Sound quality: Kanto's TUK had very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. With the bass and treble controls set for the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes deep but is somewhat prominent and boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is a bit grainy and hazy, a touch etched and echoey, and depending on the program material can be somewhat overwhelmed by the bass. Treble is fairly extended, but the lower treble is a bit prominent while the upper treble is a bit subdued, somewhat smeared, and a touch sizzly. Although it does a good job of recovering room ambience, the echoey quality of the midrange adds a touch more spaciousness than exists in the original program material and the overall sound is a bit congested. This model comes as a stereo pair, and its sound stage width and focus depends on how well it is placed. When it is well placed the sound field extends somewhat above and a bit beyond the sides of the speakers, and there is a suggestion of front to back depth. Individual instruments and voices are identifiable with good side to side imaging and have a bit of a three dimensional quality. No significant difference between Bluetooth, Optical, USB and RCA sound quality. Can provide a high volume level in a medium sized room.
Ease of use: We found the Kanto TUK ease of use to be satisfactory overall. Wired Setup: Wires are setup ready with banana plugs clear polarity designations and clear instructions on installation. Bluetooth Setup: The unit is always in pairing mode when not already paired, shows a pairing mode indicator. Indicates when pairing mode has occurred and never times out. The volume control is an unlabeled multifunction infinity knob located on the front of the speaker, but the fact that it is a knob suggests that it is a volume control. Lacks index markings for volume levels, and has a visual indication when max volume is reached. Knob is also used for standby on/off and source selection. Source selector is an unlabeled multifunction knob (also used for volume and standby on/off); source indicator is labeled with words and a persistent blue light.
