The Kanto OBI3 is Kanto's first-ever turntable — a belt-drive record player built for listeners who want to get into vinyl without the usual setup headaches or compromise on sound. Designed and built by one of Canada's most respected audio brands, the OBI3 arrives ready to play right out of the box with a pre-installed, pre-calibrated Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and your choice of Bluetooth or RCA output.

What separates the OBI3 from the crowded field of entry-level turntables is how much hardware you get at this price. A weighted aluminum platter, engineered wood plinth, aluminum J-shaped tonearm, switchable built-in phono preamp, and a pitch control knob are features typically found on turntables costing considerably more. It connects to virtually any speaker system — powered speakers via Bluetooth or RCA, or a traditional amplifier with or without a built-in phono stage. Available in Matte Black, Matte White, and Matte Green.

Key Features

• Belt-drive motor for smooth, quiet playback
• Pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, factory calibrated
• Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connection to speakers or headphones
• Built-in switchable phono preamp — use it or bypass it for external phono stages
• Pitch control knob for manual speed adjustment
• Weighted aluminum platter for vibration dampening and stable playback
• Aluminum J-shaped tonearm with cue lever
• Engineered wood plinth for a solid, resonance-reducing foundation
• Supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback
• RCA output for wired connection to amplifiers or powered speakers
• Includes dustcover, felt slip mat, and 45 RPM adapter
• Compact footprint: 40 x 35.5 x 9.4 cm

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Who This Is For

• First-time vinyl buyers who want a complete, plug-and-play setup without researching every component separately
• Existing Kanto speaker owners looking for a natural, same-brand pairing
• Listeners who want the option to go wireless with their turntable without sacrificing sound quality
• Anyone moving on from a basic big-box record player who wants noticeably better hardware at a reasonable price point

Ideal Use Case

• Living room or bedroom vinyl setup paired with Kanto powered speakers via Bluetooth or RCA
• Compact systems where a separate phono preamp or receiver isn't in the budget or isn't wanted
• Casual to serious listeners who want a stylish, well-built table that doesn't require a manual to operate
• Secondary turntable setups for a home office or condo space

What Makes It Different

Most turntables at this price ask you to compromise somewhere — a plastic tonearm, a flimsy platter, no preamp, or no Bluetooth. The OBI3 doesn't ask you to pick your trade-off. The weighted aluminum platter and wood plinth give it a build quality that feels a class above its price, and the switchable phono preamp means it works with practically any speaker system you already own. The pitch control is the real differentiator at this price point — it's genuinely rare to find on a sub-$300 turntable and gives listeners the ability to fine-tune playback speed rather than simply accepting whatever the belt gives you. Coming from Kanto — a brand already trusted for powered speakers across Canada — there's also real ecosystem value if you're building or expanding a Kanto-based system.

When To Consider an Alternative

The OBI3 is a manual turntable — you need to place and lift the needle yourself. If you want fully automatic operation with an auto-return tonearm, a model like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X may be a better fit. If you're an experienced vinyl listener looking for upgrade-path cartridge compatibility and more precise tonearm adjustability, stepping up to a Pro-Ject or Rega entry-level model would be worth the additional investment.

Works Well With

• Kanto powered speakers (YU series, TUK, etc.) via Bluetooth or RCA
• Any powered bookshelf speaker with RCA input
• Integrated amplifiers with or without a built-in phono stage
• Headphone amplifiers with phono input for private listening
• Bluetooth headphones for wireless vinyl listening

If you're building a complete vinyl setup and want help pairing the OBI3 with the right speakers or amplifier, our team can put together a system that fits your space and budget.