Skip to main content

Kanto SYD 5 Review

Kanto SYD 5
“The SYD 5 is one of the best sounding iPod speaker docks that we’ve had the pleasure of testing.”
Pros
  • Audiophile-grade Sound; bass and treble adjustment; multiple auxiliary inputs; supplemental AC outlet; onboard and remote controls; TV output
Cons
  • Tonal balance shifts as volume is adjusted; cluttered remote control; larger size and rear ports may make placement difficult

Summary

Just a few years ago, the notion of combining the terms ‘audiophile’ and ‘iPod’ were, simply put, laughable. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from that dismissive attitude. Since manufacturers identified the cash cow that is the iPod, we’ve been fortunate to see some quality iPod playback devices. Unfortunately, most current audiophile solutions for iPod remain expensive, complicated and/or inconvenient.

Recommended Videos

However, in 2006, once OEM-only manufacturer Kanto considered the state of the iPod speaker/dock and decided it could do better. Enter the Kanto SYD 5, whose premium cabinet construction, drivers and amplifier technology combined with thoughtful connectivity and control features make it a simple, yet incredibly-large-sounding solution for those that want big-system sound without the big-system bulk.

Out of the Box

The SYD 5’s quality is evident even before cracking open the box. At just over 22 lbs, the unit proves surprisingly heavy. This is likely due to a combination of its real-wood cabinet, stout driver magnets and hefty amplifier. Once we opened the box, we found a gorgeous gloss piano black lacquer finish staring back at us. (The SYD 5 is also available in a glossy Blue, Green, White and Red.) The furniture-grade finish showed no streaking or haze either – an indication of Kanto’s high standards of manufacturing.

Kanto SYD5

At 7.25” x 22 x 8,” the SYD 5 looks just like a home theater center channel. This may create a placement issue for some, but the device should be compact enough for most home entertainment rooms, offices and bedrooms. Along with the SYD 5, we found a detachable power cord, 1/8” to RCA cable, several different sizes of iPod docking adapters and a credit-card-sized remote control.

Features and Design

Removing the grille from the front face of the SYD 5 exposes two 5.25” Kevlar bass drivers and two 3” Kevlar full range drivers. The 5.25” drivers are mounted toward the center so that the 3” full-range speakers are spaced as far apart as possible – probably to enhance stereo and imaging effects.

Kanto SYD5

On the back of the unit is located the SYD 5’s very comprehensive amplifier plate. Here the user is offered both RCA stereo inputs and a 1/8” mini-jack input to allow the connection of just about any additional audio device. We really liked the provision of an AC outlet, which allows the listener to use an Apple Airport Express to deliver music wirelessly or to power and charge a non iPod music player. A manual volume control, input selection button and S-Video output for movie and picture viewing round out the list of thoughtful features.

Kanto SYD5

Performance

To test the SYD 5, we used an iPhone 3G, iPod Touch and an OPPO BDP-83 Blu-Ray player. We started out with Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” from his We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things release. This ridiculously popular tune starts out with clean electric guitar chords and chunky muted acoustic guitar strumming then adds Mraz’s voice, a fender Rhodes and the rest of the rhythm section. This layering allowed us to analyze the playback of each instrument individually, then as part of a bigger mix. What we discovered was that the SYD 5 is very revealing. The 3” drivers deliver an extremely detailed music experience and managed to resolve each instrument with startling accuracy. Bass response was meaty and fairly deep and mostly free of mid-bass hump (we did note a bit of a resonance issue at 120hz, but found that varied with placement changes).

The SYD 5’s revealing nature continued to impress us as we moved on to Maceo Parker’s Roots and Grooves: A Tribute to Ray Charles. This recording has considerably less bass to reproduce and we noticed right away that the SYD 5 seemed to lack a certain oomph that we enjoyed before. A quick adjustment of the bass level brought the bass back to the mix, but without forcing a boost to any of the mid-bass frequencies. All of the zeal of the brass section came out with amazing texture. Everything said, the sound of the SYD 5 was composed, balanced and without any egregious coloration.

Kanto SYD5

For some fun, we also connected the analog audio outputs of our Oppo Blu-ray player to the analog inputs of the SYD 5 and queued up Master and Commander. During the highly explosive cannonball fight scenes, the SYD 5 did admirably well. While the bass wasn’t enough to shake our foundation, it did provide a far more enriching audio experience than anything one could hope to get from their TV speakers. While clearly not designed as a dedicated home theater solution, it is certainly a candidate for those who want better sound from their entertainment system without adding multiple components.

