Canton, one of Germany's largest and best selling loudspeaker manufacturers, has introduced the first of its new flagship "Reference" line of high-end loudspeakers, which will consist of four models to be introduced between now and the end of the year. With the introduction of the Canton Reference 3.2 DC high performance full-range loudspeaker, the company also launches its first ceramic dome tweeter.

"Since Canton has a traditionally taken an evolutionary approach to product development, the new ceramic dome tweeter is a big deal," said Paul Madsen, President of Canton USA. "With the new tweeter and several other engineering improvements, the Reference 3.2 and the models that will follow it will allow audiophiles to experience new realms of sonic performance. For Canton, it is an ambitious transition to ceramic driver technology, but I believe it has produced what is arguably the world's best tweeter."

The new Canton Reference 3.2 DC is a large floor-standing three-way bass reflex system that features a two-chamber monocoque enclosure structure with curved side panels formed of five pressure-laminated layers of acoustically inert fiber-board, and a veneer finished in black, white or silver piano lacquer, or a cherry wood veneer with a rich piano finish. Thanks to engineering advances in the driver suspensions, motor systems, and the new designed TCC (triple curved cone) diaphragms, the upgraded Reference series drivers exhibit improved power handling, greater bass extension, and a 6-9 dB increase in deep bass output compared to the previous versions used in the company's floor-standing loudspeakers.

Among its key technical refinements, the Reference 3.2 features Canton's new ceramic dome tweeter, which replaces the company's aluminum-manganese dome with one made of aluminum oxide, and Canton's narrow-gap motor system.

The tweeter is complemented by a 7-inch aluminum midrange driver and a pair of 8-1/2 inch aluminum woofers. These drivers employ the new Canton-developed TCC triple curved cone, which replaces the traditional flat-radius cone shape with a complex curved cross-sectional profile that shifts break-up modes to frequencies well above the speaker's operating range, according to the company.

The Reference 3.2 DC employs a crossover network with electrical performance that is fully integrated with all the drivers and enclosure characteristics. The speaker also uses Canton's "DC" displacement control circuitry to limit uncontrolled driver excursions at infrasonic frequencies, according to the company.

The company attributes its improved levels of performance through its use of computer modeling and its testing laboratory to generate refined computer models of all physical, magnetic, and acoustic aspects of the loudspeaker design. These capabilities allow the company's engineers to generate complete loudspeaker designs on a computer and predict every aspect of their behavior and reproduction capabilities. This allows the design team to freely experiment with new techniques and ideas with the confidence that the finished product will perform almost exactly as predicted by the computer model.

Each Canton Reference 3.2 DC loudspeaker is 45-3/8 inches tall, 11-5/8 inches wide, 15-7/8 inches deep, and weighs 99 pounds. This loudspeaker system will be available in October with a suggested retail price of $16,000 per pair.

Canton is one of the largest manufacturers and best-selling brands of loudspeakers in Germany. It was founded in 1973 by a group of audio enthusiasts who defined their mission "to always develop the finest loudspeakers in their class." For more information about this and other fine Canton products, visit http://www.cantonusa.com or call 612-706-9250.