Canton AR 4 S2 Dolby Atmos Speaker, White (Pair)

The Canton AR 4 S2 is a Dolby Atmos speaker that projects a home cinema's height channel via the ceiling instead of being built into it.

The compact, sealed 2-way enclosure is placed on top of existing speakers or mounted on the wall and fires its sound upwards. From the ceiling it reaches the listening position and creates the plane that Atmos soundtracks build above you. A 154 mm ATB driver and a 25 mm aluminium dome share the work. Supplied as a pair in white.

Why the Canton AR 4 S2?

Because the finest Atmos demo is useless if you're not allowed to drill into the ceiling. That's exactly what the AR 4 S2 is for: it sits on top of the front speakers or on the wall, connects to the height channel of the AV receiver, and otherwise just needs a decent ceiling. The sealed enclosure keeps it deliberately lean in the bass – height effects should sit lightly above you, not compete with the front for low end. In white it virtually disappears against a light ceiling or wall, which only helps the illusion: what you don't see, you also localise less.

What you get

• Pair of Dolby Atmos height speakers, tuned to the GLE-S2 family
• sealed 2-way enclosure, designed for ceiling reflection
• 1× 154 mm ATB mid-woofer, 1× 25 mm aluminium Black tweeter
• frequency response 50–40,000 Hz, sensitivity 86 dB, impedance 4–8 Ω
• nominal/music power handling 60 / 100 W
• for placing on existing speakers or wall mounting (prepared)
• compact dimensions 17 × 14.5 × 26 cm at 3 kg per unit
• feet and magnetic fabric covers included

Who is the Canton AR 4 S2 for?

Plain talk: ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade an existing home cinema to Dolby Atmos without renovation work – a rental flat, a freshly finished room, or simply no interest in cable runs in the ceiling. What you need for it is a flat, smooth ceiling: with sloped ceilings, wooden beams, or ceiling heights beyond three metres, a good part of the effect fizzles out, and built-in ceiling speakers are the more honest route. The AR 4 S2 isn't intended for stereo music or as a main speaker – it's a specialist, not an all-rounder.

Our verdict

A small speaker with a clearly defined job that it does without fuss. The AR 4 S2 turns a good 5.1 setup into a convincing 5.1.2 – no drill, no tradesman's visit, no discussion at home. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we check your ceiling and seating position beforehand and tell you honestly whether the reflection principle works for you, or whether your budget would achieve more elsewhere.

Technical data – Canton AR 4 S2

• Type: Dolby Atmos speaker (height/effects channel), GLE-S2 family
• Acoustic principle: 2-way, sealed enclosure, designed for ceiling reflection
• Mid-woofer: 1× 154 mm Aluminium Titan Black (ATB)
• Tweeter: 1× 25 mm aluminium Black
• Frequency response: 50–40,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3,200 Hz
• Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m): 86 dB
• Nominal power handling: 60 W
• Music power handling: 100 W
• Nominal impedance: 4–8 Ω
• Placement: set on top of existing speakers or wall-mount (prepared)
• Finish: white satin
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 17 × 14.5 × 26 cm (lying down)
• Weight: 3 kg per unit
• Sales unit: pair
• Scope of delivery: 2× AR 4 S2 in white, feet, oval fabric covers, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the offer include two speakers?

Yes, you receive a complete pair of AR 4 S2 in white – the two front height channels. Feet, oval fabric covers, and the manual are included. If you're planning a 5.1.4 setup with four height channels, you'll need two pairs – we'll tell you what actually makes sense in your room.

What makes an Atmos speaker different from a normal speaker?

It doesn't play towards you, but towards the ceiling. The reflected sound reaches you from above and creates a height plane that classic channels can't produce. That's why the enclosure is flat, sealed, and deliberately restrained in the low end – effects should float, not push.

What electronics do I need for the AR 4 S2?

An AV receiver or a pre/power amp combination with a Dolby Atmos decoder and at least two free height channels. The AR 4 S2 is passive and has no amplifier of its own. At 86 dB sensitivity and 4 to 8 ohms, it makes no special demands on your device's power.

Can I mount the AR 4 S2 on the wall?

Yes, Canton has prepared it for wall mounting. What matters is that the sound reaches the ceiling unobstructed and comes back to the listening position from there. We're happy to help you choose height and angle, since that's exactly what decides how convincing the height plane turns out.

Why buy the Canton AR 4 S2 from HD Zürisee?

Because Atmos stands or falls with the planning, not the brochure. We look at ceiling, seating, and existing system before anything is ordered, and sometimes advise against it. On top of that come delivery, installation on request, calibration, and a dedicated technician you can still reach afterwards.

Goes well with

Sensible additions are a centre speaker, a subwoofer, and enough speaker cable. You'll find front and surrounds among the home cinema speakers, and the matching receiver under home cinema.