Canton Reference 9 GS walnut (pack of 2)

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

Components drawn from the top of the range

Canton’s Reference range comes in floorstanding and compact models, with the Reference 9 occupying the bookshelf format. The GS version starts from this base and adds elements borrowed from the Reference Alpha series, the current peak of the catalog: a new-generation tweeter system, a passive crossover redesigned around Mundorf MKP capacitors, and gold-plated WBT nextgen terminals. 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 intention 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 making it heavier. More rigid, the dome pushes its own deformation modes higher up the spectrum and maintains clean treble. Canton adds an acoustic lens that acts as a complementary waveguide, evens out dispersion, and extends the usable range upward, 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 levels.

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 loading is bass-reflex, but the port does not open on the front panel: it points downward into the base and works with Bass Guide technology to distribute bass more evenly throughout the room. The concrete advantage is that the speaker is less fussy about placement than a bookshelf model with a rear port. One physical limitation remains: a cabinet of this size will not reach as low as a floorstanding speaker, and the downward-firing port requires a stable support, dedicated stands or a solid shelf, to work as intended. At 39 cm deep and 18 kg per speaker, the compact format is only relative, so plan on a deep shelf or suitable stands.

A revised crossover and WBT terminals

The passive crossover has been completely redesigned around Mundorf MKP capacitors, 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 is fitted with low-loss, gold-plated WBT nextgen terminals that readily accept banana plugs and generously sized cables. A treble level adjustment allows the high frequencies to be tuned by ±1.5 dB depending on the room acoustics or personal taste, useful in both a lively living room and 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 speaker to drive. It handles 125 W nominal and 220 W peak, and prefers an amplifier capable of handling the load over an entry-level unit.

Multilayer cabinet and careful finishes

The cabinet is built on a multilayer 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 floating-look base rests on CNC-machined feet with a PVD finish, while an acoustically neutral magnetic grille attaches and removes 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 routing, which keep the speaker at the proper listening height and stabilize the downward-facing port.

Technical specifications

General 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 driver
  • Low distortion and excellent power handling

Acoustic design

• Bass-reflex design
• 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
• Cabinet with curved lines promoting better sound dispersion
• CNC-machined feet with PVD finish
• Removable magnetic protective grille, acoustically transparent and neutral

Connectivity

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

Power

• Admissible musical power: 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 protective grille
• Spikes / integrated feet depending on finish
• User documentation