Canton Reference 9 black lacquered (pack of 2)

Within the Reference range, which consists of imposing floorstanders and a center speaker, the Reference 9 stands out as an exception: it is the only compact speaker in the series. Canton developed it in 2023 from a clean slate, without reusing the foundations of the old K series. It is designed and manufactured at the Weilrod factory in the Taunus region, where the brand has been based for over fifty years.

A design that goes against the usual trends

The layout of the drivers is surprising at first glance. The tweeter is placed below the woofer, a configuration rarely seen in the world of compact speakers. Canton justifies this choice by a better coherence of the soundstage at listening height, with the tweeter closer to the ears when the speaker is placed on a stand or a piece of furniture.

The 174 mm woofer uses a BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cone, an aluminum diaphragm whose structure is partially transformed into ceramic and then enriched with tungsten particles. This treatment gives the material high rigidity combined with effective internal damping, all while keeping the mass under control. The 25 mm ceramic dome tweeter works with an asymmetrical waveguide, designed to widen and homogenize dispersion in the high frequencies.

The Bass-Guide: a first for a Canton compact speaker

The bass-reflex port is neither on the front nor on the rear. It vents downwards, integrated into a massive plinth that acts as a compression chamber. This system, called Bass-Guide, was previously reserved for the brand’s floorstanding models. The air is first channeled downward, then evacuated to the front and rear. This architecture has two advantages: it increases the internal volume available in the cabinet, and it allows placement closer to walls without excessively boosting the bass. Canton still recommends a minimum distance of 20 cm from the wall.

Under the plinth, height-adjustable feet make it possible to level the speaker on an uneven surface. Rubber pads can be added to improve decoupling. A dedicated stand, the Reference LS, offers concealed cable management and a matching aesthetic.

A cabinet refined down to the smallest details

The curved lines of the cabinet are not just an aesthetic choice. The generous rounding on the sides, top, and bottom reduces edge diffraction and helps ensure more even dispersion. Inside, a system of chambers optimized by computer simulation, combined with structural bracing, limits standing waves and unwanted resonances.

The “Schwarz Piano” (piano black) finish is applied in twelve coats, then sanded and hand-polished. The resulting depth effect is striking, but the surface is sensitive to fingerprints. A “White Satin” (satin matte white) version is available for those who prefer easier maintenance, as well as a walnut finish introduced in 2024.

Each driver has its own magnetic grille, slightly domed to follow the curves of the front baffle. These covers protect the diaphragms from dust without significantly affecting the acoustic performance.

Settings and connectivity

The rear terminal block houses WBT Nextgen connectors, compatible with banana plugs, spades, and bare wire. Just above, a jumper system allows you to adjust the tweeter level in 1.5 dB steps, either up or down. This adjustment can compensate for a room with particularly reflective acoustics or, conversely, one that is very absorbent. The neutral setting (middle position) is suitable in most situations.

Unlike the previous Reference 9 K, the new model does not offer bi-wiring or bi-amping: the terminal block is designed for single-wiring.

Dimensions and installation constraints

At 26 cm wide, 45 cm high (including plinth), and 39 cm deep, the Reference 9 exceeds the usual size of bookshelf speakers. It weighs 18 kg per unit, which rules out fragile shelving and requires a stable support. Canton suggests a slight toe-in towards the listening position to optimize focus, but without aiming the speakers directly at the ears: a tweeter too “on-axis” can make the top end of the spectrum a bit too prominent.

The nominal impedance of 4 ohms and sensitivity of 87 dB call for an amplifier capable of delivering current effortlessly. Tube amplifiers can work, provided they offer sufficient power and outputs suited to this impedance.

Integration into a home cinema system

The Reference 9 can be used as a surround or effects speaker in a multichannel setup built around Reference floorstanders. Canton offers a dedicated center (Reference Center) and an active subwoofer (Reference Sub) that are visually and acoustically matched. This consistency makes it easier to build a system that is homogeneous in both timbre and design.

Technical specifications

Acoustic characteristics

• Frequency response: 25 Hz – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)

Drivers

• Mid-bass driver: 174 mm with BCT diaphragm (black ceramic tungsten)
• Tweeter: 25 mm black ceramic dome with optimized asymmetrical waveguide

Power handling

• Nominal power: 125 W
• Music power: 220 W

Technologies and design

• BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) diaphragm: latest-generation diaphragm combining high rigidity and low mass for precise, fast, and distortion-free reproduction
• BC ceramic tweeter with asymmetrical waveguide: optimizes high-frequency dispersion for a wider and more homogeneous soundstage
• Optimized multi-layer cabinet: reinforced and damped structure effectively reducing unwanted resonances and improving tonal neutrality
• Cabinet design: curved shape promoting even sound dispersion and reducing diffraction
• Bass-Guide technology: optimization of low-frequency dispersion for easier integration into different listening environments
• Reinforced internal structure: internal bracing optimized by computer modeling for maximum rigidity

Connectivity

• High-end WBT nextgen™ binding posts: audiophile-grade connectors ensuring optimal signal transmission and compatibility with banana plugs, spades, or bare wire
• High-quality POM binding post panel: low-damping material ensuring excellent mechanical and electrical stability

Construction and finish

• Protective grille: acoustically neutral fabric cover with invisible magnetic mounting
• Plinth and decoupling: isolating base with CNC-machined feet and PVD coating for optimal stability and vibration reduction

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions with plinth
  • Width: 26 cm
  • Height: 46 cm
  • Depth: 39 cm
• Weight: 18 kg per speaker