Desktop audio became a huge category during the pandemic and whilst the vast majority of workers returned to their offices, there are still a sizable number of people who transitioned to the home office for good.
Many of those people watch TV, listen to music, and consume news and sports programming at their desk which created the demand for active loudspeaker systems that offer a great listening experience but also don’t dominate the desktop.
Audioengine and Kanto Audio are two loudspeaker manufacturers with a strong focus on that type of customer who is looking for performance and value.
The new Kanto Audio ORA powered speaker system are designed for both the home office and even the student looking for a wireless loudspeaker system for their dorm room.
ORA Features
In the ORA speaker system, there are separate amplifiers provided for the woofers/tweeters. All of the connections and amplifiers are housed in the primary (right channel) speaker. A cable is provided that connects to the secondary passive (left channel) speaker so that audio signals and amplifier power are passed from the primary speaker to the passive speaker.
Each of the speakers is magnetically shielded and incorporates a 3-inch paper cone woofer and ¾-inch silk-dome Waveguide-mounted Tweeter.
The ORA includes wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, as well as a wired analog Line-in for connection of turntables (depending on the turntable model may require an external phono preamp), network streamers, CD players, and more.
A USB-C input is also provided for connecting iPhone 15, Android devices, Digital Audio Players, PC, Mac, and more.
Tip: Through the USB-C input, the ORA can accept hi-res audio, up to and including 24-bit / 96kHz.
The Kanto Audio ORA also includes a subwoofer output, with a built-in automatic crossover at 100Hz. This means when a subwoofer is connected, frequencies above 100Hz are directed to the main speakers, but the frequencies at 100Hz and below are directed to the connected subwoofer. This provides smooth integration with a powered subwoofer — such as the Kanto Audio SUB8 ($199).
At 3.9 inches wide, 6.9 inches high, and 5.6 inches deep, the Kanto ORA is suitable for desktop use. ORA can also be used with the dedicated Kanto Audio S2, SE2, or SP9 speaker stands (sold separately) or can be wall-mounted.
From Brett Smalley, Kanto Audio: “With ORA, listeners don’t have to compromise on enjoying exceptional audio quality just because they have a limited amount of space. ORA is accurate enough to serve as a great desktop speaker for gaming, whilst delivering an image and soundstage that satisfies both audiophiles and music enthusiasts.”
Specifications
- Speaker Design: Compact Two-way Bass Reflex
- Tweeter: 3/4-inch Silk Dome
- Woofer: 3-inch Paper Cone (Magnetically Shielded)
- Amplifier Type: Class D Bi-amplified
- Power Output (System): 50W RMS (100W Peak Power)
- Power Output (Per Tweeter): 9W RMS
- Power Output (Per Woofer): 16W RMS
- Frequency Response: 70Hz – 22kHz
- High/Low-Pass Filter (Crossover): 100Hz (Automatic)
- Inputs: 1 x RCA Line-level, 1 x USB-C (24-Bit / 96kHz), 1 x Bluetooth 5.0
- Outputs: 1 x Sub-out
- Speaker Terminals: 4-pin Connector (connects powered speaker to passive speaker)
- Rear Mounting Hole: 1/4-inch -20
- Input Voltage / Frequency: AC 100V – 240V (50/60Hz)
- Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5W
- Dimensions (WDH – Each Speaker): 3.9 x 5.6 x 6.9-inches (10 x 14.1 x 17.5cm)
- Weight (Each Speaker): 2.2lb / 1kg
Availability and Pricing
The Kanto Audio ORA Desktop Speaker system is available for $349 at Amazon or Amazon.ca. Optional stands are $29.99 at Amazon for the SE2, or $69.99 at Amazon for the SP9.
Tip: ORA system purchasers will receive a FREE 60-day trial to Qobuz.
For more information: kantoaudio.com
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