Kanto YU2 - Powered Speaker Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing YU2 Powered Speakers, designed by Kanto in Canada. YU2 outputs 25W RMS per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, for remarkably bold and clean sound. Excellent sensitivity and frequency response provide deep thumping lows and clear, scintillating highs, surprising for speakers of this size. YU2 is a remarkably flexible computer speaker system that can accept two input sources and connect to a subwoofer for enhanced low frequency effect (LFE).
We recommend you read all instructions carefully before using the system, and keep them for future reference. Kanto cannot be liable for damage or injury caused by incorrect setup or use of this product.
This powered speaker system was carefully tested and inspected during production, and before packaging and shipping. After unpacking, please check for any damage. It is rare that a unit is damaged during shipping, but if this happens contact your retailer immediately. You can also call Kanto directly at 1-888-848-2643 or email support@kantoliving.com .

What's In the Box?

FRONT PANEL

1. 3/4" Silk Dome Tweeter
2. 3" Kevlar Mid/Woofer Driver
3. LED

REAR PANEL

4. ON/OFF Switch and Volume Control
5. Right Channel Output Terminals
   (+ and −) for Passive Speaker Connection
6. 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack AUX
7. USB Audio Input Connector
8. Subwoofer Output
9. DC Input Connection
10. Bass Reflex Port

Setting Up Your Device

The YU2 powered speaker system is designed for either desktop or bookshelf mounting to enhance your computer audio listening in a near-field environment. However, the YU2 can also be used as a stand-alone stereo speaker system mated with a multitude of audio sources.

In either setup, the space between the two speakers and the distance from the rear wall is important. If the speakers are positioned too close or too far apart, stereo imaging will not be fully developed.

The YU2 is designed to perform optimally positioned at least 20cm to 25cm from the rear wall for best bass response. Regardless of the setup you choose, keep in mind that rooms vary in shape, size, and furnishing; a certain amount of experimentation may be necessary to determine the most suitable position that delivers the most satisfying sound performance.

Ensure that the ON/OFF Switch is in the OFF position.
Connect the two speakers together as shown below using the supplied speaker cable. Connect the RED (+) and BLACK (−) terminals from the active speaker (left) to the corresponding terminals on the passive speaker (right). If you wish to place your speakers farther apart than the supplied cable will reach, we recommend that you purchase a heavier gauge of speaker cable to minimize signal loss.

Follow the instructions on the ensuing pages to connect your audio sources to YU2. The examples in the following pages are not meant to be exhaustive - just examples.

Connect the AC/DC power supply from YU2's active speaker to your wall outlet. Turn YU2's Volume Control clockwise to the ON position, then adjust the volume.

ATTENTION
When connecting audio cables the ON/OFF Switch must be turned OFF. After connecting all cables, the unit can be turned ON.
When the volume is high, this system can produce noise levels that could permanently damage your hearing. YU2 is a self-powered speaker system. Do not connect the speaker terminals to the speaker outputs of a stereo amplifier. Damage may occur. Use only the power supply provided with the speakers.

Connecting Audio Sources

Use the appropriate audio cable to connect your audio source components to your speakers.

• 3.5mm stereo mini-jack AUX cable
• Stereo RCA to 3.5mm stereo mini-jack AUX cable
• USB-A to USB-B cable

The YU2 features a high quality USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that supports data streams up to 16-bit/48kHz resolution. When connecting your computer via USB connection, you bypass the noisy bult-in DAC of the computer, and audio signals are instead decoded by YU2's DAC. This deivers rich and distortion-free sound to the speakers.

If you choose to connect your speakers via the USB interface, please ensure you have changed the proper audio output settings in your computer - that is, audio signals are output to the YU2 speakers and not to your computer's internal speakers. Select "USB Audio DAC" as the output device in your computer audio settings.

ATTENTION
*Some models of turntables include a built-in Phono Pre-Amp.

Connecting a Subwoofer

YU2 is equipped with an RCA connector to provide output signal to a powered subwoofer.
Simply connect a single RCA subwoofer cable from the SUB OUT connection on YU2 to the AUDIO INPUT on your subwoofer. If your sub-woofer has a stereo L/R RCA input, either left or right inputs will work.
We recommend the Kanto sub6 or sub8 powered subwoofer with crossover and volume controls. Most quality subwoofers offer these controls, which allow you to customize the amount of bass you will experience.
Look for details on the Kanto website at: www.kantospeakers.com

Audio Troubleshooting Guide

Frequently asked questions about Kanto's YU2 speakers.

1. None of the lights on the front panel are illuminated.

• Make sure the power cable is connected to the speaker and power outlet.
• Ensure that the power outlet is providing power.
• Verify that the power switch on the rear of the speaker is in the "On" position.

2. The light on the front panel is illuminated but there's no audio playing.

• Set the volume of the source to its highest level. Ensure audio source is playing audio.
• Check that the audio cable connected to and from the source is firmly connected. Test another audio cable if available.
• Verify that the volume of the speaker is not at its minimum level. Turn the volume up using the knob on the rear of the speakers.

3. Audio is only playing through one speaker

• Reconnect the speaker wire between the active speaker and passive speaker and ensure the ends of the speaker wire are fastened securely through the binding posts.
• Check that the audio cable connected to and from the source is firmly seated. Try a different cable or source to isolate the issue.
• Ensure that the balance setting on the source is centered. Some sources may not have an adjustable balance setting.
• If using the USB input switch the audio output of your source may not have an adjustable balance setting.

4. You are experiencing poor audio quality

• Set the volume of the source to its highest level. Low source volume can negatively affect dynamic range.
• Verify that the speaker wire is connected to the same color terminals on the active speaker and passive speaker.
• Ensure that the rear of the speaker is spaced away from the wall by at least 8 inches, allowing the rear port function to be left unimpeded.
• Test a different song or source to isolate the issue.

5. You are experiencing buzzing, hissing or distortion

• Verify if the noise is coming from the source by removing all sources from the speakers.
• Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.
• Check that the audio cable connected to and from the source is firmly seated. Try a different cable or source to isolate the issue.

6. There's no audio coming from an attached subwoofer.

• Check that the RCA cable connected to and from the subwoofer is firmly seated. Try a different cable or source to isolate the issue.
• Make sure the subwoofer is connected to a power outlet and is set to "On" or "Auto".

Specifications

YU2 POWERED SPEAKER SYSTEM

NOTICE: This appliance is labeled in accordance with European Directive 2002/96/ EC concerning waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This label indicates that this product should not be disposed of with household waste. It should be deposited at an appropriate facility to enable recovery and recycling.

Documents / Resources

References

• Kanto Audio | Immerse Yourself in Sound

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