Canton Reference 2 black lacquer (pack of 2)

Second-largest model in the Reference series launched in 2023, this 3-way floorstander succeeds the Reference K generation and marks a turning point in Canton’s design language. The former angular cabinet gives way to a fully curved silhouette, the result of a completely rethought design. Manufactured at the Weilrod headquarters in Hesse, it brings together five decades of expertise from Germany’s largest loudspeaker manufacturer in a format capable of filling large rooms with sound.

A shape guided by acoustics

The cabinet abandons the sharp edges of the K series in favor of curved side panels, a rounded top and bottom, and an arched front baffle. This geometry reduces surface reflections and internal resonances while increasing the usable volume without enlarging the footprint. The multilayer laminated structure is machined on a 5-axis CNC mill dedicated specifically to the Reference series.

The piano black finish alone requires twelve coats of lacquer, each sanded before the next is applied. A walnut version makes its debut in the catalog, a new option in the Reference range: the veneer receives a finely sanded matte treatment. Satin white completes the lineup.

The base, decoupled from the main cabinet, houses the Bass-Guide system. This downward-firing bass-reflex vent directs the airflow towards the floor and around the speaker, limiting turbulence noise and making placement less sensitive to proximity to walls. The CNC-machined, PVD-treated feet complete the mechanical isolation.

BCT diaphragms and asymmetric waveguide

Four drivers share the audio spectrum. The two bass woofers measure 219 mm, the midrange 174 mm. All three use BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) diaphragms: an aluminum cone whose molecular structure is converted by about 25% into ceramic by electrolysis, then enriched with tungsten particles. This process gives the cone high rigidity for low mass and its characteristic black color, visible on both sides of the diaphragm.

The 25 mm tweeter features a ceramic dome made of aluminum oxide (BC technology). Positioned between the midrange and woofers, it benefits from an asymmetric waveguide integrated into the polyoxymethylene ASW (Asymetric Waveguide Ring) mounting ring. These three-dimensional rings allow all drivers to sit flush on the rounded baffle with no visible screws and help to even out dispersion in the mid and high frequencies. The multi-fold Wave Surround 3.0 suspensions allow for large excursions while keeping the diaphragm centered.

Three chambers, three ways

Each section of the 3-way system has its own internal volume optimized via computer modeling. The crossover frequencies are set at 160 Hz and 3 kHz. The two woofers work in parallel up to 160 Hz, the midrange covers the central band, and the tweeter takes over from 3 kHz up to 40 kHz. The stated response extends down to 19 Hz, where the Bass-Guide and the cabinet’s generous volume make a difference on large pipe organs or low-frequency synthesizers.

With a sensitivity of 88 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, the Reference 2 requires a stable amplifier capable of delivering sustained current. It accepts up to 370 W continuous and 630 W peak musical power. A quality integrated amp of 80 to 120 W is enough to drive it to high domestic levels, but it reveals more nuance with separate amplification or power amps.

Room Compensation adjustment and WBT terminals

The rear panel houses four low-mass WBT-nextgen™ binding posts, reducing eddy currents for cleaner signal transmission. Two pairs of gold-plated copper jumpers are supplied for single-wiring; removing them allows bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Two metal knobs adjust the midrange and tweeter level in 1.5 dB steps (± 1.5 dB). This Room Compensation function helps to compensate for a room that is too reverberant or too damped, or simply to tailor the sound to personal preferences. Adjustment is done by ear, with no measurement: the neutral setting (position 0) will suit most situations, but a very heavily furnished or very glassy room may justify a correction.

Magnetic grilles and setup

Individual grilles made from acoustically neutral fabric protect each driver and attach via recessed magnets. Removing them reveals the black diaphragms and ASW rings, giving the speaker a more technical appearance. The weight of 62 kg per speaker requires two people for unpacking and positioning. It is best to allow at least 20 cm of free space behind the speaker so the Bass-Guide can breathe, even though the system tolerates closer placement to walls than a conventional rear-ported bass-reflex design.

Stereo and home theater use

The Reference 2 forms a standalone stereo pair for rooms from 25 to 60 m². It can also be combined with the rest of the Reference series (center speakers, bookshelf speakers, subwoofer) to create a home theater system. Its dynamics and low-frequency extension allow it to reproduce movie soundtracks without the need for a subwoofer, although adding the Reference Sub further increases headroom for infrabass effects.

Technical specifications

Acoustic configuration

• Type: 3-way passive floorstanding speaker, bass-reflex
• Design: bass-reflex system with Bass-Guide technology for optimized low-frequency dispersion
• Drivers:
  • 2 x 219 mm woofers with BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cone
  • 1 x 174 mm BCT midrange driver
  • 1 x 25 mm BC tweeter with asymmetrical waveguide
• Crossover frequencies: 160 Hz / 3000 Hz

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 19 Hz – 40000 Hz
• Power handling:
  • Rated: 370 W
  • Music: 630 W
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)

Technologies and construction

• BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cones: new generation offering maximum rigidity and minimal distortion, combining extreme rigidity and light weight
• Reinforced multi-layer cabinet, effectively limiting unwanted resonances
• Curved cabinet shape promoting even dispersion and a precise soundstage
• Internal bracing optimized by computer modeling
• Room Compensation adjustment: medium and high frequency level tuning (± 1.5 dB) according to the room acoustics
• Wave Surround 3.0 technology ensuring precise and controlled driver excursion

Connectivity

• High-end WBT-nextgen™ binding posts
• Compatible with bi-wiring / bi-amping
• Low-loss binding posts for optimal signal transmission

Mechanical construction

• Plinth with decoupled construction and floating design
• Decoupled plinth with CNC feet and PVD coating
• Protective grille:
  • Magnetic attachment
  • Acoustically neutral fabric

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions with plinth (W × H × D): 35 × 116 × 53 cm
• Dimensions without plinth:
  • Width: 32 cm
  • Depth: 50 cm
• Weight: 62 kg