Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Kanto YU4 Powered Speakers Review

by Oscar
August 7, 2019
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

Kanto YU4

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The YU4 are a seamlessly finished product that looks sleek and polished. The rear panel on the left side has the inputs and bass port and the right side has the bass port and speaker wire terminals. The front is clean and smooth, with a power button and volume control on the left side. The size of the YU4 allows them to fit nicely on a larger desk or on a cabinet/windowsill. You could stand mount them but I think they are a little small to be used for a main system.

Build quality is great, the cabinets feel substantial and the inputs on the back are all very sturdy. For an active speaker at this price range, the Kanto’s feel very well made.

Placement:

The YU4’s smaller bass driver means they are best used in a near-field setup rather than in a typical hi-fi setup. Using them in a more typical hi-fi setup you lose a little body and the sound is a little more focussed on the midrange/treble. These are rear ported and placing them close to a wall will reinforce low frequencies, you can play about with the distance between the back of the speakers and the wall to create the best amount of bass without bloom due to resonance. In a near field setup they sound best when they have some room to breathe.

Functionality:

The YU4’s have a 3.5mm aux input, a pair of RCA inputs which can handle a standard line-in or at the flip of a switch it can be used as a phono input from a turntable (there is a built-in phono pre-amp). You also get Bluetooth with AptX support, a subwoofer output and 2 optical inputs. There is a USB port on the back, but this is not for audio use, purely for charging USB devices unfortunately.

You get a remote which allows you to control all the functions of the YU4’s, including inputs, bass and treble controls and standby on/off. The remote allows you to fine tune the sound and is really handy if you are not next to the speakers.

YU4 sound:

Bass: The bass on the YU4’s varies depending on how they are placed, but when you find the right spot, they have good reach (limited by the driver/enclosure size) and the bass is tight yet full bodied, however there is sometimes a little bloom in the mid-bass. Of course, for a speaker of its size, you have to be realistic when it comes to extension and volume, but the bass is present and controlled and gives the sound good overall balance. You can dial in a little more bass with the remote, but I have found that it becomes a little boomy if you do this. Kicks lack a little weight and come across a little dry, but bass guitars have good articulation.

 

Midrange: This is where the YU4’s really shine, with great separation the midrange is given space to breathe and has plenty of insight and detail. The upper midrange is not pushed back, so there will occasionally be a little sibilance if it is present in the recording. Vocals are rendered with excellent clarity and the tonality is good. Acoustic guitars have good reverberation, and the layering of instruments in the midrange is excellent. Overall performance in the midrange is very good with a slight lift in the upper mids that can add a little bit of a hard edge to certain notes, but this is a minor gripe.

 

Treble: The treble is not dialled back on the YU4 and has very good energy in the lower treble region. This makes cymbal crashes stand out with great energy but it might be a little too exciting for those who are a little more treble sensitive. The treble control on the remote works quite well, and just dialling it down a notch or two can help on hotter recordings. There is a slight metallic tone to the highs sometimes, not being the smoothest or most refined, but again at the price point they do a very good job at pulling out finer details and adding air to the sound.

 

Bluetooth: Bluetooth performance when paired with an aptX compatible device is remarkably good, with very much the same core sound signature with slightly compressed dynamics. These work very well with bluetooth devices and the performance doesn’t drop massively compared to a wired connection.

Conclusion:

The Kanto YU4 with matching S4 stands make an excellent near field setup, without the stands they do a good job as a backup/bedroom or kitchen setup. Their size is a good middle ground between real bookshelf speakers and desktop monitors and they have excellent features in a polished housing. All this is backed up with an expressive and open midrange, ample low end to give the sound some warmth and body and an airy and well extended top end. You could add a sub to the system to bring up the lows a little, but as they are, they make a fine pair of desktop speakers.

