Kanto OBI3 G2 black
Specifications and features
Overview
Moving from a ready-to-play turntable to one where you set the tracking force yourself usually means moving up a category, and often adding equipment. Kanto has revisited its first turntable, the Obi3 released at the end of 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 motor set to a fixed speed eventually drifts as the belt wears or electrical resistance changes. The Obi3 G2 features 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 an extended vocal: 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 the 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 evolution over the first generation, whose settings were factory-fixed.
A weighted chassis against vibrations
While much of this 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 extra weight 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 over Bluetooth
Sound is delivered in two ways. Wired, the RCA output runs through a built-in phono preamp that can be switched on or off depending on the equipment connected to it: to the line input of an amplifier or active speakers when it is on, or to a dedicated phono input when you prefer a separate preamp. 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 an audio system, not a computer.
Audio-Technica cartridge and playback automation
The supplied, pre-installed cartridge is an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving-magnet model. 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 adjustment of playback speed 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
- Included 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
- Grounding cable
- 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 one built in. Since it can be switched off, the turntable adapts to both scenarios: 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 to an external phono stage. Using two phono stages in series would degrade the sound, hence the value 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 readjusted according to the installed model. This is what sets this turntable apart 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 amp with speakers to get started. The difference compared with a fully automatic, locked-down turntable is that the settings remain accessible as you get familiar with it.
- Eco-contribution of €2.58 included in the sale price.
