Bookshelf Speakers — Canton GLE 20

The GLE 20 is a two-way compact loudspeaker in the GLE series from Canton, the German loudspeaker manufacturer. The GLE range is Canton's entry-level hi-fi and home cinema line, and the GLE 20 is designed to work almost anywhere - on the matching LS 660 stands, on a rack, on a shelf, or as a surround speaker in a multichannel system alongside other GLE models. It has since been followed by the GLE 20 S2.

Key specs that matter

This vented two-way couples a 25mm aluminium-manganese dome tweeter with a waveguide and a 154mm titanium-cone woofer/midrange. The crossover point is 3.2kHz. Frequency response is 42Hz to 40kHz, sensitivity is 86.5dB at 2.83V/1m and impedance is 4 to 8 ohms. Rated power handling is 70W and music power handling 130W. The rear-firing reflex port vents from the back panel. Each speaker measures 17 x 29.5 x 26.7cm wide, high and deep, at roughly 4.6kg. Cabinets come in black vinyl, white vinyl or Makassar, with baffles painted black or white and magnetic fabric grilles.

Engineering and use context

Extending treble response well beyond the audible band from a compact speaker depends on the tweeter and its surroundings. The aluminium-manganese dome combines low mass with rigidity, moving its first break-up resonance above the audio band, while the waveguide around it shapes dispersion so that output is spread evenly to the sides rather than beaming forward, which also helps the tweeter match the woofer's directivity near the crossover. The woofer uses a titanium cone for stiffness at low mass, mounted in a rigid polycarbonate basket with a powerful magnet system, and Canton's wave surround allows long, controlled cone travel for bass from a small enclosure. The rear port extends bass output, so the speaker should have a little space behind it rather than being pushed flat against a wall. The impedance rating means the load dips toward 4 ohms in parts of the range, which most modern amplifiers and AV receivers handle easily. Canton designed the GLE 20 to integrate with the rest of the GLE family - for example GLE 70 floorstanders at the front, a GLE 50 centre and a pair of GLE 20s as surrounds, with a Power Sub 12 subwoofer for low bass.

Pairing

With moderate sensitivity, the GLE 20 suits stereo integrated amplifiers and AV receivers of moderate power. As surrounds or in small rooms, it combines naturally with a subwoofer to extend the lowest octaves.

Alternatives

Canton's own GLE 30 S2 is the larger compact model of the current series, with a 174mm woofer and 89dB sensitivity.