Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Vento 30
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 23 x 36 x 31 cm (9.1" x 14.2" x 12.2")
- Weight: 8.7 kg
- Acoustic Principle: 2-way bass reflex
- Tweeter: 25mm Ceramic
- Woofer/Midrange: 174mm Titanium-graphite
- Nominal Load Capacity: 80 watts
- Music Load Capacity: 150 watts
- Transmission Range: 27-40,000 Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 3,000 Hz
- Impedance: 4-8 ohm
Description
The largest of the compact models is the Vento 30, which achieves great sonority from its relatively small cabinet. It offers plenty of dynamics, sounds exceptionally neutral and balanced, and impresses with its elegant design and excellent workmanship. The Vento 30 has universal talents and can be used equally well as a stereo or home cinema speaker.
The modern look of the new Vento We've redesigned the look and technology of our Vento premium speaker series. Thanks to the modern design, with discreetly curved side panels, rounded cabinet edges and high-quality surfaces with a perfect finish, the new Vento speakers have a very self-assured appearance. The harmoniously proportioned premium speakers offer a perfect balance between timeless elegance and powerful performance. This allows the Vento models to be used universally - they are an enrichment for the most diverse living spaces. The largest of the compact models is the Vento 30, which achieves great sonority from its relatively small cabinet. It offers plenty of dynamics, sounds exceptionally neutral and balanced, and impresses with its elegant design and excellent workmanship. The Vento 30 has universal talents and can be used equally well as a stereo or home cinema speaker.
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Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Canton's Reference line combines years of experience with advanced computer modeling and a dedicated testing laboratory, resulting in products designed with both precision and innovation.
- The brand emphasizes high-quality construction, utilizing stiff, multi-layer laminate cabinets with strategic internal bracing to minimize unwanted resonances.
- Canton's signature sound aims for a neutral and balanced presentation, delivering clear, detailed sound without excessive coloration.
- They often incorporate advanced driver technologies, such as ceramic-tungsten cones and aluminum-ceramic-oxide tweeters, to achieve optimal stiffness, damping, and dispersion.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
60
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
103
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
69
Founding Year
1972
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Canton
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What if you spend more?
Canton
Reference 9
1889
1889
/
3
Reviews
The new Reference 9 Our knowledge from over 50 years of speaker construction combined in compact and acoustically pristine speakers - the Reference 9. Equipped with the technologies of a floorstanding speaker, they offer the potential to fill even larger rooms thanks to the large mid-bass driver. The bass guide, used for the first time in a compact speaker, is an integral part of the speaker base and allows uncomplicated placement on sideboards or freely in the room with the ideally matching speaker stands "Reference LS". Thanks to precise tuning in the laboratory and listening room and the use of high-quality crossover components, the 2-way speakers offer great sound from compact cabinets.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Curved cabinet made of thick multi-layer laminate prevents standing waves
- Cabinet is reinforced multiple times internally to avoid resonances, even under high load
- Impressive bass depth for its size, with a balanced blend of low distortion, clarity, and rich bass response
- All-round sound quality, impressive volume, and craftsmanship
- Bass reflex system works with a sophisticated bass guide for controlled bass output without flow noise, offering placement flexibility
Product Considerations
- Careful placement is recommended due to potential negative effects on side radiation from nearby walls
- The production of the 'Black Ceramic Tungsten' material for the Reference collection demands a great deal of expertise
- Requires listeners to fully indulge in the music, demanding full attention and not tolerating distractions
- Computer-optimized cabinet design makes production more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than standard cabinet construction
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Sopra 1: Comparable in size
Takeaway: The Canton Reference 9 is a technically sophisticated speaker that delivers genuine high-end sound and immersive listening. It offers outstanding sound quality and craftsmanship for those who appreciate a premium audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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KEF
R3 Meta
2430
2430
/
18
Reviews
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
1299
/
18
Reviews
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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MoFi
SourcePoint 8
1999
1999
/
15
Reviews
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Precise and stable stereo imaging
- Good detail retrieval
- Neutral tonal balance
- Versatile directivity
Product Considerations
- Bass extension requires a subwoofer for full-range playback, especially below the mid-40Hz range
- Potential for brightness, especially when toed-in directly towards the listening position
- Requires careful setup and experimentation with placement to optimize sound, especially in relation to the rear wall and toe-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SourcePoint 8 is more neutral, with a less elevated top end, while the SourcePoint 10 is brighter
Takeaway: The SourcePoint 8 is a well-engineered speaker that stands out for its clear imaging and ability to convey musical detail across different genres. It offers a balanced and neutral sound that makes it an engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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What competes at this price?
