Canton Reference 2 white (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. Built 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.

A shape that serves acoustics

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

The piano black finish alone requires twelve coats of lacquer, each sanded before the next. A walnut version appears in the catalog, a new option for the Reference range: the veneer receives a fine-grain sanded matte treatment. Satin white completes the lineup.

The plinth, decoupled from the main cabinet, houses the Bass-Guide system. This downward-firing bass-reflex outlet directs the airflow towards the floor and around the speaker, reducing turbulence noise and making positioning less sensitive to nearby walls. CNC-machined, PVD-coated feet complete the mechanical isolation.

BCT cones and asymmetric waveguide

Four drivers share the audio spectrum. The two woofers measure 219 mm, the midrange 174 mm. All three use BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cones: an aluminum cone whose molecular structure is converted to ceramic by about 25% via electrolysis, then enriched with tungsten particles. This process gives the cone high rigidity for a low mass and produces its characteristic black hue, 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 ASW (Asymetric Waveguide Ring) mounting ring made of polyoxymethylene. These three-dimensional rings allow all the drivers to sit flush on the rounded baffle with no visible screws, while smoothing dispersion in the mid and high frequencies. The multi-pleat Wave Surround 3.0 suspensions allow for long excursions while keeping the diaphragm perfectly centered.

Three chambers, three ways

Each section of the 3-way system has its own internal volume, optimized by 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 handles the central band, and the tweeter takes over from 3 kHz up to 40 kHz. The specified response extends down to 19 Hz, where the Bass-Guide and the generous cabinet volume make a clear difference on large pipe organ works 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 handles up to 370 W continuous and 630 W peak music power. A quality integrated amplifier of 80 to 120 W is sufficient to drive it to high domestic levels, but it reveals more nuance with separate amplification or power amps.

Room Compensation control 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 enables bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Two metal knobs adjust the level of the midrange and tweeter in 1.5 dB steps (± 1.5 dB). This Room Compensation function helps correct for a room that is too reverberant or too damped, or simply tailor the sound to your listening preferences. Adjustment is done by ear, without measurements: the neutral setting (position 0) will suit most situations, but a heavily furnished or very glassy room may justify some correction.

Magnetic grilles and setup

Individual grilles made of acoustically neutral fabric protect each driver and attach via hidden magnets. Removing them reveals the black cones and ASW rings, giving the speaker a more technical look. The weight of 62 kg per speaker requires two people for unpacking and positioning. It is advisable 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.

Stereo and home theater use

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

Frequently asked questions

What type of amplifier is suitable for the Reference 2?

An amplifier stable into a 4-ohm load and delivering at least 80 W per channel will give good results. High-end integrateds or power amps capable of doubling their power into 4 ohms will make better use of the speaker’s dynamic potential. Low-power tube amplifiers (less than 30 W) are not recommended.

How does the Bass-Guide system work?

The Bass-Guide is a downward-firing bass-reflex port integrated into the plinth. The air exits around the base of the speaker rather than through a rear or front port. This configuration reduces sensitivity to wall proximity and limits turbulence noise at high volume.

What is the difference compared to the previous Reference 2 K?

The K series used three 219 mm woofers, a trapezoidal cabinet with pronounced edges, and weighed around 71 kg. The new Reference 2 adopts two woofers of the same diameter, a fully curved cabinet, a decoupled plinth with Bass-Guide, and the latest-generation BCT cones. The design is more compact in height, while the internal volume remains comparable.

What room size is recommended?

Canton designed the Reference 2 for medium to large rooms, typically between 25 and 60 m². In a smaller space, the Reference 3 or Reference 5 will be easier to integrate without overloading the room with bass.

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 stiffness and lightness
• 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: fine-tuning of mid and high frequencies (± 1.5 dB) according to room acoustics
• Wave Surround 3.0 technology ensuring precise, controlled driver excursion

Connectivity

• High-end WBT-nextgen™ binding posts
• Bi-wiring / bi-amping compatible
• 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