Short answer: the Kanto ORA. It ranks #15 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $349.99. The Audioengine A2+ ranks #19, rated 3.4/5, at $299, $50.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Kanto ORA is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Ultra-compact active desktop reference monitors designed specifically for computer and creator setups. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 3dB, against 105.5Hz for the Audioengine A2+. The catch: The 3-inch woofers begin rolling off sharply around 70Hz, so a separate subwoofer is essential for true full-range bass extension and high-volume authority.
What the Audioengine A2+ does well: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a 6.10 predicted preference score with an ideal subwoofer. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto ORA lacks. The catch: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer.
Buy the Kanto ORA. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50.99 you would save on the Audioengine A2+ does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto ORA | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) bi-amplified Class D | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audioholics) | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audioholics) | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.7kHz (satellite), 100Hz auto high-pass with sub connected | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 3.9” x 5.6” (174 x 100 x 141 mm) | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” paper cone woofer | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA, Bluetooth | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes (automatic 100Hz high-pass filter) | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (USB-C 24-bit/96kHz) | Yes |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) per pair | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| EQ | - | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| App | - | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.10 |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| XLR Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kanto ORA compares with other leading options:
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Kanto ORA
- Edifier M60 vs Kanto ORA
- Kanto ORA4 vs Kanto ORA
- Airpulse A60 vs Kanto ORA
- Kanto ORA vs Edifier M90
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Kanto ORA: $349.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kanto ORA4 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Ultra-compact active desktop reference monitors designed specifically for computer and creator setups. Equipped with 3-inch magnetically shielded paper-cone woofers and 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeters, bi-amplified with 50W RMS (100W peak) total Class D power. Audioholics free-air measurements show remarkably linear on-axis and listening-window response across the vocal band with smooth directivity transitions. Features high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz USB-C digital audio input, RCA analog, and Bluetooth 5.0. Its dedicated subwoofer output automatically engages an active 100Hz high-pass filter on the satellites, dramatically improving clean dynamic headroom when a subwoofer is added. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3-inch woofers begin rolling off sharply around 70Hz, so a separate subwoofer is essential for true full-range bass extension and high-volume authority. There is no optical or HDMI input. The volume knob doubles as an input selector but lacks visual input LEDs on the front baffle.
Full Kanto ORA review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) bi-amplified Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audioholics) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audioholics) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.7kHz (satellite), 100Hz auto high-pass with sub connected |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 3.9” x 5.6” (174 x 100 x 141 mm) |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” paper cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA, Bluetooth |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes (automatic 100Hz high-pass filter) |
| USB Input | Yes (USB-C 24-bit/96kHz) |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) per pair |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audioholics: Kanto ORA Powered Desktop Speaker Review & Measurements
- Jasper Tech: Are the D3V The Best Studio Monitors For The Money? More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine A2+: $299.00 per pair Amazon Audioengine eBay
Same family: the Audioengine A5+ Classic (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a 6.10 predicted preference score with an ideal subwoofer. The tiny footprint, multiple inputs and variable RCA output are useful for desktop listening. The existing review found desk placement more forgiving than free-space placement, with no major port-chuffing problem in its tests. Measured bass extension of 105.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer. Midrange and crossover-region dips remain; desk gain is placement-dependent and cannot be assumed to correct them. Compression becomes substantial above roughly 87dB at 1m in the review, so this is a quiet nearfield option rather than a high-output monitor.
Full Audioengine A2+ review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2013 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer |
| EQ | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.10 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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