Canton Reference Center black lacquer

Canton completes its Reference 2023 series with a 26 kg center speaker built according to the same principles as the floorstanders in the range. The Reference Center adopts all the technologies developed for this generation: BCT cones, multi-chamber construction, and a curved-wall cabinet manufactured in Germany, in Weilrod. The speaker can be placed on a piece of furniture or on the dedicated Reference Center LS stand.

A cabinet designed for sound dispersion

The Reference Center measures 70 cm wide, 29 cm high (including base), and 43 cm deep. Its side panels, back, and top are all curved, a geometry that eliminates sharp edges and reduces unwanted reflections. Canton uses a multilayer laminate reinforced by internal bracing calculated via computer simulation to limit cabinet vibrations.

The front baffle has a rounded shape, machined on a 5-axis CNC milling machine. The three drivers are integrated with no visible screws thanks to POM (polyoxymethylene) adapter rings, a material with high internal damping. These black rings, designed as asymmetrical waveguides, help ensure uniform dispersion on the horizontal axis.

Two finishes are available: satin matte white or piano black. The black version requires twelve layers of lacquer to be successively applied, sanded, and polished.

Three ways, three chambers

The acoustic design is based on a 3-way configuration with three separate compartments. The 174 mm woofer occupies the main volume and operates in a bass-reflex load via Canton’s Bass-Guide system: a port that vents into the base and radiates low frequencies toward the floor. This principle makes the speaker easier to position and reduces interactions with the rear wall.

The 174 mm midrange has its own sealed volume, mechanically isolated from the rest of the cabinet. This separation prevents interference between midrange and bass and allows each driver to operate under optimal conditions. The 25 mm dome tweeter completes the setup with a crossover frequency at 2900 Hz.

BCT cones and BC tweeter

For the Reference series, Canton has developed a composite material called BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten). The process transforms 25% of the molecular structure of an aluminum cone into a ceramic structure, then enriches it with tungsten particles and other metals. The result is a black, rigid, and lightweight cone that combines the speed of aluminum with the neutrality of ceramic.

The midrange driver additionally benefits from TCC (Triple Curved Cone) technology: its cone has three different curvature radii to increase structural rigidity and reduce resonance modes. Both BCT drivers use Canton’s latest-generation Wave surrounds, designed to maintain a linear response even with large cone excursions.

The BC tweeter uses a 25 mm black aluminum oxide ceramic dome, mounted in an asymmetrical waveguide. This configuration broadens the listening area and ensures a consistent treble response regardless of position in the room.

Tuning options and connectivity

On the rear, the WBT Nextgen terminal supports bi-wiring and bi-amping. Gold-plated jumpers link the two pairs of terminals in the standard configuration. Canton includes its RC (Room Compensation) system: two jumper-based settings allow you to adjust the midrange and treble levels in ±1.5 dB steps. This adjustment range helps compensate for the room’s acoustic characteristics or listening preferences.

The floating base, supplied as standard, decouples the speaker from its support. CNC-machined feet with PVD coating ensure stability. An acoustically neutral magnetic grille can cover the drivers.

Integration into a Reference system

The Reference Center shares its drivers and technologies with the Reference 2, 3, 5, and 7 floorstanders, as well as the Reference 9 bookshelf speaker. This technical consistency guarantees tonal uniformity between channels in a multichannel system. The Reference Sub subwoofer, built around a 308 mm BCT woofer supported by a passive radiator, completes the range for home cinema applications.

Canton offers a dedicated stand, the Reference Center LS, which positions the speaker at ear height and includes a discreet cable channel. It is available in glossy or satin black finish.

Technical Specifications

Acoustic characteristics

• Frequency response: 25 Hz – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequencies: 160 Hz / 2900 Hz
• Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)

Power

• Nominal power: 130 W
• Music power: 230 W

Drivers

• Woofer: 1 × 174 mm with BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cone
• Midrange: 1 × 174 mm with BCT cone
• Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm BC with asymmetrical waveguide

Technologies and innovations

• BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cones
  • Advanced cone technology combining exceptional rigidity with low mass, for precise, fast and perfectly controlled sound reproduction
• BC tweeter with asymmetrical waveguide
  • Optimizes sound dispersion and ensures uniform reproduction of high frequencies, ideal for home theater setups
• Optimized bass-reflex enclosure
  • Ensures even distribution of low frequencies and makes it easier to integrate the speaker into different listening environments
• Reinforced multi-layer cabinet
  • Rigid structure with optimized internal bracing, effectively limiting vibrations and unwanted resonances
• Room adaptation settings
  • Adjustment of mid and high frequency levels by ± 1.5 dB for optimal adaptation to your room’s acoustics
• High-end WBT nextgen™ terminal
  • Compatible with bi-wiring and bi-amping, ensuring pure and optimal signal transmission

Construction and finishes

• Curved cabinet
  • Promotes even sound dispersion while offering an elegant, high-end design
• Isolating base
  • Floating-design plinth providing effective mechanical isolation
• Protective grille
  • Acoustically neutral grille with discreet magnetic mounting
• CNC-machined feet with PVD coating
  • Ensure optimal stability and a premium finish

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (with base)
  • Width: 70 cm
  • Height: 29 cm
  • Depth: 43 cm
• Weight: 26 kg