Kanto REN 200W Speakers Review

The Kanto REN 200W speakers are a serious bit of kit boasting versatility that could see them as the main attraction of many different audio setups. They could even be the better option for TV owners looking to move away from the cliche soundbar. After spending countless hours listening to the REN for music, movies, and games, it’s time for my review.

Built to impress

On paper, REN checks a lot of boxes. It’s a powered stereo pair with a 100 W RMS Class D amplifier, delivering 50 W to each channel, with a 200 W peak rating. Each cabinet houses a 1-inch silk dome tweeter set into a subtle waveguide and a 5.25-inch aluminum cone woofer. That’s a pretty classic formula, but Kanto adds DSP into the mix to fine-tune the sound and enable features like Vocal Boost and Night Mode.

When it comes to I/O, the REN doesn’t mess about. The big one is HDMI ARC with CEC, perfect for those looking to dodge the soundbar and go with the REN instead. Then there’s the optical and USB-C inputs (supporting up to 24-bit/96 kHz), RCA and AUX for analog gear, and Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC for wireless streaming.

Striking a balance

At this price point, speakers need to either shine in the most pleasing way, or be incredibly balanced. The REN strikes a good balance with detailed but not fatiguing highs; clear mids, ideal for vocals; and bass that delivers an impressive amount of oomph without the need for a dedicated sub, though the option to expand is there.

When set up with my TV, there’s a clear difference between the REN and my soundbar. The soundstage comes across as much wider, likely due to the physical distance between the speakers. It’s especially noticeable for movies with big battle scenes.

Can hardly complain

It’s tough to find something negative to say about the REN. While there are limits to what the 2.0 setup can manage, I’d say it reaches an impressive limit that most users will never reach.

If I were to nitpick, I’d also say that the material finish scratches a little too easily, as my blue model now has a big scratch on the side, which is a little unsightly. Of course, I should be more careful with my speakers, but it will at least act as a warning to potential buyers.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Kanto.