Canton GLE 80 S2 black (pack of 2)

Second generation of Canton’s best-selling range, the GLE 80 S2 follows the tried-and-tested formula of an affordable floorstanding speaker while updating its drivers. With a 19 cm front baffle and a height of 99 cm, it houses a full 3-way configuration in a footprint designed to integrate easily into a living room without taking up too much floor space. Canton positions it just below the flagship GLE 90 S2 model, with similar technical performance and a smaller footprint.

3-way configuration with dual woofer

The GLE 80 S2 features a three-way bass-reflex design with a rear-firing port (“backfire”). Two 174 mm woofers handle the low frequencies, a midrange driver of the same diameter takes care of the vocal range, and a 25 mm dome tweeter with integrated waveguide reproduces treble up to 40 kHz. This division of labor between bass and midrange allows each driver to operate within its optimal range, which enhances vocal clarity and low-frequency definition.

The crossover frequencies are set at 300 Hz and 3,200 Hz. According to Canton’s specifications, the bass extends down to 23 Hz, a figure that indicates good low-end extension for a speaker of this size. However, the rear port requires leaving a minimum distance from the back wall to avoid excessive bass reinforcement.

ATB drivers: a contribution from the Vento series

Canton has developed new transducers for the GLE S2 series called ATB (Aluminium Titan Black). These drivers use the aluminium-titanium cones from the higher-end Vento series, with a black surface treatment that gives the cones their distinctive dark appearance. Frank Göbl, head of development at Canton, points out that the motor systems remain slightly different from those in the Vento range, which partly explains the price difference between the two lines.

The membranes of the two woofers are of the “double cone” type, a construction where the cone surface is continuous. The surrounds use a multi-fold design (“triple-folded wave surround”) borrowed from professional techniques, allowing for significant cone excursion. This technical choice is intended to improve power handling and dynamics, especially at high volume.

The 25 mm AB (Aluminium Black) tweeter features an optimized waveguide to widen the listening area. The goal is to maintain a consistent treble response even when the listener is not exactly on-axis with the speakers.

Compact size and refined finishes

With dimensions of 19 × 99 × 30 cm and a weight of 17.6 kg, the GLE 80 S2 is one of the most compact 3-way floorstanders in its class. The front baffle has a satin lacquer finish (black or white depending on the version), while the sides feature a matching black or white décor.

The speaker grille has an oval shape and attaches magnetically to the front panel. It can be removed effortlessly to reveal the four ATB transducers. Integrated feet and binding posts compatible with banana plugs complete the package.

Power and sensitivity: comfortable figures

Canton specifies a nominal power handling of 130 watts and a music power of 280 watts. Sensitivity is rated at 89.5 dB for 2.83 V at 1 meter, a respectable value that allows the speaker to be used without difficulty with amplifiers of modest power. Nominal impedance varies between 4 and 8 ohms depending on frequency.

These characteristics place the GLE 80 S2 in a comfort zone for the majority of integrated amplifiers or AV receivers on the market. In most home setups, a model delivering 50 to 100 watts per channel will be more than sufficient.

Integration into a multichannel system

The GLE 80 S2 can be used on its own in a stereo configuration, but it is also part of a complete ecosystem. Canton offers the GLE 50 S2 as a center speaker, the GLE 30 S2 for surround channels, and the Power Sub 8, 10 or 12 S2 subwoofers to extend the low-frequency range.

For a wireless setup, Canton’s Smart Amp 5.1 can replace a traditional AV receiver and transmit the audio signal to the speakers via wireless connection. This option simplifies cabling but requires the purchase of the dedicated amplifier.

Technical specifications

Type and design

• Type: floorstanding speaker
• Design: 3-way, bass-reflex

Power and performance

• Nominal power: 130 W
• Music power: 280 W
• Frequency response: 23 – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequencies: 300 Hz / 3200 Hz
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 89.5 dB

Drivers

• Woofer: 2 × 174 mm
  • Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) technology
  • Wave surround
• Midrange: 1 × 174 mm
  • Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) technology
  • Wave surround
• Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm
  • Aluminium Black (AB) technology

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 19 × 99 × 30 cm
• Weight: 18 kg

Highlights

• Very deep bass: response down to 23 Hz for immersive low frequencies
• Clear and balanced sound: precise mids and detailed highs thanks to ATB and AB technologies
• Elegant, compact design: slim front baffle for easy integration into the living room
• Versatile: ideal for high-end stereo hi-fi or home theater
• 3-way bass-reflex: dynamic and immersive reproduction across the entire sound spectrum