Audio glossary
In the following glossary, we describe and explain all in-house technologies as well as common technologies, components, cables, and connectors related to the topic of HiFi and speakers.
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In-House Technologies
Developed by Canton, DC technology (Displacement Control) counteracts the level drop of the speaker at low frequencies and simultaneously prevents high membrane excursions caused by signals in the inaudible frequency range below 20Hz (infrasound). Without this filter, such frequencies would cause high membrane excursions, generating audible distortions (harmonics). The DC filter extends the speaker’s frequency range by up to one octave towards lower frequencies, resulting in significantly tighter and more precise bass.
SC Technology
SC technology (Speaker Correction) is an evolution of DC technology for active systems (such as active subwoofers). Using customized filter circuits, it redefines the relationship between enclosure volume and deep bass reproduction, extending the speaker’s transmission range by an octave or more toward lower frequencies – all while maintaining an incredible level of sound stability.
RC Technology
With the development of SC into RC technology, Canton has achieved an exemplary equalization of the frequency response. RC stands for "Room Compensation," meaning it balances room influences and adapts the sound to specific room characteristics. RC technology combines SC technology’s correction of deep bass reproduction with the ability to adjust the speaker to room acoustics and placement.
Transmission Front Plate
By optimizing the sound guidance in the tweeter’s front plate using finite element modeling (FEM) computer simulations, Canton has significantly improved the tweeter’s radiation behavior. At the same time, the Transmission Front Plate optimizes the tweeter's efficiency in the crossover range to the midrange or woofer, reducing distortions and achieving a better overall frequency response.
Bass Guide
All speakers in the Reference series feature the latest generation Bass Guide. Low-frequency signal components are precisely and evenly emitted from the enclosure both forward and backward with increased efficiency. Additionally, the special geometric design reduces airflow noise, enhancing placement flexibility.
Double-Cone Membrane
Our Double-Cone technology is primarily used in woofers. A second large dust cap, distinguished by its exceptional rigidity, enables even more precise bass reproduction and reduces harmonic distortion.
Wave Surround 3.0
Wave Surround 3.0 offers up to 60-100% greater membrane excursion compared to traditional half-round surrounds due to its significantly larger surround area. The lower structural deformation of the surround at high membrane excursions improves ring resonance damping by 80% at mid frequencies and significantly reduces overall distortion. Additionally, the symmetrical force application on the voice coil's outward and inward movement (as opposed to half-round surrounds) results in a likewise symmetrical membrane movement, further reducing distortions.
POM
POM (Polyoxymethylene) is a low-resonance material made from high-molecular-weight thermoplastic plastic, used in our amorphous front rings and connection terminals in the Reference series. It acts as an asymmetric waveguide and additionally increases the stability of the oscillating system. POM boasts particularly high rigidity, excellent damping properties, and outstanding dimensional stability. Its thin lacquer coating ensures a silky-matte finish for enhanced durability.
Absorbing Sealing Rings (ADR)
Our special sealing rings in the Reference series ensure both a complete airtight seal of the enclosure’s air volume and a reduction of structural vibrations. These rings undergo an elaborate manufacturing process where they are flocked with a special fabric, enhancing sound perception and preventing unwanted resonance of the speaker baffle.
Triple Curved Cone (TCC)
The Triple Curved Cone (TCC) is the result of extensive development and numerous simulations. The membrane profile consists of three successive radii that differ from each other. This design provides significantly higher rigidity to the driver, reducing distortions, especially in the transition areas between the membrane and surround. The TCC driver also offers improved radiation characteristics and a broader frequency range compared to previous designs. Due to its stiffer membrane construction and increased bandwidth, distortions are shifted to higher frequencies outside the usable range, meaning that any remaining distortions occur outside the audible spectrum—enhancing the overall sound quality of the speakers.
Connectors and Cables
Banana plugs are often used to connect amplifiers to speakers. They consist of a cylindrical metal pin protruding from a plastic housing. Banana plugs simplify the process of connecting and disconnecting devices since they can be easily inserted into corresponding sockets. The spring-loaded metal pins ensure a consistently stable connection.
Jack Plug
The jack plug is commonly used for audio connections in a variety of devices, including headphones, microphones, speakers, musical instruments, and smartphones. It consists of a cylindrical metal pin with a characteristic shaft and a variable number of sections (rings) around it. The most common plug sizes are 3.5mm and 6.3mm.
