent performance on shelves, these are some of the best speakers I’ve seen so far.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- It has an aesthetically pleasing design
- Features excellent wireless connectivity
- You can choose from a variety of finish options
- Built using high-quality MDF
Cons:
- The sub-bass is a little bit lacking
- For a speaker of this price point, there might be a bit of a compromise when it comes to the audio
About the Audioengine A2+
Audioengine has been a leading manufacturer of speaker products for the past two decades. Although the A2+ model is not their most powerful, these speakers still produce a remarkable sound.
The A2+ speakers, an upgraded version of the A2 model, are among the first desktop speakers that the brand has released. The A2+ speakers are best used as computer speakers, even though they are sometimes referred to as bookshelf speakers.
The maximum power output of the A2+ speakers is insufficient to playback media streams or videos played on Smart TVs. The A2+ speakers are still very good for lightweight speakers, even though they have limitations. They are not intended for professional sound editors and musicians.
The A2+ speakers will still be appreciated by gamers and people who enjoy listening to different genres of music. If the Audioengine A2+ model does not meet your expectations, you can check out our AudioengineA5+ review.
Key Features
- 60W peak power total (30W per channel)
- CRS8670 internal D/A converter
- 18mm MDF cabinet thickness
- 100ft Bluetooth range
- 65HZ – 22kHz frequency response
- Dual-class AB monolithic amplifier
- Micro USB, 3.5mm mini-jack, and RCA ports
The Audioengine 2+ speakers were made by Audioengine, which has been creating high-quality and affordable powered speakers since 2005. This wireless speaker system delivers a rich frequency response and solid connectivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The speakers feature impressive sound quality for their size and price
- Allows you to enjoy accurate high-frequency sounds
- The package comes with a powerful amplifier
- The setup process is quick and easy
- Available at a very reasonably price
- Comes with flexible inputs for digital and analog sources
Cons:
- There’s not much bass going for it
- It lacks a remote control and DSI stand
- You have to make sure the speakers are elevated
Kanto YU4 vs Audioengine A2+: Side-by-Side Comparison
Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ can be used in a cozy area or on a desktop table. These speakers are great for listening to music, watching movies and playing games.
These models are very durable and sturdy. Despite their small size, the YU4 or A2+ can be quite loud without any noticeable distortion. These are more appealing because they require less space and don’t require an amplifier to run.
Overal Design and Quality Build
Kanto YU4
The Kanto YU4’s sleek, simple and clean design is immediately appealing. The perfect combination of high quality build and simple design makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a functional but elegant speaker set.
The MDF cabinet construction ensures high-quality audio performance. Each speaker has a 1″ silk dome tweeter that provides high-end performance and sturdy Kevlar drivers for outstanding middle and low performance.
Kanto YU4 comes in a variety of colors: matte black and matte white, as well as gloss black, gloss white, glossy red, and gloss teal. It should not be difficult to find the right unit for your home decor.
Audioengine A2+
It is smaller than the Kanto YU4, which makes it suitable for computer speakers or smaller rooms. This unit is functional, however, with a custom-built amplifier, an 18mm cabinet and bass ports as well as drivers.
This amplifier features a class A/B analogue monoblock design which guarantees high quality audio and greater flexibility. This model also eliminates the need for front grills. The 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters are left exposed. The edge-driven design of the tweeters provides smooth response.
These two speakers, unlike most wireless speaker sets are stereo powered and require a connection. The right speaker requires AC power and the left speaker connects to it through a standard. You will need to conduct cabling.
You can choose from Hi-Gloss white or red for your Audioengine A2+ speakers.
Performance
Kanto YU4
Kanto YU4 speakers produce a flat sound, but have more treble or bass than the Audioengine A2+. These speakers combine other components to produce impressive lows, mids, and highs for their small size. This speaker’s highs are warm and full, which can enhance your listening experience.
These speakers are more powerful than 4″ drivers. The Kanto YU4 speakers are easy to hear and provide a great level of clarity for vocals and string-heavy music.
These speakers have a limited Bluetooth range, which is a problem. Kanto YU4 speakers have an internal antenna that limits the Bluetooth range to small rooms.
Audioengine A2+
The Audioengine A2+ speakers have a powerful sound and a tight bass, which can fill any room. They are able to produce a clear, crisp, and well-defined sound that is up to the standards of audiophiles without the need for a subwoofer.
These speakers are small in size but deliver outstanding sound quality regardless of what music you listen to. Each speaker includes a 0.75-inch silk dome Tweeter and a 2.75-inch aramid fiber Woofer. These speakers have a power output of 60 watts and a frequency range between 65Hz-22kHz.
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are able to deliver a better sound quality than many medium-sized smart speakers. However, the bass might be slightly lower. You may need to connect to a subwoofer, or choose larger speakers like the Audioengine A5+. To enhance the bass response, you can also place the speakers near the walls.
