Canton GLE 20 S2 Bookshelf Speaker, Makassar (Pair)

The Canton GLE 20 S2 is a compact 2-way bookshelf speaker from the GLE series that packs grown-up Canton sound into an especially small cabinet.

A 154mm woofer/midrange driver with ATB diaphragm (Aluminium Titan Black) and the 25mm aluminium black tweeter with waveguide play from 42 to 40,000 Hz – clean mids, open highs, with surprising substance for its size. A slim 17 cm wide, sold as a pair.

Why the Canton GLE 20 S2?

Because "small" doesn't mean "muted" here. The 154mm ATB driver uses the same diaphragm type as the large GLE models – stiff, light, low-distortion – and the tweeter with waveguide radiates more broadly, so the good sound doesn't only reach you from the exact centre seat. The rear-firing bass reflex port (backfire) gives you flexibility in placement, and the single-wiring terminal also takes banana plugs. In short: an honest little speaker that outgrows its size.

What you get

• 2-way bass reflex with rear-firing resonator (backfire)
• 154mm ATB woofer/midrange for clear mids and controlled bass
• 25mm aluminium black tweeter with waveguide, highs up to 40,000 Hz
• 42–40,000 Hz, 86.5 dB efficiency, impedance 4–8 Ω
• Rated/music power handling 70 / 130 W
• compact 17 cm front, oval magnetic fabric grille
• single-wiring terminal, banana-plug compatible
• sold as a pair

Who is the Canton GLE 20 S2 for?

Plain and simple: the GLE 20 S2 suits you when you're looking for genuine hi-fi sound in small rooms, at the workplace, or on a shelf – or as a discreet rear speaker in the home cinema. For a large living room with rich bass, the GLE 30 S2, a floorstander, or a subwoofer is the more consistent choice. In compact setups, though, the 20 sounds remarkably mature.

Our verdict

The GLE 20 S2 surprises with substance you'd hardly expect from its small cabinet – dynamic, clean, affordable. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll work out with you whether the pair delivers enough bass free-standing on a shelf or whether stands add that final polish, and match the amplifier at the same time.

Technical data – Canton GLE 20 S2

• Type: bookshelf speaker (compact 2-way model in the GLE series)
• Acoustic principle: 2-way bass reflex (backfire resonator)
• Woofer/midrange: 154 mm Aluminium Titan Black (ATB)
• Tweeter: 25 mm aluminium black dome with waveguide
• Frequency response: 42–40,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3,200 Hz
• Efficiency (2.83 V/1 m): 86.5 dB
• Rated/music power handling: 70 / 130 W
• Nominal impedance: 4–8 Ω
• Connection: single-wiring terminal, banana-plug compatible
• Finish: Makassar (wood decor)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 17 × 30 × 26 cm
• Weight: 4.6 kg per unit
• What's included: pair of GLE 20 S2 in Makassar, feet, magnetic fabric grilles, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Is the Canton GLE 20 S2 sold as a pair?

Yes, the listed price is for two bookshelf speakers – a complete stereo pair. You get both cabinets with magnetic fabric grilles and instruction manual and can get started right away. That way you don't have to order twice and have a complete set at home immediately.

Does the GLE 20 S2 need speaker stands?

They're not mandatory, but they help. At ear height and with some distance from the rear wall, the GLE 20 S2 sounds more open and spacious. It also works on a shelf or sideboard – a bit more proximity to the wall then adds extra bass. We have matching stands.

What room size suits the GLE 20 S2?

It feels at home in small rooms, roughly 8 to 18 m². In larger rooms or if you prefer plenty of deep bass, the GLE 30 S2, a floorstander, or an additional subwoofer is the more assured choice. We're happy to help you judge what fits.

Is the GLE 20 S2 suitable for home cinema?

Yes, very much so. It combines seamlessly with the GLE S2 series – as a front pair in a compact set, as surround alongside larger GLE models, or with the GLE 50 Center S2 and a Power Sub. All GLE S2 models share the same driver technology and blend together cleanly.

Why buy the Canton GLE 20 S2 at HD Zürisee?

Because we take small speakers just as seriously as large ones – placement, amplifier choice, and room size decide the sound. With years of experience, honest advice, delivery, and our own in-house technician for service, you get the best out of your pair.

Goes well with

A matching amplifier, a subwoofer for extra depth, or further speakers for a surround set.