Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2 black

Second generation of the Smart Soundbar 9, this soundbar from German manufacturer Canton fits into the brand’s Smart ecosystem. It combines surround virtualization, extensive network connectivity, and the option to upgrade to a full home cinema system, all in a compact 89 cm-wide format. Canton, founded over 40 years ago, remains Germany’s leading hi-fi manufacturer and maintains here its philosophy of an analytical sound with open mids.

A compact bar with generous drivers

The 89 × 7 × 10 cm MDF chassis houses eight drivers and two passive radiators. The six 50 mm mid/bass drivers use aluminum cones, while the two 19 mm tweeters feature a textile dome. This two-way configuration with a 3000 Hz crossover provides an extended frequency response from 37 Hz to 30 kHz.

The class-D amplification delivers 300 W distributed across four channels. The front-facing passive radiators reinforce the bass without requiring a large enclosure volume. The 5.1 kg weight reflects solid construction, suitable for placement on furniture or wall mounting.

Surround sound without rear speakers

DTS TruSurround technology generates a widened soundstage using only the front drivers. Dialog is well centered and remains intelligible even during busy action scenes, and a “dialog enhancement” mode can bring voices further forward if needed.

This approach has its limits: spatialization works well to the front and sides, but the rear effect remains simulated. For true enveloping sound, Canton provides for the addition of Smart Soundbox 3 speakers as rear satellites. The bar does not decode Dolby Atmos, which is reserved for the Soundbar 10 model in the range.

Four HDMI inputs to centralize your sources

HDMI connectivity is generous for this category: three inputs and one ARC output, all HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 and HDR10. A Blu-ray player, games console, and streaming box can be connected directly to the bar, which then acts as a hub to the TV. Video passthrough supports 4K at 60 Hz.

Setup is carried out via an OSD menu displayed on the TV screen, avoiding the need to rely on a mobile app for basic settings. The supplied remote control includes an IR learning function so it can be controlled by a universal TV remote.

Built-in streaming and multiroom

AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect sit alongside dual-band Wi‑Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and an Ethernet port. UPnP allows playback of files from a network server up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Bluetooth 4.1 is available, but limited to the SBC codec.

The bar integrates with the Google Home app for multiroom distribution with other Canton Smart products. No microphone is built-in: voice control is handled via an external device (smartphone, Google speaker, or HomePod).

System customization and scalability

Four listening modes are available: Stereo, Movie, Music, and Night. The three-band equalizer (bass, midrange, treble) lets you adapt the sound to the room’s acoustics, and three presets can be stored on buttons 1, 2, and 3 of the remote control. A lip-sync adjustment compensates for delays between picture and sound.

System expansion is wireless. Adding a Smart Sub 8, 10, or 12 subwoofer turns the setup into a true 2.1 system with deeper bass. Two Smart Soundbox 3 speakers complete the configuration as 4.1 surround. This modularity lets you start with the bar alone and upgrade the installation gradually.

Technical specifications

Audio performance

• Total power: 300 W
• Number of channels: 3
• Amplification: Class D
• Frequency response: 37 Hz–30 kHz
• Surround virtualization: DTS TruSurround

Speakers

• Tweeters: 2 × 19 mm, textile dome
• Midrange / woofers: 6 × 50 mm, aluminum
• Acoustic design: bass-reflex with front passive radiators

Connectivity

• Streaming: Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP
• Bluetooth 4.1 (SBC)
• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Ethernet: RJ45
• HDMI: 4 × HDMI 2.0b (HDCP 2.2, HDR10)
• USB (service)

Advanced audio features

• Equalizer with bass, midrange, and treble adjustment
• Subwoofer management
• Lip-sync
• Room acoustic optimization
• Individual adjustment of speaker levels and distances
• Dialogue enhancement mode

General information

• System: 2.1 soundbar with surround virtualization
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 89 × 7 × 10 cm
• Weight: 5.1 kg
• Cabinet material: MDF