These speakers are great for small and medium rooms, providing rich and vibrant sound. Also, the midrange and treble sound great and vocals are clear and precise. The downside is that the midrange bump may be lower and that the instrument separation might not be as noticeable when listening to music.
These speakers must be angled slightly upward in order to work effectively. The highs could be muted if they are not angled slightly upward.
Connectivity
Kanto YU4
Wireless connectivity is a key feature of the Kanto YU4 speaker. Wireless connectivity allows you to connect wirelessly to the speakers using different devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops. AptX support is another option for wireless connectivity.
The left speaker also has wired connectivity options. These include two optical connectors and RCA connectors. There is also a 3.5mm accessory plug. The speaker also has a 5V1A USB charging port and DC power connector. A ground wire post, power switch, and an phono/line switch are all available for use with turntables.
You can also connect the speaker cables posts to the speaker sub out.
Audioengine A2+
The Audioengine A2+ speaker is wirelessly compatible and offers a greater Bluetooth range than the Kanto U4 speakers. If you are looking for a high-fidelity audio connection, this speaker is a great choice.
The left speaker’s rear panel also contains many connectivity options, including an RCA input/output, 3.5mm au input, power connector and a micro USB input. A micro USB to USB A cable is included in the box. A Bluetooth pairing button is located on the back panel for Bluetooth connectivity. These speakers can be connected to your smartphone, tablet or laptop via multiple connectivity options.
The power speaker on the left, the left speaker, has a built-in woofer. It feeds the right speaker (the passive speaker) through an included speaker wire. To connect the speakers, you will need to position the binding posts.
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are not compatible with Wi-Fi and voice assistants. This is a problem that most speakers in this price range have. If these are not important, however, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Additional Features
Kanto YU4
This speaker set costs $289 and includes all necessary wires. They are long enough to make it easy to install. The box also includes a 3.5mm auxiliary wire, a connecting cable, and small stick-on rubber feet. Kanto might also offer stands to angling speakers up to 16 degrees. This is useful when the speakers are being used as near-field devices.
Audioengine A2+
This speaker set is $299 and includes many other features that will make it a great value. The speakers are packaged in a microfiber bag for easy storage. A 6.5-ft speaker wire and a mini-jack cable measuring 4.9 feet are included.
Final Verdict
Both speakers can be used for near-field listening provided they are correctly placed. They are small but still deliver powerful sound and a room-filling sound.
The Kanto YU4 speakers are more powerful and have sleek designs that will complement any space. These speakers are not only expensive, but they also have a lot of versatility. These speakers are a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their near-listening in a desk setting.
If you are on a budget and need more sub-bass, the Audioengine A2+ might be the right choice. The Audioengine A2+ is also a great design, and produces a rich sound in small spaces. It may not be the best choice if a remote is essential.
FAQ for Kanto YU4 vs Audioengine A2+
What are key differences between the Kanto YU2 and Audioengine A2+ speakers?
The main differences between Kanto YU2 vs Audioengine A2+ are:
- YU2 speakers come with a 50 W max, but A2+ has 30W max.
- YU2 is equipped with Class D amplifier, whereas A2+ has a dual class-AB monsolete amp.
- YU2 has 3″ composite drivers, whereaudioengine A2+ has 2.75″ aramid fiber woofers.
- The A2+ doesn’t support Bluetooth connections whereas the YU2 comes with a built-in Bluetooth feature.
- YU2 speaker has ten color options, but A2+ have only three.
Is a subwoofer needed for the Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ speakers?
A subwoofer is not needed for the Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ speakers. They are small speakers that are meant to be used in a desktop environment.
Which speakers the Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ is better for gaming, music and movies?
The Kanto YU4 is a better speaker for gaming, movies and music. The Audioengine A2+ is a better speaker for music.
Which speakers the Kanto YU4 or Audioengine A2+ would you recommend for a beginner?
The Kanto YU4 and A2+ are two speakers that can be used for a beginner. They offer a great sound quality, look stylish, and are easy to use.
Both of these speakers are well-suited for any room size. The A2+ is perfect for small rooms and the YU4 is better suited for larger rooms.
How much speakers the Kanto YU4 and Audioengine A2+ cost?
On Amazon the Kanto YU4 is a high-end speaker that is priced at $289. The Audioengine A2+ is a mid-range speaker that costs $299.
Can I use bookshelf speaker only with TVs?
Bookshelf speakers come in different sizes, so it’s important to get the right one for your needs. Speakers in the smaller size like A2+ and Yu2 are often best with a PC/laptop. But it’s not just STEM related, you can also use them for other devices. Larger (bookshelf) speakers are designed for listening to music at a greater distance.
How to choose the best speaker?
It’s tough to say which speaker will be best for you. It’ll depend on things like your room size and what you plan to do with them. If you have a medium-sized room, get a moderately sized speaker with a 5″+ woofer to capture sound better. If the amplifier set up is too much hassle, connect one off the speakers with some external. Wanna listen to music on your speaker but have a broken phone? Play your tunes remote-control style. To connect over Bluetooth, you need some type of listening device.