Kanto's new budget-friendly turntable has a few smart features to make it
easy for novices to use, and it's lovely and compact too

Date:
Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:41:04 +0000

Description:
Kanto Audio has unveiled the Obi3 Gen 2, a new affordable turntable that's designed with some entry-level considerations in mind.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Kanto Audio launches Obi3 Gen 2 turntable Follows on from October 2025 previous model Has speed sensor, user-friendly manual arm, automatic size sensing Canadian hi-fi brand Kanto Audio has just unveiled a second-gen model of a turntable it originally unveiled in October 2025 ; now the Obi3 Gen 2 is here, and it's another low-cost record player with a few considerations for novice vinyl owners.

Selling for $249.99 / 179.99 (about AU$360), the Obi3 Gen 2 undercuts our favorite budget turntable: the Sony PS-LX310BT , at least in the US (it matches elsewhere). And given that the rest of our best turntables recommendations cost much more, it's clearly a great pick for first-time buyers who want an affordable deck. Looking at the Obi3 Gen 2, you can see why. It's fairly small, taking up a 43.2 x 36cm footprint, without
unnecessary extra bells and whistles to hog space. Unless you're moving house and can set up your turntable first , hi-fi space can be a privilege, and so smaller units are great for people who haven't already earmarked shelf space for the device. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

But I've tested a few budget turntables in my day, and there are a few other useful tools on the Kanto which should appeal to the newcomer and veteran alike... Get into the groove (Image credit: Kanto Audio) The Kanto Audio Obi3 Gen 2 has a built-in speed sensor, which monitors how fast the turntable platter is rotating and makes adjustments if the motor is running too fast or slow. It means you won't have your music accidentally changing pitch if the motor plays up. This also doubles as a speed selector, so you don't need to flick a dial or press a button if you switch between 33 1/3 or 45 RPM
records. You may like Looking for a decent turntable deal this Prime Day? Fluance's affordable deck just got even cheaper, for 12 hours only run! Sony's PS-LX5BT is a great entry-level turntable for beginners especially
now it's on sale Sony PS-LX3BT review: a competent entry-level turntable with a major price problem

Unlike most other budget turntables I've used, the Kanto is a manual turntable, so you don't have to rely on simply pressing a 'play' button to
get your music running. However the arm has an adjustable counterweight, anti-skate design and reference marks, so you can experiment with the complexities of manual without it being too complicated.

The stylus is an Audio-Technica AT3600L, which is pretty common for this kind of record player, and it has auto-stop technology for when your record is over. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The Kanto connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, or cabled using RCA. The company, of course, recommends using its own speakers (like the 5-star Kanto Ren , for example?) the Obi3 Gen 2 will connect to a range of devices.

You can buy the Obi3 Gen 2 in black, white, green, ice blue or walnut models, the second and third of which you can see pictured. Kanto is also selling it alongside a range of accessory kits like the TT-GKIT, a gel cleaning kit for your record and stylus, and the TT-SB, a cleaning brush for the same kit. The best turntables for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing
and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best turntables 1. Best overall: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo 2. Best cheap beginner deck: House of Marley Revolution 3. Best budget Bluetooth deck: Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT 4. Best premium Bluetooth deck: Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/turntables/kantos-new-budget-friendly-turntabl e-has-a-few-smart-features-to-make-it-easy-for-novices-to-use-and-its-lovely-a nd-compact-too


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