RCA Cable
An RCA cable (also known as a Cinch cable) is a widely used audio and video connection cable. It typically consists of a pair of coaxial cables, each equipped with an RCA connector at one end. RCA cables are often used to connect subwoofers to AV receivers or amplifiers to transmit low-frequency audio signals.
Optical Cable
Optical cables (fiber optic cables) are used for transmitting digital audio signals. They are commonly used in home theater systems and audio components such as Blu-ray players, CD players, soundbars, AV receivers, and televisions. The most commonly used connector in audio technology is the TOSLINK. By using an optical (non-electrically conductive) connection between two devices with mains-side grounding (e.g., a PC and an amplifier), ground loops can be avoided.
Digital Connection
Digital audio-video connections are often used in home theater systems to establish HDMI® interfaces between a television and speakers.
Coaxial Connection
A coaxial cable is a type of cable used to transmit electrical signals at high data rates. It consists of a central conductor, usually made of copper or aluminum, surrounded by an insulating layer, a wire mesh shielding, and an outer insulation. Coaxial cables serve as an alternative to digital interfaces such as HDMI® or optical connections.
HDMI®
HDMI® stands for "High Definition Multimedia Interface" and is a digital interface primarily used for transmitting high-resolution audio and video signals between various devices. HDMI® cables are commonly used to connect devices such as televisions, soundbars, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, computers, and audio-video receivers. A next-generation HDMI® cable can transmit various video resolutions, including up to 10K at 60 Hz or 4K Ultra HD at 120 Hz. It also supports multiple audio formats, including stereo and multi-channel audio such as Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X®. HDMI® offers numerous advantages, including easy connectivity, high image and sound quality, single-cable data transmission, and support for additional features such as Ethernet data connection and remote control of devices via the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol.
HDMI®-ARC Interface
ARC (Audio Return Channel) is an HDMI® feature that allows audio signals to be sent back from an HDMI® input on a television to an external audio device, such as a soundbar. The same HDMI® cable used to transmit video and audio to the TV is also used for this return transmission, simplifying the wiring significantly since only one cable is required to handle both video and audio. However, not every HDMI® port on a TV supports this function—the appropriate port must be labeled "ARC."
HDMI®-eARC Interface
eARC is an advanced version of ARC that offers a higher bandwidth for transmitting high-quality audio. Compared to ARC, eARC supports lossless audio formats such as Dolby® TrueHD (Dolby Atmos®) and DTS-HD®, ensuring superior surround sound via the HDMI® connection.
Technical Specifications
These terms define the radiation direction of drivers and Helmholtz resonators (bass reflex tubes and passive membranes). While active drivers almost always radiate forward (toward the listening position), we use the down- and back-firing principle for bass reflex tubes or passive membranes (almost) exclusively. This helps minimize the (air) flow noise that occurs at high volume levels. The up-firing principle is used, for example, in Dolby Atmos®-enabled speakers that are placed on top of front and/or surround speakers and radiate towards the ceiling to create a three-dimensional spatial sound through ceiling reflections.
Bass Reflex System
A bass reflex system refers to speakers that have at least one Helmholtz resonator in the form of a bass reflex tube or a passive membrane. This resonator is designed to make bass reproduction more efficient in the low-frequency range and "enhance the bass."
Closed System
A closed system refers to speakers that operate within a sealed enclosure, without a Helmholtz resonator. This ensures precise playback and sound control, making it particularly suitable for center speakers.
Hertz (Hz)
The physical unit for frequency; in audio, it indicates sound wave oscillations per second. This unit is used when describing the transmission range and crossover frequency.
Class D (Digital) Amplifier
Power amplifiers, especially in subwoofers, need to deliver high output power. In traditional designs (such as Class AB amplifiers), the achievable maximum power is limited, particularly due to heat dissipation. Most Canton subwoofers use Class D PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) amplifiers, which, thanks to their modern and efficient digital circuitry, can deliver very high power while remaining compact and generating minimal heat.
