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Showing 1 of 248 conversations about:
Vistance
54
Apr 1, 2015
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This has to be the cheesiest pair of powered monitors yet. They're not even both powered, so you have to run speaker wire to the other because they're chintzy like a $20 pair of no-name brand PC speakers and the speaker connectors look like they came straight from Radio Shack. If these were about $100 cheaper, maybe, but for the price they want...waste of money.
Apr 1, 2015
CarterBO
13
Apr 1, 2015
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VistanceReally? Is this an April Fools or something....? I've only seen very positive reviews across the internet. Your only complaint is basically you don't like the wires or connections. Why does that justify an extreme price drop? Do you even own these?
Apr 1, 2015
Vistance
54
Apr 1, 2015
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CarterBONo, I actually own quality monitor speakers (Read: Traditional unpowered B&W monitor speakers). If one really wanted to go for powered monitor speakers, they should be identical to each other. Meaning each one should have an amp, gain, and the same inputs. These things I'm sure are sold in pairs, quality powered monitor speakers are sold individually. For the record, I do own some powered monitor speakers but they're not the standard affair. They're a pair of the old Philips Motional Feedback series from the '70s-'80s.
Reviews on the internet you say, that's the most credible source possible. I'll be sure to let B&W know that some Kanto brand speakers are showing them up. How many professionals and audiophiles use Kanto? And how many B&W? I'm merely pointing out the fact these look to me like some really low grade quality speakers and they're asking too much for them. Most computer speakers that have inputs on one speaker and then chain over to the other one like these cost $20-50. Think of a typical pair of Logitech speakers.
If you want musical enjoyment, get speakers with larger quality drivers and quality amplification. I have some old used PSB speakers that cost a fraction of what these cost and I'd wager heavily they sound as good as, or better than these (PSB Alpha SE). Lots of people just aren't aware of the options out there and just blow money on stuff that's not really that good.
Apr 1, 2015
CarterBO
13
Apr 2, 2015
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VistanceAllright. Thanks for the information dude. Would you recommend returning these? Or could I upgrade them? (Or could I build some from scratch that perform better?)
Edit: B&W is all fine and dandy, but I don't have money to spend $1000 on their smallest speaker until I get a better job.
Edit#2: Also, my main problem was that the only speakers we have in the house are those of my laptop, and some Hardon Kardon soundsticks III. The soundsticks are iffy and the subwoofer sounds rattly. I'm just looking for an affordable upgrade until I can afford real sound.
Apr 2, 2015
SpookyC
84
Apr 2, 2015
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CarterBOFWIW, I wouldn't worry too much about what Vistance was saying. He's right in that these aren't the best speakers for the price (could do better by getting some passive monitors and a standalone amp), but what they do offer is decent sound, connection convenience, a built in dac, very nice asthetics and exceptional customer service at a very good price. These speakers are basically trying to compete with the Audioengine a2+, not with higher end audiophile equipment. Don't feel bad about your purchase man. That's like someone shitting on your parade for getting a civic instead of a bmw... With that said, when you get them, enjoy them and see if the sound changes any after they "burn in."
Read up on this for some more info on speakers: http://www.reddit.com/r/Zeos/comments/2wnwor/guide_stereo_systems_20_21/
Oh, and I'd suggest you either set up your yu2's at ear level when you get them or angle them upward slightly so they project sound towards your ear level. This will help out with their sound. You could purchase speaker stands on massdrop or elsewhere online, or you could just buy a squash ball and cut it in half and use that: http://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/30tlv4/a_cut_in_half_squash_ball_creates_the_perfect/
Let me know if you have any questions and congrats on the purchase.
Cheers.
Apr 2, 2015
CarterBO
13
Apr 2, 2015
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SpookyCThank you so much, (even though it's confirmation biased for me,) this is just what I needed to hear. I guess I want to know if it's possible to open up the case and upgrade the internals? I'm all about DIY everything in my house. I built my desktop, fixed my laptop, upgraded my "Hawaii humidifier fan" fixed chairs, beds, lights, leaky sinks etc. So i'd love to know if I can upgrade the internals to make myself feel proud about accomplishing something better, and new.
Apr 2, 2015
SpookyC
84
Apr 2, 2015
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CarterBODefinitely man. I don't know how to do that, yet, but I know you can open them up and tinker with the crossover and probably upgrade whatever else you feel necessary. If you wanted some DIY speakers which get a lot of praise, check this out: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-br-1-6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-monitor-speaker-kit-pair--300-640
Zeos did a review here:

(similar kit but not the exact same)
Apr 2, 2015
A community member
Apr 19, 2015
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CarterBOThey are powered desktop speakers. No where here or anywhere on Kanto's site do they claim to be monitors. Yes they are a bit pricey but I got the Yu3 set for my wife (mostly due to the connectivity ease) and they surprised the hell out of me. I don't own the Yu2 but if they are anything like the 3's you will not be disappointed with the sound. As for the previous people's comments about them being OVERpriced.....the B&W MM1 computer desktop speakers (the ACTUAL comparable level) are $500 and guess what? they have power to only one speaker and run a cable between left and right too....just like chintzy $20 speakers.
Just because B&W make the Nautilus doesn't make EVERYTHING they make superb. Judge them on their own merits
Apr 19, 2015
Zorba922
30
Jun 11, 2015
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CarterBOPay no attention to Vistance, he's just being petty and snotty. B&W make good speakers but not for their pricepoint...you could do far better for the same money, and close enough for a fraction of the price (hint: internet-direct speaker makers like Ascend, SVS, Hsu, etc.). People who trumpet their B&Ws are usually newbie and wannabe audiophiles who are generally motivated by the snob factor than real knowledge and experience.
Yes you could do better with say, a $25 Lepai T-amp and a pair of passive speakers esp. if you buy used, but if you want the convenience of self-powered monitors esp. for nearfield PC listening, these Kantos look to be ok. A more tried-and-trusted option is the M-Audio AV40 which goes for $120-150 on Amazon, has accurate mids and highs, and is fine for everything except party-level output.
Jun 11, 2015
pizzamuncher88
89
Jun 23, 2015
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Vistancethese aren't studio monitors bro. read the listing. yeesh. the fact that you would even compare them to B&W shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the product on every level. you gonna recommend some Martin Logans next? hahaha trololololol
Jun 23, 2015
Vistance
54
Jun 24, 2015
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pizzamuncher88Yeah, who would want good speakers! Just buy these cheap no name ones. Money well spent. You can pick up a used pair of B&W speakers for the same kind of money as these that are much better.
The fact you think I'm "comparing" this no name stuff to B&W is laughable. But kids these days, they probably hear people say B&W and think they're "BMW" speakers (Have actually heard someone say this).
Jun 24, 2015
pizzamuncher88
89
Jun 24, 2015
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Vistanceyah! everyone needs expensive studio monitors from salvation army! who wants new desktop speakers from a deal website when you can have grandpas dusty hand-me-downs! money well spent! im sorry the YU2s might not be perfectly suited to your Depeche Mode listening parties but i think they are pretty sweet. to be honest i didn't know that A&W made speakers but their onion rings are pretty delicious so i guess ill take your word. can you recommend any other pretentious crap no one wants?
Jun 24, 2015
meatfly
2
Jun 25, 2015
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VistanceWhy would you buy a shitty pair of B&W's? For the price of a pair of B&Ws you could find a good pair of used MBL's on craigslist.
Jun 25, 2015
chiWaldo
0
Nov 1, 2021
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pizzamuncher88'Depeche Mode listening parties'. Dude that was fukn classic. Lol. That just made my day. That guy is definitely butt hurt on that..
Nov 1, 2021
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