Canton InWall 989 (pack of 2)
Overview
In-wall speakers are often a compromise between discretion and performance. Canton has chosen to tackle this dilemma differently with the InWall 989, bringing technologies usually reserved for its high-end floorstanding speakers into an in-wall format. Flagship model of the 909 series, this 2-way speaker integrates ceramic drivers and a pivoting tweeter to adapt the sound to each installation configuration.
Ceramic diaphragms in a wall-mount format
The choice of diaphragm material largely determines a speaker’s sonic character. Canton equips the InWall 989 with ceramic drivers on both ways: a 25 mm tweeter and a 210 mm mid-bass driver. This ceramic treatment (a layer applied to an aluminum-magnesium cone) pushes parasitic resonances up to inaudible frequencies, beyond 30 kHz according to the German manufacturer.
The stated frequency response of 42 Hz to 40,000 Hz reflects the product’s ambitions. In the low end, a 21 cm woofer is sized to deliver bass that is present but not overpowering: the volume of the wall cavity acts as an acoustic enclosure, without the excesses of a dedicated subwoofer.
A tweeter that adapts to the room
One of the challenges of in-wall mounting is constrained positioning: you can’t move a built-in speaker around like a standmount. Canton offers two complementary solutions to compensate for this rigidity.
The soft-dome tweeter pivots on its axis, allowing you to direct the highs towards the main listening area rather than projecting them perpendicularly to the wall. This orientation is adjusted manually during installation or afterwards, by removing the grille.
A level selector adjusts the tweeter output to compensate for the room’s acoustic effects: reflective surfaces, proximity to a corner, unusual mounting height. This fine-tuning avoids overly bright highs or, conversely, muffled treble caused by an unfavorable placement.
Installation and integration in the wall structure
The InWall 989 measures 26.3 × 36.7 cm on the front for a depth of 10.3 cm. The wall cutout required (23.5 × 34.3 cm) is made using the cardboard template supplied with the speaker. The 9.6 cm mounting depth is suitable for standard drywall partitions, but walls that are too thin (less than 4 cm thick) will not be able to accommodate it.
The Easy-Link connectors on the rear accept speaker cables without soldering or tedious tightening: insert the stripped cable and a mechanism locks it in place. For concrete or masonry walls, Canton offers the optional ER-8 mounting frame, which creates the air volume required for the speaker to operate correctly.
The metal grille is attached magnetically (a feature of the 800 and 900 series). It can be painted to blend into the décor or, conversely, to create a deliberate contrast with the wall.
Use in hi-fi and home cinema
With a sensitivity of 88.5 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms, the InWall 989 is easy to drive with most integrated amplifiers or AV receivers. The power handling (90 W continuous, 160 W peak) provides headroom for dynamic soundtrack passages or full orchestral tuttis.
Canton designs the speakers of the 909 series with compatible dimensions across models: the InWall 989 can therefore be paired with the InWall 949 LCR (center channel) or the InCeiling 989 (round ceiling version) to form a coherent multichannel system. This tonal consistency between channels improves the smoothness of sound pans and the precision of effects localization.
In a stereo setup for a living space, two InWall 989 speakers can be enough for demanding music listening, provided you accept the absence of deep bass below 42 Hz. Adding a subwoofer remains relevant for fans of electronic music or heavily bass-driven soundtracks.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Acoustic performance
- Music power: 160 W
- Nominal power: 90 W
- Frequency range: 42 Hz – 40000 Hz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 88.5 dB
- Crossover frequency: 2900 Hz
Speakers
- Tweeter
- Number: 1
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Type: swiveling soft dome
- Material: ceramic
- Mid-bass
- Number: 1
- Diameter: 210 mm
- Material: ceramic
Dimensions and mounting
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 26.3 x 36.7 x 10.3 cm
- Weight: 2.5 kg
- Mounting depth: 9.6 cm
- Cutout size: 23.5 x 34.3 cm
- Ceiling thickness: 4 mm max.
Connections
- Connection type: speaker connection
General information
- Removable metal grille
- Warranty period: 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the InWall 989 suitable for a standard BA13 drywall partition?
Yes, the 9.6 cm mounting depth and the fold-out mounting brackets are designed for this type of partition. Just make sure there are no metal studs at the intended location, as the 23.5 × 34.3 cm cutout requires a clear space.
How do I angle the tweeter after installation?
You need to remove the magnetic grille to access the tweeter. It pivots manually on its axis. The optimal orientation generally points towards the main listening area, ideally at ear height.
Can I paint the speaker grille?
Canton indicates that the grilles are designed to be painted. Use spray paint applied in thin coats to avoid clogging the perforations and altering the acoustics.
What amplifier should I choose to power these speakers?
With an impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 88.5 dB, an amplifier delivering between 50 and 150 W per channel will be suitable. Mid-range AV receivers and integrated hi-fi amplifiers are compatible without any issues.
Can the InWall 989 replace floorstanding speakers for hi-fi listening?
It delivers detailed, well-balanced sound, but its low-frequency extension stops at 42 Hz. For full-range music listening, a subwoofer will usefully complete the spectrum, especially with recordings that are rich in low frequencies.
What is the difference compared with the InCeiling 989?
The InCeiling 989 is the ceiling version, with a circular format suited to this type of installation. Both models share the same ceramic drivers and acoustic characteristics, making it easy to combine them in a coherent home cinema system.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 03763
- GTIN / EAN: 4010243037639