Preamplifier
The primary function of a preamplifier is to select and, if necessary, amplify the input signal. This is particularly important when dealing with very low input signals, such as those from microphones or turntables, which operate in the millivolt range. Some preamplifiers include built-in equalizers, allowing users to adjust the frequency response to their listening environment or personal sound preferences. A preamplifier can feature multiple inputs for different audio sources (e.g., CD players, turntables, tuners) and enables users to choose the source they wish to listen to. When using passive speakers, an additional power amplifier is required to boost the signal to the necessary level (voltage or power) for passive speakers.
Bi-Wiring / Bi-Amping
The high-end speakers in Canton's lineup come with a Bi-Wiring / Bi-Amping terminal. This type of connection allows the high-/midrange and low-frequency sections to be driven separately—either from two different power amplifiers (Bi-Amping) or with separate speaker cables from a single amplifier (Bi-Wiring). But what is the benefit of this? This should be explained further. Please refer to the new manual "Passive Speakers," where it is well described.
Impedance
Speaker impedance (frequency-dependent resistance) refers to the electrical resistance that a speaker presents to the amplifier. Typically, speakers are available with nominal impedances of 4, 6, or 8 ohms. Impedance affects the electrical load that a speaker places on the connected amplifier. Our speakers generally have a nominal impedance of 4 or 8 ohms (especially built-in speakers). According to standard (DIN EN 60268-5), this nominal impedance must not be undercut by more than 20% at any frequency within the transmission range.
Efficiency
A speaker's efficiency indicates how effectively it converts electrical power into sound power. It is measured in decibels (dB) and describes how much sound pressure a speaker produces at a given input voltage and/or power level at a specific distance (typically one meter). A higher efficiency means the speaker generates more sound output from the same electrical power input, which is generally beneficial but plays a secondary role in home applications.
Nominal / Music Power Handling
Nominal power handling refers to the maximum continuous power a speaker can handle with a specific audio signal (pink noise) without being damaged. Music power handling, on the other hand, defines the maximum power a speaker can handle for short periods (with a music signal).
Nominal / Music Power
Nominal power refers to the power that a power amplifier can continuously deliver at a given ambient temperature (typically 20°C) without damage. Music power refers to the short-term power an amplifier can output when playing music.
Frequency Response
The frequency response defines the range of frequencies that a speaker can reproduce evenly, within a specified tolerance. It sets the limits for the lowest and highest frequencies that can be accurately reproduced.
Crossover Frequency
In multi-way speakers, the crossover frequency is the frequency at which the signal transitions from one driver to another. In subwoofers, it refers to the upper limit of the subwoofer’s frequency response.
3-Way Speaker
A 3-way speaker features separate drivers for three distinct frequency ranges (woofer, midrange, and tweeter). The crossover network ensures that each driver receives only the frequencies it is designed to reproduce.
2-Way Speaker
A 2-way speaker consists of a tweeter for high frequencies (typically from 3,000Hz upwards) and a midwoofer that handles both midrange and bass frequencies.
2.5-Way Speaker
A 2.5-way speaker design has two midwoofers, both handling the bass frequencies, but only one also covering the midrange. This design is particularly useful in center speakers, as it allows for powerful bass reproduction (due to two woofers) while avoiding strong vertical directivity and off-axis frequency response dips that can occur in D’Appolito configurations.
3.5-Way Speaker
A 3.5-way speaker works similarly to a 2.5-way speaker, with the difference that it includes a dedicated woofer for deep bass, while the two midrange drivers operate only from around 120Hz–150Hz upwards. The goal remains the same—to avoid strong directional effects and frequency response dips in a D’Appolito configuration.
Master/Slave Speaker
In a (wireless) speaker system, one speaker acts as the master (essentially the control unit) and receives/processes the audio signal from the source. This master speaker can then communicate with slave speakers via a (wireless) connection. The slave speakers receive audio data and playback instructions from the master, ensuring synchronized audio playback.
On-Screen Display (OSD)
An On-Screen Display is a visual user interface (device menu structure) that appears on the screen of an electronic device (usually a television) and allows users to control various settings and options in an easily readable manner. Our smart speakers and electronics, which can be connected to a television via HDMI®, support this function.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
An MDF enclosure is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a wood fiber product created by pressing wood fibers with resin. It has a homogeneous density and a smooth surface, which minimizes unwanted resonances and vibrations in the speaker. Compared to other wood-based materials, MDF is less prone to warping due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
HDF (High-Density Fiberboard)
An HDF enclosure is made from high-density fiberboard, offering greater density compared to MDF enclosures, leading to improved stability. The higher density minimizes cabinet vibrations during audio playback, reducing unwanted resonances and distortions for a more precise and clear sound. The increased stability of HDF ensures minimal warping over time, resulting in consistent and accurate sound reproduction.
