Loudspeakers

Although the name Canton might seem to suggest Asian origins, it's very much a German company, founded by four partners, including Günther Seitz, in Weilrod, Hessen in 1972. Its first product was the LE 250 in 1974, a compact two-way loudspeaker, and this was followed by a subwoofer and satellite system in 1979, possibly one of the first such designs. Canton quickly grew to be a well-known brandname in its own country, thanks to its diverse research and development activities and by pragmatically offering both affordable and high-end products.

Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2022, Canton has undergone a considerable shift in gear over the past decade. Seitz' son-in-law Christoph Kraus is the current CEO, keeping the firm in family hands, with a younger generation of engineers and product specialists at the helm. And although absent in the UK in recent years, Canton remains one of the largest loudspeaker brands in Germany, and a 'top tier' presence in many European countries. Its focus is still primarily on passive loudspeakers and in-wall models, but it has recently invested in its own 'smart' platform and built up a range of streaming products, including active versions of its passive cabinets, plus soundbars and wireless speakers. Canton also designs bespoke audio systems for automotive brand Skoda.