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Canton Reference 3 2023 Review
Canton Reference 3 2023 - Front View

Main Features

  • 1" Tweeter
  • 6.85" Midrange
  • 2 x 8.6" Black ceramic tungsten Woofer
  • 20-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 300-500watts
  • Weight:92.59 lbs / 42.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 42.9"x12.6"x19.3" / 1089.7 x 320.0 x 490.2mm
MSRP: $19,500 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Canton Reference 3 2023 Review
Canton Reference 3 2023 Canton Reference 3 2...
Check price atAmazon›

Canton Reference 3 2023 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Canton. It was released in 2023. It features a 1" Tweeter, 1 x 6.85" Midrange and 2 x 8.6" Black ceramic tungsten Woofer.

2 x 8.6" black ceramic tungsten woofer, 6.85" black ceramic tungsten (wave surround) midrange, 1" aluminum oxyd ceramic tweeter.

The speaker has a frequency range of 20-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Canton Reference 3 2023 has an MSRP of 19500$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Canton Reference 3 2023 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Canton Reference 3 2023 Speaker

Canton Reference 3 2023 has a Frequency response range of 20-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 300-500 watts. With a minimum frequency of 20 Hz, Reference 3 2023 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Reference 3 2023's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Canton Reference 3 2023
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Canton Reference 3 2023?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 20 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Canton Reference 3 2023?

The crossover points of the Reference 3 2023 are set at 180 / 3000 Hz.

Canton Reference 3 2023 driver frequency bands20-180Woofer 8.6"180-3kMidrange 6.85"3k-40kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Canton Reference 3 2023's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Canton Reference 3 2023
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Canton Reference 3 2023 is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.

Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Canton Reference 3 2023 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Canton Reference 3 2023 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Canton Reference 3 2023 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Canton Reference 3 2023 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–375 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? See every integrated amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Reference 3 2023 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Canton Reference 3 2023 External Dimensions and Weight

Canton Reference 3 2023 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 42.9 x 12.6 x 19.3inch (1089.7 x 320.0 x 490.2mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Canton Reference 3 2023 is approximately 1568.6cm2 / 243.1inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Canton Reference 3 2023 weighs 42.00kg / 92.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Reference 3 2023's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Canton Reference 3 2023
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $20000
Canton Reference 3 2023
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Canton Reference 3 2023 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Does the Canton Reference 3 2023 come with a Grille?

Reference 3 2023 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Canton Reference 3 2023.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Canton Reference 3 2023 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Canton Reference 3 2023

Frequently Asked Questions about Canton Reference 3 2023

What amplifier do you need for the Canton Reference 3 2023?

Canton rates the Canton Reference 3 2023 for 300-500 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the Canton Reference 3 2023 easy to drive?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 has a sensitivity of 88 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Canton Reference 3 2023 need a subwoofer?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 reaches down to 20Hz (full range 20-40k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Canton Reference 3 2023 use?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 is a 3-way design using a 1" tweeter, a 6.85" midrange and 2 x 8.6" Black ceramic tungsten woofers.

Is the Canton Reference 3 2023 sealed or ported?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the Canton Reference 3 2023 come with grilles?

Yes. The Canton Reference 3 2023 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Canton Reference 3 2023?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 weighs 42.00kg / 92.4lbs each and measures 42.9 x 12.6 x 19.3inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Canton Reference 3 2023 cost?

The Canton Reference 3 2023 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $19,500 per pair.


Canton Reference 3 2023 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandCanton
Full Model NameCanton Reference 3 2023
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Range300-500 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response20-40k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size8.6-inch
Woofer CompositionBlack ceramic tungsten
Tweeter Size1-inch
Midrange Size6.85-inch
Crossover freq180 / 3000 Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1089.7mm ( 42.9-inch)
Width320.0mm ( 12.6-inch)
Depth490.2mm ( 19.3-inch)
Height1089.7mm ( 42.9-inch)
Weight42 kg (92.6 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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