The SYD 5 offers a video ouput of its own, so we connected our iPod touch and played Disney’s Bolt with the S-Video output connected to our display. We were pleasantly surprised with the video quality. Though inferior to that of a component or HDMI connection, the S-video output was better than that of other video capable iPod docks we’ve tested in the past.

Kanto SYD5

The SYD 5 is not without a few notable problems, however. During our audition, we noted that adjusting the volume also changed the balance of the sound output. As the volume went down, so did the high frequency response. At lower volumes, we also had to boost the highs using the provided treble controls otherwise we ended up with a slightly muted sound. When we turned up the volume, the highs were too aggressive and had to be backed down. The bass response seemed to be less affected by volume changes, but we found ourselves making adjustments frequently, depending on source material.

Stereo effects were not as impressive as a two-cabinet speaker solution either, though better than most iPod speakers we’ve tested. Also, the unit’s iPod authentication chip is for iPod only so it will not play video off an iPhone. (It will, however, play video from any capable iPod, including the Touch.) In addition, the remote, though highly functional, is a tad cluttered and takes some getting used to. You’ll find that there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to matching up the remote’s control functions to those found on your iPod. Once you’re used to it though, the full menu control system becomes very convenient.


Conclusion

The SYD 5 is one of the best sounding iPod speaker docks that we’ve had the pleasure of testing. The unit’s great connectivity and thoughtful controls make it a very versatile piece of equipment capable of providing fantastic sound from a number of sources. Though it is suffers from a few quirks that require the user to make occasional tone adjustments, we feel that it’s build quality and audiophile-grade sound capability earn it very high marks.

Pros:

  • Audiophile-grade Sound
  • Bass and treble adjustment
  • Multiple auxiliary inputs
  • Supplemental AC outlet
  • Onboard and remote controls
  • TV output

Cons:

  • Tonal balance shifts as volume is adjusted
  • Cluttered remote control
  • Larger size and rear ports may make placement difficult
Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
The best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 2024
The three colors of Beats Pill: gold, red, and black.

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the kind of audio device that comes in handy more than you might think. Not only can products like the Beats Pill and JBL Xtreme 4 be used as crowd-pleasing decibel deliverers for pool parties and beachside shindigs, but some models are even rugged enough to hitch to a backpack or bike when it’s time for your next hike or trail expedition. And thanks to features like long-lasting battery life and quick recharging, you won’t have to worry about these Bluetooth speakers dying when you least expect it. 

One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of Bluetooth speakers on the market. You’ll find options from major speaker brands like Anker, JBL, Sonos, and Beats, along with several incredible third-party choices. While it can be challenging to home in on the Bluetooth tech that’s best for you, we’ve put together this roundup to make it easier to pick out the pros and cons.

Read more
Best wireless speakers for 2024: Sonos, JBL, KEF, and more
JBL Authentics 300.

You’ve probably seen a million Bluetooth speakers online and in stores. Hyperbole aside, that’s no surprise, as Bluetooth is one of the most convenient wireless standards. But when it comes to overall sound quality, it's hard to beat the performance and versatility you’ll get with a Wi-Fi-connected speaker. And while Sonos was one of the first brands to leverage your home network for its wireless speaker lineup, web-connected speakers are now available from numerous speaker brands. 

What exactly can a Wi-Fi speaker do that a regular ole’ Bluetooth speaker can’t? For starters, Bluetooth has both quality and distance limits. You’ll be hard-pressed to get your phone and Bluetooth speaker shaking hands when you’re more than 35 feet away. In most cases, a web-connected speaker will be paired with your Wi-Fi, which basically eliminates that distance caveat (a typical Wi-Fi connection can reach up to 115 feet indoors). The higher bandwidth also allows for streaming of higher-quality music tracks for better sound.

Read more
Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker is tiny, waterproof, and wearable
Ultimate Ears Miniroll.

Ultimate Ears (UE) has added yet another Bluetooth speaker to its lineup, with its smallest model so far: the $80 UE Miniroll. It comes in four colors (black, blue, gray, and pink) and you'll be able to buy it at ultimateears.com starting September 9.

Other than its tiny size and weight (9.8 ounces and just over 4 inches in diameter) one of the things that sets the Miniroll apart from other UE Bluetooth speakers like the Wonderboom and Everboom is its integrated silicone strap. Similar to the design used by Marshall on its $120 Willen II portable speaker, you can use the strap to attach the Miniroll to clothing, a backpack, or the handlebars of a bike. UE says the removable and replaceable strap will accommodate tubular shapes ranging from 20mm to 35mm in diameter. Unlike the Willen II, the Miniroll doesn't have a built-in mic, so it can't be used for calls.

Read more