Canton GLE 90 S2 white (pack of 2)

Second generation of one of the German manufacturer’s most popular models, the GLE 90 S2 sticks to the formula that made the series a success: a slim floorstanding format, 3-way design, and accessible pricing. This new version brings completely redesigned drivers and cone technology inherited from higher-end ranges. Twenty kilos and one meter in height for a modest width: the floorstander integrates easily into a medium-sized living room.

Black cones derived from the Vento range

The technical core of this S2 generation lies in the ATB (Aluminium Titanium Black) drivers. Canton here applies a chemical process developed for its more upmarket Vento series: the surface of the aluminum-titanium is “roughened” to create a porous structure that improves the acoustic behavior of the cone. The result is immediately visible, as all cones feature a distinctive matte black finish.

The two 192 mm woofers use this technology and operate in a generous bass-reflex volume, with the port positioned at the rear of the cabinet. The 174 mm midrange, also in ATB, handles the frequency range between 300 and 3200 Hz. This relatively low crossover point means the midrange is not stressed in the bass, which promotes clarity on voices and instruments.

The tweeter has been completely redesigned. The previous flat aluminum-manganese dome has given way to a 25 mm high dome in black aluminum, paired with a waveguide that optimizes sound dispersion. The rated response extends up to 40,000 Hz, well beyond the audible range, indicating extra headroom in the treble bandwidth.

A format designed for the living room

At 105 cm high, 21 cm wide, and 30 cm deep, the GLE 90 S2 remains relatively compact for a 3-way floorstanding speaker equipped with two woofers. The proportions are well balanced, far from the imposing monoliths often found at this power level. Four feet integrated into the base ensure stability and provide slight decoupling from the floor.

Canton offers four finishes: black décor, white décor, Makassar (stylized ebony), and walnut. The front baffles receive a black matte or satin white lacquer depending on the version, while the rest of the cabinet is covered in vinyl. This choice of material keeps the price accessible but remains visible at close range. The fabric grilles have an oval shape and attach magnetically, with no screws or pegs that could damage the front panel.

The rear-firing bass-reflex port requires a minimum distance from the wall—typically 15 to 20 cm—to avoid excessive bass reinforcement. In a room of 15 to 30 m², the GLE 90 S2 finds its natural playground.

High sensitivity that makes amplification easy

With a sensitivity of 90.5 dB (measured at 2.83 V / 1 m), the GLE 90 S2 makes the most of modest amplifiers. An integrated amp of 50 to 80 watts per channel is more than enough to reach comfortable listening levels in a standard living room. Impedance varies between 4 and 8 ohms depending on frequency, which calls for an amplifier stable on variable loads but remains compatible with the vast majority of hi-fi units on the market.

The continuous power handling of 150 watts (280 watts peak) offers ample headroom for dynamic passages. At moderate volume—where most everyday listening takes place—the speaker exhibits balanced behavior with detailed mids and good stereo imaging. When pushed to its limits at very high volume, it can show its constraints in the bass, with a slight loss of precision on the most violent impacts.

A versatile floorstander, from classical music to home cinema

The GLE 90 S2 is not limited to music listening. Its 3-way design with crossovers at 300 and 3200 Hz promotes clear dialogue reproduction, making it a serious contender for a home cinema system. Canton has also developed an entire S2 range built around it: the GLE 50 S2 as a center speaker, the GLE 30 S2 for surround channels, and the Power Sub 12 S2 subwoofer to reinforce low-end authority. There’s even a GLE 90 AR S2 version integrating a Dolby Atmos upward-firing module.

The Canton Smart Amp 5.1 allows you to drive the entire setup wirelessly and offers streaming functions, an alternative to traditional AV receivers for those who value compactness. The binding posts accept banana plugs, simplifying wiring with quality speaker cables.

What’s changed compared with the first-generation GLE 90

The S2 update is not just a cosmetic refresh. The ATB drivers replace the titanium cones of the previous generation and benefit from the surface treatment previously reserved for the Vento range. The tweeter moves from a flat dome to a high dome, a geometry intended to improve dispersion and linearity in the treble. The waveguide has been revised to match this new driver.

Visually, the oval magnetic grilles modernize the silhouette, and the walnut finish joins the catalogue. The dimensions and weight remain almost identical, as does the overall acoustic concept. Those who already own first-generation GLE 90s have no pressing reason to upgrade, as the improvements are incremental rather than dramatic. For a first purchase, however, the S2 version does bring appreciable technical refinements.

Technical specifications

Type and design

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

Power and performance

• Rated power: 150 W
• Music power: 280 W
• Frequency response: 20 – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequencies: 300 / 3200 Hz
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 90.5 dB

Drivers

• Woofer: 2 × 19.2 cm Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB)
• Midrange: 1 × 17.4 cm Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB)
• Tweeter: 1 × 2.5 cm Aluminium Black (AB)

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 21 × 105 × 30 cm
• Weight: 20 kg