Kanto Audio is stepping into the world of vinyl with something that’s meant to be as friendly as it is functional. The company’s first-ever turntable, the Obi3, isn’t about chasing audiophile dreams or flooding you with features. Instead, it’s a straightforward, affordable deck that aims to make playing records easy—whether you’re using old-school speakers or a Bluetooth setup across the room.

Priced at $199 / £179, the Obi3 is Kanto’s way of saying, “Hey, vinyl doesn’t have to be complicated.” It’s designed with newcomers in mind but includes a few thoughtful touches that seasoned listeners might also appreciate.

The Obi3 is built to slot easily into just about any setup. If you’ve got a pair of powered speakers (like Kanto’s own YU or Ren models), you’re ready to go. It comes with a built-in phono preamp, so you don’t need any extra gear between the turntable and your speakers.

Prefer a wireless setup? The Obi3 has Bluetooth 5.3, letting you connect to Bluetooth speakers or headphones without extra dongles or delay. And for those with a more traditional hi-fi rig, there’s an RCA output on the back for plugging into a receiver or amp.

In other words, you can start spinning records straight out of the box, and there’s no wrong way to do it.

“Obi3 represents a new design language for Kanto, one that celebrates the tactile joy of analog and the simplicity of our speaker range. Together they make a great system” said Brett Smalley, Marketing Director at Kanto Audio. “Obi3 is the first in a series of turntables that we will release..."

Kanto seems to have gone out of its way to make this thing beginner-friendly. The Obi3 comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge already installed and calibrated—so you don’t have to deal with aligning a needle or fiddling with counterweights.

It uses a belt-drive system, which is quieter and more stable than direct-drive models at this price, and it’s paired with a weighted aluminum platter and wooden plinth for better sound isolation. The J-shaped tonearm helps with tracking accuracy, especially as the needle moves closer to the center of the record.

There’s even pitch control—a feature you rarely see under $200—which lets you fine-tune playback speed or correct small variations in record pressing. You can play both 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM records with a simple switch, and Kanto includes a dustcover, slip mat, and 45 adapter in the box.

The Obi3 keeps things simple on the outside too. It’s got a clean, modern look and comes in black, white, or a bold green finish. It measures just 40 x 35.5 x 9.4 cm, making it easy to tuck onto a shelf, sideboard, or even a desk.

The vibe here is more “blends in with your room” than “centerpiece conversation starter.” If you’re after something that doesn’t scream “audiophile gear,” this low-profile design might be just the ticket.

Let’s be clear: the Obi3 isn’t trying to compete with $1,000 turntables or impress hi-fi forums. It’s designed for people who want to listen to records without a learning curve or a pile of extra equipment.

The pre-installed cartridge takes the guesswork out of setup. The built-in preamp keeps your system simple. And the Bluetooth option means you can enjoy vinyl even if you don’t have speaker cables (or even speaker stands). It’s a deck that respects analog listening but also acknowledges the way most people listen to music today.

“We see the Obi3 as the foundation for what comes next” added Smalley. “We make speakers, subs and speaker stands and have been working on a turntable as a source for our systems. There’s a new generation rediscovering vinyl not as nostalgia, but as a ritual. Obi3 is built for them and it’s about accessibility, design and the sound we all love".

The Kanto Obi3 officially launches in November 2025 and will retail for $199 in the U.S. and £179 in the U.K.. For that price, you’re getting a rare combination of plug-and-play convenience, wireless functionality, and a few features—like pitch control—that are typically left off entry-level models.

Whether you’re just getting into vinyl or returning after years away, the Kanto Obi3 offers a no-stress way to start spinning records. It’s not trying to wow you with specs or audiophile branding—it just focuses on the stuff that makes listening easy and enjoyable.

If you’ve ever looked at a turntable and thought, “Looks cool, but I wouldn’t know where to start,” the Obi3 could be the one that finally makes it click.