 

Build Quality: 5/5

Sound Quality: 4/5

Ease of Use: 4/5

Functionality: 5/5

Tags: active speakersaudioaudiophiledesktop speakershifihifi speakershifiheadphoneskantokanto YU4loudspeakersmonitorsnearfieldpowered speakersspeaker standspeakersYU4
Previous Post

Headphone Unboxing Video Compilation

Next Post

July Instagram Contest Rules and T&Cs

Related Posts

JDS Labs Element III Review
Full Reviews

JDS Labs Element III Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
Next Post
Instagram Competition

July Instagram Contest Rules and T&Cs

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

Lypertek PurePlay Z3 True Wireless Earphone Review

Final B Series

Final B Series Review & Video

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds
  • Westone MACH Series Release
  • JDS Labs Brand Story
  • JDS Labs Element III Video Review
  • Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM

Latest YouTube Videos

We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!

Blog Article: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/top-5-portable-audio-devices-for-under-100/

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/amps-dacs/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

Final E500 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black

0:00 - Intro
0:19 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
0:48 - Final E500
1:15 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:41 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
2:08 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
2:33 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Top 5 Budget Headphone Audio Deals
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLklFSEUtUEh3aGFV
This little DAC/Amp is such an easy product to recommend, you get a crisp and clean sound for under £50 - what's not to love? 

Watch the video to find out why we love the Rhodium so much.

Buy Now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Design and Features
1:52 - Technical features
2:08 - Sound Quality
3:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB-C Dongle DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLlhJWHJhMmlzZW5Z
JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • Check out our top picks for under £100 over on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/IEHE-PHwhaU

#final #soundmagic #periodicaudio #lypertek
  • Looking to upgrade your portable listening rig on a budget? You cannot go wrong with the @periodicaudio Rhodium - for under £50 you get a clean and crisp USB-C DAC/Amp!

#periodicaudio #periodicaudiorhodium #periodicrhodium #rhodiumdacamp #audiophile #hifiheadphones #headphones #portableaudio #earphones #budgetaudio #dacamp #portabledacamp
  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

#westone #westoneaudio #westonemachseries #earphones #headphones #hifiheadphones #headfi #proaudio #audiophile #highend #highendaudio #inears #iems #musician #stagemonitoring
  • We still have a limited number of @campfireaudio Sabers in stock -  limited to 1000 units worldwide make sure to grab a pair before they are gone!

#campfireaudio #campfiresaber #saberearphones #campfireaudiosaber #dynamicdriver #earphones #headphones #audiophile #portableaudio #inears #iems #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • This little combo comes in at under £100, and sounds incredible!

@periodicaudio Rhodium + @soundmagiceurope E11c

#portableaudio #periodicaudio #periodicrhodium #soundmagic #e11c #rhodiumdac #dac #headamp #hifiheadphones #audiophile
  • Our video review of the excellent @jdslabs Element III is now live!

#jdslabs #jdslabselement3 #element3 #headphones #headamp #headphoneamp #dacamp #headfi #earphones #headfi
  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

#campfireaudio #campfiresupermoon #supermoon #ciem #customiem #customearphone #campfireaudiosupermoon #planarmagnetic #planarearphone #earphones #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • When did you last clean your earphones?

Do you know how to clean your headphones?

Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

#cleaning #audiohygiene #headphonecleaning #earbudcleaning #earbuds #earphones #earphonecleaning
  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

#lypertek #periodicaudio #soundmagic #headphones #earphones #audio #hifiheadphones #bestbuys #bestheadphones #bestearphones #budgetaudio #budgetheadphones #budgetearphones
  • Following up from our blog post on our favourite products across various budgets and ranges, we decided to make a video based on the same list.  Go check it out and let us know if you own, or have tried any of the products listed!

@lypertek 
@campfireaudio
@periodicaudio
@64audio
@bursonaudio
@jdslabs
@audeze_official
@final_audio
@soundmagiceurope
@sennheiser

#audeze #lypertek #oriveti #soundmagic #jdslabs #bursonaudio #finalaudio #campfireaudio #64audio #64fam #etymotic #sennheiser #periodicaudio #iem #earphones #headphones #anc #bestearphones #bestheadphones #bestanc #wireless #truewireless #headfi #audiophile #headamp #dac #headphoneamp
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.