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.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Reference 5 K
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 30.5 x 107.5 x 44.5 cm (12" x 42.3" x 17.5")
- Acoustic principle: 3-way Bass reflex system
- Tweeter: 25mm Aluminium oxyd ceramic
- Midrange driver: 174mm Aluminium Ceramic tungsten (Wave-surround)
- Woofer: 2x 192mm Aluminium Ceramic tungsten (Wave-surround)
- Nominal load capacity: 280 watts
- Music load capacity: 440 watts
- Transmission range: 20...40.000 Hz
- Crossover frequencies: 220 / 3.000 Hz
- Impedance: 4-8 ohm
- Efficiency: 88.5 dB/2.83V/1m
- Weight: 37 kg
Description
The Reference 5 K relies on the same equipment and technical configuration as the Reference 3 K, but differs in a modified appearance with an even slimmer cabinet and overall smaller dimensions. With a height of 107 centimeters, it is nevertheless a very impressive floorstanding speaker, with the highest quality technology and the very finest Canton sound.
The Reference 5 K relies on the same equipment and technical configuration as the Reference 3 K, but differs in a modified appearance with an even slimmer cabinet and overall smaller dimensions. With a height of 107 centimeters, it is nevertheless a very impressive floorstanding speaker, with the highest quality technology and the very finest Canton sound. The noble surface finish is sheer intoxicating, making the well-proportioned Canton Reference 5 K an eye-catcher in any living environment. In the slim 3-way speakers, the two 219 mm ceramic tungsten bass drivers provide unleashed dynamics and enormous low bass. However, thanks to the low-loss wave surrounds that clamp the midrange and woofer and the superbly resolving ceramic tweeter, the Reference 5 Ks also impress with their excellent fine dynamics at low volumes. The acoustically optimized enclosures with the curved side walls and rounded edges provide ideal radiation characteristics.
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Manufacturer Site
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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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
60
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
103
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
69
Founding Year
1972
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Canton
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What if you spend more?
Canton
Reference 2
8396
8396
/
1
Reviews
The new Reference 2 As an imposing 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker, the Reference 2 has the potential to provide exceptional and uncompromising listening pleasure even in very large rooms. With the advantages of smaller proportions compared to the flagship of the series, they are perfect for reference level stereo reproduction and are also an excellent choice for home theater applications.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Loves to play loud, never sounding forced or harsh
- Offers a wider than normal sweet spot, translating into a greater sense of music emanating from the space around the speaker than from the speaker itself
- Beautifully made and graceful looking
- Allowed the accompanying amplifier's particular qualities to shine through
Product Considerations
- Close attention to every aspect of speaker setup—distance to walls/boundaries, toe-in, and tweaking using level adjustments—is needed to transform performance from impressive to outstanding
- Initially sounded a bit dark prior to adjusting the tweeter level
- Impactfulness is less tied to the speaker because it seems to emanate from the surrounding space, which might be perceived as a subtle softening of dynamic impact compared to some speakers
Takeaway: The Canton Reference 2 made listening feel essential and physically convincing, expertly sculpting music in space with deep bass and clarity. With their level adjustments and beautiful design, these speakers are a strong contender.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Product Page
Product Page
Canton
Reference 3
6297
6297
/
1
Reviews
The new Reference 3
The edge-free design of the Reference 3, with curved cabinet roundings not only ensures a modern design - it is the basis for perfect sound development, which is characterized by authentic spatial imaging and staggering of the music.
Two woofers with high-strength BCT cones made of black ceramic tungsten and the large midrange driver made of the same material ensure excellent dynamic characteristics in the perfectly tuned 3-way speaker. In the BCT diaphragm, 25 percent of the molecular structure of an aluminum cone is converted into a ceramic structure and refined with tungsten and additional metal particles. As a result, the diaphragms achieve a perfect stiffness-to-weight ratio and turn black on the front and back surfaces during the creation process.
In addition, the specially shaped black midrange ceramic cone in TCC technology stabilizes the membrane and reduces unwanted resonances. Thus, we achieve a precise and distortion-free reproduction. At the same time, the latest generation bass guide design allows uncomplicated placement of the speakers in medium-sized rooms with even distribution of bass waves.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Extreme optical makeover and extensive technical enhancements
- The piano lacquer cabinet was developed using computer simulation and specially reinforced at critical points to enhance sound dispersion
- Crossovers are separate for bass and midrange/tweeter and equipped with high-quality components
- Canton develops drivers completely in-house with meticulous manufacturing to elicit realistic sounds
- Reproduces high, live-like volume levels in all facets without any sign of strain
Product Considerations
- Less juicy, but faster and livelier than expected
Takeaway: The Reference 3 speakers offer remarkable technical enhancements and deliver captivating music with astonishing plasticity and naturalness. For listeners seeking virtual time travel with music, Canton has developed the perfect vehicle.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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KEF
LS60 Wireless
5499
5499
/
19
Reviews
Bring the track spirit into your home with LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition, created in partnership with and inspired by the British Racing Green of the iconic brand.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Bowers & Wilkins
703 S3
5999
5999
/
11
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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Product Strengths
- Superb design and build quality.
- Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
- Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
- Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
- Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.
Product Considerations
- A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
- Not a bass-heavy speaker.
- The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
- The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
- Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
- Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
- Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
- Zoo sound a little bit warmer.
Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
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What competes at this price?
