If you want better Bluetooth codec support
Choose Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers. It scores 4.3 vs 2.5 for Bluetooth codec support, with a 4.1 overall score.
Kanto REN Speakers Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Kanto REN if you want stylish powered stereo speakers with HDMI ARC, strong imaging, easy setup, and flexible inputs. Skip them if you need Wi-Fi, surround/Atmos, maximum SPL, or deep bass without a subwoofer.
Best for
Best for TV and music listeners who want a compact powered stereo pair with HDMI ARC, strong imaging, simple setup, and flexible wired inputs. It especially suits people upgrading from TV speakers or a conventional soundbar without building a separate amp-and-speaker system.
Not for
Not for buyers who need Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay/Chromecast, surround/Atmos expansion, or the deepest bass without adding a subwoofer. It also may not satisfy listeners who need maximum SPL in a large room.
Verdict
Reviewers largely frame the Kanto REN as a polished powered stereo system that makes the most sense as a soundbar alternative. It earns repeated praise for balanced tonality, real stereo imaging, broad wired connectivity, HDMI ARC convenience, attractive matte finishes, and simple setup. The main tradeoff is bass and output headroom: several reviewers found the low end satisfying for size and room-friendly use, but the speakers sound more dynamic, cleaner, and more authoritative with a subwoofer, and port chuffing or boomy bass can appear when pushed or placed poorly. Remote feedback is also mixed, with strong functionality offset by chunkiness or slow response. Overall, the evidence points to a stylish, flexible, high-value TV/music system rather than a full surround or room-shaking solution.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
36 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.08 (22%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.424 (67%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.44 (11%)
Pros
-
Reviewers strongly praised the physical input selection, noting broad wired connectivity across TV, computer, analog, optical, and other sources.
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Stereo imaging was a consistent strength, with reviewers praising real separation, centered voices, and a well-controlled soundstage versus soundbars.
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Most reviewers described the tuning as balanced, neutral, smooth, or enjoyable, with occasional caveats around bass shape and treble character.
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Design was one of the clearest positives, with reviewers repeatedly calling the speakers stylish, modern, handsome, or well-finished.
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Subwoofer integration was repeatedly praised; reviewers said a sub added authority, dynamics, cleaner mids, or better bass control.
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Setup was widely considered simple, plug-and-play, and app-free, though placement and a few poorly documented features added mild friction.
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HDMI ARC was one of REN’s most praised features because it made TV integration easy and positioned the system as a soundbar alternative.
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Value was a repeated strength, with reviewers saying REN delivers a strong sound/features/aesthetics mix for the money.
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Finish and color choices were praised often, especially the matte finishes and multiple color options, with minor caveats about scuffs or color preference.
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Home-theater use was strongly supported by reviewers who called REN a compelling soundbar replacement and TV upgrade.
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Detail retrieval was a strength across music reviews, especially in vocals, midrange, and fine recording cues.
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Smart convenience features such as modes, auto behavior, and sub controls were praised as practical and uncommon for the class.
Cons
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Bluetooth codec support drew a caveat because the reviewer wished for higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs.
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REN is a stereo system, so it lacks the surround/Atmos options some soundbars can provide.
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On-device controls drew a limitation because the front control is useful but not very versatile without the remote.
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High-volume behavior was mixed: some heard clean, strain-free playback, while Audioholics and its video discussion flagged port chuffing/overload when pushed hard.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Bookshelf Speakers, this product is above average in Wired input, HDMI ARC, Subwoofer, near average in Aesthetic design / Finish options, Price, below average in Bluetooth codec support, Distortion at high volume, Amplifier power requirements.
Comparison summary
32 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher6 (19%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts21 (66%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower5 (16%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth codec support | 2.5 | 4.3 | -1.8 |
| Distortion at high volume | 3.4 | 4.2 | -0.8 |
| Wired input | 4.5 | 3.9 | +0.6 |
| HDMI ARC | 4.6 | 3.9 | +0.7 |
| Subwoofer | 4.3 | 3.8 | +0.5 |
| Smart features | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.7 |
| Remote control usability | 4.0 | 3.6 | +0.4 |
| Amplifier power requirements | 4.0 | 4.6 | -0.6 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Distortion at high volume
Choose KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered Bookshelf Speakers. It scores 4.6 vs 3.4 for Distortion at high volume, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Loudness / maximum volume
Choose KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speakers. It scores 4.2 vs 3.8 for Loudness / maximum volume, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Surround sound simulation
Choose Edifier M90. It scores 4.0 vs 2.5 for Surround sound simulation, with a 4.3 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Cheaper: price and specs The reviewer says REN is pricier than the similarly specced Fluance Ri71.
Fluance Ai41 system
- Worse: A/B sound comparison The reviewer says the Fluance Ai41 system lost decisively in A/B comparisons.
Fluance Ri71 speakers
- Alternative: powered speaker alternative The reviewer presents the Fluance Ri71 speakers as a solid competing option.
FAQ
Is the Kanto REN a good soundbar replacement?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly described REN as a strong or even superior soundbar alternative because HDMI ARC, real stereo separation, and wider speaker spacing improve TV and movie presentation.
Does the Kanto REN need a subwoofer?
It does not strictly need one for smaller spaces or moderate listening, but many reviewers said a subwoofer makes the system sound more authoritative, dynamic, and clean.
How is the Kanto REN for dialogue?
Dialogue performance was praised. Reviewers reported clear narration, strong center placement, and useful vocal-boost behavior for TV viewing.
How loud can the Kanto REN get?
The evidence is mixed. Reviewers found it loud enough for typical use, but several wanted more output or said it is not a room-shaking system without a subwoofer.
Are the inputs good?
Yes. Reviewers strongly praised the input selection, especially HDMI ARC, optical, USB-C audio, RCA, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth, and the subwoofer output.
What are the main drawbacks?
The recurring drawbacks are bass limits without a subwoofer, occasional port noise or boomy bass when pushed or poorly placed, no Wi-Fi/AirPlay/Chromecast evidence, and some remote-control quirks.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 4.1
Article Reviews
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 4.1
techradar.com
- Review score
- 4.4
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