Compare Kanto REN Speakers vs Edifier S880DB MKII

Kanto REN Speakers

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

5 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

HDMI ARC is missing, and that repeatedly comes up as a convenience loss for TV-centered setups. Optical is the main workaround.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

The USB-C audio input does not provide 5V power for peripherals, a missed convenience for desk setups where spare powered USB ports are valuable.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

9 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The rechargeable touch puck is the most consistent usability complaint: gestures can misfire, volume changes can trigger other commands, and wake-up can lag. A few reviewers still liked the concept or found it workable when used slowly.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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.

6 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Compact cabinets still get very loud, with enough output for small rooms and more than enough at a desk. Volume capability is a clear strength.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

Built-in amplification is a major convenience: the system works without a separate amp, reducing both setup complexity and additional cost.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

The long inter-speaker cable gives enough reach for wide placement, including either side of a large TV. It offers useful placement flexibility even though the cable itself is bulky.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

The small OLED display is consistently well liked because it clearly shows source, volume, or mode without becoming distracting. Auto-dimming and subtle presentation suit both desks and living rooms.

10 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

3 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Cabinets feel solid, weighty, and well finished, with construction quality that supports the premium impression. One sample had a small finish-adhesion flaw, but that was the exception.

10 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

4 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Playback stays clean through normal listening levels. One test reported no distortion at all, while another heard only a hint of clipping near maximum volume.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

10 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The dedicated sub output is widely praised and makes it easy to add deeper low-end weight. The speakers have useful bass on their own, but a sub is the better route for true deep-bass effects.

8 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

11 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Connectivity is one of the clearest strengths, with USB-C, optical, coaxial, and RCA options covering desktops, TVs, streamers, and other sources. The speakers are unusually flexible for a compact active pair.

15 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

The presentation is praised for staying integrated and coherent, with bass, mids, and upper detail blending naturally rather than feeling disjointed.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

Optical input works well as the practical TV connection, delivering clear dialogue and solid bass without needing an AV receiver.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

4 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Fine detail is a standout strength, with cymbals, guitars, vocals, and layered mixes coming through cleanly and distinctly. Near-field listening especially highlights the resolution.

10 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

11 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The default balance is generally neutral and easy to live with, and Monitor mode is a frequent favorite. Some presets push bass and treble too far, while room placement can also shift the balance.

11 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

3 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The pair is not especially tiny or lightweight, but it remains manageable enough to move between setups. Very cramped desks may still find the size more substantial than expected.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

6 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The speakers handle dynamic swings and punch surprisingly well for their size, including movies and energetic records. Classical material can expose some limits in large-scale dynamic range.

4 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

5 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Full retail pricing feels premium and divided opinion, especially beside cheaper Edifier alternatives. Sale and street prices around the lower end of the range make the package much more compelling.

8 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

5 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

They work well as compact TV or movie speakers, with strong dialogue and useful optical connectivity. They are less convincing as a complete soundbar replacement when HDMI ARC, very deep bass, or a wider cinematic spread matters.

6 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

LDAC support is a major wireless-audio plus and is repeatedly praised. The tradeoff is no aptX family support, while iPhone users fall back to SBC.

7 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

2 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Touch-control responsiveness is a recurring weakness. Wake delays, late reactions, and accidental commands can turn simple adjustments into repeated attempts.

5 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

The physical volume, bass, and treble knobs feel precise and useful, and they provide a welcome escape from the touch remote. Their rear placement can make daily access awkward.

7 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

4 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The app can be useful for EQ and source control, but several reviewers found its smart features limited or unnecessary. Native streaming integrations are also sparse.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

Bluetooth stability is excellent in the tested setups, with rock-solid pairing and no reported connection dropouts.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

Sound tailoring is unusually flexible through rear tone controls, presets, and the ConneX app's custom EQ. Monitor is often preferred, while Classic or Dynamic can sound overcooked to some listeners.

12 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

3 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Vocals are often clear, lively, and forward, but placement and tuning matter. A few takes found central voices restrained, dry, or slightly muffled until the speakers were adjusted.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

High-resolution playback over USB and digital inputs is treated as a real strength for buyers who want better-quality source files without adding another DAC.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

2 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Low-volume listening remains clear and satisfying, making the pair well suited to near-field desks and quiet background sessions.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

4 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

For TV and movies, dialogue comes through crisp and easy to follow. The speakers can push speech forward convincingly even in a simple two-channel setup.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

8 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Stereo imaging is usually precise and spacious, especially near field, with instruments and vocals easy to place. The main limitation is that some TV material can feel less expansive than ideal.

