Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
GLE 80
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Acoustic principle: 3-way bass reflex
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 19 x 100 x 30 cm
- Tweeter: 25mm Aluminium-manganese
- Midrange driver: 1 x 174mm Titanium
- Woofer: 2 x 174mm Titanium
- Nominal load capacity: 130 watts
- Music load capacity: 280 watts
- Transmission range: 23...40.000 Hz
- Crossover frequencies: 300 / 3.200 Hz
- Impedance: 4...8 ohm
- Efficiency: 89.5 dB/2.83V/1m
- Weight: 17.6 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Canton's Reference line combines years of experience with advanced computer modeling and a dedicated testing laboratory, resulting in products designed with both precision and innovation.
- The brand emphasizes high-quality construction, utilizing stiff, multi-layer laminate cabinets with strategic internal bracing to minimize unwanted resonances.
- Canton's signature sound aims for a neutral and balanced presentation, delivering clear, detailed sound without excessive coloration.
- They often incorporate advanced driver technologies, such as ceramic-tungsten cones and aluminum-ceramic-oxide tweeters, to achieve optimal stiffness, damping, and dispersion.
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Used
Canton
What if you spend more?
We are proud to present our brand new loudspeaker series "Townus", with which we would like to appeal to all people for whom timeless design and high-quality appeal are important. In reference to the roots and the location of our company headquarters, in the middle of the Hessian Taunus, we have created the same sounding name Townus for the new loudspeaker models. The newly created Townus series impresses with its timeless, elegant design and its high-quality materials - ideal for urban people who value design and quality. In the word creation Townus, we also refer to the connection between the modern and pulsating life in a town and the rather quiet and rural Taunus, where the creators of this timeless and modern speaker series have their origins.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- More precise and tighter bass, and a separated sound, meaning the instruments do not go missing in the bass
- A ceramic tweeter that performs well
- Close to the GLE Series, but has a cleaner sound
- Made with very nice finishing, and the structure of the veneer is very beautiful
Product Considerations
- Might be a bit overwhelming at high volumes, but it is good at lower volumes
- According to measurements, after setting all models to the same volume, it has an intensity that submerges under the Silver 500 and R7 in the higher mid range
Takeaway: The Canton Taunus 90 is good for those who want a specialist speaker for Big Beat and also has a clean sound. The speaker is made with high-quality materials, so it has a beautiful design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The anniversary model of the Karat floorstanding speaker remains true to its line from 2002 and also delivers the special feature of the side-mounted woofer chassis in the newly designed version. Equipped with black ceramic tungsten technology in the midrange and bass-midrange and an ceramic tweeter system, the speaker passes any sonic challenge. The Karat GS Edition impresses with audiophile Canton sound and with high dynamics in all frequency ranges. Limited to 1972 pairs, the speakers are available in the matte lacquer finishes White, Black and Dusty Green.
Product Strengths
- Stays true to neutral sound across all levels
- Skillfully maintains the balance between a powerful bass, transparent midrange, and rather mild, low-distortion treble reproduction
- Good impulse response and high efficiency
- Offers plenty of excursion, without linearity, low distortion, and reach into the low frequencies suffering in return
- Dynamic and reliable across all levels
Product Considerations
- A trace of additional warmth in the midrange was missed
- Lacking the very last degree of precision in the bass range, as well as definition
Takeaway: The Karat GS Edition provides high-quality music reproduction with neutral sound, and it offers a balanced and dynamic listening experience across different music genres
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
- Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
- A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
- Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
- A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner
Product Considerations
- A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
- Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
- The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
- Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
- They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss.
The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor. The English Walnut Model Five comes with a beautiful Stone Wash Linen grille cloth that magnifies the rich finish of the real wood veneers. Meanwhile, our West African Mahogany finish is complemented by an Old-World Linen grille cloth that will stop you in your tracks. And lastly, the Nordic Noir finish is shipped wearing the lovely Medici Grey Linen grille cloth.
Want the option of pairing any grille cloth with the finish of your choosing? Don't worry- you can purchase each style separately below! Riser base and grilles included with speaker purchase.
Product Strengths
- Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
- Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
- Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
- Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
- Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
- Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
- Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
- Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
- Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
- Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
- Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
- Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
- Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound
Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers powerful, clear, and warm sound.
- It's a top surround system capable of creating a professional, life-like experience.
- The GLE 90 AR model with integrated Dolby Atmos technology simplifies home theater setup and saves space.
- Versatile for both films and music.
- High clarity presents the entire mid-high range cleanly.
- Good high-frequency resolution and detail.
Product Considerations
- The size of the speakers may take up a lot of space.
- To get the full Dolby Atmos experience, some setup adjustments are needed—speaker positioning and AV receiver settings.
- Depending on the ceiling, it may be necessary to adjust the level of the height channels.
- Some might find the design with the angled top takes some getting used to.
Takeaway: The GLE Series/GLE 90 AR offers a powerful and immersive sound experience, making it a great choice for both movie and music lovers. It is a particularly good option for those looking for a Dolby Atmos setup without the need for multiple speakers.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality and design, described as simple yet modern with a unique structured lacquer on the baffle
- Features a newly designed titanium midrange driver (174mm) and titanium woofers (192mm) with updated wave surround, whereas previous models used aluminum
- Neutral sound signature is suitable for all music genres, avoiding artificial bass or treble boosting
- The tweeter provides direct sound, close to a headphone experience, yet with spaciousness
- Works well with smaller amplifiers and does not require high volume or power to perform well
Product Considerations
- Bass performance is significantly reduced when not positioned in the ideal stereo triangle
- A color called 'Makassar' exists, but the reviewer admits to not knowing what the color actually is, simply stating that it is 'a type of brown'
Takeaway: The Canton GLE 90 is a well-made speaker that delivers a neutral, spacious, and direct sound. It is a good option for those seeking an accurate audio experience across various music styles without needing a powerful amplifier.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
- Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
- The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
- Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music
Product Considerations
- Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
- The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
- The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
- Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
- Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
- Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
- Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
- Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
- Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
- Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
- Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
- Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
- Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price
Product Considerations
- Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
- Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
- Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
- The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass
Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
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