Multilayer Laminate
The curved side panels of the Reference and Vento enclosures consist of multiple layers of special fiberboards, bonded together with damping intermediate layers to form a composite material. This material can be precisely shaped during the manufacturing process and provides exceptional stability and acoustic "inertia." The individual layers are bonded with a special adhesive and built up to the desired material thickness. The fiberboards are then pressed into the desired shape under high pressure and heat. The curved shape of the side panels effectively prevents standing waves. The result is an extremely rigid cabinet structure, highly resistant to resonances, deformations, and distortions.
Speaker Components
A chassis is the functional unit of a speaker that generates sound, converting an electrical signal into sound waves (so-called longitudinal waves). Our speakers feature various chassis types, including woofers, mid-woofers, midrange drivers, and tweeters. A chassis consists of multiple components working together to produce the desired sound within its frequency range.
Tweeter
The tweeter is primarily responsible for the tonal character and brilliance of sound reproduction. Canton speakers exclusively use dome tweeters, meaning systems with a curved diaphragm driven by a voice coil. For high-end series, Canton utilizes the latest development in this field—computer-simulated tweeters with aluminum-oxide ceramic domes. This alloy is extremely lightweight and rigid, which, in combination with the optimized dome shape, results in significantly higher maximum sound pressure, increased performance, and improved radiation characteristics.
Midrange Driver
The midrange driver reproduces the most crucial frequencies for vocal clarity. In all HiFi speakers, Canton employs impulse-accurate and rigid ceramic or aluminum diaphragms to achieve optimal efficiency with minimal distortion.
Woofer
The woofer performs the heaviest workload in a speaker. Powerful magnets, stable cast frames, high-load voice coils, and diaphragms made of ceramic, aluminum, or cellulose-graphite are critical for bass quality and precision.
Coaxial Driver
Canton also incorporates coaxial speaker technology, particularly in compact satellite speakers. In this design, the tweeter is centrally positioned on a bridge in front of the midrange or mid-woofer. These systems closely approximate the ideal of a point-source sound emission.
Dome
The dome is the cone-shaped or hemispherical part of a tweeter responsible for reproducing high frequencies. It is made from lightweight and rigid materials such as ceramic or aluminum. The dome moves in response to electrical signals flowing through the voice coil, generating sound waves in the high-frequency range.
Crossover
The crossover is the component inside a speaker that divides the audio frequency spectrum into different ranges, which are then played back by specialized drivers (woofers, midrange, and tweeters). Crossovers typically consist of three key electrical components: inductors, capacitors, and resistors, along with the circuit board on which they are mounted. The inductor allows low frequencies to pass while blocking high frequencies. The capacitor allows high frequencies to pass while blocking low frequencies. The resistor is used to control impedance and attenuate the signal. The crossover combines these components to achieve the desired frequency response.
Speaker Terminal
The speaker terminal is the connection point between the speaker and an amplifier. It provides screw terminals to securely attach speaker cables, ensuring a reliable electrical connection. Our speaker terminals also support banana plugs, offering a high-quality and convenient connection. Additionally, we use premium gold-plated terminals, which prevent long-term contact issues due to oxidation, as gold is highly resistant to corrosion.
WBT Binding Posts
The Reference speakers and select special models are equipped with nextgen™ binding posts from the renowned high-end manufacturer WBT in Essen. These terminals support both single-wiring and, in most cases, bi-wiring and bi-amping configurations. Their lightweight design reduces eddy currents and the "capacitor effect," improving sound quality. High-purity copper as a contact material ensures an optimal connection and minimal transition resistance. If you do not wish to use the bi-wiring or bi-amping mode, high-quality, hard-gold-plated copper bridges are included.
Membrane Materials
Aluminum
Canton has used aluminum as a preferred membrane material for over two decades. Aluminum is ideal due to its low weight, high stiffness, and strength (resistance to deformation), making it suitable for high power handling and membrane excursion.
