Are These Compact Desktop Speakers the New Kings of Affordable Hi-Fi?

The Canadian speaker maker released upgraded versions of its already excellent powered speaker system.

Published November 5, 2024

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Kanto Audio’s Oras were already one of our favorite powered desktop speaker systems. The $350 stereo setup is small and powerful with a minimalist design and modern features (like USB-C connectivity and support for Bluetooth streaming).

Now, the Canadian speaker manufacturer has one-upped itself with the Ora4, a newer, better and slightly bigger version of what was already an excellent compact speaker setup.

Kanto Ora4

A sound upgrade

The “4” in the Ora4’s name isn’t what you think — these aren’t the fourth-generation Ora speakers. Instead, the “4” refers to the Ora4’s new four-inch woofer, which is slightly bigger than the Ora’s three-inch woofer.

Both Ora4 and Ora powered speakers have a two-way design and take advantage of the same silk dome tweeter. But the Ora4 is more powerful, with a 140-watt peak power compared to the Ora’s 100 watts.

And when connected to your computer via USB-C, the Ora4 can play higher-resolution audio: 24-bit/96kHz compared to the Ora’s 16-bit/48kHz.

Bigger, but still compact

The Ora4s are slightly bigger speakers than the Oras. They are roughly an inch taller and an inch wider. Plus, they weigh twice as much — each speaker weighs about four pounds. But they are still very much compact speakers that won’t take up much space on your desk.

Like the Oras, the Ora4s feature exactly the same connections. You connect them to your computer via USB-C — which, as previously stated, plays the best-quality audio. There’s Bluetooth and analog RCA inputs, making them pretty versatile.

And there’s a subwoofer output in case you want to beef up the system down the road.

Price and availability

If Kanto Ora4s sound familiar … it’s because they were originally revealed at CES earlier this year. Almost a year later, they’re finally available to buy.

The Kanto Ora4 cost $399 — $50 more than the company’s Ora. They come in white or black finishes. Kanto offers several different stands (sold separately) that fit them.