Kanto Ora + Kanto Sub8 vs. Everything Else

[jdneri]

This is my first time posting, and I am in a bit of a quandary. I recently purchased my first desktop speaker setup, the Kanto Ora and the Kanto Sub 8. While I am mostly enjoying the sound quality, I am a bit concerned that at a total price of over $600 dollars I am missing out on a setup that could be much superior at similar cost. For instance, I am eying the RSL iA255.1 amp, which would provide a similar high pass filter as the Kanto setup. Combining this with a subwoofer like the new RSL Speedwoofer 10e (on paper a much better subwoofer), would leave me with about $200 dollars for passive speakers. In anyones experience, is there a desktop setup around $600 dollars that would be objectively superior to the Kanto setup that I am currently using? My source is a 2022 MacBook Air running Apple Music, with Lossless Switcher and SoundSource. It should be noted that the Kanto internal DAC boasts an unimpressive 16bit resolution while the MacBooks internal DAC is capable of outputting 24bit through the headphone jack. While the Kanto does sound great, I am more interested in separates and passive speakers at this point as I would like to integrate headphones into my listening down the road. So ideally, external DAC and headphone/preamp (integrated or separate), and an external power amp for the speakers. I can stretch my budget to about 1k. Any recommendation and/or wisdom for this HiFi newby is much appreciated. This is for music listening only, so not concerned with mixing or anything like that. Open to every and all suggestions! Thank You!

 

[jdneri]

Here is a pic of my setup. As you can see, I have tons of space for larger speakers if that is a consideration.

 

[prozkater]

Meanwhile, I am planning the opposite, I am thinking of getting the Kanto ora + sub8 for my desk/pc setup. I have a desk somewhat larger than yours, and I have been using several passive as well as active speakers setup, Swans m200mkiii+, Swans D1200, Mission QX2, Dali Spektor 2, Polk r200, wharfedale diamond 12.2 with subwoofers such as polk hts12 and psb alpha s10 to name a few. For a desktop/nearfield setup, I think you are better with that Kanto setup as these are specifically designed for that purpose. For midfield listening, it is a different story altogether. If you live in a city where returning is an option, I would suggest Dali Spektor 2/Oberon 1 + ifi zendac v2 + fx audio m160e. It is an inexpensive setup that sounds good on a desk, however, there is no sub out on that Fxaudio amp. Or you could also try Dali Spektor 2 / Oberon 1 / Focal Chora 806 + SMSL AO300 + Subwoofer of your choice.

 

[jdneri]

Meanwhile, I am planning the opposite, I am thinking of getting the Kanto ora + sub8 for my desk/pc setup. I have a desk somewhat larger than yours, and I have been using several passive as well as active speakers setup, Swans m200mkiii+, Swans D1200, Mission QX2, Dali Spektor 2, Polk r200, wharfedale diamond 12.2 with subwoofers such as polk hts12 and psb alpha s10 to name a few. For a desktop/nearfield setup, I think you are better with that Kanto setup as these are specifically designed for that purpose. For midfield listening, it is a different story altogether. If you live in a city where returning is an option, I would suggest Dali Spektor 2/Oberon 1 + ifi zendac v2 + fx audio m160e. It is an inexpensive setup that sounds good on a desk, however, there is no sub out on that Fxaudio amp. Or you could also try Dali Spektor 2 / Oberon 1 / Focal Chora 806 + SMSL AO300 + Subwoofer of your choice.

I will be very curious to hear your thoughts on the Kanto Ora and Sub8 after you get it going. I will say that the sound is very pleasing and gets plenty loud while retaining good separation and soundstage. The Sub8 does a great job of fleshing out the low end and freeing up the speakers to do more. This is what Kanto claims for this set up and it does a great job of it. My primary concern is one of value for dollar. With the combined cost of over $600 it seems pricey compared to other specced systems. However, sound quality is an unknown and obviously subjective. It's funny you mention the SMSL AO300 as that was included in my first attempt at building this system. Micca RB42+SMSL AO300, no Subwoofer. I was mostly pleased with the system, but I felt the RB42 lacked sparkle and tended to be muddied in the bass as I turned up the volume. I had no complaints with the SMSL AO300 however, it just seemed overkill for a desk setup and I wanted to try something powered like the Kanto Ora. Thank you so much for the recommendations, I am researching them all now.

And I live in Virginia about 10 minutes from the Crutchfield flagship store Very lucky in that as I am also researching my main system, and the wife can look at speakers in person for decor approval. My issue is that I am too dang indecisive and always second guess my decisions, so I do a lot of Amazon purchasing and returns. Probably too many, lol.

 

[prozkater]

I will be very curious to hear your thoughts on the Kanto Ora and Sub8 after you get it going. I will say that the sound is very pleasing and gets plenty loud while retaining good separation and soundstage. The Sub8 does a great job of fleshing out the low end and freeing up the speakers to do more. This is what Kanto claims for this set up and it does a great job of it. My primary concern is one of value for dollar. With the combined cost of over $600 it seems pricey compared to other specced systems. However, sound quality is an unknown and obviously subjective. It's funny you mention the SMSL AO300 as that was included in my first attempt at building this system. Micca RB42+SMSL AO300, no Subwoofer. I was mostly pleased with the system, but I felt the RB42 lacked sparkle and tended to be muddied in the bass as I turned up the volume. I had no complaints with the SMSL AO300 however, it just seemed overkill for a desk setup and I wanted to try something powered like the Kanto Ora. Thank you so much for the recommendations, I am researching them all now.

And I live in Virginia about 10 minutes from the Crutchfield flagship store Very lucky in that as I am also researching my main system, and the wife can look at speakers in person for decor approval. My issue is that I am too dang indecisive and always second guess my decisions, so I do a lot of Amazon purchasing and returns. Probably too many, lol.

SMSL AO300 is a great integrated amp with a decent dac. SMSL A300 with SMSL SU-1 DAC is also an option, but AO300 will be more flexible. These SMSL amps are designed mostly for desktop scenarios but also serve well in living rooms. Another good alternative is wharfedale diamond 12.2 with SMSL DA-9 + SMSL D300 DAC combo. The diamonds and DA9 are a match made in heaven.

p.s the micca rb42 although it has great reviews aren't exactly great IMO and needs power. There are many better alternatives like the ones I have mentioned albeit at a higher price.

 

[jdneri]

SMSL AO300 is a great integrated amp with a decent dac. SMSL A300 with SMSL SU-1 DAC is also an option, but AO300 will be more flexible. These SMSL amps are designed mostly for desktop scenarios but also serve well in living rooms. Another good alternative is wharfedale diamond 12.2 with SMSL DA-9 + SMSL D300 DAC combo. The diamonds and DA9 are a match made in heaven.

p.s the micca rb42 although it has great reviews aren't exactly great IMO and needs power. There are many better alternatives like the ones I have mentioned albeit at a higher price.

Agreed about the RB42. While sounding okay, they don't carry at higher volume with their inflated bass extension. They get quite boomy is the best way I can describe it. Hence why a sub even in a desk setup seems to be the better option. Granted a high pass filter is not totally necessary, especially with smaller speakers that don't have great bass extension anyway, I like the idea of it. The SMSL A0300 does not have this but really was a great all in one solution and seemed clear and powerful with even the headphone amp sounding great with my Hifiman Edition XS. I am considering dac and headphone amp separates that act as preamp to something like the Fosi V3 Mono feeding a good near field speaker, but then integrating with a sub becomes the next question in that scenario. So many questions. And here I am sitting and listening to Nation of Language on the Kanto setup and loving the sound.