Kanto UKI matte blue (set of 2)

Succeeding the YU2, one of Kanto’s best-selling desktop speakers, was no trivial task. The UKI retains its predecessor’s compact format, adds Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C, and does away with angular lines in favor of a softly curved enclosure inspired by handcrafted ceramics. All of this with bi-amplified Class D amplification delivering 100 W peak (50 W RMS) through two drivers per speaker. This is a far cry from generic little PC speakers.

A clamshell enclosure that stands out from the competition

The UKI looks unlike any traditional desktop speaker. Its injection-molded plastic enclosure adopts a two-part clamshell shape, with no sharp edges or right angles. The matte, slightly textured finish, with fine speckles visible depending on the lighting, comes from the fact that Kanto uses partially recycled materials in manufacturing. Each pair has a subtly different appearance.

Five colors are available: Onyx, Chalk, Pumice, Cornflower, and Sage. The dimensions remain very compact: 112 × 110 × 165 mm per speaker, with a weight of 1 kg (active speaker) and 0.9 kg (passive speaker). On a desk, the footprint is minimal.

The drivers, a 19 mm silk dome tweeter and a 76 mm paper-cone woofer, are recessed into the front panel without a protective grille. A rear bass-reflex port completes the acoustic loading. Fingers (and children’s fingers) will need to be kept away from the exposed diaphragms.

Bi-amplification and sound reproduction

Active bi-amplification is the UKI’s most notable technical feature. Each channel has its own Class D amplification stage: 9 W RMS for the tweeter, 16 W RMS for the woofer. This separation allows each driver to receive a filtered and independently amplified signal, which reduces distortion and improves power handling compared with single amplification.

The stated frequency response ranges from 80 Hz to 22 kHz. Bass extension is therefore limited: this is the direct consequence of the compact format and a 76 mm driver. In the mids and highs, reproduction is detailed and airy, with a silk dome tweeter that avoids harshness during long listening sessions. The stereo image, at close range on a desk, proves surprisingly wide for speakers of this size.

One point worth noting: Bluetooth only supports the SBC and AAC codecs. No aptX or LDAC. For the best audio quality, the USB-C connection (16 bits / 48 kHz) remains the preferred choice, especially since it bypasses the computer’s audio converter and feeds the speaker’s built-in DAC directly.

Connectivity and integration with a subwoofer

The UKI offers three inputs: Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connection, USB-C for a digital link with a computer, and a pair of RCA inputs for connecting a turntable (provided it has a built-in phono preamp, as the UKI does not include one). A front LED changes color depending on the active source: blue for Bluetooth, yellow for USB, green for RCA.

The subwoofer output (Sub Out) deserves a closer look. When a subwoofer is connected, the UKI automatically activates a 100 Hz high-pass filter and redirects lower frequencies to the subwoofer. The 76 mm drivers then focus on the mids and highs, which reduces distortion and frees up power. Connection is simple: an RCA cable between the Sub Out output and the subwoofer input is all that is needed, with no manual crossover adjustment required on the speaker side.

A 3.5 mm headphone jack output is also present on the front panel, accessible at all times.

Controls designed for the desktop

The active speaker groups all controls on the front panel around a single rotary knob: a short press changes the source, a long press turns the system on or off, and rotation adjusts the volume. No app, no software, no menu. Setup simply consists of plugging in the power cable, connecting the two speakers with the supplied 4-pin cable (1.8 m), and choosing your source.

The left/right switch on the rear of the active speaker is a practical feature that is all too rare in this category. It allows the main speaker (the one with the volume knob and headphone jack) to be placed on whichever side of the desk is most convenient, whether the power outlet is on the left or the right. The internal DSP processing then automatically corrects the stereo image. No more running cables from one end of the desk to the other.

Mounting and placement

A ¼”-20 threaded insert on the rear of each speaker allows them to be mounted on a wall bracket or on Kanto’s SU2 desktop stands (sold separately). These stands raise and tilt the speakers to aim the tweeters toward the ears, which noticeably improves the soundstage in nearfield listening. Placing the speakers directly on a wooden or glass desk may cause unwanted low-frequency resonances: decoupling, even with the eight supplied rubber feet, is still recommended.

The connection cable between the two speakers measures 1.8 m, which leaves enough room to install them on either side of a screen, or even a moderately sized television.

Technical specifications

Speakers

• Tweeters: 2 × 19 mm (¾”) silk dome
• Woofers: 2 × 76 mm (3”) paper cone

Amplification and audio

• Amplification type: Bi-amped Class D
• Total power: 100 W peak (50 W RMS)
• Power distribution
  • Tweeter: 9 W RMS per channel
  • Woofer: 16 W RMS per channel
• Frequency response: 80 Hz – 22 kHz
• Crossover
  • Automatic active crossover (high-pass / low-pass) at 100 Hz
  • Automatic crossover management for subwoofer

Connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.3
• USB-C (up to 16-bit / 48 kHz)
• RCA analog input (line level)

Outputs

• Subwoofer output (Sub Out)
• 3.5 mm headphone output

Features

• Active bi-amplification
• Automatic left / right switching (speaker orientation)
• Automatic crossover for subwoofer integration
• Integrated front-access controls

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions per speaker (W × D × H): 112 × 110 × 165 mm
• Weight
  • Active speaker: 1 kg
  • Passive speaker: 0.9 kg
• Threading: rear ¼”-20 insert for mounting

Included accessories

• Speaker interconnect cable (4-pin, 1.8 m)
• Power cord
• 8 rubber feet
• User manual