Unbiased Kanto Ora Powered Reference Desktop Speakers Review: What You Need to Know in 2024

Elevate Your Desktop Audio Experience
Kanto, a brand known for blending sleek design with high-performance audio, has made a name for itself in the world of desktop speakers and audio accessories. Their speakers are often praised for offering excellent sound quality without sacrificing style or functionality. The Kanto Ora Powered Reference Desktop Speakers, the latest addition to their lineup, promise to deliver a rich, immersive sound experience in a compact and stylish package. These speakers are designed to be the perfect companion for your desktop setup, whether for casual listening or more focused audio work.
Core Audience
The Kanto Ora speakers are ideal for a wide range of users, from audiophiles looking for high-quality sound in a compact form to creative professionals who need reliable desktop speakers for editing, mixing, or general multimedia use. These speakers are particularly well-suited for those who value both aesthetics and audio performance, making them a great choice for home offices, creative workspaces, and casual listening environments.
Accuracy and Transparency
The Ora speakers are designed to provide a balanced and accurate sound profile, ensuring that every detail in your music or media is clearly represented. While they are not marketed as professional studio monitors, the Ora speakers still offer a level of accuracy that surpasses many other desktop speakers in their class. This makes them suitable for tasks that require precise audio playback, such as editing videos, mixing tracks, or simply enjoying music as it was meant to be heard.
Frequency Response
The Kanto Ora speakers feature a frequency response range of 55Hz to 20kHz. This range is impressive for desktop speakers, providing a well-rounded sound with enough low-end presence to handle bass-heavy genres while still delivering crisp highs and clear mids. The bass is tight and controlled, avoiding the muddiness often found in smaller speaker systems, and the highs are smooth and detailed, making these speakers versatile for various types of audio content.
Build Quality and Design
Kanto is known for its commitment to design, and the Ora speakers are no exception. These speakers feature a minimalist, modern aesthetic with a high-quality finish that complements any desktop setup. The cabinet is constructed from durable MDF, which helps reduce unwanted resonance and enhances the overall sound quality. The speakers are available in several finishes, allowing users to choose the look that best matches their personal style or workspace decor.
Driver Size and Configuration
The Ora speakers are equipped with a 4-inch Kevlar woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. This driver combination provides a balanced sound with punchy lows, smooth mids, and clear highs. The Kevlar woofer ensures durability and responsiveness, while the silk dome tweeter offers a refined high-frequency response, making the Ora speakers capable of handling a wide range of audio content with ease.
Room Correction and EQ Features
While the Kanto Ora speakers do not come with advanced room correction features, they include basic EQ controls that allow users to adjust the bass and treble to their liking. This level of customization is sufficient for most users, especially in a desktop environment where more complex room correction might not be necessary.
Nearfield vs. Farfield Monitoring
The Ora speakers are designed primarily for nearfield listening, making them ideal for desktop use. Their compact size and focused soundstage ensure that you get an accurate audio experience even at close range. This makes them perfect for working at a desk, where you need consistent and reliable sound quality without being affected by room acoustics.
Specialized Features for Music Production
While the Ora speakers are not specifically designed for professional music production, their accurate sound reproduction and EQ customization options make them a viable option for home studios and content creators who need dependable desktop speakers. Their clarity and balanced sound make them suitable for tasks like editing podcasts, mixing tracks, or video production.
Amplification and Connectivity

The Kanto Ora speakers are powered, meaning they include built-in amplification, which eliminates the need for an external amplifier. They offer a range of connectivity options, including RCA, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth, making them versatile and easy to integrate with various devices, from computers to smartphones. The Bluetooth connectivity is particularly useful for users who want the convenience of wireless audio without sacrificing sound quality.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced frequency response
- Stylish, minimalist design that enhances any desktop setup
- Built-in amplification and versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth
- Customizable EQ controls for bass and treble
Cons:
- Lack of advanced room correction features
- May not be suitable for large rooms or farfield monitoring
- Premium price for desktop speakers
Conclusion
The Kanto Ora Powered Reference Desktop Speakers offer a compelling blend of style, functionality, and sound quality, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their desktop audio experience. Whether you’re a creative professional who needs reliable speakers for work or an audiophile who appreciates high-quality sound, the Ora speakers deliver on all fronts. While they may come with a premium price tag, the investment is well worth it for those who value both performance and aesthetics. In 2024, the Kanto Ora speakers stand out as a top choice for anyone seeking to enhance their desktop audio setup with a sleek, powerful, and versatile speaker system.