Полочная акустика — Canton GLE 20 S2

The GLE 20 S2 is the smallest passive box of the GLE S2 generation from Canton of Weilrod, Germany, and the maker calls it the smallest model with true Canton DNA. This two-way reflex design is listed on the German Canton site at EUR 339, and Canton proposes it either as a stereo pair on a desk or as a surround supplement in a home cinema.

Key specs that matter

A 154 mm bass-midrange driver with an Aluminium Titan Black cone, abbreviated ATB, works with a 25 mm tweeter with a black aluminium dome. The two drivers are divided at 3,200 Hz. The stated frequency range runs from 42 Hz to 40,000 Hz, and the impedance is 4 to 8 ohm. Efficiency is 86.5 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m. Load capacity is rated at 70 W nominal and 130 W music. The cabinet measures 17 cm wide, 30 cm high and 26 cm deep, and one speaker weighs 4.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

The reflex port fires backward from the rear panel, a layout Canton calls backfire. For the S2 generation Canton developed the ATB woofers and Aluminium Black tweeters anew and upgraded the waveguide in which the tweeter sits. Reinforced polycarbonate baskets carry the drivers, backed by powerful magnet systems, and the woofer cone is held by a triple-folded wave surround aimed at low distortion. Cabinets come in white, black or Makassar decor, each paired with a silk matt lacquered baffle, and the unit stands on its own feet. An oval fabric cover in black or white with rounded corners attaches with magnets. Terminals take banana plugs, and Canton gives a 5 year warranty. Each speaker ships in a carton of 50.5 x 36 x 38.5 cm with a packed weight of 10.8 kg, so the pair travels in two boxes.

Pairing

With its modest nominal rating and a load that Canton specifies down to 4 ohm, the GLE 20 S2 calls for an amplifier stable into 4 ohm. The efficiency figure is on the lower side, so an integrated amplifier with some reserve suits it better than a very low powered unit. The S2 generation also offers the GLE 50 Center S2, the GLE 90 AR S2 with Dolby Atmos technology, the AR 4 S2 and the active Power Sub 8 S2, Power Sub 10 S2 and Power Sub 12 S2 subwoofers, so the GLE 20 S2 can be built into a multichannel system from one series. Floorstanders from the GLE 70 S2 at 170 W to the GLE 100 S2 at 380 W are available for the front channels.

Alternatives

The Canton GLE 30 S2 is the bigger two-way compact in this GLE generation, offered in black, white and walnut decor.