Canton
Vento 20
681
/
Released
2022
We've redesigned the look and technology of our Vento premium speaker series. Thanks to the modern design, with discreetly curved side panels, rounded cabinet edges and high-quality surfaces with a perfect finish, the new Vento speakers have a very self-assured appearance. The harmoniously proportioned premium speakers offer a perfect balance between timeless elegance and powerful performance.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage, creating an 'in the club' experience and disappearing from the soundscape
- High clarity reveals detail and dimensionality in recordings
- Beautiful aesthetic design with a deep gloss finish and well-executed walnut veneer
- Cabinet built with curved side walls to maximize interior volume and inertness
- Impressive bass output for its size, especially when paired with the right amplifier and placement
Product Considerations
- Can be a bit cool in the midrange and enthusiastic in the treble, requiring thoughtful amplifier matching
- Reveals faults in recordings and can sound a bit too much information at times—especially with compressed or poorly recorded music
- Lower sensitivity (85dB) means it requires more power to drive effectively
- While the bass is impressive, those heavily into bass may still prefer using a subwoofer
- The terminal block is plastic, which feels out of place for a speaker in this price range
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Klipsch RP6000 Mark II, the Klipsch is fuller sounding, makes more bass, and is more dynamic, while the Vento has better clarity, dimensionality, and imaging
- Versus Buchardt S400 Mark II, the Buchardt makes more bass and is more relaxed sounding, but the Vento has more life and better transient attacks
Takeaway: The Canton Vento 20 is a well-designed speaker that provides excellent clarity and imaging, making it great for audiophiles who value detail and soundstage. Careful amplifier matching is needed to deliver a truly impressive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Canton
Ergo 620
549
/
Released
It's the original and the oldest series in the house of Canton: our Ergo is the epitome of a classic hi-fi loudspeaker with noble ingredients and a classy appearance. The 2-way bass reflex compact speakers Ergo 620 inspire with excellent sound characteristics, offer themselves through their balance for all styles of music and visually enhance any living space.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Ergo line hits the sweet spot between performance and value
- There is nothing cheap or compromised about the Ergos
- With shiny metal drivers peeping out behind the metal grilles of their round-edged cabinets, they are practically objets d'art
- There are no sharp edges anywhere on the enclosure, which makes the speakers a pleasure to handle
- The soundfield—five channels of seamless, coherent perfection that are uninterrupted by any timbre-matching flaws—revealed a myriad of details
Product Considerations
- The five identical Canton speakers highlighted the mix's limited panning pattern of surround effects
- It was necessary to work hard to find just the right balance between the low-level speech of Ben Kingsley's hungerstriking Gandhi and higher-level crowd-action scenes
Takeaway: The Ergo speakers are beautiful and deliver seamless, coherent sound. They are a great choice for those who want both performance and value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
/
Released
2021
Wharfedale's new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN. The primary focus is on the AMT development resulting in a radically different way of reproducing high frequency detail efficiently and accurately.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Q Acoustics
5020
899
/
Released
2023
Experience all the scale and power of your favourite music without letting your loudspeaker dominate your room. The 5020 standmounting speaker will put your right in the heart of the music without putting itself at the heart of your space.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
/
Released
2022
A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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