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.
Product Strengths
- The KĒNTO Carbon synchronized with the listening room quickly, establishing itself in the top tier of loudspeakers
- The KĒNTO Carbon delivers a cohesiveness similar to the reference Vandersteen speaker/subwoofers setup, with a realistically satisfying soundstage and imaging
- The KĒNTO Carbon's bass performance was controlled, extended, and realistic sounding, with synthesized bass extending into the mid-20Hz range with authority
- The KĒNTO Carbon's midrange and treble response always sounded realistic, polished, and silky smooth, playing every musical genre effortlessly
- The KĒNTO Carbon is an extremely successful time-and-phase-aligned (coherent) design
Product Considerations
- The KĒNTO Carbon doesn't offer the option of engaging a rear-firing tweeter or adjusting the main tweeter/midrange level, unlike some other Vandersteen models
- The KĒNTO Carbon's sound is more affected by physically standing up from the listening chair than the reviewer's reference Vandersteen speaker/subwoofers combo is
- The KĒNTO Carbon might not give a 'hug' compared to the Model 2, 3, or 5, instead being more refined and neutral
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Replaces the Vandersteen Model 5 loudspeaker
- Equal to a good part of the Model Seven Mk II's performance
- Similar to the Model Seven midrange, but has some slight differences
- Much more accurate than older Vandersteen models such as the Model 2, 3, or 5
Takeaway: The KĒNTO Carbon is a capable speaker that reproduces all genres of music in a cohesive way, with excellent imaging and realistic sound. If one wants a speaker that reproduces the signal truthfully, the KĒNTO Carbon is a product worth considering.
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
KĒNTO Carbon
reviews
[{"title":"Vandersteen Audio Kento Carbon Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/vandersteen-audio-kento-carbon-loudspeaker","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Vandersteen Kēnto Carbon Loudspeakers at Ultra Fidelis | First Listen","link":"https://pt.audio/2021/01/31/vandersteen-kento-carbon-loudspeakers-at-ultra-fidelis-first-listen","source":"pt.audio","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Tweeter: 1" Exclusive Aerodynamic Dual-Chamber, Transmission-Line Loaded Carbon Dome with Ferrofluid Voice-Coil Cooling
- Midrange: 4.5" Patented Perfect Piston ™ Midrange with 3-Layer Carbon Fiber/Balsa/Carbon Fiber Cone
- Mid-Woofer: 6.5" Woven-Fiber Cone and Precision-Formed Magnet Assembly Copper Faraday Ring
- Subwoofer: (2) 9" Aluminum Drivers with Long-Throw Motor Assemblies
- Subwoofer Amplifier: Linear 400-Watt Amplifier with Power Factor Correct Switching Power Supply
- Recommended Amplification: 40-200 Watts Into 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 23 Hz – 40kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: 87 dB, 1 meter/2.83 volt input
- Impedance: 8 ohms +/- 3 ohms
- Crossovers: First order/6dB per octave, 200Hz, 900Hz, 5kHz
- Input Terminals: Barrier strips, 7/16" max width
- Dimensions (WHD): 12" x 47" x 19"
- Weight: 170 lbs. Ea. Net / 200 Shipping Gross
Description
The KĒNTO Carbon represents a ground-up re-thinking by Richard and Nathan Vandersteen. The answer came in a totally new design at the historic Model 5 price point. This speaker brings together the Model 5A carbon tweeter and the patented Carbon/Balsa core midrange from the Model Seven MK II, the Mid-Bass from the Quatro CT, with the all-new built-for-Vandersteen side-firing Counterforce pistonic 9" powered bass drivers.
The KĒNTO Carbon represents a ground-up re-thinking by Richard and Nathan Vandersteen. The answer came in a totally new design at the historic Model 5 price point. This speaker brings together the Model 5A carbon tweeter and the patented Carbon/Balsa core midrange from the Model Seven MK II, the Mid-Bass from the Quatro CT, with the all-new built-for-Vandersteen side-firing Counterforce pistonic 9" powered bass drivers. The result is a level of adjustment, unlike any other speaker. Available uniquely in both wood veneer and painted finishes.
Release Timeline
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:
- Vandersteen designs emphasize time and phase coherence through the use of first-order crossovers, which require drivers with exceptional linearity and bandwidth.
- They are known for their "form-follows-function" aesthetic, prioritizing sound quality over visual flash, often resulting in understated designs.
- Vandersteen loudspeakers often include user-adjustable controls, such as midrange and tweeter level adjustments or multi-band bass equalization, to optimize performance in different listening environments.
- They prioritize seamless driver integration, aiming to present a cohesive sonic presentation, rather than drawing attention to individual drivers.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Model 1Ci+
- Positioning: The entry-level speaker in the Vandersteen lineup, offering a taste of the brand's sonic excellence at an affordable price.