Aluminum Manganese
The aluminum-manganese alloy is extremely rigid yet lightweight, making it particularly well-suited for dome tweeters where these properties are crucial.
Titanium
Titanium membranes are composed of a titanium-aluminum composite. Compared to pure aluminum membranes, this titanium-aluminum combination makes the membrane significantly stiffer while maintaining the same overall weight. The stiffer structure drastically reduces distortion in the mid and especially high-frequency range, shifting breakup modes (membrane bending that causes resonances) further outside the usable frequency range.
Aluminum Oxide Ceramic
Aluminum oxide ceramic (α-Al2O3) is an advanced evolution of the aluminum-manganese membrane. Through an elaborate process, approximately 20% of the aluminum is converted into ceramic on both sides, making the membrane even lighter while increasing its stiffness.
BCT Membranes (Ceramic Tungsten)
The midrange and bass drivers of all Reference speakers feature advanced Black-Ceramic-Tungsten (BCT) membranes. In the BCT membrane, the molecular structure of an aluminum cone is converted 25% into a ceramic structure and refined with tungsten and additional metal particles. This results in an optimal ratio of stiffness to weight and gives the membranes their distinctive black coloration on both the front and back during the manufacturing process.
BC Dome
The crystal-clear highs of the Reference tweeter systems are achieved through the use of extremely lightweight and rigid Black Ceramic domes. The special shape of the new asymmetric waveguide optimizes the dispersion characteristics in both the crossover region and the high-frequency range above 15,000 Hz. The BC domes contribute to creating immersive listening experiences where even the finest nuances and details in music become audible.
DCC Dome
The Diamond-Ceramic-Carbon (DCC) domes in our Reference GS ensure crystal-clear highs and immersive listening experiences where the finest nuances in music come to life. The special shape of the new asymmetric waveguide optimizes the dispersion characteristics in both the crossover region and the high-frequency range above 15,000 Hz.
Chassis Components
The membrane (cone) of a speaker is a central component responsible for generating sound waves. The membrane is a flat, cone-shaped structure made of lightweight yet rigid material, such as aluminum. It vibrates in response to audio signals, creating sound waves (longitudinal waves) in the surrounding air, which are responsible for music reproduction.
Spider (Centric Suspension)
The spider is located in the chassis beneath the membrane, between the speaker basket and the membrane. Its primary function is to center and stabilize the voice coil and membrane. It ensures that the membrane moves symmetrically and evenly while acting as an elastic suspension that allows controlled movement. Additionally, the spider prevents excessive excursion of the membrane at high volume levels.
Wave Surround
The front (visible) part of the suspension for woofer or midrange membranes, known as the surround, moves in response to the vibrations of the cone membrane. Some of the energy transferred is absorbed by the surround, while some is reflected back into the membrane, potentially creating resonances that distort the original sound. The shape and material of the surround also influence the possible excursion and dynamic behavior of the system. Through targeted computer simulations, Canton optimized all properties of the surround with a special shape design. The multi-curved wave surround exhibits fewer partial vibrations at high frequencies and allows for significantly greater excursion. As a result, sound distortion is significantly lower than in conventional (half-round) surrounds, even at higher maximum sound pressure levels.
Magnet
The magnet generates a strong magnetic field, oriented orthogonally (perpendicular) to the voice coil. When an electrical current flows through the voice coil, it creates its own magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. This electromagnetic interaction generates a driving force that sets the membrane into motion. Through attraction and repulsion between the two magnetic fields, the membrane moves back and forth, producing sound.
Voice Coil
The voice coil is a wire winding wrapped around a cylindrical or conical carrier (electromagnet). When an electrical current flows through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnetic field of the chassis’ permanent magnet, leading to electromagnetic attraction and repulsion, causing the membrane to vibrate.
Speaker Basket
The speaker basket is the structural element that holds the voice coil system and magnet and is mounted into the speaker baffle. Therefore, the basket must be highly stable, with high torsional stiffness and internal damping.
Dust Cap
The dust cap seals the opening in the membrane where the voice coil former is attached, keeping the voice coil and air gap free from dust and dirt. Additionally, it provides a continuous surface for the membrane, enhancing stability and reducing partial vibrations.
