Canton Reference Center white

Canton completes its Reference 2023 series with a 26 kg center speaker built according to the same principles as the floorstanding models in the range. The Reference Center incorporates all the technologies developed for this generation: BCT cones, multi-chamber construction, and a curved-wall cabinet manufactured in Weilrod, Germany. 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 the base), and 43 cm deep. Its side panels, rear panel, and top are all curved, a geometry that eliminates sharp edges and reduces unwanted reflections. Canton uses a multilayer laminate reinforced with internal braces, calculated by 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 without visible screws thanks to POM (polyoxymethylene) adapter rings, a material with high internal damping. These black rings, designed as asymmetrical waveguides, contribute to homogeneous horizontal dispersion.

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

Three ways, three chambers

The acoustic architecture 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 loading via Canton’s Bass-Guide system: a port that opens into the base and directs low frequencies towards the floor. This principle makes placement easier 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 cone that is both rigid and lightweight, combining 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 radii of curvature to increase structural rigidity and reduce resonance modes. Both BCT drivers use the latest generation of Canton Wave surrounds, designed to maintain a linear response even during large cone excursions.

The BC tweeter uses a 25 mm black aluminum oxide ceramic dome, mounted in an asymmetrical waveguide. This configuration widens the listening area and ensures a consistent high-frequency response regardless of the listener’s position in the room.

Room-matching controls and connectivity

On the rear, the WBT Nextgen terminal supports bi-wiring and bi-amping. Gold-plated jumpers connect the two pairs of binding posts in standard configuration. Canton integrates its RC (Room Compensation) system: two jumper-based controls allow adjustment of the midrange and treble levels by ±1.5 dB in steps. This adjustment range helps compensate for room acoustics 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 conceal the drivers.

Integration into a Reference system

The Reference Center shares its drivers and technologies with the Reference 2, 3, 5, and 7 floorstanding speakers, as well as with the Reference 9 bookshelf speaker. This technical consistency guarantees tonal coherence 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 theater applications.

Canton offers a dedicated stand, the Reference Center LS, which places the speaker at ear level and includes a discreet cable management system. It is available in gloss black 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 asymmetric waveguide

Technologies and innovations

• BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) cones
  • Advanced cone technology combining exceptional rigidity and low mass, for precise, fast and perfectly controlled sound reproduction
• BC tweeter with asymmetric waveguide
  • Optimizes sound dispersion and ensures even reproduction of high frequencies, ideal for home cinema setups
• Optimized bass-reflex loading
  • Ensures homogeneous diffusion of low frequencies and facilitates speaker integration in different listening environments
• Reinforced multi-layer cabinet
  • Rigid structure with optimized internal bracing, effectively limiting unwanted vibrations and resonances
• Room adaptation adjustment
  • Adjustment of midrange and treble level 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 finish

• Curved cabinet
  • Promotes even sound dispersion while offering an elegant, premium 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