Kanto Audio launches 2nd Gen Obi3 turntable

Vancouver, BC, 12 August 2026 – Canadian brand Kanto Audio today announces the 2nd Generation of Obi3, a belt-drive turntable that brings real build quality and hands-on control to the entry level. At its heart is a speed sensor that reads the platter directly and corrects as the record plays — holding steady, consistent pitch from the first groove to the last.

That accuracy is supported by the solid base. Where much of the category leans on plastic, Obi3G2 pairs a weighted aluminum platter with a solid engineered-wood plinth — mass and rigidity that settle vibration instead of passing it into the groove, and give the turntable a planted, quality feel.

Most decks at this price are fully automatic, with sealed tonearms and little for the owner to adjust. Obi3 takes the opposite approach. An adjustable counterweight and anti-skate let you balance the arm and set tracking force yourself, and ±10% pitch control leaves room to experiment — a proper manual turntable, without stepping up to a specialist unit.

 “We wanted the 2^nd gen of Obi3 to feel like a high-end turntable at an entry-level price, one you can set up, adjust and grow into. Paired with our new range of accessories, it’s everything you need to start a record collection and look after it, designed as a cohesive collection.” — Brett Smalley, Director of Marketing, Kanto Audio.

Speed you can rely on

Rather than setting the motor and trusting it to hold, Obi3G2 regulates speed from the platter itself — the sensor measures actual rotation and corrects continuously as the record plays. Speed selection is electronic, so switching between 33-1/3 and 45 RPM takes no moving of the belt by hand, and auto-stop halts the platter at the end of a side to help protect the stylus. The pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge delivers smooth, balanced sound straight out of the box.

A turntable you can set up your way

An aluminum J-shaped tonearm carries an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, so you can balance the arm and set tracking force yourself, guided by clear reference marks, for clean, even playback and less wear on your stylus and records. That’s hands-on control that the fixed, automatic decks dominating this price simply don’t offer. A manual cue lever lowers the stylus gently and precisely onto the groove, and with ±10% pitch control, there’s room to play. Nudge a record a little faster or slower and hear it in a new, fun way as you get to know your collection.

Connect any way you listen

Obi3G2 fits into any setup. An RCA output with a selectable built-in phono preamp means it works with everything from a full hi-fi separates system to a pair of powered speakers — flip the phono/line switch to match your gear. For wireless listening, Bluetooth 5.3 streams to speakers or headphones anywhere in the room. It’s a natural partner for Kanto’s own powered speakers.

Designed to be seen

True to Kanto’s design language, Obi3G2 keeps its form clean and its details considered, from flush-mounted hinges to a polished aluminum platter. It’s offered in five finishes — Black, White, Green, Ice Blue and Walnut — and its compact 43.2 x 36.3 cm (17″ x 14.3″) footprint sits comfortably on a desk, shelf or sideboard. Everything needed to get set up is in the box — dust cover, slip mat, 45 adapter, counterweight, and RCA and ground cables.

A complete vinyl ecosystem

Obi3G2 arrives alongside a full range of Kanto turntable accessories, giving new and seasoned listeners everything they need to set up, care for and store a collection — all from one brand:

• TT-AKIT — Turntable Setup & Alignment Kit: stylus force gauge, cartridge alignment protractor and bubble level for a precise, dialed-in setup.
• TT-SB — Record & Stylus Cleaning Brush: 2-in-1 carbon-fiber record brush with an integrated stylus brush.
• TT-GKIT — Record & Stylus Gel Cleaning Kit: silicone dust roller and residue-free stylus gel for easy maintenance.
• TT-AM — Anti-Static Acrylic Mat and TT-CRM — Cork & Rubber Mat: two upgrade mats for tighter, quieter playback.
• TT-CS20 — Outer Cover Sleeves and TT-IS20 — Inner Sleeves: protection for jackets and records alike.

Pricing & availability

Obi3G2 is priced at $249.99 USD / CA$269.99 / £179.99 / €199.99 and goes on sale in North America on August 10, 2026 and worldwide early September, in Black, White, Green, Ice Blue and Walnut. The full range of Kanto turntable accessories is available now.

Obi3G2 — Specifications