Kanto YU2 MB Powered Desktop Speakers (Matte Black)

Description

Product highlights
powered stereo speakers
Type-B USB input with built-in DAC lets you bypass your computer's sound card for better performance
USB DAC supports stereo input up to 16-bit/48kHz resolution
bass-reflex speaker cabinets with rear-firing slot ports
two 25-watt RMS amplifiers built into left (active) speaker
frequency response: 80-20,000 Hz (±6 dB)
each speaker features:
one 3/4" silk dome tweeter
one 3" Kevlar® mid/woofer
rear-panel volume control on left speaker
gold-plated binding post speaker terminals (10-foot speaker wire included to connect left and right speaker)
USB input (USB Type-A to Type-B cable included)
3.5mm stereo analog input (mini-to-mini cable included)
mono RCA subwoofer output
3-15/16"W x 5-15/16"H x 5-5/16"D
weight: 3.1 lbs. (left speaker), 2.9 lbs. (right speaker)
warranty: 2 years
What's in the box
Left powered speaker
Right passive speaker
AC power adapter (attached 57" DC cord)
69" AC power cord
9.75' Speaker wire
6.5' USB-B to USB-A cable
6.5' Stereo minijack cable
8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
User Manual
"Thank You" note
About this item
Written by Crutchfield's Eric Angevine
Desktop dynamos
Kanto YU2 speakers look good and sound great on your desktop. They're compact, self-powered, and come in decor-friendly colors. The active speaker features a USB port with built-in digital to analog converter (DAC) so you can connect directly to your computer and enhance the sound of digital music files (up to 16-bit/48kHz).
Each speaker has a 3" Kevlar® woofer and 3/4" silk dome tweeter. Add a pair of optional  Kanto S2 speaker stands to help create an immersive near-field stereo soundfield to enjoy while you work or play.
My hands-on experience with Kanto YU2 desktop speakers
I got to audition a pair of these compact speakers here at Crutchfield HQ. I placed them on either side of my dual-monitor computer setup and angled them slightly toward my seating position, to create a near-field listening environment. Despite the speakers sitting to the right and left of my head, they generated a stereo soundstage that seemed to come from directly in front of me.
Since I was listening at work, I generally opted to play music at low volume to avoid disturbing my coworkers. It was a good test — I was still getting detail and clarity without needing to crank them up. I had a pair in the Gloss Teal finish, and many coworkers who stopped by my desk during the trial period commented on how cool they look.
For my workplace situation, the speakers alone were enough. For home use, though, I'd recommend connecting a Kanto SUB6 to the subwoofer output to add some "oomph" while still keeping the system compact.
Convenient connections
In addition to the Type-B USB port for connecting to your desktop or laptop, the active (left) speaker in the pair has a 3.5mm input for connecting a mobile device or other analog source. And bass lovers can use the mono RCA output to add a powered sub.
Kanto YU2 speakers are compact and good-looking, so you can create a personal music listening bubble to enjoy while you work.