Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2 Streaming Preamplifier

The Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2 is an AV preamplifier with network streaming that adds HDMI, Dolby Atmos and multiroom to an existing system without bringing its own power amp.

Three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC, six RCA pre-out outputs and the complete streaming package with AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect – in a flat housing in silky matte black that's just 5.2 centimeters tall. Your amplification and your speakers stay right where they are.

Why the Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2?

Because not every good system needs a new amplifier just because the TV suddenly speaks HDMI eARC. The Smart Connect takes over exactly the part that's missing: it switches the HDMI sources, decodes Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and sends the finished 5.1 signal via six RCA outputs to your integrated amp, your power amps or active speakers – nominally at 1 volt, at peak 3.4 volts, adjustable in 70 steps of one decibel each. Music arrives via AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, UPnP or Bluetooth. If you want more channels, add up to eight wireless Canton Smart speakers for a system of up to 7.1.4 with four height channels – rear cables under the carpet are a thing of the past.

What you get

• AV preamplifier with streaming, without its own power amp
• 6× RCA pre-out (5.1 including subwoofer), adjustable up to max. 3.4 Vrms
• 3× HDMI input and 1× HDMI output with eARC, 4K, HDR10 and CEC
• Decoder for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS Express
• AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, UPnP and Bluetooth
• Wireless expansion to up to 7.1.4 with Canton Smart speakers
• Setup via on-screen menu and Canton Smart app, control via Google Home or Apple Home
• Flat housing in silky matte black, 5.2 cm tall

Who is the Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2 suitable for?

Plain talk: The Smart Connect 5.1 S2 is for you if the amplifier and speakers are already in place and you're just missing the modern switching hub. Important – and the most common misconception: it does not amplify by itself. Without an integrated amp, power amp or active speakers behind it, it stays silent. If you're starting from zero and don't own any amplification yet, the Smart Amp 5.1 S2 is the better fit. You'll also look in vain for a headphone jack here – that's handled by the amplifier behind it. And if you expect an automatic room calibration system with a microphone: here you set levels, distances and equalization by hand.

Our verdict

The cleverest upgrade for a system that already sounds right and is only lagging behind technically – flat, quiet, unobtrusive and surprisingly versatile. Whether Connect or the Smart Amp is the right choice depends solely on what's already on your shelf: we work that out at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in five minutes by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Technical data

• Type: AV preamplifier with network streaming (without power amp)
• Pre-out outputs: 6× RCA (5.1 including 1× subwoofer output)
• Output level: adjustable – nominal 1 Vrms at 600 ohms, maximum 3.4 Vrms; volume in 70 steps of 1 dB (−70 to +11 dB)
• Headphone output: not present
• HDMI: 3× input (HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, 4K, 3D, HDR, CEC), 1× output with eARC, 4K, HDR, CEC
• Video pass-through: up to 3840 × 2160, HDR10; HDR10+ not supported
• Digital inputs: 1× optical (TOSLINK), 2× coaxial (RCA)
• Analog input: 1× stereo RCA
• USB: 1× type A, service purposes only
• Network: LAN (RJ45, 10/100), Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Streaming: AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Bluetooth 4.1 (A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3)
• Audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Express, DTS Digital Surround
• Sample rates: PCM 2–8 channels, 8–24 bit, 44.1–192 kHz; streaming up to 24 bit/96 kHz
• Calibration: manual (channel levels −10 to +10 dB, distance 0.0–9.9 m, bass management, 3 EQ positions per speaker); no automatic room calibration system, no measurement microphone included
• Additional features: lip sync up to 200 ms in 10 ms steps, IR learning function for the TV remote, HDMI-CEC, touch control panel on the unit, Canton Smart app, Google Home and Apple Home
• Wireless expansion: up to 8 Canton Smart speakers, maximum 7.1.4
• Power consumption: standby < 0.47 W
• Color: silky matte black
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 24.5 × 5.2 × 13.8 cm
• Weight: 1.23 kg
• Scope of delivery: Smart Connect 5.1 S2, power cable, quick guide (Smart remote available separately)

Frequently asked questions

Does the Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2 have its own power amp?

No, it doesn't include power amplification. It outputs the decoded 5.1 signal via six RCA pre-out outputs, nominally at 1 volt, at maximum 3.4 volts. Behind it you need an integrated amp, a multi-channel power amp or active speakers – so your trusted amplification stays exactly as you like it.

What do I need the Smart Connect 5.1 S2 for?

It retrofits an existing system with everything modern sources demand: three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC, decoders for Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD, plus streaming via AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect. Amplifier and speakers stay where they are.

Can I connect headphones to the Smart Connect 5.1 S2?

No, it has no headphone output – neither 6.3 mm nor 3.5 mm. For headphones, use the jack on your integrated amp behind the Smart Connect, or a separate headphone amp connected to its outputs. If headphones are central for you, we'll gladly tell you which combination makes sense in everyday use.

Is a remote control included?

No. The box contains the Smart Connect 5.1 S2, a power cable and the quick guide; Canton offers the Smart remote as separate accessory. In everyday use you mostly control it via the Canton Smart app, the on-screen menu or – thanks to the IR learning function and HDMI-CEC – with your TV's remote.

Can I add surround speakers wirelessly?

Yes. You can pair up to eight speakers of the Canton Smart series wirelessly, up to a maximum of a 7.1.4 configuration with four Dolby Atmos height channels. Handy when rear or height channels would otherwise mean a cable running across the living room. The wired 5.1 channels continue to run in parallel via your amplifier or active speakers.

Why buy the Canton Smart Connect 5.1 S2 from HD Zürisee?

Because the choice between Smart Connect and Smart Amp depends on what's already on your shelf. We take a look at your system and room, tell you honestly what makes the bigger difference, and set up the system at your home on request. Call, email or use WhatsApp.

Goes well with

A power amplifier or an integrated amplifier as the drive, plus home cinema speakers, a subwoofer and matching cable for the RCA connections. More devices from the brand can be found at Canton.