Canton Reference 9 GS sable (pack of 2)

Sliding components from a flagship series into a bookshelf speaker, that is the idea behind this special edition by Canton. Developed under the direction of the brand’s founder, Günther Seitz, the GS version borrows elements from the Reference Alpha models to tighten the performance of this German two-way. Three targeted changes set it apart from the standard Reference 9: a redesigned treble system, a revised crossover, and high-end binding posts.

Components borrowed from the top of the range

Canton’s Reference range comes in floorstanding and compact models, with the Reference 9 taking the bookshelf format. The GS version starts from this foundation and adds elements borrowed from the Reference Alpha series, the current peak of the catalog: a new-generation treble system, a passive crossover redesigned around Mundorf MKP capacitors, and gold-plated WBT nextgen binding posts. The format remains unchanged, a two-way bass-reflex design with a 174 mm BCT woofer-midrange driver, but the key parts are different. The intent can be summed up in one word: refine, not reinvent.

Treble handled by a DLC dome

The 25 mm dome tweeter receives a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating, a carbon deposit similar to diamond that stiffens the diaphragm without weighing it down. More rigid, the dome pushes its own deformations higher up the frequency range and keeps the treble clean. Canton pairs it with an acoustic lens that acts as an additional waveguide, smooths dispersion, and extends the useful upper range, up to a claimed 40 kHz. On paper, the goal is to keep voices and micro-details intelligible even in dense passages and at high volume.

Bass and midrange on a BCT diaphragm

For bass and midrange, the Reference 9 GS relies on a 174 mm driver with a BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) diaphragm. The principle: part of the aluminum structure is converted into ceramic and then enriched with tungsten particles, resulting in a cone that is both rigid and well damped, two qualities that limit distortion and handle power well. The enclosure is bass-reflex, but the port does not open on the front: it points downward into the base and works with Bass Guide technology to distribute bass more evenly throughout the room. A concrete advantage is that the speaker is less finicky about placement than a bookshelf speaker with a rear port. One physical limit remains: a cabinet of this size will not reach as low as a floorstanding speaker, and the downward-firing port requires a stable support, whether dedicated stands or a solid shelf, to perform as intended. With a depth of 39 cm and 18 kg per speaker, the compact format is only relative, so plan for a deep shelf or suitable stands.

A revised crossover and WBT binding posts

The passive crossover has been completely redesigned around MKP capacitors from Mundorf, a German manufacturer known for its high-end components. Canton is aiming for precise signal distribution and a balanced, phase-stable response. On the connection side, the speaker features gold-plated, low-loss WBT nextgen binding posts that readily accept banana plugs and thick-gauge cables. A treble level adjustment allows the high frequencies to be tuned by ±1.5 dB depending on room acoustics or personal taste, useful in a lively living room as well as in a heavily furnished room. One point not to overlook: with a sensitivity of 87 dB (2.83 V/1 m) and an impedance of 4 to 8 ohms, the Reference 9 GS is not the easiest to drive. It handles 125 W nominally and 220 W at peak, and prefers an amplifier capable of handling the load over an entry-level unit.

Multi-layer cabinet and refined finishes

The cabinet is built on a multi-layer assembly reinforced by computer-optimized internal bracing, whose role is to reduce unwanted vibrations and keep the bass clean. The curved sides limit internal reflections and contribute to more even dispersion. The base, with its floating look, rests on CNC-machined feet with a PVD treatment, while an acoustically neutral magnetic grille can be fitted and removed without tools. Canton offers the speaker in four finishes: satin white, piano black lacquer, walnut, and a new warmer sand shade. The passive models in the Reference series are covered by a ten-year warranty.

Living room stereo or multichannel integration

In stereo, the Reference 9 GS serves as the main pair, placed on stands or on a solid shelf, at a reasonable distance from the rear wall to let the bass breathe. It can also take its place in a Canton multichannel setup, as front speakers in a moderately sized living room or as rear speakers in a more ambitious system, alongside a Reference Center and a Reference Sub from the same series. For placement, Canton offers dedicated Reference LS stands with concealed cable management, which keep the speaker at the right listening height and stabilize the downward-facing port.

Technical Specifications

Overview

• 2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker
• German manufacturing

Drivers

• Configuration: 2-way
• New-generation DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) dome tweeter with optimized waveguide
  • Even dispersion of high frequencies
• 174 mm BCT (Black Ceramic Tungsten) midrange / woofer
  • Low distortion and excellent power handling

Acoustic Design

• Bass-reflex enclosure
• Bass Guide technology for more even distribution of low frequencies and better room integration
• High-precision audiophile passive crossover with Mundorf MKP capacitors
• Treble level adjustment according to room acoustics: ±1.5 dB
• Precise and balanced response, even at high volume

Construction

• Reinforced low-resonance multilayer cabinet
  • Computer-optimized internal bracing
  • Effective reduction of unwanted vibrations and resonances
• Cabinetry with curved lines promoting better sound dispersion
• CNC-machined feet with PVD finish
• Removable magnetic grille, acoustically transparent and neutral

Connectivity

• Gold-plated WBT nextgen™ audiophile binding posts
• Compatible with high-end speaker cables
• Low-loss signal transmission

Power

• Maximum music power handling: 220 W

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 26 x 46 x 39 cm
• Weight: 18 kg per speaker

Included accessories

• Magnetic grille
• Integrated spikes / feet depending on finish
• User documentation