If you want better Bluetooth codec support
Choose Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers. It scores 4.3 vs 2.5 for Bluetooth codec support, with a 4.1 overall score.
Kanto REN Speakers Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Kanto REN if you want stylish powered stereo speakers with HDMI ARC, strong imaging, easy setup, and flexible inputs. Skip them if you need Wi-Fi, surround/Atmos, maximum SPL, or deep bass without a subwoofer.
Best for
Best for TV and music listeners who want a compact powered stereo pair with HDMI ARC, strong imaging, simple setup, and flexible wired inputs. It especially suits people upgrading from TV speakers or a conventional soundbar without building a separate amp-and-speaker system.
Not for
Not for buyers who need Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay/Chromecast, surround/Atmos expansion, or the deepest bass without adding a subwoofer. It also may not satisfy listeners who need maximum SPL in a large room.
Verdict
Reviewers largely frame the Kanto REN as a polished powered stereo system that makes the most sense as a soundbar alternative. It earns repeated praise for balanced tonality, real stereo imaging, broad wired connectivity, HDMI ARC convenience, attractive matte finishes, and simple setup. The main tradeoff is bass and output headroom: several reviewers found the low end satisfying for size and room-friendly use, but the speakers sound more dynamic, cleaner, and more authoritative with a subwoofer, and port chuffing or boomy bass can appear when pushed or placed poorly. Remote feedback is also mixed, with strong functionality offset by chunkiness or slow response. Overall, the evidence points to a stylish, flexible, high-value TV/music system rather than a full surround or room-shaking solution.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
34 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.08 (24%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.422 (65%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.44 (12%)
Pros highlights
-
Reviewers strongly praised the physical input selection, noting broad wired connectivity across TV, computer, analog, optical, and other sources.
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Design was one of the clearest positives, with reviewers repeatedly calling the speakers stylish, modern, handsome, or well-finished.
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Most reviewers described the tuning as balanced, neutral, smooth, or enjoyable, with occasional caveats around bass shape and treble character.
-
Subwoofer integration was repeatedly praised; reviewers said a sub added authority, dynamics, cleaner mids, or better bass control.
-
Setup was widely considered simple, plug-and-play, and app-free, though placement and a few poorly documented features added mild friction.
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Remote feedback was mostly positive for layout, controls, and feel, but several reviewers found it chunky or occasionally slow.
Cons highlights
-
High-volume behavior was mixed: some heard clean, strain-free playback, while Audioholics and its video discussion flagged port chuffing/overload when pushed hard.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Bookshelf Speakers, this product is above average in HDMI ARC, Smart features, Remote control usability and quality, near average in Wired audio connectivity, Subwoofer performance, below average in Bluetooth codec support, Distortion at high volume, Cabinet construction / bracing.
Comparison summary
31 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher5 (16%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts18 (58%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower8 (26%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth codec support | 2.5 | 3.9 | -1.4 |
| HDMI ARC | 4.6 | 3.6 | +1.0 |
| Smart features | 4.5 | 3.7 | +0.8 |
| Remote control usability and quality | 4.0 | 3.3 | +0.7 |
| Status indicators | 4.0 | 3.2 | +0.8 |
| Distortion at high volume | 3.4 | 3.9 | -0.6 |
| Cabinet construction / bracing | 4.0 | 4.5 | -0.5 |
| Physical control responsiveness | 4.0 | 3.5 | +0.5 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Distortion at high volume
Choose KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered Bookshelf Speakers. It scores 4.6 vs 3.4 for Distortion at high volume, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Loudness / maximum volume
Choose KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speakers. It scores 4.2 vs 3.8 for Loudness / maximum volume, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better On-device controls
Choose KEF Coda W. It scores 4.3 vs 2.8 for On-device controls, with a 4.4 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Cheaper: price and specs The reviewer says REN is pricier than the similarly specced Fluance Ri71.
Fluance Ai41 system
- Worse: A/B sound comparison The reviewer says the Fluance Ai41 system lost decisively in A/B comparisons.
Fluance Ri71 speakers
- Alternative: powered speaker alternative The reviewer presents the Fluance Ri71 speakers as a solid competing option.
FAQ
Is the Kanto REN a good soundbar replacement?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly described REN as a strong or even superior soundbar alternative because HDMI ARC, real stereo separation, and wider speaker spacing improve TV and movie presentation.
Does the Kanto REN need a subwoofer?
It does not strictly need one for smaller spaces or moderate listening, but many reviewers said a subwoofer makes the system sound more authoritative, dynamic, and clean.
How is the Kanto REN for dialogue?
Dialogue performance was praised. Reviewers reported clear narration, strong center placement, and useful vocal-boost behavior for TV viewing.
How loud can the Kanto REN get?
The evidence is mixed. Reviewers found it loud enough for typical use, but several wanted more output or said it is not a room-shaking system without a subwoofer.
Are the inputs good?
Yes. Reviewers strongly praised the input selection, especially HDMI ARC, optical, USB-C audio, RCA, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth, and the subwoofer output.
What are the main drawbacks?
The recurring drawbacks are bass limits without a subwoofer, occasional port noise or boomy bass when pushed or poorly placed, no Wi-Fi/AirPlay/Chromecast evidence, and some remote-control quirks.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 4.1
Article Reviews
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 4.1
techradar.com
- Review score
- 4.5
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