Canadian audio brand Kanto has launched the Obi3, a new belt-drive turntable designed to complement various Kanto Audio speakers. The Obi3 features a built-in phono preamp, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and a minimalist design, marking a fresh direction for Kanto in Hi-Fi audio suitable for modern listeners.
Great Sound Coupled with Simplicity
The Obi3 promises smooth and balanced sound, blending traditional vinyl’s qualities with ease of use. It can connect wirelessly to powered speakers or through RCA outputs to existing systems, making it versatile for different settings. Brett Smalley, Kanto’s Marketing Director, highlights that Obi3 is the first in a new series of turntables aimed at celebrating analog joy and simplicity.
At its core, the Obi3 has a belt-drive system for precise playback, featuring a pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge for clear audio. The turntable includes a weighted aluminum platter and wood plinth for stability, along with an aluminum J-shaped tonearm for accuracy. It offers pitch control and plays at 33⅓ and 45 RPM speeds.
Analog Joy Meets Wireless Simplicity
“Obi3 is the first in a series of turntables that we will release,” said Brett Smalley, Marketing Director at Kanto Audio.
“Obi3 represents a new design language for Kanto, one that celebrates the tactile joy of analog and the simplicity of our speaker range. Together they make a great system.”
With Bluetooth 5.3, users can easily connect to wireless speakers or headphones. For traditionalists, the integrated phono preamp and RCA output maintain the analog signal integrity, allowing it to work with classic hi-fi setups. The Obi3 comes in Black, White, and Green, designed to fit well into various home styles with its compact size.
Availability and Price
The Obi3 is priced at $199 / £179 and launches in November 2025. This launch is the first step in Kanto’s ambition to create a new turntable range. Smalley envisions the Obi3 as a foundation for appealing to a new generation that appreciates vinyl as a ritual.
