Compare Kanto REN Speakers vs Edifier M90

Bluetooth codec support drew a caveat because the reviewer wished for higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs.

LDAC provides unusually strong wireless quality for this class, while AAC keeps iPhone playback respectable. LDAC is unavailable on Apple devices and cannot be used simultaneously with multipoint.

REN is a stereo system, so it lacks the surround/Atmos options some soundbars can provide.

The wide front stage gives flyovers and directional effects convincing space, but it remains a stereo system rather than true surround sound.

High-volume behavior was mixed: some heard clean, strain-free playback, while Audioholics and its video discussion flagged port chuffing/overload when pushed hard.

Most listeners found the sound clean and controlled even when pushed hard, with little hiss or obvious distortion. At extreme levels, bass can become boomier and a few tracks lose some composure.

Reviewers found REN loud enough for typical small-to-medium-room use, but several wanted more maximum output or said it opened up with a subwoofer.

The M90 gets far louder than most desktop setups require and comfortably fills small to medium rooms. Output remains impressive in larger spaces, though the compact drivers cannot match full-size speakers.

The amplifier power was judged sufficient for speakers of this type.

The active, bi-amplified design needs no separate receiver, DAC, or power amplifier, simplifying both desktop and TV systems.

Audio format support was acceptable but not unlimited, with 24/96 described as a reasonable ceiling for most listeners.

Hi-res wired processing and LDAC playback preserve more detail than basic Bluetooth, with a clearly audible benefit on compatible high-resolution material.

Low-volume/night-mode performance was viewed as useful, with one reviewer praising its handling of dynamics at neighbor-friendly levels.

Detail and clarity remain intact at apartment-friendly listening levels, making the M90 especially effective for quiet desktop use.

The included inter-speaker cable/spacing flexibility was praised for enabling a wider soundstage.

The generously long speaker-to-speaker cable allows proper stereo spacing across desks, shelves, and TV stands.

A few reviewers found the speakers easy to move or manage physically, with weight seen as practical rather than burdensome.

The speakers have reassuring heft but retain a compact, desk-friendly footprint. They are easy to position on shelves or media consoles without feeling flimsy.

Dynamic performance was generally praised, especially when a subwoofer relieved bass demands, though headroom is not unlimited.

The bi-amplified design gives the compact speakers strong punch and reserve, keeping music and movie effects lively as volume rises.

Reviewers saw the price as competitive for the performance, but not universally cheap, especially once stands or a subwoofer are added.

The regular price is a noticeable jump from the M60 and can feel high for a single-purpose desktop setup. Discounts make the proposition much easier to justify.

Remote feedback was mostly positive for layout, controls, and feel, but several reviewers found it chunky or occasionally slow.

The compact radio remote is highly useful for volume, inputs, playback, and EQ presets, and it works without line of sight. Because the physical controls are on the rear, the remote becomes nearly essential.

Most reviewers described the tuning as balanced, neutral, smooth, or enjoyable, with occasional caveats around bass shape and treble character.

The overall tuning is warm-neutral or broadly balanced, with strong bass and clear vocals. Depending on preset and placement, the mid-high range can sound cool, dry, recessed, or slightly rough, making the nine-band EQ especially useful.

Build and cabinet feedback ranged from premium and tank-like to a request for beefier cabinet bracing.

The dense MDF-style cabinets feel solid, rigid, and more premium than typical computer speakers. One unit showed average panel fit, but most found the enclosure impressively substantial.

The optical legacy input was valued as a useful way to connect older devices.

AUX and optical inputs make it easy to use turntables with preamps, older media players, and legacy televisions.

Reviewers strongly praised the physical input selection, noting broad wired connectivity across TV, computer, analog, optical, and other sources.

HDMI eARC, optical, USB-C, AUX, and sub-out cover nearly every desktop, TV, and legacy source. Multiple devices can remain connected and be switched without moving cables.

Vocal rendering was praised for clarity, presence, and bite across music and TV-focused listening.

Voices sound clear, forward, and full-bodied across music, podcasts, and TV. They remain intelligible without becoming shouty or thin.

HDMI ARC was one of REN’s most praised features because it made TV integration easy and positioned the system as a soundbar alternative.

HDMI eARC is a standout strength, delivering simple TV setup, reliable CEC volume control, and strong audio quality. It makes the M90 a convincing alternative to a compact soundbar.

Bluetooth stability was praised in direct use, with no dropouts reported by the reviewer.

Pairing is usually fast and stable at normal room distances. An isolated customer report found repeated disconnections when using Bluetooth with a TV.

EQ customization was viewed positively because the remote gives granular bass and treble control.

The nine-band EQ and saveable presets make meaningful tonal and room corrections easy, with presets accessible from the remote. Power users may miss full parametric EQ, and some changes require a Bluetooth app connection.

TV dialogue and narration were consistently easy to follow, helped by clear center placement and the vocal-focused mode in some setups.

TV and movie dialogue comes through crystal clear, nuanced, and naturally centered, even during busy scenes.

On-device controls drew a limitation because the front control is useful but not very versatile without the remote.

The only physical knob and power control sit on the rear of the active speaker, making direct adjustments awkward. Most users will rely on the remote, app, or TV remote instead.

Setup was widely considered simple, plug-and-play, and app-free, though placement and a few poorly documented features added mild friction.

