Kanto Audio Just Gave Its Affordable Turntable a True Hi-Fi Upgrade

Kanto Audio is a Canadian hi-fi brand that’s best known for its popular powered speaker systems. In fact, just this spring, the company rolled out second-generation versions of its Yu4, Yu6, and Tuk ranges, as well as introduced a new flagship powered speaker system named the Tuk Grand. The powered speakers range from $450 to $1,000. 

Last year, in October 2025, the company made waves by introducing its first-ever turntable: the Obi3. It’s an entry-level belt-drive turntable with a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth, allowing it to work with wired and hi-fi wireless systems. It costs just $200.

Now, less than a year later, Kanto Audio is introducing the successor.

Kanto Audio Obi3 (Gen 2)

Kanto Audio

Naturally, the Obi3 (Gen 2) doesn’t mess too much with success and shares a lot in common with the original Obi3 (which the company seems to be phasing out).

It’s still a manual belt-drive turntable with a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to use it with a wide range of wired and wireless systems. 

Kanto Audio

Additionally, it comes preinstalled with the same moving-magnet cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600L. And it features the same aluminum J-shaped tonearm. And like its predecessor, Kanto Audio is offering its newest turntables in several different finishes: black, white, green, ice blue, and walnut.

Kanto Audio

The “Gen 2” upgrades

So, what’s new? There are three notable things.

First, the Obi3 (Gen 2) still has a weighted aluminum platter and an engineered wood plinth, but it has a significantly heavier build to better eliminate unwanted vibrations. For context, the Obi3 weighs 8.6 pounds while the Obi3 (Gen 2) weighs 12.1 pounds.

Kanto Audio

Second, the Obi3 (Gen 2) has a built-in speed sensor on the platter. This is designed to measure actual rotation and correct the speed continuously as the record plays. Essentially, the turntable promises even more accurate playback than its predecessor.

And finally, Kanto Audio added an auto-stop feature to the Obi3 (Gen 2), which halts the platter at the end of the record to help protect the stylus (and the vinyl). It’s a convenient addition for inexperienced vinyl listeners who may forget to turn off the turntable.

Kanto Audio

“We wanted the 2nd gen of Obi3 to feel like a high-end turntable at an entry-level price,” explains Brett Smalley, Director of Marketing, Kanto Audio. “One you can set up, adjust and grow into.”

Additionally, Kanto Audio is launching a suite of accessories that can be bought separately from the Obi3 (Gen 2). This includes various platter mats and cover sleeves, as well as cartridge alignment and clean kits.

Kanto Audio

Price and availability

As you probably expected, Kanto Audio didn’t make its second-generation turntable any cheaper. It costs $250, which is a $50 price hike compared to the original model. 

The Kanto Audio Obi3 (Gen 2) is available now. The full range of Kanto’s turntable accessories is available now, too.

Kanto Audio

Kanto Audio Obi3 (Gen 2)

The Obi3 (Gen 2) is an upgraded version of the Obi3 turntable that was released less than a year before. Like its predecessor, the Gen 2 model is a manual belt-drive turntable with a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth. It also comes with the same Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and an aluminum J-shaped tonearm. However, the new turntable has a more premium build (and four pounds heavier) and features a built-in speed sensor for accurate playback. At $250, it’s $50 more expensive than the first-gen Obi3.

• $250 at Kanto Audio

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