Kanto, a Canadian audio brand, has unveiled an exciting new entry for those seeking powered desktop or bookshelf speakers with enhanced bass. The Ora4 Reference Speakers are a step up from Kanto’s popular Ora model, which has been celebrated as one of the top choices for desktop audio. The Ora4 features larger woofers and increased power, making them a compelling option for music lovers. They will be available starting November 1 for $400 in both matte white and matte black through Amazon and various other retailers.
The dimensions of the Ora4 slightly exceed those of the Ora (4.7 x 6.7 x 8.3 inches compared to 3.9 x 5.6 x 6.9 inches), but their weight almost doubles (4.3 pounds versus 2.1 pounds). This weight difference hints at a more robust internal architecture designed to deliver superior audio performance.
The enhanced capabilities of the Ora4 stem from its drivers and amplification. This model boasts bi-amplified drivers powered by dual class D amplifiers: 12 watts for each tweeter and 23 watts per woofer, culminating in a total output of 70 watts (RMS)—a 40% increase over the Ora’s total of 50 watts.
While the tweeters remain unchanged at 3/4-inch silk dome materials, the woofers have been upgraded to 4-inch, constructed from magnetically shielded aluminum instead of paper. This design choice contributes significantly to the Ora4’s improved bass response. The frequency range for the Ora4 is now rated at 60Hz-22kHz, 10Hz lower than its predecessor, with an automatic crossover point of 80Hz when a subwoofer is connected.
On the connectivity front, the Ora4 maintains the same convenient setup as its predecessor. The back of the powered satellite includes a USB-C port for connecting to computers, a stereo RCA input for analog sources, and a subwoofer output. Furthermore, it features Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio streaming, supporting AAC and SBC codecs.
A noteworthy advancement is that the USB-C input on the Ora4 now supports digital audio sources up to 24-bit/96kHz, allowing for lossless, high-resolution audio playback. In contrast, the original Ora supported a maximum of CD quality at 16-bit/48kHz.
At a price of $400, the Ora4 only costs $50 more than the smaller and less powerful Ora speakers, making them an appealing option for those in need of a bit more power for tasks like music monitoring and mixing on their desktops.