The M4 Mac mini comes with a built-in speaker, but it’s more for alert sounds, calls and the like rather than high-quality music streaming. So today’s M4 Mac mini user does the necessary thing and adds an external sound system. This one includes nice Kanto speakers on rising stands and a powerful Kanto subwoofer under the desk.
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Kanto speakers on tall desk stands sculpt Mac mini setup’s sound
These compact computer speakers bring studio-reference quality sound. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C input, bi-amplification and 100Hz automatic crossover.
- 100 watts of power
- Compact size
- Reference quality
- Some people may prefer larger speakers
- May not equal premium studio monitor speaker sound quality
In a post entitled “My Setup Finale,“Redditor anwylchang (“Chang”) showed off the impressive Mac mini setup with great audio gear in the form of Kanto speakers and subwoofer, plus a nice microphone mounted on a boom arm. Recently, I covered Chang’s Ulanzi V49 mini LED light panels mounted a Samsung M8 4K display along with an Obsbot Meet 2 4K webcam. Today I’ll look more closely at the Kanto speakers.
Kanto OraMP powered computer speakers (100W)
Photo: [email protected]
These reference-quality speakers pump out 100W of DSP-tuned, bi-amplified Class-D power for “near studio-grade sound” with deep bass from their 3-inch woofers. Kanto says they’re linear enough to pull double duty as a studio monitor — that’s what “reference quality” refers to, like good enough for music production — and a multimedia speaker.
Smartly, Chang sets the speakers on Kanto SP9 Desktop Rising Speaker Stands so he can adjust their height and angle for optimal sound quality, relative to his head and hears.
These stands suit small-to-medium kookshelf speakers and compact-to-midsize studio monitor speakers.
- Brings speakers to ear level
- Absorbs resonance to avoid muddy sound
- Adjustable placement and height
- Takes up some space
- Adds to sound system cost
Kanto speakers features:
- The speakers’ three inputs cover digital and analog needs. USB-C connects to your Mac or PC, Bluetooth 5.0 pairs seamlessly with your phone or smart home device, and RCA for your analog gear.
- A crossover network kicks in automatically when a sub is connected, letting ORA focus on vocals and high frequencies. By relieving Ora of sub-bass duties, you can play louder with less distortion.
- A 1/4-inch, 20 threaded insert located at the rear of each speaker lets you mount Ora on a wall or ceiling using any compatible speaker mounting bracket.
- Smaller than full-size bookshelf speakers, Ora is compact enough to place sideways under a monitor or toss into a backpack.
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Paired with speakers, this powerful bass box boots up 300 watts at peak power through an 8-inch woofer.
- Adds substantial low end to any speakers
- 300W peak power
- Not a cheap addition to your speaker system
Kanto speakers and other audio:
- Kanto OraMP powered computer speakers on stands
- Kanto SP9 Rising Desktop Speaker Stands
- Kanto Sub 8 subwoofer
- Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Innogear boom arm
Computer and stand:
Display, panel lights, webcam and lightbar:
- Ulanzi VL49 mini LED lights
- Obsbot Meet 2 4K Webcam
- 32-inch Samsung M8 Series UHD Smart Monitor
- Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
Input devices:
Other accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
