Loudspeakers

When Canton presented its updated Reference lineup at High End Munich in May 2023, it also showcased a Reference GS model celebrating its 50th anniversary. This was not a typical ‘limited edition’ with some cosmetic tweaks and a signed certificate in the box, but a working design which, at 1.63m, was some 30cm taller than the top-of-the-line Reference 1.

The German manufacturer ventured into new upmarket terrain with this €25,000 (per speaker) GS version – the name referencing founder Günther Seitz. The design was handled by long-time technical director Frank Goebl, his ‘no compromise’ brief realised in four 219mm BTC woofers, and massive 30mm-thick wood veneered side panels that folded around to a solid 81mm-thick baffle – all conceived to ensure maximum stiffness.

Only 50 pairs were built, but apparently the limited edition received a good reception, leading Canton to showcase a Reference Alpha 1 and a slightly smaller (but still substantial) Reference Alpha 2 at Munich ’24. Both leverage the GS, but with ‘different technologies on the inside’, according to Head of Marketing Moritz Jung. The Alphas are slated for launch in 2025.