Home Theater System
The two front speakers reproduce the left and right audio channels. They are used for stereo playback and form the foundation of a multi-channel system (home theater). All Canton "full-range speakers" can be used as front speakers, as they fully and dynamically cover the frequency spectrum. Ideally, the front speakers are positioned in a so-called stereo triangle, with a placement angle of +/-22° to +/-30° from the center in a multi-channel system.
Center Speaker
Complementing the two front speakers, the center speaker in a multi-channel system reproduces the dedicated center channel, which is primarily responsible for dialogue clarity. This enhances speech intelligibility and sound localization. The center speaker should be placed centrally below (or alternatively above) the screen.
Surround Speakers
Surround speakers in a multi-channel system reproduce rear channels (spatial sound). They help create an immersive audio environment by positioning sounds and effects to the side or behind the listener (+/-120° relative to the center speaker). This results in a realistic and immersive sound experience, enhancing movies, music, and gaming. To achieve optimal effects, they should be carefully matched with the other components of the system.
Active Subwoofer
Active subwoofers are speakers specifically designed for reproducing low-frequency signals in a stereo or multi-channel system. Unlike passive subwoofers, they feature a built-in amplifier that provides the necessary power and allows optimal tuning of the chassis and enclosure volume, delivering deep bass with power and precision. Advanced DSP programming and filtering allow for a significantly more compact design compared to passive subwoofers while maintaining the same low-frequency performance.
Dolby Atmos® and Dolby Atmos® Enabled Speakers
Speakers for Dolby Atmos® playback are mounted on or in the ceiling and contribute to creating a three-dimensional sound field. Depending on the setup, two or four speakers are used, radiating sound "directly" from the ceiling. Alternatively, special Dolby Atmos® Enabled speakers can be placed on top of front and, optionally, surround speakers, creating a three-dimensional sound impression via ceiling reflection.
External Technologies
Bluetooth® wireless technology by Bluetooth SIG enables wireless data communication between two devices over short distances (up to about 10 meters). Our systems use the "A2DP" (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) protocol for streaming audio signals from a source (e.g., mobile phone) to a receiver (speaker). License Notice:
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Canton is under license. Other trademarks and trade names belong to their respective owners.
Apple AirPlay®
Apple AirPlay is a wireless streaming technology developed by Apple that allows users to stream audio, video, and photos from their Apple devices to compatible receivers. With AirPlay, users can wirelessly stream music from their iPhone, iPad, iMac, and other Apple devices to AirPlay-enabled speakers, TVs, receivers, and more—without needing physical cables. Users can also control volume and playback directly from their Apple devices.
Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect is a feature that allows users to seamlessly control and play music across different devices. With Spotify Connect, users can use their Spotify app on a smartphone or tablet to control music playback on another device, such as a speaker or AV receiver. On Canton Smart devices, Spotify playlists can also be saved on integrated presets (P1 to P3), so playback does not require a smartphone with the Spotify app—simply select the preset.
Google Cast™
Google Cast is a streaming technology that enables wireless audio data transmission within a local network. Various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop PCs, can act as senders, while Chromecast-built-in speakers and network players serve as receivers. Google Cast supports multiple audio formats, such as AAC, MP3, WAV, and FLAC, ensuring broad compatibility with different file types. Additionally, it supports surround sound formats like Dolby® Digital and Dolby Digital Plus™, delivering an immersive listening experience.
Wireless Technologies
The ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) bands are designated radio frequency ranges approved for use by relevant "radio devices." No registration of the device with the Federal Network Agency is required to use these frequencies. The 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz range, for example, is commonly used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connections.
Wi-Fi (WLAN)
Wi-Fi (Wireless Local Area Network) operates in three frequency bands: 2.4 to 2.4835GHz, 5.15 to 5.35GHz, and 5.47 to 5.725GHz, with the 2.4GHz band being the most commonly used.
Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Bluetooth® wireless technology operates in the frequency range of 2.402GHz to 2.48GHz and is used in Canton Smart devices for transmitting audio signals and control commands, as well as for setting up our smart devices via Google Home.
Canton Wireless Audio System
The audio data transmission in Canton Smart devices occurs via wireless signals in the 5.2GHz and 5.7/5.8GHz frequency ranges on three “channels” (center frequencies):
- 5.2GHz Range: 5.180GHz, 5.210GHz, and 5.240GHz
- 5.8GHz Range: 5.736GHz, 5.762GHz, and 5.814GHz
Formats
DVD-Video is a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) used for storing video signals. As an evolution of the CD-ROM, the DVD offers significantly higher storage capacity. In theory, it can support up to 8 channels with up to 96 kHz and 24-bit audio.
