Canton GLE 90 AR S2 white (pack of 2)

A floorstanding speaker that combines stereo playback and 3D reproduction in a single cabinet: that’s what Canton offers with its GLE 90 AR S2. The German manufacturer has grafted a complete upfiring module onto its GLE 90 S2, creating a speaker capable of reproducing Dolby Atmos height channels without requiring ceiling-mounted satellites. Standing 117 cm tall and weighing 22 kg, this tower speaker has a substantial size but well-balanced proportions.

Two acoustic systems in a single cabinet

The GLE 90 AR S2 incorporates two acoustically distinct sections. The main part reprises the 3-way bass-reflex configuration of the GLE 90 S2: two 192 mm woofers, a 174 mm midrange driver and a 25 mm tweeter. On top, the Atmos module acts as a separate sealed 2-way system, with its own 154 mm mid-bass driver and 25 mm tweeter.

This technical separation is intentional. The upper module has its own binding posts on the rear of the speaker, allowing the multichannel amplifier to treat the height channel as a separate speaker. The two pairs of binding posts are grouped at the bottom of the rear panel: a practical layout that avoids visible cables running down from the top of the speaker.

The upfiring module projects sound towards the ceiling. The sound waves reflect and then come back down towards the listening area, creating a sense of height that the brain interprets as coming from above. The effectiveness of this system depends on the ceiling height, its nature (a flat, reflective ceiling gives the best results) and the distance to the listening position. Canton recommends a ceiling height between 2.40 m and 3 m for optimal performance.

Titanium cones and ATB Wave technology

The S2 series marks the arrival at Canton of a new generation of drivers called ATB Wave, for Aluminium Titanium Black. The woofer and midrange cones use titanium coated with a matt black finish that slightly alters the mechanical properties of the diaphragm. This material choice serves a specific purpose: combining lightness and rigidity to follow fast transients faithfully.

The 25 mm dome tweeters, identical in the main section and the Atmos module, feature a redesigned waveguide. This funnel-shaped part around the dome controls high-frequency dispersion. The intended result: maintaining precise reproduction even off-axis, i.e. when the listener is not positioned directly in front of the speaker.

Structurally, the driver baskets are made from reinforced polycarbonate. The surrounds (the flexible edges that connect the cone to the basket) use a triple-fold profile, a design that promotes a linear cone movement over its full excursion.

Frequency response and amplification capabilities

According to the manufacturer’s measurements, the main section extends down to 20 Hz, a low value for a floorstanding speaker of this size. The volume of the bass-reflex cabinet contributes to this, with a port tuned to support deep bass. The high frequency limit reaches 40,000 Hz, well above the 20,000 Hz audible to the human ear. This extension into the ultrasonic range is not meant to be heard directly: it allows transients to be reproduced more precisely within the audible band.

The Atmos module offers a frequency range from 50 to 30,000 Hz, suited to its role reproducing height effects, which are generally concentrated in the mids and highs.

Nominal impedance ranges between 4 and 8 ohms. A 4-ohm load requires an amplifier capable of delivering sufficient current: most recent home cinema amplifiers will have no trouble, but it’s better to check compatibility. Sensitivity of 89 dB (main section) and 86.5 dB (Atmos module) at 2.83 V/1 m indicates moderate power requirements. With 100 watts per channel, you can reach high listening levels without strain.

Integration in a home cinema system

A pair of GLE 90 AR S2 provides four channels: two front (left and right) and two front height channels. For a complete Dolby Atmos system, you need to add a center channel, surround speakers and, optionally, rear height channels. Within the same GLE S2 range, Canton offers matching models: the GLE 50 S2 for the center, GLE 30 S2 for surround, and the subwoofer Power Sub 12 S2 for low frequencies.

Canton’s Smart Amp 5.1 is the natural partner amplifier. This compact device handles Dolby Atmos decoding, amplification and music streaming in a single unit. But the GLE 90 AR S2 works with any Dolby Atmos–compatible AV receiver with outputs for height channels, regardless of brand.

Technical specifications

Type and design

• Type: floorstanding speaker with built‑in Dolby Atmos
• Design
  • Front speaker: 3-way, bass-reflex
  • Height speaker: 2-way, sealed enclosure

Drivers

• Front speaker
  • Bass: 2 × 192 mm, Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) Wave cone
  • Midrange: 1 × 174 mm, Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) Wave cone
  • Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm, Aluminium Black (AB) dome
• Height speaker (Dolby Atmos)
  • Bass: 1 × 154 mm, Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) Wave cone
  • Tweeter: 1 × 25 mm, Aluminium Black (AB) dome

Power handling and performance of the front speaker

• Nominal power handling: 150 W
• Music power handling: 320 W
• Frequency response: 20 – 40000 Hz
• Crossover frequencies: 300 / 3200 Hz
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 89 dB

Power handling and performance of the height speaker

• Nominal power handling: 60 W
• Music power handling: 100 W
• Frequency response: 50 – 30000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3200 Hz
• Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
• Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 86.5 dB

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 21 × 117 × 30 cm
• Weight: 22 kg

Key features

• Built‑in Dolby Atmos: immersive, lifelike sound reflected from the ceiling
• Powerful, detailed stereo sound based on the 3-way concept of the GLE 90 S2
• Simplified installation: no additional ceiling speakers required
• Elegant design: harmonious proportions and premium finishes
• Versatility: ideal for high-end hi-fi and immersive home theater use