Canton Reference 9 white (pack of 2)

Within the Reference range, composed of imposing floorstanders and a center speaker, the Reference 9 stands out: it is the only compact speaker in the series. Canton developed it in 2023 from a blank slate, without reusing the foundations of the former K series. It is designed and manufactured in the Weilrod factory in the Taunus region, where the brand has been based for more than fifty years.

A design that goes against the grain

The driver layout is surprising at first glance. The tweeter is located 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, as the tweeter is then closer to ear level when the speaker is placed on a stand or 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 mass under control. The 25 mm ceramic dome tweeter works with an asymmetrical waveguide, designed to broaden and homogenize dispersion in the high frequencies.

The Bass-Guide: a first for a compact Canton

The bass-reflex port is located neither on the front nor on the back. It vents downward, integrated into a massive plinth that acts as a compression chamber. This system, called Bass-Guide, had until now been reserved for the brand’s floorstanding models. The air is first channeled downward, then evacuated toward the front and rear. This architecture offers 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 rear wall.

Under the plinth, height-adjustable feet allow you to fine-tune stability 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 cabinet’s curved lines are not just an aesthetic choice. The generous rounding on the sides, top, and bottom reduces edge diffraction and contributes to 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 layers, then sanded and hand-polished. The resulting sense of depth is striking, but the surface is sensitive to fingerprints. A “White Satin” (satin matte white) version exists for those who prefer easier maintenance, as well as a walnut finish introduced in the course of 2024.

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

Adjustments and connectivity

The rear terminal plate features 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, up or down. This adjustment is used to compensate for a particularly reflective room acoustic or, conversely, a very absorbent environment. The neutral setting (center 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 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 is larger than typical bookshelf speakers. It weighs 18 kg per unit, which rules out fragile shelving and demands a stable support. Canton suggests a slight toe-in toward the listening position to optimize focus, without pointing the speakers directly at the ears: a tweeter that is too “on-axis” can make the upper part 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 be used, provided they offer sufficient power and outputs suited to this impedance.

Integration into a home theater system

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

Technical specifications

Acoustic characteristics

• Frequency response: 25 Hz – 40,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 2,900 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
• Ceramic BC tweeter with asymmetrical waveguide: optimizes high-frequency dispersion for a wider, more homogeneous soundstage
• Optimized multi-layer cabinet: reinforced and damped structure that effectively reduces unwanted resonances and improves sonic neutrality
• Cabinet design: curved shape promoting even sound dispersion and reducing diffractions
• Bass-Guide technology: optimized low-frequency radiation for easier integration in 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 support: low-damping material guaranteeing excellent mechanical and electrical stability

Construction and finish

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

Dimensions and weight

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