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  4. Canton Reference 9 2023
Canton Reference 9 2023 Review
Canton Reference 9 2023 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tweeter
  • 25-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 125-220 watts
  • Weight: 39.99 lbs / 18.14 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 17.7"x10.2"x15.4" / 449.6 x 259.1 x 391.2mm
MSRP: $6,300 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
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Canton Reference 9 2023 Review
Canton Reference 9 2023 Canton Reference 9 2...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Canton · Germany · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Canton Reference 9 2023 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Canton. It was released in 2023. It features a 1" Tweeter and x " Woofer.

1" aluminum ceramic oxyd tweeter.

The speaker has a frequency range of 25-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Canton Reference 9 2023 has an MSRP of 6300$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Canton Reference 9 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-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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.)

Frequency Response of the Canton Reference 9 2023 Speaker

Canton Reference 9 2023 has a Frequency response range of 25-40k Hz and Power Range of 125-220 watts. With a minimum frequency of 25 Hz, Reference 9 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 9 2023's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Canton Reference 9 2023
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Canton Reference 9 2023?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 25 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

As you can see from the chart, Canton Reference 9 2023 with its 25 Hz features the lowest Low Frequency level among the Bookshelf speakers in our database, promising a very good bass range.


Impedance and Sensitivity

Canton Reference 9 2023's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Canton Reference 9 2023
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Canton Reference 9 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 9 2023 with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Canton Reference 9 2023 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Canton Reference 9 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 9 2023 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 30–220 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 9 2023 features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Canton Reference 9 2023 External Dimensions and Weight

Canton Reference 9 2023 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 17.7 x 10.2 x 15.4inch (449.6 x 259.1 x 391.2mm ).

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 9 2023 is approximately 1013.6cm2 / 157.1inch2.

Millimetres are hard to picture, so here is the Canton Reference 9 2023 drawn to scale next to the Sonus Sonetto II, the speaker our readers compare it with most often.

Size, drawn to scale

FRONTCanton Reference 9 2023 front: 259 x 450 mm (10.2 x 17.7 in)Sonus Sonetto II front: 250 x 370 mm (9.8 x 14.6 in)Canton Reference 9 2023259 × 450 mmSonus Sonetto II250 × 370 mmTOP / FOOTPRINTCanton Reference 9 2023 footprint: 259 x 391 mm (10.2 x 15.4 in)Sonus Sonetto II footprint: 250 x 334 mm (9.8 x 13.1 in)Canton Reference 9 2023259 × 391 mmSonus Sonetto II250 × 334 mm
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.

One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.

Canton Reference 9 2023 needs about 21% more floor or shelf area. Canton Reference 9 2023 is 57mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Canton Reference 9 2023 is 80mm taller.

Full comparison: Canton Reference 9 2023 vs Sonus Sonetto II ›

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

Weight

The Canton Reference 9 2023 weighs 18.14kg / 39.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Reference 9 2023's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Canton Reference 9 2023
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $10,000
Canton Reference 9 2023
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Canton Reference 9 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.

Wall Mounting

Reference 9 2023 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Canton Reference 9 2023 come with a Grille?

Reference 9 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 9 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.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Canton Reference 9 2023 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Canton Reference 9 2023

Canton Reference 9 2023 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Sonus Sonetto II
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
Dynaudio Evoke 10
Compare
2-way 84 dB 6 ohms 47-23k Hz
Monitor Audio Platinum 100 3G
Compare
2-way 85dB 4 ohms 28-60k Hz
Klipsch RF-7 III
Compare
2-way 100 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Canton Reference 7 2023
Compare
3-way 4 ohms 23-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Canton Reference 9 2023

What amplifier do you need for the Canton Reference 9 2023?

Canton rates the Canton Reference 9 2023 for 125-220 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 9 2023 easy to drive?

The Canton Reference 9 2023 has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Canton Reference 9 2023 need a subwoofer?

The Canton Reference 9 2023 reaches down to 25Hz (full range 25-40k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Canton Reference 9 2023 use?

The Canton Reference 9 2023 is a 2-way design using a 1" tweeter.

Is the Canton Reference 9 2023 sealed or ported?

The Canton Reference 9 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 9 2023 come with grilles?

Yes. The Canton Reference 9 2023 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Canton Reference 9 2023?

The Canton Reference 9 2023 weighs 18.14kg / 39.9lbs each and measures 17.7 x 10.2 x 15.4inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Canton Reference 9 2023 cost?

The Canton Reference 9 2023 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $6,300 per pair.


Canton Reference 9 2023 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandCanton
Full Model NameCanton Reference 9 2023
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range125-220 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response25-40k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height449.6mm ( 17.7-inch)
Width259.1mm ( 10.2-inch)
Depth391.2mm ( 15.4-inch)
Height449.6mm ( 17.7-inch)
Weight18.14 kg (40 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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