Canton GLE 90 AR S2 black (pack of 2)

A floorstanding speaker that combines stereo listening and three-dimensional reproduction in a single cabinet: that’s what Canton offers with its GLE 90 AR S2. The German manufacturer has grafted a full upfiring module onto its GLE 90 S2, creating a speaker capable of reproducing Dolby Atmos height channels without the need for ceiling-mounted satellites. Standing 117 cm tall and weighing 22 kg, this speaker has a substantial size yet 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 and a 25 mm tweeter. On top, the Atmos module functions as an independent sealed 2-way system with a 154 mm mid-bass driver and its own 25 mm tweeter.

This technical separation is deliberate. The upper module has its own terminal block 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 arrangement that avoids visible cables running down from the top of the speaker.

The upfiring module projects sound towards the ceiling. The sound waves reflect off it 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 yields better results) and the distance to the listening position. Canton recommends a ceiling height between 2.40 m and 3 m for optimal performance.

Titanium diaphragms 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 matte black finish that slightly alters the mechanical properties of the diaphragm. This material choice pursues a specific goal: combining lightness and rigidity to follow fast transients accurately.

The 25 mm dome tweeters, identical in the main section and the Atmos module, are equipped with a reworked waveguide. This funnel-shaped piece around the dome controls the dispersion of treble frequencies. The intended result: maintaining precise reproduction even off-axis, meaning when the listener is not positioned directly in front of the speaker.

Structurally, the speaker baskets are made of reinforced polycarbonate. The surrounds (the flexible edges that connect the cone to the basket) feature a triple-fold profile, a design that promotes linear cone travel across its full excursion.

Frequency response and amplification capabilities

The main section extends down to 20 Hz according to the manufacturer’s measurements, a low value for a floorstanding speaker of this size. The bass-reflex cabinet volume contributes to this, with a port tuned to support deep bass. The high frequency reaches 40,000 Hz, well beyond 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 of reproducing height effects, which are generally concentrated in the midrange and treble.

Nominal impedance ranges between 4 and 8 ohms. A 4-ohm value requires an amplifier capable of delivering sufficient current: most recent home-cinema amplifiers will handle this without difficulty, but it’s best to check compatibility. The 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 into 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 full Dolby Atmos system, you need to add a center channel, surround speakers and possibly rear height channels. Canton offers compatible models in the same GLE S2 series: the GLE 50 S2 for the center, the GLE 30 S2 as surrounds, and the subwoofer Power Sub 12 S2 for low frequencies.

Canton’s Smart Amp 5.1 is the natural matching 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 principle

• Type: floorstanding speaker with integrated 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
  • Treble: 1 × 25 mm, Aluminium Black (AB) dome
• Height speaker (Dolby Atmos)
  • Bass: 1 × 154 mm, Aluminium Titanium Black (ATB) Wave cone
  • Treble: 1 × 25 mm, Aluminium Black (AB) dome

Power handling and performance of the front speaker

• Nominal power: 150 W
• Music power: 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: 60 W
• Music power: 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

Highlights

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