Canton
Reference 7
3463
/
Released
2023
Pure aesthetics, breathtaking performance - as the slimmest floorstanding speakers in the Reference series, the Reference 7s blend harmoniously into any room. Despite their compact size, the speakers impress with deep bass response and high dynamics. This is made possible by the precisely tuned cabinet with bass guide that uses the two woofers with black ceramic tungsten cones.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully grippy, present fine, and balanced sound image
- Stable bass range and very level stable
- The speaker allows for sensitive adjustment of mid and high frequencies
- Great workmanship
- The curved baffle shape helps with wider sound dispersion
Product Considerations
- High-gloss finishes may require frequent dusting
- Experimentation with toe-in is needed to find the right level of treble bite
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Reference 7 plays the piece finer, more open, more powerful and ultimately more authentic than the Canton Karat GS
- The Canton Reference 7 has a more neutral high end than the Triangle Signature Delta
Takeaway: The Canton Reference 7 offers clear, natural, and high-quality sound, appealing to both audiophiles and general music lovers. It boasts superb construction and is undemanding in terms of amplifier matching.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Product Page
Product Page
Canton
Reference 7 K
2834
/
Released
The Reference 7 K - our second smallest floorstanding speaker from the Reference K series and yet an absolutely grown-up speaker that makes no compromises in sound and boasts the best virtues from Canton. The Reference 7 K grows exactly 100 centimeters in height. It lends itself to any living space thanks to its harmonious proportions and noble surface design.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The enclosure is formed from several layers of wood glued together to achieve a stiff, well-damped structure
- Premium-quality components in its crossover
- Clear, refined treble and midrange and focused bass with ample weight
- Wide soundstage
- Music plays as a thoroughly human event, touchable textures and silky physicality joined to satisfying, juicy tonality
Product Considerations
- One reviewer destroyed the tweeter of a Reference 7K sample by neglecting to reduce the volume control of the digital audio interface
- High-gloss finishes might require regular dusting
- Finding the optimal positions in the room might be difficult
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Triangle, the Canton Reference 7K has a more neutral high end, though Triangle has high sensitivity, meaning it would be a better match for low-powered amplifiers
- Compared to Bowers & Wilkins and Focal, the Canton Reference 7K can be viewed as quite the value and equally or even more premium looking
Takeaway: The Canton Reference 7K is a well-engineered speaker employing high-tech materials that plays all styles of music well and casts a giant soundstage. It is a reasonably dynamic speaker producing a satisfyingly thick—detailed sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Canton
Vento 100
2570
/
Released
2022
We've redesigned the look and technology of our Vento premium speaker series. Thanks to the modern design, with discreetly curved side panels, rounded cabinet edges and high-quality surfaces with a perfect finish, the new Vento speakers have a very self-assured appearance. The harmoniously proportioned premium speakers offer a perfect balance between timeless elegance and powerful performance.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Strong all-around sonic performance with a balanced sound across the audible frequency spectrum
- Exquisite construction and finish quality, with an elegant appearance and curved side panels
- Impactful and articulate bass, a natural and full midrange with textures, and a treble with sufficient extension and great resolution
- Wide and deep soundstage while maintaining image focus on individual instruments
- Conveys the energy in the music and captures the texture of instruments
Product Considerations
- The speaker's packaging was not thick enough, as the Styrofoam padding protecting the speakers was brittle
- The speaker is large and may dominate smaller rooms
- Speakers should not be operated too close to the wall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Vento 100 distances itself from the Vento 896.2
- The difference in sound quality compared to the Reference K models is not as great as the difference in price
- The Vento 100 is a more neutral speaker than the Sonetto III
Takeaway: The Vento 100 speakers deliver great value with excellent build and a vibrant sonic performance, excelling in extracting musical textures with a high degree of transparency. The speakers check all the important aspects of a great-sounding loudspeaker with no discernible weaknesses.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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Product Page
Canton
Reference 5
4198
/
Released
2023
Immerse yourself in a new era of sound with the Reference 5 and let the medium-sized floor-standing speakers inspire you. The perfectly formed design, in line with "Form Follows Function", makes no compromises. Thanks to the use of the latest technologies, they are bursting with resolution and playfulness and offer excellent sound. The Reference 5, like all Reference models, are manufactured in Germany with the utmost care and precision. This and the use of first-class materials and components, ensure a long-lasting and reliable quality. The speakers shine with irrepressible dynamics and excellent stage imaging - for a lively and natural sound of your music.
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A complete and satisfying sound from top to bottom
- Well-built speaker cabinet with a stiff, low-resonance enclosure due to curved sides and laminated layers of fiberboard
- A cool, dry and neutral tonal balance
- Midrange shines with excellent voice rendition and believable subtle textures of instruments
- Exceptionally wide dynamic range due to very low cabinet coloration
Product Considerations
- Bass lacks output in the lowest (20-40Hz) octave
- High frequencies weren't quite as extended as some other speakers
- Depth perception of the imaging seems a little constrained
- The simple stud-like spikes supplied are clearly intended to avoid damaging wooden floors, and are probably insufficiently sharp to pierce carpets
- Mid-bass output is a little strong
Takeaway: The Canton Reference 5 DC gives a complete musical experience and its quality ensures enjoyment of the music. For speakers that sound good, the Reference 5 DC speakers are a possible choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canton is a hifi speaker brand distinguished by its use of ceramic tungsten in driver cones and its unique Bass-Guide system that optimizes cabinet vibrations for flexible speaker placement. The brand balances affordability with high-end performance by leveraging economies of scale from their consumer lines.
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GoldenEar
T66
3450
/
Released
2024
The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar's new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else.
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
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