Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2, Black (Single)

The Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2 is an active two-way soundbar with network streaming that replaces the thin sound of flat TVs with a single device.

Silky matte black, 89.5 centimeters wide, 300 watts of system power. One HDMI cable to the TV, and dialogue becomes intelligible again without anyone hunting for the remote. Delivered as a single unit.

Why the Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2?

Because it gets the essentials right instead of padding out a feature list. A two-way bass reflex system with two 19 mm fabric tweeters and six 50 mm aluminum woofer/midrange drivers plays wide and midrange-strong, a front-firing passive radiator lays the bass underneath. Four Class D amplifier channels with a combined 300 watts of system power ensure nothing sounds compressed even at room volume. The TV connects via HDMI with ARC to the output, three further HDMI inputs accept players and consoles. Add to that optical, coaxial, analog RCA, a subwoofer output and LAN. Streaming runs via AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect and UPnP.

What you hear

The biggest leap happens with voices. News, documentaries and series immediately gain intelligibility, because six woofer/midrange drivers carry the range where speech happens. Next you notice the width: the stage detaches from the device and extends beyond the screen edge. It goes down to 37 Hz, enough for punch without booming. There are no effects from above – the 9 S2 doesn't promise them either, and we prefer that to a label the speaker can't cash in on.

Who is the Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2 suitable for?

Plain talk: The 9 S2 is the right bar if you want to noticeably upgrade TV sound without planning a home cinema. It's the clean entry point into the wireless Canton Smart world and can be expanded later. It's not the right choice if you expect effects from above, because it doesn't handle Dolby Atmos. Anyone who wants that ends up with the Soundbar 10 S2. And anyone who likes cinema-style bass adds a subwoofer.

Our verdict

An honest device without false advertising: no Atmos promise, but clear voices, a wide stage and a feature set that convinces in everyday use – AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are already included here. Honestly, most living rooms need exactly that. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we tell you openly whether the 9 is enough or whether stepping up to the 10 is worth it.

Technical data

• Type: Active soundbar with built-in Class D amplifier
• Acoustic principle: 2-way bass reflex system with front-firing passive radiator
• Audio channels: 3 (manufacturer spec), no height channels
• Amplifier: 4 channels, Class D
• System power: 300 W total (Canton does not specify per-channel power)
• Drivers: 2× 19 mm fabric tweeter, 6× 50 mm aluminum woofer/midrange, 1× passive radiator (front-firing)
• Frequency response: 37–23,000 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 3,000 Hz, fully active crossover with 24 dB slope
• Decoders: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, PCM – via HDMI 2–8 channels, via S/PDIF 2 channels, up to 24 bit/192 kHz. No Dolby Atmos, no DTS-HD
• HDMI: 3× input and 1× output, HDMI 2.0b, HDCP 2.2, 4K, 3D, HDR10, CEC; output with ARC (no eARC)
• Further connections: 1× stereo RCA analog (max. 2 Vrms), 1× optical Toslink (max. 24 bit/96 kHz), 1× coaxial (max. 24 bit/96 kHz), 1× subwoofer output mono RCA (max. 2 Vrms), 1× LAN (RJ45), 1× USB-A (service only, no playback)
• Output level: No line or preamp output available; the only output is the mono subwoofer RCA at max. 2 Vrms, whose level follows the volume control
• Headphone output: Not present
• Network and streaming: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, UPnP; multiroom via AirPlay 2 and Chromecast groups
• Bluetooth: Version 4.1 (A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, SBC)
• Room calibration: No automatic calibration
• File formats: MP3, HE-AAC, LC-AAC, OGG, WAV (LPCM), FLAC
• App: Canton Smart (iOS and Android), setup also via Google Home
• Expandability: Wirelessly with Canton Smart Sub and Canton Smart surround speakers
• Finish: Silky matte black (foil/lacquer), MDF housing
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 89.5 × 6.4 × 10 cm
• Weight: 5.6 kg
• Scope of delivery: Smart Soundbar 9 S2, remote control, power cable, HDMI cable, optical digital cable, coaxial digital cable, analog stereo audio cable, quick guide, 8 rubber feet

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate subwoofer for the Soundbar 9 S2?

Not to start with. Six 50 mm woofer/midrange drivers and the front-firing passive radiator reach down to 37 Hz, which is enough for TV and series. If you want to physically feel film bass, couple a Canton Smart Sub wirelessly or use the subwoofer output for an active model.

How do I connect the soundbar to the TV?

Easiest via HDMI: the soundbar's output supports ARC and connects to the TV's ARC port. Optical, coaxial or analog RCA also work. Three additional HDMI inputs accept a Blu-ray player or games console and pass through picture up to 4K with HDR.

Does the Soundbar 9 S2 handle Dolby Atmos?

No. It decodes Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround and PCM and generates a virtual surround sound from that, but without a height plane. Its HDMI output also works with ARC instead of eARC. Anyone who wants effects from above needs the Smart Soundbar 10 S2 with its upward-firing drivers.

Can I stream music to the Soundbar 9 S2 via AirPlay 2?

Yes. AirPlay 2 is built in from the factory, along with Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, UPnP and Bluetooth 4.1. A subscription isn't a requirement: internet radio, music files from the network and everything connected via HDMI, optical, coaxial or RCA play without ongoing costs.

Does the Soundbar 9 S2 have a headphone output?

No. There's no headphone jack, and likewise no adjustable line output. The only output is the mono subwoofer RCA at a maximum of 2 volts, whose level follows the volume control. For quiet listening, use your TV's headphone path.

Why buy the Canton Smart Soundbar 9 S2 from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you when the smaller bar is enough and when it isn't. We clarify room, furniture and connection beforehand, set it up and expand it step by step later. An experienced team instead of a form: call us, write via WhatsApp or email us.

Goes well with

A subwoofer for film bass, home cinema speakers as wireless rears, an HDMI cable for the ARC connection, and an overview of all Canton models.