Most setups are plug-and-play, with USB-C and HDMI working in minutes. Docking-station arrangements and the app's Bluetooth connection can require extra troubleshooting or clearer instructions.

Value was a repeated strength, with reviewers saying REN delivers a strong sound/features/aesthetics mix for the money.

The combination of sound quality, HDMI eARC, broad inputs, app EQ, and compact size makes the M90 strong value as an all-in-one system. One customer preferred a much cheaper alternative, but the wider consensus is highly favorable.

Design was one of the clearest positives, with reviewers repeatedly calling the speakers stylish, modern, handsome, or well-finished.

The restrained, boxy design looks modern and purposeful without flashy styling. It blends easily into desks and living rooms, although the busy rear panel is less elegant.

Home-theater use was strongly supported by reviewers who called REN a compelling soundbar replacement and TV upgrade.

HDMI eARC, CEC, clear dialogue, and wide stereo imaging make the M90 an excellent bedroom or office TV upgrade. Larger rooms and effects-heavy movies may still need a subwoofer or bigger speakers.

Stereo imaging was a consistent strength, with reviewers praising real separation, centered voices, and a well-controlled soundstage versus soundbars.

The speakers create a wide, stable stereo image with convincing center vocals and precise placement. A few demanding recordings reveal less pinpoint separation than dedicated hi-fi monitors.

Finish and color choices were praised often, especially the matte finishes and multiple color options, with minor caveats about scuffs or color preference.

The black and white matte finishes look clean, modern, and easy to match with a desk or TV stand. The surfaces resist fingerprints and everyday marks well.

Subwoofer integration was repeatedly praised; reviewers said a sub added authority, dynamics, cleaner mids, or better bass control.

The dedicated sub output makes it easy to add deeper extension. Many desktop listeners will be satisfied without one, while action movies and bass-heavy music benefit clearly from a subwoofer.

Detail retrieval was a strength across music reviews, especially in vocals, midrange, and fine recording cues.

Vocals, instruments, and small textures are generally clear and well separated. The smooth upper treble can occasionally blend fine details on dense recordings.

One reviewer highlighted a unified, coherent presentation that kept details tied into the overall musical picture.

Drivers blend smoothly into a unified, clean presentation, with vocals and instruments remaining organized across music, games, and video.

The front knob was described as tactile and easy to use, though most deeper control still depends on the remote.

The remote buttons respond quickly, have practical sizing, and remain easy to use in a dark room.

The optical input earned positive practical feedback when used with older gear.

The optical input is handy for televisions, media players, and older digital sources. It sounds good, though it does not support the same automatic wake behavior as HDMI.

AirPlay 2 is absent, so the M90 cannot join an Apple multi-room setup and must rely on Bluetooth or wired connections.

ConneX is usually fast, clear, and stable, with useful input, firmware, and EQ controls. It can feel basic, sometimes requires Bluetooth for changes, and a few users found reconnection or setup unnecessarily fiddly.

Bluetooth and HDMI wake quickly, but USB-C, optical, and AUX may require the remote or app. The aggressive default sleep behavior can interrupt quiet content, though firmware and app settings can largely fix it.

Bass is punchy, fast, and unusually authoritative for four-inch drivers, with little muddiness or bloat. Deep sub-bass and large-room impact remain limited, so bass-heavy listeners may want a subwoofer.

Bluetooth pairing is quick and straightforward, making casual phone and tablet playback easy.

The crowded rear panel can turn into a visible tangle when several sources are connected at once.

The exposed drivers have no grilles, leaving the soft tweeters vulnerable to curious fingers or accidental contact.

Directional effects are easy to track, with strong impact and spacious rendering for desktop or couch gaming. HDMI eARC also keeps TV gaming responsive.

The box includes a generous cable selection, but a few customers received defective USB-C or power cables that required replacement.

HDMI eARC provides responsive, well-synced TV and gaming audio. One customer encountered noticeable Bluetooth video delay, so wired TV use is the safer choice.

Multipoint makes switching between two devices convenient and generally seamless. Enabling it disables LDAC, so shoppers must choose convenience or the highest Bluetooth quality.

Music sounds lively, clean, and enjoyable across genres, with rich vocals, punchy bass, and useful detail. The tuning favors accessible long-session listening over strict studio-monitor neutrality.

The USB charging output was treated as genuinely useful for keeping small devices powered.

The compact footprint and substantial output are an excellent match for desks, bedrooms, offices, apartments, and small to medium living rooms.

Smart convenience features such as modes, auto behavior, and sub controls were praised as practical and uncommon for the class.

The M90 produces unusually wide, deep, and tall staging for its size, especially over HDMI or optical and with careful placement.

Status indicator control was praised mainly because the LED brightness can be reduced or turned off.

Recycled cardboard-style protective forms reduce packaging waste while still keeping the speakers well protected.

Highs are generally smooth, detailed, and comfortable for long sessions. Some listeners heard recessed, cool, or slightly rough upper frequencies, which the EQ can usually tame.

HDMI eARC and CEC connect reliably, wake quickly, and let the TV remote control volume and power without fuss.

There is no Wi-Fi streaming, direct music-service support, or multi-room playback, which is a notable limitation for shoppers wanting a networked speaker.