Canton Smart Soundbox 3 S2 black (pack of 2)

Canton has been manufacturing speakers in Germany for over fifty years. The Smart Soundbox 3 S2 is the second generation of the most compact multiroom speaker in the Smart range, introduced in 2021. It adds AirPlay 2 to the first version (which only offered Chromecast) and benefits from the Canton Smart app for finer control of settings and streaming.

A compact format, generous power

With dimensions of 12 × 21 × 12 cm and a weight of 2 kg, the Smart Soundbox 3 S2 fits on a desk, a shelf, or on the wall thanks to the mounting slot provided at the back. The rectangular MDF cabinet is covered with a metal grille that hides the drivers. A small LED screen on the front displays operating information using three-letter abbreviations, keeping the front panel sleek. The finish is available in satin matte black, semi-gloss black, or satin white.

The acoustic section is based on a 2-way bass-reflex configuration: a 19 mm fabric dome tweeter handles high frequencies up to 30 kHz, while a 95 mm mid-bass driver with an aluminum cone covers the rest of the spectrum from 40 Hz. A side passive radiator (which Canton calls “Sidefire”) reinforces low-frequency reproduction without the need for a port. The built-in Class D amplification delivers 120 W, a notable amount of power for this size.

Sound performance rooted in hi-fi tradition

Canton has retained in this compact model the sound signature it applies to its larger ranges: rather neutral timbre, good detail retrieval, and convincing dynamics for the size of the cabinet. The solid construction of the enclosure avoids unwanted resonance when the volume goes up. On a desk, using isolation pads under the speaker limits vibrations transmitted to the surface and preserves sound clarity.

The built-in equalizer lets you adjust bass, midrange, and treble by ±6 dB each, with a room adaptation mode. A “Voice” function improves dialogue intelligibility when watching video content.

Comprehensive connectivity for streaming

The Smart Soundbox 3 S2 supports the main wireless streaming protocols: AirPlay 2 for the Apple ecosystem, Chromecast built-in for Android and Google Home, Spotify Connect for direct access from the Spotify app, and UPnP for playing files from a local media server. Bluetooth is still available with automatic source detection. An RJ45 port allows a wired network connection, and the 3.5 mm auxiliary input can be used with a player or a computer.

Wi-Fi operates in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Setup is done via the Canton Smart app (iOS and Android), Google Home, or AirPlay depending on the ecosystem used. The Canton Smart app provides access to ten programmable presets, internet radio, podcasts, and services such as Deezer or Tidal in addition to Spotify.

Integration into the Canton Smart ecosystem

The main appeal of the Smart Soundbox 3 S2 lies in its ability to integrate into the Canton Smart system. It can operate on its own, as a stereo pair with a second unit, or as a rear surround speaker in a wireless home cinema system with a Canton soundbar (Smart Soundbar 9 or 10) and an active subwoofer (Smart Sub 8 or 12). Pairing between speakers is done via Canton’s internal network, with no audio cabling.

With the Smart Amp 5.1 amplifier or the Smart Connect 5.1 preamplifier, the setup can be expanded into a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system combining wired and wireless speakers. The Smart Soundbox 3 S2 then handles the channel assigned to it.

Controls and voice control

The touch panel on the top lets you control playback, volume, and basic settings without a smartphone. Three preset buttons store Spotify playlists or sound configurations. Infrared learning allows control with the TV remote.

Canton has not integrated a microphone into the speaker. Voice control is handled via Siri or Google Assistant on an external device (iPhone, Google Home speaker, etc.). This choice preserves privacy while maintaining compatibility with voice assistants.

Technical specifications

Acoustics and performance

• System power: 120 W
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 30000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3000 Hz
• Drivers:
  • 1 x 19 mm fabric dome tweeter
  • 3 x 95 mm aluminium mid-bass drivers
  • Side passive radiator (Sidefire)

Connectivity and streaming

• AirPlay 2
• Chromecast built-in
• Spotify Connect
• UPnP
• Bluetooth with automatic source selection
• Wireless speaker pairing

Advanced settings and features

• Equalization with room correction
• Bass / midrange / treble adjustment
• Integrated bass management
• Subwoofer phase adjustment
• Individual speaker volume and distance adjustment
• Dialogue enhancement mode (Voice Function)
• Infrared (IR) learning for compatibility with TV remotes
• Bluetooth auto play function (Auto Play)
• Programmable sleep timer

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 12 x 21 x 12 cm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 2 kg

General information

• Type: 2-way active bass-reflex speaker with passive radiator