DVD-Audio
DVD-Audio is a music format that utilizes the high storage capacity of DVDs to reproduce music recordings in higher quality across up to six channels. The main advantage of DVD-Audio lies in its enhanced sound quality. Additional features include the display of song lyrics or performer notes, which CDs cannot provide. DVD-Audio can store up to 400 minutes of audio in CD quality (44.1 kHz/16-bit) and up to 74 minutes of audio in premium 6-channel surround sound with 96 kHz/24-bit. In a 2-channel application, DVD-A extends the sampling rate limit to 192 kHz/24-bit, resulting in a significantly larger dynamic range of over 144 dB, compared to approximately 96 dB for a standard Compact Disc. DVD-Audio can also include still images for album artwork or song lyrics.
Super Audio CD (SACD)
The SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) offers music playback at the highest level, similar to DVD-Audio. However, SACD was designed specifically for music applications rather than video. The key difference from CDs lies in the way digital information is stored on the disc. Thanks to a sampling rate of 2.8 MHz at 1-bit (compared to CDs with 44.1 kHz at 16-bit), SACD captures audio information much more accurately and precisely. The frequency response of SACD extends up to 100 kHz (compared to 22 kHz for CDs), and its maximum dynamic range is 120 dB (compared to 96 dB for CDs). Unlike DVD-Audio, SACD hybrid discs can also be played on conventional CD players—albeit only in CD quality. This is made possible by the dual-layer structure of SACD: each hybrid disc contains an SACD layer and a standard CD layer. Any SACD player can also play conventional CDs.
Licensed Technologies Used in Canton Speakers:
Dolby® Digital
Devices labeled with this Dolby Laboratories logo can decode encoded data streams from TV broadcasts or physical media (DVD, BD). Typical formats include 2.0 (stereo audio) and 5.1 (multi-channel audio). For virtual surround sound generation, it is crucial that the speaker system (such as our Digital Movie systems) receives a multi-channel audio signal rather than just stereo. According to Dolby guidelines, multi-channel data streams from a playback device (e.g., Blu-ray player) cannot be passed through a display and then forwarded to a speaker system. Therefore, it is essential to connect playback devices such as Blu-ray players or external satellite receivers directly to the speaker system rather than through the TV.
Dolby® Digital Pro Logic® II
Devices that feature both a Dolby® Digital decoder and a Dolby® Pro Logic® II processor can extract multi-channel information from two-channel recordings (stereo format) encoded with Dolby® Pro Logic® or Pro Logic® II. In our Digital Movie systems, these extracted signals are then processed by the virtual surround sound processor. However, the surround effect is not comparable to a "real" 5.1 data stream.
License Notice
Dolby, Dolby Audio, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
DTS® Digital Surround
DTS (Digital Theater Systems) provides a 5.1-channel decoder with DTS® Digital Surround, capable of decoding encoded data streams from physical media (DVD, BD) or computer files. DTS Digital Surround operates at 24-bit / 48 kHz with a constant data rate of up to 1.5Mbps, delivering outstanding audio quality.
DTS® TruSurround™
DTS® TruSurround™ is an algorithm that creates virtual surround sound using only two front speakers, eliminating the need for additional surround speakers.
DTS-HD®
DTS-HD® technology decodes high-resolution streaming data streams with up to 7.1 audio channels, with additional support for Blu-ray Disc and USB sources. Thanks to its compatibility with nearly all other DTS® audio data streams, DTS-HD® technology supports extended sampling rates and increased bit depth.
Miscellaneous
Capacitors in speaker crossovers separate different frequency ranges, protect the speakers from damage caused by unwanted signals, optimize the frequency response for a balanced sound, and improve overall sound quality by reducing distortions.
Power Supply
The power supply in an active speaker or subwoofer provides the necessary electrical energy for the electronics, including the amplifier circuit. It converts the available mains voltage (e.g., 230V or 120V AC) into the required DC voltage for the electronic components.
Equalizer
A tool for sound adjustment that affects specific frequency ranges, making them louder or quieter relative to the level of other frequencies. This includes standard bass and treble controls.