Kanto OBI3 G2 blue
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Other hi-fi, bluetooth or vintage vinyl turntables
Specifications and features
Overview
Moving from a ready-to-play vinyl turntable to one where you set the tracking force yourself usually means changing categories, and often adding equipment. Kanto has revisited its first turntable, the Obi3 released in late 2025, to place it between these two worlds: the conveniences of an entry-level model on one side, the adjustments of an enthusiast model on the other. All in a compact format that fits on a shelf.
A sensor that continuously reads speed
The belt drives the platter, but a fixed-speed motor will eventually drift as the belt wears or electrical resistance varies. The Obi3 G2 uses a sensor that measures rotation directly at the platter and continuously corrects it during playback. Pitch remains stable from the first to the last groove, with wow and flutter below 0.15% WRMS. This regulation is most noticeable on sustained notes, piano, or a drawn-out voice: unstable speed results in a slight wavering of pitch.
Adjustable counterweight and anti-skating
Many turntables at this level come with a sealed tonearm and no settings to adjust. The Obi3 G2 takes the opposite approach. The counterweight and anti-skating are adjustable, allowing you to balance the tonearm and set tracking force manually, while pitch can be corrected over a ±10% range. These controls are not needed every day. They become useful when you want to fit a different cartridge or fine-tune groove tracking, without having to replace the turntable. This is the main development over the first generation, whose settings were factory-fixed.
A weighted chassis to combat vibrations
While much of the category relies on plastic, the Obi3 G2 combines a weighted aluminum platter with a composite wood chassis. Its weight has increased significantly compared with the first Obi3, from 3.9 to 5.5 kg. This added mass absorbs vibrations instead of sending them back into the groove, where they would interfere with playback. The feet are fixed. Measuring 43.2 × 36.3 × 12.4 cm, the turntable can sit on a desk, shelf, or low cabinet.
Connect via RCA or stream via Bluetooth
Sound can be output in two ways. Wired, the RCA connection runs through an integrated phono preamp that can be switched on or off depending on the equipment used: into the line input of an amplifier or active speakers when switched on, or into a dedicated phono input when a separate preamp is preferred. Wirelessly, Bluetooth 5.3 sends audio to compatible speakers or headphones, useful when running a cable to the speakers complicates installation. There is no USB output for digitizing records: playback is intended for a hi-fi system, not a computer.
Audio-Technica cartridge and playback automation
The supplied, pre-installed cartridge is a moving-magnet Audio-Technica AT3600L. The J-shaped aluminum tonearm features a cueing lever for gently lowering and raising the stylus. Switching between 33 and 45 rpm is electronic, without moving the belt from one pulley to another. Playback starts with the cueing lever, and automatic stop halts the platter at the end of a side, protecting the stylus if you leave the room. A 45 rpm adapter, felt mat, transparent dust cover, and RCA and ground cables are included with the turntable.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Drive and motorization
- Drive type: belt drive with integrated speed sensor
- Playback speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
- Speed control: electronic sensor ensuring stable rotational speed
- Speed sensor: continuous monitoring of motor rotation to improve playback stability
- Pitch control: ±10%
- Pitch adjustment: manual playback speed adjustment up to ±10%
- Wow and flutter: < 0.15% WRMS (DIN weighted)
- Start / stop: start via the cueing lever and automatic stop
Tonearm and cartridge
- Tonearm: J-shaped aluminum tonearm
- Cueing lever: manual with cueing lever
- Anti-skating: adjustable
- Counterweight: adjustable
- Supplied cartridge: Audio-Technica AT3600L
Platter and chassis
- Platter: weighted aluminum
- Chassis: engineered wood
- Feet: fixed, non-adjustable
Connectivity and transmission
- Analog output: RCA
- Wired playback: direct connection via RCA output with switchable phono preamp
- Phono preamp: built-in and switchable
- Wireless connection: Bluetooth® 5.3
- Wireless playback: audio transmission to Bluetooth®-compatible speakers or equipment
Included accessories
- Turntable
- Power supply
- RCA cable
- Ground wire
- Transparent dust cover
- Felt mat
- 45 rpm adapter
- Quick start guide
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 43.2 × 36.3 × 12.4 cm
- Weight: 5.5 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add a phono preamp to use it?
No, it has a built-in one. Since it can be switched off, the turntable adapts to both situations: preamp enabled to connect to the line input of an amplifier or active speakers, preamp disabled to connect the output to the phono input of an amplifier or an external phono stage. Using two phono stages together would degrade the sound, hence the usefulness of the switch.
Can Bluetooth be used to listen to music from my phone on the turntable?
No, the connection works the other way around. The turntable transmits via Bluetooth to speakers or wireless headphones; it does not receive a stream from a phone. It is a wireless output for vinyl, not an input for streaming other sources.
Can a cartridge other than the AT3600L be fitted?
Yes. Since the counterweight and anti-skating are adjustable, the original cartridge can be replaced and the tonearm balance and tracking force can be readjusted according to the installed model. This is what distinguishes this turntable from models with a fixed tonearm, where you remain tied to the factory cartridge.
Can wired headphones be connected to it?
There is no headphone jack on the turntable. For wired headphones, they must be connected to the amplifier or active speakers downstream. Bluetooth headphones connect directly to the turntable’s wireless output.
Does the turntable play 78 rpm records?
No, it plays at 33 and 45 rpm. Older 78 rpm records, which also require a specific stylus, are not supported.
Is the Obi3 G2 suitable for a first vinyl system?
Yes. The cartridge comes pre-mounted, the phono preamp is built in, and the dust cover, felt mat, 45 rpm adapter and cables are in the box: all you need is a pair of active speakers or an amplifier with speakers to get started. Unlike a locked-down fully automatic turntable, the settings remain accessible as you become more familiar with it.
- Eco-contribution of €2.58 included in the sale price.
