Kanto YU2 Powered Desktop Speakers at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Kanto YU2 is a powered desktop speaker system from Kanto Audio (Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. The entry-level model in the YU Series and Kanto's most compact powered speaker, the YU2 is designed for computer desks, bedrooms, and any space where a small footprint and simple setup are priorities. Its 3-inch composite cone woofers and 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters are driven by a built-in amplifier inside the 5.9-inch tall MDF cabinet, with a built-in USB DAC for a direct digital connection from any Mac or PC, a 3.5mm AUX input for phones, tablets, and laptops, a rear-ported bass-tuned enclosure, and an RCA subwoofer output for optional bass extension. The volume knob doubles as the power switch and is positioned on the top of the active speaker for easy reach at a desk. Proudly designed in Canada, the YU2 is available in a range of matte and gloss finishes to suit any workspace.

Built-In USB DAC: Direct Digital Audio from Any Computer

The YU2's built-in USB DAC is its most practically significant feature for desktop computer users. Connecting the YU2 directly to a computer's USB port via the included cable presents the YU2 to the operating system as an external audio device, routing all audio output through the YU2's own digital-to-analog conversion hardware rather than the computer's onboard soundcard. This bypass eliminates the interference, ground noise, and limited dynamic range that the proximity of a desktop computer's power supply and digital components typically introduces to onboard audio outputs. The USB DAC input also offloads the digital-to-analog conversion from the computer entirely, reducing CPU load compared to software-based audio processing. The result is a cleaner, quieter signal at the speaker's input stage, allowing the 3-inch composite drivers and 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters to reproduce source material more faithfully than would be possible from a direct headphone jack or onboard audio connection.

Compact MDF Cabinets with Rear Bass Port

Each YU2 cabinet measures 3.9 inches wide by 5.9 inches tall and 5.3 inches deep, making it one of the smallest powered speaker enclosures in Kanto's lineup while still accommodating a rear-firing bass port. The port is tuned specifically for the YU2's 3-inch composite driver and internal cabinet volume to extend low-frequency output below what the driver would achieve in a sealed enclosure of this size, while directing airflow toward the rear of the speaker and away from the active workspace. The cabinet is built from MDF for acoustic neutrality and finished in a range of matte and gloss options. The combined weight of both speakers is just 6 pounds, allowing the pair to be repositioned, transported, or rearranged on a desk without effort. The volume knob on the top of the active speaker doubles as the power switch, keeping the front baffle clean and uncluttered.

Key Features

• 3-Inch Composite Cone Woofers: Compact composite drivers delivering distortion-free bass and detailed midrange output optimized for near-field desktop listening distances.
• 0.75-Inch Silk Dome Tweeters: Smooth, detailed high-frequency reproduction with the controlled, fatigue-free character suited to long sessions at a desk or workstation.
• Built-In USB DAC: Integrated digital-to-analog converter accepts a direct USB connection from any Mac or PC, bypassing the computer's onboard audio hardware for a cleaner, lower-noise signal path and reduced CPU audio processing load.
• 3.5mm AUX Input: Analog mini-jack input for smartphones, tablets, laptops, portable media players, or any device with a 3.5mm headphone output, providing maximum connection flexibility without additional adapters.
• Rear-Ported Bass-Tuned Enclosure: Specially tuned rear bass port extends low-frequency output from the 3-inch driver while directing airflow away from the active workspace, keeping the front baffle clean and preventing desktop turbulence noise.
• RCA Subwoofer Output: Dedicated sub-out for adding any powered subwoofer with an RCA line input, including Kanto's SUB6 or SUB8, to extend bass below the YU2's natural low-frequency limit.
• Top-Mounted Volume Knob and Power Switch: Combined volume and power control on the top of the active speaker cabinet for easy reach at a desk without obstructing the front baffle or requiring a reach behind the speaker.
• Compact 5.9-Inch Cabinet: Each speaker measures just 3.9 inches wide by 5.9 inches tall, making the YU2 one of the smallest powered speaker systems available with a built-in DAC and subwoofer output.
• Lightweight Pair: Both speakers together weigh just 6 pounds, allowing easy repositioning, transport between locations, and flexible placement on any desk or shelf.
• MDF Cabinet Construction: Medium-density fiberboard enclosures provide acoustic neutrality and a stable platform for the composite drivers and silk dome tweeters.
• Multiple Finish Options: Available in matte and gloss finishes to match any desktop aesthetic or workspace decor.
• Designed in Canada: Kanto Audio is founded and based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kanto YU2?

