Could this affordable, feature-packed Bluetooth turntable rival the five-star Sony PS-LX3BT?

Canadian producer Kanto Audio has simply introduced the second technology of its first ever turntable, the Obi3, lower than a 12 months after the unique was launched.

The primary-generation Obi3, launched in October 2025 for £179 / $179, was an entry degree belt-drive turntable, that includes a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth.

The apple hasn’t fallen removed from the tree between the Obi3’s generations, with options similar to a switchable built-in phono stage, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and RCA line-level outputs remaining constant within the new second-gen turntable. The brand new Obi3G2 even comes with the identical J-shaped aluminium tonearm and pre-fitted Audio-Technica AT3600L shifting magnet cartridge as the unique mannequin.

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However there are just a few notable upgrades.

The Kanto Obi3G2 is considerably heavier than the Obi3, weighing 5.5kg in contrast with the Obi3’s 3.9kg. The corporate says this further bulk will assist get rid of undesirable vibrations from affecting vinyl replay.

To additional assist with playback stability, Obi3G2 additionally encompasses a built-in velocity sensor, permitting for steady velocity correction because the document performs. Playback speeds supported are 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM.

Kanto Obi3G2 buttons

(Picture credit score: Kanto Audio)

Priced at £180 / $250, the brand new Obi3G2 is cheaper than our present benchmark for a price range Bluetooth turntable, the wonderful five-star Sony PS-LX3BT, which is now out there for £233 / $350. Like many turntables on this value vary, the PS-LX3BT is totally automated in operation – the place the tonearm robotically cues up at first of the document with the push of a button – whereas you will must place the Obi3G2’s tonearm on the document your self.

There’s one comfort added by Kanto: if you attain the tip of your document, the Obi3G2’s auto-stop function will kick into motion and cease playback, defending your stylus from any pointless put on.

The tonearm on the Kanto has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate so there’s a diploma of organising required, and there’s a ±10% pitch management, too. Kanto Audio says the Obi3G2 is designed to be “a correct handbook turntable, with out stepping as much as a specialist unit”.

In line with Brett Smalley, Kanto Audio’s director of selling: “We wished the 2nd gen of Obi3 to really feel like a high-end turntable at an entry-level value, one you may arrange, regulate and develop into.”

The Kanto Audio Obi3G2 is out there in 5 finishes: black, white, inexperienced, ice blue and walnut. It’s at the moment on sale in North America, whereas worldwide gross sales are set to open in early September.