- Description: Praised for its incredible value, providing a sample of the Model 2's sonic excellence in a smaller, easy-to-drive package. Unlike the more advanced models like the Treo CT, it lacks the powered-bass system but still delivers excellent sound quality with its dual-chamber alloy dome tweeter and mineral-filled polycone woofer, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those with smaller rooms.
Model 3A Signature
- Positioning: Serves as a bridge between the entry-level and high-end models, offering high performance with advanced components.
- Description: Known for its big sound and detailed musicality, features a dual-chamber metal-alloy dome tweeter and a unique midrange driver that reduces internal diffraction. While it doesn't have the powered subwoofer of the Quatro Wood CT, it provides a cohesive and smooth sound.
Treo CT
- Positioning: A mid-range model that offers high-end features in a more compact and affordable package.
- Description: Features the patented Perfect-Piston Carbon Tweeter, providing exceptional air and space in sound reproduction. It shares the same driver complement as the Quatro Wood CT but lacks the powered-bass system.
Quatro Wood CT
- Positioning: A high-performance model that incorporates advanced technologies from Vandersteen's flagship speakers.
- Description: Features the Carbon Tweeter from the Model 5A Carbon, offering exceptional resolution and imaging. It includes a powered subwoofer section with dual 8" subwoofers, unlike the Treo CT, providing powerful bass performance.
KēNTO Carbon
- Positioning: A premium model, offering advanced features at a historic price point.
- Description: Combines elements from the Model Seven MK II and Quatro CT, including side-firing Counterforce pistonic bass drivers. It offers a level of adjustment and integration not found in the Quatro Wood CT.
Model Seven XTRM
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Vandersteen's speaker technology.
- Description: Features Perfect-Piston drivers and a recalibrated internal amplifier. Unlike the KēNTO Carbon, it offers the ultimate in time-and-phase correct audio reproduction.
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Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
72
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
95
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
18
Founding Year
1977
Our take on the brand
Vandersteen Audio is distinguished by its time and phase coherence in speaker design, where all drivers move in unison through their first-order crossover design and Perfect-Piston drivers made of carbon-fiber and balsa wood. The brand's speakers feature a minimum baffle approach to reduce reflections, while focusing on high-quality internal components over elaborate cabinet designs, with models like the Seven XTRM offering precise bass response customization through adjustable trim pots.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
Vandersteen
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Vandersteen
Model Seven XTRM
94000
94000
/
2
Reviews
IT'S ALL IN THE TIMING. The Model Seven XTRM continues a tradition of pushing time-and-phase correct audio reproduction to the ultimate extreme. With new pistonic side-firing drivers matched to the patented mid-range and tweeter, the XTRM brings further clarity and harmonic accuracy in a way that surprised the designers and the expert listening board. Give yourself a treat and take a listen soon. Full XTRM updates are available to the original owner within the USA, and the cost is $30,051 to $45,633, depending on the vintage of your Model Seven.
Vandersteen Audio is distinguished by its time and phase coherence in speaker design, where all drivers move in unison through their first-order crossover design and Perfect-Piston drivers made of carbon-fiber and balsa wood. The brand's speakers feature a minimum baffle approach to reduce reflections, while focusing on high-quality internal components over elaborate cabinet designs, with models like the Seven XTRM offering precise bass response customization through adjustable trim pots.
Expand Details
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Upgradable from older Model 7 versions, representing long-term value for owners
- Features a 'CounterForce Bass' system with opposing woofers to minimize cabinet movement and improve clarity
- Offers extensive bass adjustments for room integration, including 11 trim pots for precise frequency adjustments
- Time-and-phase coherent design ensures that all drivers move in unison
- Provides a relaxed ease and warmth that fosters musical engagement
Product Considerations
- Sensitivity is relatively low at 85dB, requiring a powerful amplifier to achieve its full potential
- Requires careful rake angle adjustment for optimal performance
- Bi-wire capable, the mandatory HP-7 filter costs extra
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF KC-62 subwoofer: Both use counter-opposing force woofers to stop cabinet movement
Takeaway: The Model Seven XTRM is a technologically innovative speaker designed for music lovers. It offers powerful bass, harmonic beauty, and exceptional tonal realism, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-fidelity audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Vandersteen Audio is distinguished by its time and phase coherence in speaker design, where all drivers move in unison through their first-order crossover design and Perfect-Piston drivers made of carbon-fiber and balsa wood. The brand's speakers feature a minimum baffle approach to reduce reflections, while focusing on high-quality internal components over elaborate cabinet designs, with models like the Seven XTRM offering precise bass response customization through adjustable trim pots.
