Canton GLE Speaker System:
Comparisons & Conclusion Comparisons & Conclusion
The most relevant comparison I can make with the Canton GLE speakers is with the Dahlquist DQ-10s, my reference loudspeakers. The DQ-10s are praised for their remarkable high-frequency reproduction, and the Canton GLE speakers, like the Dahlquist DQ-10s, have the ability to resolve extraordinary details in music and movie soundtracks.

I enjoy the Dahlquists so much that I own four of them. It's interesting that the Cantons have a single tweeter while the Dahlquists have two midrange and two high-frequency drivers to achieve a similar sound quality. The Canton speakers have much better bass than the Dahlquists, but the high-frequency comparison is very appropriate.

Another meaningful comparison is the Audio Physic speaker system, which I reviewed for Home Theater Magazine. In that review, I noted the excellent midrange clarity of the Audio Physic speakers, similar to my observations about the Canton GLE 470s. Coincidentally, the Audio Physic speakers are also made in Germany, but they cost considerably more ($3000/pair), which makes the Canton GLE 470 an outstanding value at $1100/pair.

My ears are very sensitive to listening fatigue, a phenomenon that can be caused by distortion, boomy bass, and other non-linearities. I quickly recognize listening fatigue when I hear it, but I experienced no such fatigue with the Canton speakers, even after many hours of listening.

The Canton GLE speakers have a very natural, accurate sound quality with two-channel and multichannel music, and they are extraordinarily effective with movie soundtracks. I will be reluctant to return them to Canton, but as a struggling reviewer, I must once again resist the temptation to purchase every product I like.

The suggested retail price of the Canton GLE system as tested is $2846, truly a sweet value that won't sour your budget.

Highs
Outstanding detail in midrange and treble
Very accurate and natural-sounding
Excellent value for under $3000

Lows
Subwoofer "chuffs" at higher volumes
Enclosures not as solid or inert as some I've tested (but who cares, they sound great!)