Kanto Ren Powered Bookshelf Speakers – First Look
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All Image Credit: Kanto Audio
Operating out of Metro Vancouver, BC, Kanto Audio has been designing and manufacturing audio products since 2007. The Kanto Ren is their latest powered bookshelf addition to their speaker range. It arrives in five colors; Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Grey, Matte Orange and Matte Blue, all with black magnetic grills.
The powered Ren combines the simplicity of a soundbar with the accuracy of a DSP-controlled stereo system seamlessly integrating with modern TV systems via HDMI ARC. It supports two sound modes for improving low-level dialog and reducing bass for late night listening. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 for smart home devices, optical for WiFi network streamers, USB-C for desktop use, and analog inputs for everything else. It supports 24 bit/192KHz for Hi-Res audio and provides a defeatable 80Hz low pass filtered subwoofer output for those that want more bass.
The main speaker supports all the Class D amplification and processing etc. for both speakers and uses the supplied speaker cable to connect it to the passive secondary speaker. Left/right reversal is available if required. Each bass reflex speaker includes a 1″ silk dome tweeter and 5.25″ aluminum concave cone loaded with a rear port. Power is said to be 100watts and passive crossovers are used.
Inputs include; HDMI ARC with CEC for easy TV integration, USB-C for your PC or Mac, Bluetooth 5.3, stereo analog RCA and 3.5mm mini jack plus a SPDIF optical connector. There is even a USB charging port.
Control is via the supplied infra-red remote. It offers; input selection, volume control, left/right channel swap, disable auto-power up and down, dim the LED control light, mute the sub, adjust bass and treble plus selection of two DSP controlled listening modes.
Also available in the Kanto range are a selection of matching speaker stands and a subwoofer.
Specifications:
- Rear bass reflex ported design
- Amplifiers: Class D 200 W Peak Power (100 W Total RMS)
- Automatic 80 Hz High/Low-Pass Filter
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 22 kHz
- Drivers (each speaker):
- 1” Silk Dome Tweeter
- 5.25” Aluminum Concave Cone
- Inputs:
- 1 x HDMI ARC with CEC
- 1 x USB-C (24bit/96kHz)
- 1 x Optical (TOSLINK)
- Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC
- 1 x stereo RCA
- 1 x 3.5 mm stereo AUX
- Outputs:
- 1 x RCA Subwoofer
- 1 x USB Charge 5V 1A
- Dimensions (each speaker): 7” W x 8.5” D x 10.9” H (17.8 x 21.5 x 27.7 cm)
- Net Weight (active): 9.9 lb (4.5 kg)
- Net Weight (passive): 8.6 lb (3.9 kg)
- ¼”-20 threaded bottom mounting hole
MSRP:
- US: $599.99
- Available from Amazon US
- UK: £599.00
For more information visit the Kanto web site.
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