Canton AM 5 Active Bookshelf Speaker, Black (Each)

The Canton AM 5 is an active 2-way compact speaker with a closed cabinet and 100 watts of amplifier power, designed as a nearfield monitor for studio, home recording, gaming and multimedia use.

Unlike Canton's passive bookshelf speakers, the AM 5 needs no external amplifier – the electronics already sit inside the cabinet. Just plug in RCA or XLR and it's ready to play, whether at a desk, in a small recording space or as a compact TV speaker. In black satin, it stays discreetly in the background.

Why the Canton AM 5?

Because not every second listening spot can handle a full amplifier plus wiring – sometimes a speaker that simply works as soon as you connect power and a signal is enough. A 115 mm aluminium woofer and a 25 mm aluminium dome sit in a closed cabinet, rounded off with balanced XLR and RCA inputs plus a three-band tone control.

What you hear

A controlled, clean sound with surprising level headroom for its size – up to 97 dB maximum output without becoming unpleasant. For nearfield monitoring, PC audio or as a compact addition to a TV, the AM 5 delivers more definition than you'd expect from a 14 cm cabinet.

Who is the Canton AM 5 for?

For anyone who needs a compact, active speaker without a separate amplifier – at a desk, in a home recording setup or as an extra TV speaker. Bottom line: it's too small for large rooms or booming party bass, and if you're looking for a wireless Bluetooth solution, you'll only find classic wired connections here.

Our verdict

The AM 5 is the pragmatic route to serious sound without an extra amplifier unit on the shelf. Not the loudest, but an honest, controlled compact speaker for close-range listening. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll show you whether a pair is the right solution for your desk or small studio.

Technical data

• Type: Active compact speaker, 2-way bass reflex, closed cabinet
• Drivers: 1× 115 mm aluminium woofer/midrange, 1× 25 mm aluminium tweeter
• Frequency response: 50–38,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3,000 Hz
• Amplifier power: 100 watts
• Maximum output level: 97 dB SPL
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
• Inputs: 1× RCA, 1× balanced XLR
• Output level: fixed (active speaker, no volume control of its own for downstream devices)
• Headphone output: not available
• Tone controls: bass, mid, treble, each ±6 dB
• Mounting: free-standing or wall mount (Cantomount XL bracket optional, not included)
• Finish: black satin
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 14 × 24 × 16 cm
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Sales unit: piece
• Scope of delivery: 1× AM 5, power cable, decoupling feet, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate amplifier for the Canton AM 5?

No, the 100-watt amplifier already sits inside the cabinet. You just connect a signal source via RCA or XLR and plug the AM 5 into the mains, and you're done.

Does the Canton AM 5 have its own volume control?

No, the output level is fixed; you control volume at the connected source (for example an audio interface, mixer or preamp with its own level control). The AM 5 has no headphone output.

Can I mount the AM 5 on a wall?

Yes, with the optional Canton Cantomount XL bracket, which is not included. Out of the box, the AM 5 is primarily intended for free-standing use on a desk, shelf or stand.

Does the AM 5 work as a stereo pair for music?

For close-range listening at a desk or in a small room, absolutely; for filling a large living room, it's too small. Two units make a fully-fledged active stereo pair without a separate amplifier.

Why buy the Canton AM 5 from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you whether an active compact speaker like the AM 5 really is the simpler solution for your space, or whether a classic passive setup pays off more in the end. Our specialist team in Wädenswil helps with connection and level matching. Give us a call or drop us a line.

Goes well with

An audio interface or DAC with adjustable output as a signal source, plus stands or a shelf at ear height. You'll find more models from the brand in the CANTON overview.