Product Page
Product Page
Avantgarde
Trio G3
91000
91000
/
3
Reviews
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Impressive midbass solidity
- Remarkable fidelity at lower volumes due to the alacrity of its drivers
- Comprehensive and dynamic sound signature with plenty of detail and clarity
- The newly developed tweeter allows for faster response and a frequency range that easily extends to 28,000Hz
- Features a modular design, offering flexibility with passive, iTron active, and all-in-one wireless streaming versions
Product Considerations
- Integrating the Spacehorn subwoofers requires careful alignment
- High-quality source components are needed to match its performance level
- Some reviewers found that the iTron amplification did not produce the requisite bloom and musicality for classical and jazz music
Takeaway: The Avantgarde Trio G3 speaker is a top-tier audio system known for its exceptional sound reproduction and flexibility with different configurations. If you appreciate high-quality audio performance and aesthetics and want a sound system that sounds exciting and sophisticated, it is an excellent option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Product Page
Product Page
Meridian
DSP9
85000
85000
/
2
Reviews
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Superb resolution, incredible mid/low synchronicity, and uncanny bass extension
- Phenomenal, tight, and fast bass, playing below 15Hz
- Great balance, detail, and articulation at every volume level
- Amazing imaging and natural space in the soundstage
- DSP9 is easy to install and place in a room, due to the DSP controls available
Product Considerations
- At £60,000 per pair, the DSP9 is still expensive
- Fairly generous footprint
- Finishes other than piano gloss black are available at a premium depending on cost and complexity
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Meridian DSP8000 XE: DSP9 is smaller, lighter and more svelte, but aims to offer equally top-line performance
Takeaway: The Meridian Audio DSP9 is a sensational loudspeaker with amazing imaging, natural space, and incredibly tight bass, suitable for various music genres and volume levels. The active configuration, design, and range of finishes make it a strong proposition for premium installations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Meridian
Special Edition DSP7200
52000
/
Released
The Special Edition DSP7200 offers reference-level performance from its classic design format of four forward-firing drive-units. The DSP7200SE's two DSP processors and drive-unit clamp rings, combined with extreme cabinet resonance control, guarantee the listener hears the finest details. Its beryllium tweeter delivers breathtaking clarity and detail that can be enjoyed effortlessly for long periods of time. This optimum fidelity is supported by punch and control, making the DSP7200SE the perfect solution for authentic audio in small to medium sized rooms (20-50m2).
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- DSP use smooths out frequency responses in rooms with non-standard shapes
- Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology delivers deep and fast bass
- Built-in DSP and DACs
- Finished in high-gloss piano lacquer
- The new tweeter has a 1' beryllium dome for high power handling and superior transients, increasing dynamic range and contrast
Product Considerations
- Requires a digital streamer to feed it source files
- Requires AC cables and an Ethernet cable between speakers
- The balance is dark, with recessed midrange and treble
- Placement may require more distance to walls than usual
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Kii THREE speakers can sit on a desktop
Takeaway: The Meridian DSP7200SE loudspeaker is a technologically advanced speaker with great sound quality and a sleek design that simplifies a home audio system. The built-in technology helps the speaker sound good in different kinds of rooms.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
Vantage 3 Live
66297
/
Released
2023
Vantage 3 Live is a unique product: a complete system delivering stunning audio quality combined with exceptional convenience and flexibility. Vantage 3 Live will have you re-listening to all your favorite recordings, enjoying its unrivaled dynamics and scale, breathtaking detail and delicacy. Most of all, it has a musical, natural sound with all types of music, whether recreating an intimate acoustic recording or the spine-tingling, electric atmosphere of a rock concert.
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Three 700W amplifiers are included, one for each driver; each has been optimized for its particular driver
- 25' ST optical fiber cables are included, which attach to the control module
- YG Acoustics developments include a new lattice tweeter, and an enclosure made from an "aerospace alloy"
Product Considerations
- The sound wasn't perfect, but it had some hard-to-describe arresting qualities that held many in the room in its spell
Takeaway: The Vantage 3 Live combines YG Acoustics' speaker design with Bel Canto's amplification and digital processing in an all-in-one system. The speaker system aims to deliver high-quality sound through optimized components and innovative materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Product Page
Product Page
Avantgarde
Duo GT
51949
/
Released
2022
The DUO GT "Grande Twin" is the third evolutionary stage of a horn system that has been in Avantgarde Acoustic's portfolio since 1993. The proven innovative spherical horn architecture combined with the improved XM2 midrange driver, the new XT3 Supertweeter from the TRIO and the XB12 bass drivers with huge voice coil from the SpaceHorn.
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
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