The Kanto ORA is a really good pair of desktop speakers. They have a pretty flat and laid-back sound. The bass with the unit itself sounds good, but it still doesn't produce much sub-bass (as expected of a speaker this size). If you don’t listen to a lot of bass-centered tracks, then you would not necessarily need a subwoofer with this. Connecting a subwoofer (I used a Kanto Sub8) activates the crossover (at 100Hz), allowing the ORA to focus its power on the mids and highs, producing a well-rounded, full-range sound. I bought this to replace my KEF Q100 + Pioneer SW-8MK2 + SMSL AD18 DAC/AMP setup, which was taking up a lot of space on my desk. Using a passive speaker also meant adding an amplifier and all the additional wires required, making the desk a mess. The ORAs are tiny in comparison and are powered, simplifying the setup considerably. One huge quality-of-life improvement for me with the ORA is that I can change its volume at the OS level (via keyboard) like an analog connection, even when connected via USB. I do this hundreds of times a day and don’t have to take my hands off the keyboard now. It is still a little confusing as the speaker volume (controlled via knob) and system volume are independent, and I am not sure how it’s affecting the subwoofer volume (it was at 50% with the SMSL, but I had to reduce it to 25% with the ORA). It took me a day or two of tinkering to get the volumes at a balanced state. @Kanto, if you are reading this, I hope you can share a guide on how to balance system, speaker, and subwoofer volumes, especially within the Kanto ecosystem. After dialing in the ORA and the Sub8, I compared it to the larger KEF system, and it was a tough one. The KEF, thanks to its coaxial drivers, sounded more magical than the Kanto. The imaging on certain tracks is out of this world, but on the flip side, they do sound thin and fatiguing with other songs (even though they are not bright speakers). The Kanto, on the other hand, sounded more laid back and neutral, which makes it a bit boring but more consistent across the range of songs I tried. At the end of the day, I prefer and am keeping the kanto setup for the desk, due to its size, laid-back neutral sound, simplicity, and other convenience features. The ORA feels well-tuned and optimized for the desk. If you want a speaker that you would like to move from the desk to the living room when needed, there are many other excellent (but larger) speakers at this price point that might serve you better. If this was priced around $249, it would have been a no-brainer recommendation.

These speakers did not disappoint. While the cost is high compared to other systems, they really have a quality sound that is very immersive. They do have good bass, but mids to highs are where they shine and for sure need a sub for that punch to focus on their strengths. These do have the strength to output sound in a medium sized space but they really are for a desktop configuration that will show their true quality. Some things that need improvement or suggestions, especially for the price point: -The volume knob is great but could use some additional button options for power and input switching. Trying to fit everything into a single function never works right and requires users to read a guide. This should never happen with something simple like speakers. -I did not like that there is a static left and right side of the speakers, this required me to purchase a longer cable to reach the computer. These should be designed to fit the desk configuration, not require me to configure the desk around them. -The sub out port required me to purchase an adapter at a music specialty store for the sub as this single RCA out is not a common cable in use today. Do your research, check out cable availability at the local stores first, then pick out a port to use. -While I liked the flexibility of picking my own sub, it would be nice to provide one as a package deal with a lower cost vs purchasing independently. Most desktop speakers have this today and it can be helpful for folks not adverse in sound systems. Otherwise, lower the price a bit if you are not going to to help ease the required sub costs -For the gamers, maybe look at adding some LED lighting features, they love that kind of stuff. -Provide some additional color choices, people don't always want black only. This was the most I have ever spent on a desktop sound system, but it was completely worth it all in. Sitting at my desk testing these out for the first time gave me goose bumps and produced a sound quality unlike anything I have experienced before out of desktop speakers with all genres of music. Kanto nailed it on the tech, now to just expand on the aesthetics.

I wanted computer speakers that weren't too large and had great quality sound. After reading many reviews of the Kanta Ora and other computer speakers, I purchased the Kanto Ora. I am glad I did. I listen primarily to classical music, and mediocre speakers can't hide their shortcomings when playing classical. Mediocre speakers do better with low rez pop and rock mp3, and that's what a lot of people are used to listening to. However there's still a lot of higher resolution pop and rock that will sound better with quality speakers like the Kanto Ora. Tip: The Ora sound good whichever way you connect them, but even better with a USB -C to USB-C connection. There are a lot of computer speaker brands available, but most of them are mediocre to bad. Yes, the Kanto Ora is more expensive, but better sound quality will always cost more Even so, I don't consider the retail price of the Ora to be excessive. You're going to be listening to them for many years , and the cost per year will be about the equivalent of one or two fine dining experiences at McDonalds for 2 people. That's not too much to ask for really good sounding speakers that won't hog up all your desktop or computer table space.

Less harsh than the iloud Micro’s and perfect for a one cord Mac setup. I purchased this to pair with my MacBook Pro and LG 5K monitor, allowing me to use one thunderbolt cable into the Mac for power, display and the built in USB-C hub. The speakers plug in to the USB-C ports on the back of the monitor and just work. No sub needed. They sound great.

So, you’re eyeing the Kanto Ora speakers? Let me break it down for you. These little guys pack a punch! The sound quality? Impressive. Connectivity? Top-notch. And they won’t hog your desk space.

Everything beyond my expectation just after few minutes by using this good looking, well made, super compact speaker. Solid mid range especially in vocal performance and punchy enough bass to the size, never thought a tiny speaker like this can produce so big, clear sound, very impressive, highly recommended guys. (PS. This one could be too light to fall from stands, careful when manage cable work)

Somethings seems to be missing I have tried three different computer speakers and can’t seem to get the right sound that I am seeking. The speakers deliver great bass but seem to lack the vibrancy I received from the Bose companion speakers bought over 10 years ago. A shame because I was not looking to buy new speakers until the Bose Began to create a buzzing sound in one of the two speakers making the listening experience no longer enjoyable. Maybe there is the optimal speaker out there I just have not found it yet.

Great sound for the money!

Excellent quality for price.

Impressive for its size, by far the best small speakers I own, ideal for computer speakers quality as i yet to see in such a small package, the dsp/amp works like a charm with anything i throw at it. Very good overall sound, to me neutral, but not harsh, a little on the warmer side. Although the speaker is impressive as it is, physics cant be tricked, such a small enclosure has its limitations, pairing it with a small subwoofer, really helps them to shine, i used a RSL 10S MKII and its a killer combo for a 2.1 setup, i have no regrets or wishes, simply superb for the little space it takes.