Subwoofers — Canton SUB 500 R

Canton places the SUB 500 R in its Online Exclusive range and presents it as a subwoofer equally at home in multichannel cinema systems and in two-channel stereo. This model differs from the cheaper SUB 300 of the same range above all by a much stronger amplifier and a remote-controlled room adjustment. In Germany it sells for EUR 549 per piece, with the cabinet in black or white matt decor behind a grille of black powder-coated steel.

Key specs that matter

A 308 mm front-firing driver with a titanium diaphragm works with a 308 mm passive cone on the bottom of the cabinet. Its digital amplifier is rated at 500 W nominal and 750 W music power. Canton lists a lower limit of 18 Hz and an upper limit of 200 Hz, and the crossover is variable from 55 Hz up to 200 Hz. The cube measures 36 x 47.2 x 51.1 cm and weighs 24.9 kg on its own, or 29.3 kg packed in a 57 x 62 x 49.5 cm box.

Engineering and use context

According to Canton, the passive radiator mounted underneath supports the active driver by pushing the frequency range further down and increasing output headroom, while the overall principle remains bass reflex inside what the maker calls a classic cube cabinet. The titanium driver is suspended by a newest-generation wave surround with several folds, which Canton says gives a much longer excursion and lower distortion than conventional surrounds. The main practical feature is integrated Room Compensation with four preset profiles, and because a wireless remote is supplied, the owner can switch between them from the listening seat to suit the room and personal habits. Volume and crossover can be adjusted, and the sub powers up and down automatically with the signal. It rests on feet whose height can be changed, and Canton has prepared the base for spikes or, on sensitive floors, absorbers.

Pairing

For a home theatre, the two low-level cinch inputs take the LFE signal of an AV receiver, and a low-level output lets the chain continue. Stereo amplifiers without a sub pre-out connect via two high-level inputs using speaker cable, with the terminals accepting banana plugs. Canton names its C Series loudspeakers as an example partner for a multichannel home cinema set built around this subwoofer. Supplied in the carton are the SUB 500 R, remote control, power cord and user manual, and like other active Canton products it carries a two-year warranty.

Alternatives

The Canton SUB 12 R is another subwoofer from the Online Exclusive range, listed in Germany at EUR 769.