Kanto Obi3 G2 Gets Serious About Entry-Level Vinyl

The Canadian brand introduced its first turntable, the Obi3, late last year, combining a belt-drive mechanism with Bluetooth, an onboard phono stage and the familiar Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge. As StereoNET reported at the time, it was deliberately positioned as an approachable partner for Kanto's powered loudspeakers. Obi3 G2 keeps that basic formula but addresses several of the limitations of the original deck.

Most significantly, Kanto has added a speed sensor that monitors the platter directly and continuously corrects rotation during playback. The company says this provides more consistent pitch rather than relying solely on the motor maintaining its set speed. Electronic switching covers 33⅓ and 45rpm, while the existing ±10% pitch adjustment remains.

The tonearm has also become considerably less hands-off. Where the first Obi3 used a fixed counterweight and internally set anti-skate, the second-generation model gains adjustable versions of both, allowing owners to balance the aluminium J-shaped arm and set tracking force themselves. A manual cueing lever is retained, while cue-activated start and automatic stop have now been added.

That moves the Obi3 G2 slightly closer to a conventional enthusiast turntable while retaining the convenience features aimed at first-time vinyl buyers.

The pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L moving-magnet cartridge carries over, as does an RCA output with a switchable internal phono preamplifier. Bluetooth 5.3 is also retained, allowing the turntable to send audio directly to compatible wireless speakers or headphones.

Kanto has beefed up the physical platform at the same time. The weighted aluminium platter now sits on a solid engineered-wood plinth, with overall weight climbing from 3.9kg for the original Obi3 to 5.5kg for Gen 2. The new model is also slightly larger at 43.2 x 36.3 x 12.4cm, compared with 40 x 35.5 x 9.4cm previously. Kanto says the additional mass and rigidity are intended to reduce unwanted vibration reaching the groove.

Visually, the familiar minimalist Kanto treatment remains, although the colour palette expands beyond the original Black, White and Green options. Obi3 G2 will also be offered in Ice Blue and Walnut, with a dust cover, slip mat, 45rpm adaptor, counterweight, RCA cable and ground cable included.

Kanto is also launching a collection of vinyl accessories alongside the turntable, including a setup and alignment kit, carbon-fibre record and stylus brush, gel cleaning kit, anti-static acrylic and cork/rubber platter mats, and inner and outer record sleeves.

It is an unusually quick follow-up considering the original Obi3 only reached the market late last year. More importantly, most of the changes target the areas where an inexpensive lifestyle turntable typically gives away ground to more traditional hi-fi designs. Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate in particular give owners somewhere to go beyond simply taking the deck out of the box and pressing play.

The Kanto Obi3 G2 is priced at US$249.99 | CA$269.99 | £179.99 | €199.99 | A$349.99 with international availability expected from early September.