The Kanto YU2 is a powered desktop speaker system designed by Kanto Audio in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, and the smallest and most compact model in the YU Series. It uses 3-inch composite cone woofers and 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters in rear-ported MDF cabinets measuring just 5.9 inches tall. The YU2 includes a built-in USB DAC for direct computer connection, a 3.5mm AUX input, and a subwoofer RCA output. The volume knob on the top of the active speaker doubles as the power switch. The combined weight of both speakers is 6 pounds.

How does the Kanto YU2 compare to the Kanto YU4?

The Kanto YU2 and YU4 are both compact powered speakers from Kanto's YU Series, but they differ in driver size, connectivity, and intended use. The YU2 uses a 3-inch composite woofer and includes a USB DAC and 3.5mm AUX input, without Bluetooth or a phono preamp. The YU4 uses a larger 4-inch Kevlar woofer, a more powerful amplifier, and adds Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX, a built-in MM phono preamp with ground terminal, two Optical TOSLINK inputs, and a full-function remote. The YU2 is the better choice for a simple, compact computer desk setup where USB and AUX connectivity is sufficient. The YU4 is the stronger choice for listeners who also want to connect a turntable, a television, or stream wirelessly from a phone.

How does the Kanto YU2 compare to the Audioengine A2+ or the Edifier R1280DB?

The Kanto YU2, the Audioengine A2+, and the Edifier R1280DB are all compact powered desktop speakers with USB audio input. The Audioengine A2+ uses 2.75-inch woofers and includes USB audio and a 3.5mm AUX input, without a subwoofer output. The Edifier R1280DB uses 4-inch woofers and adds Bluetooth and optical input, but its taller cabinet is less compact than the YU2. The YU2 is the smallest of the three by a meaningful margin at 5.9 inches tall and is notable for its rear-ported bass tuning and included subwoofer output, which neither the standard A2+ nor the R1280DB provides at a comparable size.

What does the built-in USB DAC do and why does it matter?

The built-in USB DAC in the YU2 allows the speaker to connect directly to a computer's USB port and appear as an external audio output device in the operating system. All audio from the computer is then converted from digital to analog inside the YU2 rather than by the computer's onboard soundcard. This is beneficial because desktop and laptop computer audio hardware is typically surrounded by power supply components, processors, and other electronics that induce electromagnetic interference into the analog audio signal path. Bypassing the onboard audio hardware eliminates this interference entirely, producing a cleaner, quieter analog signal at the speaker driver. The USB DAC input also reduces the CPU load associated with software audio processing in some configurations.

Can I add a subwoofer to the Kanto YU2?

Yes. The YU2 includes a dedicated RCA subwoofer output on the active speaker that carries the audio signal for connection to any powered subwoofer with an RCA line input, including the Kanto SUB6 or SUB8. The subwoofer's own crossover controls manage the integration between the YU2 and the sub, as the YU2 does not include a built-in high-pass filter. Adding a subwoofer is recommended for listeners who want extended low-frequency output for music with significant bass content, film audio, or gaming where sub-bass information adds to the experience.

Where can I buy the Kanto YU2 in Toronto or Canada?

Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Ontario carries the Kanto YU2 powered desktop speaker system. Vinyl Sound Canada offers full support for the YU2 across its available finish options. Contact Vinyl Sound Toronto to confirm current availability and to discuss compatible Kanto subwoofer and stand accessories for a complete desktop audio setup.

Is the Kanto YU2 suitable for use outside of a desktop computer setup?

Yes. While the YU2 is designed and optimized for desktop use, its 3.5mm AUX input allows connection from any device with a headphone output, including smartphones, tablets, portable music players, televisions with a headphone socket, and CD players with analog output. The compact 5.9-inch cabinet and 6-pound combined weight also make the YU2 easy to move between locations and use in a bedroom, kitchen, or any other small-room environment where a compact powered speaker pair would be appropriate. For dedicated turntable or television use, the Kanto YU4 or YU6 with their phono preamp and optical inputs would be more suitable choices.