7 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

9 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Setup is usually plug-and-play: connect the speakers, power them, choose a source, and start listening. One reviewer found the channel-identification instructions unclear, but the overall process is considered easy.

7 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

7 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

Value is strong when discounted, where the sound, build, and connectivity can compete well above the price. At full MSRP, the cheaper MR5 and other alternatives make the value case less automatic.

15 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

10 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The design earns near-universal praise for looking more like compact hi-fi than ordinary computer speakers. Curved details, wood accents, and a premium two-tone look help them fit comfortably in visible living spaces.

15 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

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

6 supporting reviews

Edifier S880DB MKII

The two-tone finishes are a major visual strength, especially the wood-look side panels paired with white or dark surfaces. Fit and finish generally feel premium, with only one minor finish-quality complaint.

13 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Native AirPlay is absent, which is a meaningful drawback for buyers who want Apple-centric network streaming.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

The remote's energy-saving behavior can delay the first command after it wakes, adding friction to otherwise simple adjustments.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

The proprietary inter-speaker cable is repeatedly described as chunky or unwieldy. It works, but it is the least graceful part of an otherwise tidy compact setup.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Edifier customer service responded quickly and thoroughly to a channel-setup question, resolving unclear documentation with a helpful explanation.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Metal protection over the tweeters is a practical strength, reducing the risk of damage from fingers or accidental contact without hiding the drivers.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

There is no headphone output, which reduces convenience for desktop users who want to switch quickly from speakers to private listening.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

The box includes a generous set of useful cables, and multiple reviewers appreciated not having to immediately buy basic connection accessories.

3 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Bluetooth latency was described as barely noticeable in computer use, making wireless playback feel responsive for timing-sensitive desktop use.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

There is no RGB or flashy lighting, so buyers looking for a gaming-style visual show may find the design too restrained.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Build, styling, connectivity, and sound combine into a highly capable compact system that earns enthusiastic recommendations. The touch remote is the clearest flaw keeping the overall experience from feeling as polished as the hardware.

16 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Packaging is sturdy and protective, including well-packed or double-boxed treatment that inspires confidence before setup.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Even a scratched, dusty vintage record remained highly enjoyable, suggesting the speakers can stay musical without making every source flaw dominate the experience.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

The compact footprint and strong output make these especially good for desktops, offices, and small to medium rooms. Only very tight desk spaces may find them a bit larger than ideal.

14 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Bass opinion depends heavily on room, placement, and expectations: many found it surprisingly deep, punchy, and controlled for the size, while others heard limited low-end extension or boom near walls. The sub output neatly addresses the deepest-bass gap.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Gaming use benefits from punchy sound and very low perceived Bluetooth latency. The compact footprint also suits a gaming or creative desk.

2 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Midrange is usually clean, natural, and informative, with vocals often pushed pleasantly forward. Some listeners wanted more thrust, openness, or expressiveness, so the tuning is not universally lush.

10 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Overall sound quality is the product's strongest consensus point: clean, detailed, balanced, and surprisingly full for compact active speakers. Bass depth, upper-air, and vocal character draw some criticism, but the broad sonic verdict remains very positive.

16 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

There is no internal phono stage, so a turntable needs its own phono preamp or an external one. That omission limits the otherwise broad all-in-one appeal.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

One movie-focused test found the stage too contained vertically and laterally, with less sense of sound spreading toward the room boundaries than desired.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Kanto REN Speakers

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

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Edifier S880DB MKII

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Treble is usually clear, smooth, and detailed without becoming fatiguing. A few listeners wanted more air or heard some edge at the extremes, but harshness is not the dominant character.

12 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Bluetooth pairing is consistently simple and quick, with devices finding the speakers easily. Wireless setup is one of the least troublesome parts of daily use.

5 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Music performance is a core strength across rock, pop, jazz, electronic, and record playback. The pair is detailed, engaging, and versatile enough to move between casual listening and more focused near-field sessions.

15 supporting reviews

Kanto REN Speakers

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Edifier S880DB MKII

Native Spotify Connect is not supported, so Spotify users must rely on another playback path rather than direct service integration.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence