The Canton company was founded in Germany in 1972. Four enthusiasts and hi-fi enthusiasts came together with one goal - to design and manufacture the world's best loudspeaker systems. These people were Hubert Milbers (Managing Director), Otfried Sandig (Head of Marketing and Sales), Gönther Seitz (Development Engineer and Technologist) and Wolfgang Seykritt (Head of Research and Innovation).
The chosen name Canton became absolutely correct and logical. Canton is a combination of two words, the Latin "cantare" - to sing, and the German "ton" - musical tone.
In their first room, they assembled cabinets and speaker systems, and all development took place in the living room of one of the company’s founders. Canton's head office, research and development center, as well as part of its production facilities are located in Germany, in the small town of Wailord.
1973
On January 1, the company officially began production activities with 35 employees (about 10 of whom previously worked for Heco). From the first days, the company set itself the goal of overtaking all competitors in its class.
By the end of 1973, the Canton product catalog already included 7 types of bookshelf speakers, united in the LE series: LE 900, LE 600, LE 500, LE 400, LE 350, LE 350F, LE 250.
Like many companies producing hi-fi equipment, Canton has its own philosophy - Speaker systems belong in a living room or other room and should ideally suit the surrounding space, as well as the people in it. Canton acoustics should not only surprise serious music connoisseurs, who are mostly men, with their unsurpassed sound, but also amaze the aesthetic feelings of women, who should admire the appearance of the acoustic systems alone. When the hearts of women are won by beauty and aesthetics, and the ears of men by sound and power, then the thought of whether or not to purchase Canton acoustics for your home will never arise. Of course!
1977
The company introduced its first stereo receiver, the Gamma 800 R, which was distinguished by its wide functionality and unusual cubic design.
1978
A new line of GLE acoustics appeared. These models received removable protective metal mesh that could be repainted. The dimensions of the series models were 14% smaller than the previous one - LE. The design of the speakers has also changed significantly. In them, Canton used elements made of die-cast metal. Baskets made of such material eliminated air turbulence and ensured the absolute strength of the speaker structure. In the tweeters, durable metal elements made it possible to obtain absolutely even sound without the slightest manifestation of mechanical rattling. The frequency range at the top reached 30 kHz (instead of 25 kHz for LE). The new series included 7 models: GLE 40, GLE 40F, GLE 45, GLE 50, GLE 60, GLE 70 and G800L.
Combi switchers appeared in the Canton catalog for connecting several pairs of speakers to one amplifier.
1979
Canton introduced the first system on the market with a subwoofer and compact 2.1 satellites.
1980
The company introduced the Ergo series of floor-standing speaker systems, where each speaker used a hybrid amplifier, and the “smart control” circuit guaranteed the most accurate sound.
1983
The company's first automobile speaker, the Pullman, was released. "Pullman Set 300" became the best car speakers in its class, and even the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, enjoyed the sound of these speakers while sitting in his convertible.
1985
The company introduced the EC-P1 preamplifier, created specifically for CA series speakers (active acoustics with proprietary titanium tweeters).
1989
At its research center in Germany, the company built its own anechoic chamber in order to improve the quality of research in the field of sound and the production of the most accurate, musical and high-quality acoustic systems. Thanks to the anechoic chamber, the company developed its own program, which became fundamental for all generations of speakers based on DC and SC technologies.
1995
Canton revolutionized the world of music reproduction with the launch of digital audio products. The new product received numerous awards, including the "European Audio Award", and was recognized as the best innovation in the field of audio.
1998
A surround sound system was introduced and fully complied with the THX standard. Thanks to THX certification, the acoustics were excellent for reproducing movie soundtracks, and were received with a bang by fans of both the movie and the company itself.
1999
Canton introduced different colors of the new "Popsmarts" speaker systems. These colored and transparent speakers have found love among young people.
2000/2001
The market was conquered by sets of slender Karat speaker systems for home theater systems.
2002
The flagship line was released - "Reference 2 DC". “We’ve put the best of what’s available here today,” said Canton’s CEO.
2003
A system was introduced for home movie lovers with sophisticated taste. It is intended for those who expect a lot not only from the sound of acoustics, but also from its appearance. The aluminum cabinets of the CD 100 floor-standing speaker systems were only 9 cm wide.
2005
Canton became the first manufacturer to develop and manufacture a series of wireless Hi-Fi speakers. The result is great sound that can be heard throughout the entire home.
2010
The company's portfolio included the "WA 100" amplifier, the main feature of which was wireless signal reception, and a year later, based on this model, the "Your World" series of devices was released for building a multiroom.
2015
Continuing to develop driver technology, Canton began using ceramic and tungsten membranes in speakers. Such diffusers have become the basis of the company's premium speakers. This type of emitters is used in all speakers of the current flagship “Reference” series.
Canton today
Today, Canton has three of its own factories - in Germany (in Weilord), in the Czech Republic (immediately on the border with Germany) and in China (where only a limited range of products is assembled). Housings for speaker systems are produced in Poland, at a factory that produces premium furniture.
Canton today is a company with an annual turnover of more than 50 million Euros and a staff of 160 people. The company is number one in Germany, number two in Europe, in the sales of loudspeaker systems, and has more than 1,400 dealers worldwide. The company is managed by one of the founders, Günther Seitz and his son Achim Seitz.
Despite the scale of production and leading position in the European market, Canton is still practically a family enterprise, the main assets and the center of strategic management of which are located in Germany, with a team of people who have been following the traditions of the company for several decades.
The use of high technologies, unique materials and high-quality components is completed by very careful quality control of the finished product. All 100% of systems are fully checked, regardless of price category and level. The test always ends with monitoring the accuracy of the audio range. For this purpose, all control points of the factory are equipped with special measuring equipment.
Models that are produced at a factory in China (Movie series, InCeiling, InWall, some DM soundbars) come to the factory control points in Germany and also undergo 100% inspection and testing.
Canton works in close cooperation with many large companies. The projects of sound equipment for Skoda cars, the integration of premium sound bars into Spectral TV stands, etc. are widely known.
