Compare Kanto REN Speakers vs Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Bluetooth codec support drew a caveat because the reviewer wished for higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs.

Bluetooth codec support was praised for aptX HD/AAC quality, although some reviewers noted rivals or other codecs can offer different advantages.

The optical input earned positive practical feedback when used with older gear.

The missing optical input was one of the most repeated connectivity complaints, especially for older TVs, PCs, and comparison with related models.

Smart convenience features such as modes, auto behavior, and sub controls were praised as practical and uncommon for the class.

Smart-feature evidence was limited and mixed: reviewers disliked the lack of phone/app control, while one appreciated that no app was required.

On-device controls drew a limitation because the front control is useful but not very versatile without the remote.

On-device controls were divisive: some found the top/rear volume control substantial and accessible, while others disliked its placement, speed, or learning curve.

Reviewers strongly praised the physical input selection, noting broad wired connectivity across TV, computer, analog, optical, and other sources.

Wired-input evidence was mixed: RCA/HDMI flexibility helped, but limited USB, optical, and broader digital input options were recurring drawbacks.

HDMI ARC was one of REN’s most praised features because it made TV integration easy and positioned the system as a soundbar alternative.

HDMI ARC was praised as a major TV-use convenience, but evidence was mixed because some reviewers encountered picky behavior or low output.

The front knob was described as tactile and easy to use, though most deeper control still depends on the remote.

Button and knob response was split: one reviewer praised clicky positive remote buttons, while another disliked the feel and speed of the volume control.

Design was one of the clearest positives, with reviewers repeatedly calling the speakers stylish, modern, handsome, or well-finished.

Design reactions were mixed-positive: several liked the attractive, functional look, while others called the finish old-fashioned or not visually subtle.

Setup was widely considered simple, plug-and-play, and app-free, though placement and a few poorly documented features added mild friction.

Setup was consistently described as easy, straightforward, plug-and-play, dead simple, or hassle-free.

Low-volume/night-mode performance was viewed as useful, with one reviewer praising its handling of dynamics at neighbor-friendly levels.

Low-volume evidence was positive, noting retained body, presence, and detail in quieter listening or scenes.

The amplifier power was judged sufficient for speakers of this type.

Reviewers who discussed power felt the built-in amplification saved space and provided enough drive for the Ri71’s intended small-to-medium-room use.

Audio format support was acceptable but not unlimited, with 24/96 described as a reasonable ceiling for most listeners.

The only opinionated format evidence says the simple stereo format should sound natural with most content rather than chase surround formats.

Reviewers saw the price as competitive for the performance, but not universally cheap, especially once stands or a subwoofer are added.

Price evidence was strongly favorable overall, with reviewers calling the Ri71 affordable, competitive, or a bargain, though one said it was not a steal.

Reviewers found REN loud enough for typical small-to-medium-room use, but several wanted more maximum output or said it opened up with a subwoofer.

Loudness was considered sufficient for small-to-medium rooms and TV use, though reviewers cautioned against expecting party-speaker output.

High-volume behavior was mixed: some heard clean, strain-free playback, while Audioholics and its video discussion flagged port chuffing/overload when pushed hard.

Most reviewers found the Ri71 clean at normal-to-loud levels, but several noted honkiness, edge, harshness, or limits when pushed very hard.

Status indicator control was praised mainly because the LED brightness can be reduced or turned off.

Status indicator evidence was mixed-positive: dimming and shutoff were appreciated, but one reviewer found the LED much too bright.

Vocal rendering was praised for clarity, presence, and bite across music and TV-focused listening.

Voice clarity was praised in music and vocal-centric content, with vocals described as natural, clear, centered, and detailed.

The included inter-speaker cable/spacing flexibility was praised for enabling a wider soundstage.

Inter-speaker setup evidence was mixed: standard wire and channel swapping were useful, but raw-wire handling drew criticism.

Finish and color choices were praised often, especially the matte finishes and multiple color options, with minor caveats about scuffs or color preference.

Reviewers generally liked the finish choices and living-room fit, especially walnut, though a few found the styling dated or visually specific.

Home-theater use was strongly supported by reviewers who called REN a compelling soundbar replacement and TV upgrade.

Reviewers broadly supported the Ri71 as a TV/soundbar alternative, while still treating it as stereo enhancement rather than full surround home theater.

Bluetooth stability was praised in direct use, with no dropouts reported by the reviewer.

Bluetooth pairing and everyday wireless use were described as easy, reliable, or effortless across the supporting reviews.

Build and cabinet feedback ranged from premium and tank-like to a request for beefier cabinet bracing.

Cabinet build was mostly praised as solid, dense, sturdy, or better than expected, with one reviewer calling the class-average construction less substantive.

One reviewer highlighted a unified, coherent presentation that kept details tied into the overall musical picture.

Reviewers described the Ri71 as musically confident, cohesive, polished, and engaging, while one Bluetooth rock comparison produced a more mixed result.

EQ customization was viewed positively because the remote gives granular bass and treble control.

Bass/treble tone controls were viewed as useful for tailoring sound, though some reviewers found the adjustment system basic or rudimentary.

Dynamic performance was generally praised, especially when a subwoofer relieved bass demands, though headroom is not unlimited.

Dynamic range was generally praised as solid or very good for the class, especially within reasonable room size and volume expectations.

Value was a repeated strength, with reviewers saying REN delivers a strong sound/features/aesthetics mix for the money.

Value evidence was very strong overall, with reviewers repeatedly saying performance, features, and sound quality punch above the price, despite connectivity tradeoffs.

A few reviewers found the speakers easy to move or manage physically, with weight seen as practical rather than burdensome.

Reviewers who discussed size and weight found the speakers manageable for desks, stands, shelves, TV consoles, or ordinary living spaces.

Detail retrieval was a strength across music reviews, especially in vocals, midrange, and fine recording cues.

Detail retrieval was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly praising AMT treble clarity, nuance, texture, and high-frequency insight.

Most reviewers described the tuning as balanced, neutral, smooth, or enjoyable, with occasional caveats around bass shape and treble character.

Frequency balance was widely described as neutral, well-balanced, controlled, and suited to many genres, with only minor caveats around bass or midrange voicing.

Stereo imaging was a consistent strength, with reviewers praising real separation, centered voices, and a well-controlled soundstage versus soundbars.

Stereo imaging was repeatedly praised, with reviewers noting centered vocals, wide soundstage, precise placement, and convincing left-right motion.

TV dialogue and narration were consistently easy to follow, helped by clear center placement and the vocal-focused mode in some setups.

TV dialogue evidence was consistently positive, with speech described as centered, clear, intelligible, and easy to follow.

Subwoofer integration was repeatedly praised; reviewers said a sub added authority, dynamics, cleaner mids, or better bass control.

Subwoofer support was considered valuable, both for deeper bass and for relieving the speakers of low-frequency strain.

Remote feedback was mostly positive for layout, controls, and feel, but several reviewers found it chunky or occasionally slow.

Remote usability was mostly praised as handy and useful for daily control, but one reviewer found the mirrored bass/treble layout unintuitive.

The optical legacy input was valued as a useful way to connect older devices.

One measured/listening review praised wide, even coverage, supporting a broad listening area rather than a tiny sweet spot.

The USB charging output was treated as genuinely useful for keeping small devices powered.

One reviewer specifically praised perceived soundstage height along with stereo separation.

REN is a stereo system, so it lacks the surround/Atmos options some soundbars can provide.