2023-05-01 06:30:12
Top of the catalog Kanto, the TUKs are in appearance simple active and wireless speakers as elegant as they are small. However, they have a major technical advantage: the integration of an AMT-type tweeter, rare in this price range (1,000 euros). The promise of an extremely refined sound, for an affordable price?
Kanto Tuk
Type: active bookshelf speakers and Bluetooth
L’avis d’ON-mag : 
(4,5/5)
Prix : 1 000 euros
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The TUK brothers, compact and versatile
Mini-format speakers, the Kanto TUKs have been developed to adapt to any room configuration to be sound-provided, which is facilitated by the adoption of active operation, therefore with integrated amplifiers. In addition, this duo with simple lines plays effectively with its sobriety, particularly in the white version tested. We can salute the presence of an aluminum cone woofer, a material which makes it possible to preserve this stylistic unity which is reminiscent of Apple.
While their build quality is very classic, the Kanto TUKs are no less serious. Their great compactness (17.8 x 21.5 x 27.6 cm each) makes them a particularly discreet pair of speakers, perfectly suited to a small living room and perfect for an office. On this point, we can largely compare them to KEF LSX II.
Very versatile, the Kanto TUKs benefit from complete connectivity, both in the digital register (USB-B, optical, Bluetooth) and the analog genre (RCA, RCA with phono preamp, output for subwoofer, headphone output in facade). Everything can be controlled very simply, using a multifunction knob accessible on the front, but above all a dedicated, particularly complete remote control.
The transparency that does not lack Air Motion Transformer
The Kanto TUK are active two-way loudspeakers which operate on the principle of a master loudspeaker and a slave loudspeaker. The first integrates all the electronics and relays the amplified signal to the second via a speaker cable with banana plugs. For bass/mids, Kanto equips each speaker with a 13.3 cm driver with an aluminum cone. But the most striking point comes from the tweeter, an AMT-type model (Air Motion Transformer, with pleated membrane), a technology often confused with that of ribbon speakers which are technically simpler.
When listening, the duo makes excellent use of the characteristics of the AMT, including a good linearity and a good extension in the treble, but also its significant speed and great precision. This allows the whole thing to be both very punchy and very detailed, without dryness or too much of a peak when listening. In addition, the directivity of the AMT transducer is frankly good; it allows to leave a small margin of freedom in the placement of the Kanto TUK, by distilling a very good sound stage and an appreciable feeling of balance in the acoustic signature.
Conversely, no miracle in the low end given the very small size of each speaker. Kanto opts here for a fairly extended bass response, but a little beyond its means. On many pieces of music, it is preferable to lower the bass level slightly (via the remote control) in order to gain balance and control. There is better in this price range, but it almost necessarily requires larger speakers. Given the size of the Kanto TUKs, the rendering is therefore satisfactory at the bottom of the spectrum, but not magical.
In summary
Small and sleek, the Kanto TUK active and Bluetooth speakers are as good in a small living room as they are on a desk. Their rich and without excess sound goes hand in hand with a great ergonomic versatility, which makes them a highly recommendable pair of speakers for lovers of very beautiful highs.
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Specifications
- Type: active bookshelf speakers and Bluetooth
- Passive filtering
- Transducers: 1 x 13.3 cm woofer with aluminum cone, 1 x 28 x 35 mm AMT tweeter per speaker
- Inputs: RCA Line, RCA phono, USB-B, Toslink optical digital audio, Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX HD codec support
- Outputs: headphones on 3.5 mm jack, subwoofer on RCA
- Amplification : classe D de 130 W RMS (total)
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Dimensions: 17.8 x 21.5 x 27.6 cm per speaker
- Weight: 5 kg (active speaker) / 4.5 kg (passive speaker)
- Included: remote control, 2 fabric covers with magnetic fixing, USB cable, 3.5 mm jack to dual RCA cable, mains cable, connecting cable between the two speakers with banana terminations, rubber feet
- Prix : 1 000 euros
Our opinion
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