'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
These desktop speakers upgraded my desk with a great look and impressive sound
I spend roughly eight hours at my desk writing. Most of those hours are filled with glorious sounds spilling from my Rega P8 turntable. For years, my speaker of choice was the Audioengine A5+. Sadly, those speakers began to show signs of failure and the company no longer makes that same version. Because of that, I had to begin the search for a replacement.
Also: How to use Spotify's built-in equalizer for better-sounding music
When I undertake such a task, I take it very seriously. I spent a week or so reading comparisons of desktop speakers, knowing I had certain requirements:
- They had to be active (which means they are powered) because I only use a pre-amp.
- They had to have an output for a subwoofer.
- They had to have a small footprint.
- They had to sound great.
The more I read, the more the roads were leading to the Kanto YU6 speakers. Every review I read was filled with glowing praise about the sonic clarity and tremendous output for such a small sound system.
I was sold.
ZDNET RECOMMENDS
Kanto YU6MB Speakers
Remarkable-sounding speakers that support Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX and remote control.
The specs
For those that need full specs, here they are:
- Drivers: 1″ silk dome tweeters and 5.25″ kevlar drivers
- Audio: Class D amplifier with 200W Peak Power (100W total RMS) and a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz
- Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, 1x Optical (TOSLINK), Bluetooth 4.0 with Qualcomm® aptX
- Outputs - Subwoofer and USB Charge 5V 1A
- Weight - 11.4 pounds (5.2 kg)
Review: Sonos Era 300 is close to a perfect smart speaker. But it has one big drawback
The Kanto YU6 speakers come with a remote (with batteries), power cord, speaker wire, 3.5mm auxiliary cable, rubber feet, and a manual. I didn't use the speaker wire or the rubber feet, though, as I already had a wire run from my Audioengine speakers and the Kanto YU6 would be mounted on rubber stands that tilt the speakers so they point directly at my head.
Once they were set up, I was ready for the first test.
First impressions matter
I've always used "Moving Pictures," by Rush, as my test album. Not only is the album perfectly mastered, but the opening of Tom Sawyer makes for a great first impression.
The Kantos did not disappoint. Paired with my SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer, these speakers had me immediately forgetting the Audioengine set. The clarity (even at louder levels) was incredible. And, with the help of the remote, I could add a bit more bass or treble as needed (something the Audioengines could not do).
There are inputs for a turntable and a line in from your computer, as well as outputs for a subwoofer.
I fully understand that a set of bookshelf speakers will never match the soundscape delivered by a set of quality floor-standing speakers. But when space is tight and your room (and your cats) really doesn't lend itself to floor-standing speakers, the bookshelf is the way to go. If that's your situation, the Kanto YU6 speakers will not disappoint.
Also: Best wireless surround sound systems you can buy
Honestly, I was expecting to be disappointed. After all, the Audioengine A5+ speakers were not only gorgeous looking, but the sound was lush and very detailed. The Kanto, however, is far superior, and I have not regretted the purchase for one second.
If you work at home at your desk all day and have a need for new speakers, do yourself a favor and just buy these babies. I've enjoyed months of listening to rock, ambient, classical, pop, and other genres of music and have found them to be remarkable with every guitar, voice, violin, piano, drum, bass, and/or chorus.