Canton GLE 30 S2 black lacquer (pack of 2)

The German manufacturer Canton revamped its GLE series in 2025 with a complete overhaul of the technical equipment. The GLE 30 S2 keeps the same format as its predecessor (the GLE 30) but adopts the ATB and AB drivers developed for the higher-end Vento and Reference ranges. It is the largest bookshelf model in the S2 series, with a 174 mm woofer housed in a cabinet only 36 cm high.

Drivers borrowed from higher ranges

The 174 mm mid-bass driver uses an ATB (Aluminium Titanium Black) cone, a black coating process that stiffens the aluminum-titanium without adding weight to the structure. This generous diameter for a compact speaker partly explains the stated frequency response down to 38 Hz, an unusual figure for this format.

The 25 mm tweeter (AB, Aluminium Black) works with an integrated waveguide that widens high-frequency dispersion. The crossover frequency is set at 3000 Hz, a fairly low value that reduces the tweeter’s workload in the upper midrange and allows it to operate in its comfort zone.

The triple-fold Wave Surround suspension allows for large cone excursions. The reinforced polycarbonate basket and magnetic system are taken directly from the more expensive series’ specifications.

Efficiency that makes amplification easy

With a sensitivity of 89 dB (at 2.83 V / 1 m), the GLE 30 S2 does not require an oversized amplifier. It handles 90 W nominal power and 140 W musical peaks. Impedance varies between 4 and 8 ohms depending on frequency: an amplifier stable at 4 ohms is still preferable if you regularly turn the volume up.

The frequency range extends up to 40,000 Hz in the treble. This extension beyond the audible range does not add perceivable frequencies for the human ear, but it indicates linear tweeter behavior within its operating range and a design geared towards high resolution.

Positioning and room integration

The dimensions (19 × 36 × 27 cm) and weight of 6.5 kg per speaker allow several configurations. On a shelf, set back a few centimeters from the rear wall to let the bass-reflex port breathe. On a TV stand, paired with a matching center speaker from the same series. Or on Canton’s dedicated LS 660 stands, sold separately, which place the tweeter at ear level when seated.

The bass-reflex port is rear-firing. Placement too close to the wall can emphasize the bass, sometimes excessively in small rooms.

Discreet styling and consistent finishes

The cabinet comes in four finishes: white, black, makassar, and walnut. The front baffle is satin painted (white on the white version, black on the others). The oval fabric grilles are magnetically attached and protect the drivers without significantly altering the sound.

The design is in line with Canton’s usual style: balanced proportions, slightly rounded grille edges, no embellishments. The drivers themselves sport a uniform black finish, common to the entire S2 series.

Technical specifications

Type and acoustic design

• Type: compact speaker
• Acoustic principle: 2-way, bass reflex

Audio performance

• Nominal power: 90 W
• Music power: 140 W
• Frequency response: 38 – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3000 Hz
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 89 dB

Drivers

• Mid / bass: 1 × 174 mm Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB)
  • Wave surround suspension
• Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm Aluminium Black (AB)

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 19 × 36 × 27 cm
• Weight: 6.5 kg

Key features

• High power: up to 140 W music power
• Deep bass: extended frequency response down to 38 Hz
• ATB / AB technology: precise sound and premium aesthetics
• Dynamic, well-balanced sound, even at high volume
• Compact format: performance close to floorstanding speakers with a smaller footprint