Canton Smart GLE 5 S2 black

For over twenty years, Canton’s GLE series has been among the most widespread loudspeaker ranges in Europe. The Smart GLE 5 S2 takes this tried-and-tested formula and adds built-in amplification and wireless transmission. It forms the central link in a home cinema system together with the Smart GLE 9 S2 floorstanders and the compact Smart GLE 3 S2 speakers, all without any speaker cable between the components.

A 350-watt Class D amplifier under the hood

The speaker integrates its own 350 W Class D digital amplifier. This power output easily keeps up with floorstanding speakers, even at high volume. The 45.5 × 17.5 × 31 cm cabinet weighs 8.3 kg, a reasonable mass for a center speaker of this size.

The acoustic configuration is based on a sealed 2.5-way design. Two 154 mm titanium-cone drivers handle the midrange and bass, while a 25 mm aluminum-manganese dome tweeter takes care of the highs. The Wave surround on the woofers and the front transmission plate improve sound dispersion in the room.

The stated frequency response ranges from 28 Hz to 30,000 Hz, with a crossover frequency at 3,000 Hz. For a center speaker, extending down to 28 Hz is unusual: the sealed cabinet and onboard electronics allow the bass to go lower than on an equivalent passive model.

Comprehensive connectivity and wireless transmission

The rear panel offers four wired inputs: an analog RCA socket, a digital coaxial input, a digital optical input, and a balanced XLR connector. The latter will appeal to setups where cable length requires a balanced connection to avoid interference.

Canton’s Smart Wireless Technology also allows the speaker to be wirelessly linked with other Smart models in the range. Transmission is carried out in 24-bit over the 5 GHz band. In a complete system, a Smart Connect 5.1 S2 can drive up to eight wireless speakers, including a center and an active subwoofer.

Fine-tuning for home cinema integration

The onboard electronics provide adjustments usually found on an external AV processor. You can set the speaker’s volume and distance individually, apply room correction via the built-in equalizer, and activate a dialogue enhancement mode.

The LipSync function compensates for the delay between picture and sound that some TVs introduce during video processing. Dynamic range control reduces the difference between quiet passages and loud peaks, useful for watching a movie at moderate volume without losing voice intelligibility. The integrated bass management simplifies integration with a subwoofer if the system includes one.

Infrared learning lets you control the speaker with your TV or AV receiver remote. Direct input selection simplifies integration into an automated control system.

Practical use

The Smart GLE 5 S2 operates autonomously once plugged into the mains and connected to a source. For multichannel home cinema use, it pairs wirelessly with compatible Smart speakers via the Canton network. Auto standby reduces power consumption to 0.35 W in ECO mode or 1.2 W if the network connection remains active.

The typical placement is under the TV, on a piece of furniture or a shelf. The 17.5 cm height fits under most screen models on a stand. The sealed enclosure tolerates installation close to a rear wall without excessive bass reinforcement, unlike bass-reflex designs that require some clearance.

Technical specifications

General information

• Type: active wireless center speaker
• Acoustic principle: sealed 2.5-way design
• Wireless technology: Smart Wireless Technology
• Voice reproduction optimized for the center channel

Drivers

• Tweeter
  • Number: 1
  • Diameter: 25 mm
  • Material: aluminum-manganese with Wave surround
• Mid-bass
  • Number: 2
  • Diameter: 154 mm
  • Material: titanium

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 28 Hz – 30,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3,000 Hz
• 2.5-way architecture for clear, well-balanced dialogue reproduction
• Dialogue enhancement: yes

Amplification and signal processing

• System power: 350 W
• Digital signal optimization: yes

Connectivity

• RCA analog input: 1
• Coaxial digital input: 1
• Optical digital input: 1
• Balanced XLR input: 1
• Wireless speaker pairing: yes

Calibration and signal processing

• Individual volume adjustment: yes
• Individual distance adjustment: yes
• Equalizer with room acoustic correction: yes
• Integrated bass management: yes
• Dynamic range control: yes
• Lip-sync (LipSync): yes

System functions and control

• Infrared learning: yes
• Direct input selection: yes
• Input configuration and renaming: yes
• Maximum volume setting: yes
• Automatic standby: yes
• Factory reset: yes

Power consumption

• Standby mode: 0.35 W (ECO) / 1.2 W (network mode)

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 45.5 × 17.5 × 31 cm
• Weight: 8.3 kg