Canton VS PSB?

[jsantos615]

Has anyone A/B tested Canton LE series floorstanders versus PSB Image or Alpha floorstanders?

The PSB Image and the Cantons are about the same price, while the PSB Alphas are a lot less.

They will be in a smallish rectangular room with hardwood floors and powered by a Yamaha RX-V2600.

Any input would help!

Thanks!!

Joe

 

[majorloser]

I must say, I do loves me some Canton. I personally love the Karat and the Ergo line. I'd give up a limb for some the Vento stuff.

The LE line carries some of the features of the higher lines. But I'd still look at some of the bargains offered on discontinued Canton Ergo and Karat towers. "Accessories 4 Less" has been clearing some models out for awhile.

www.ac4l.com

 

[jsantos615]

I must say, I do loves me some Canton. I personally love the Karat and the Ergo line. I'd give up a limb for some the Vento stuff.

The LE line carries some of the features of the higher lines. But I'd still look at some of the bargains offered on discontinued Canton Ergo and Karat towers. "Accessories 4 Less" has been clearing some models out for awhile.

www.ac4l.com

Good call! I've actually been on the phone with a4less quite a bit. The LE line is more in my price range; about the same price shipped as the discounted PSB Image T at Saturday audio. I really liked the Image T when I listed to it; solid performer, OK looks, good brand reputation, but no feeling of "holy crap, I have to have these", much lie the feeling that I have when I drive a Honda Accord. On the other hand, every describes Canton with emphatic statements on sound quality, build quality, looks, WAF, and more. The LE 207 looks good on paper, and had a small footprint, which is a must in my small home. the cabinet also matches my decor, since it is made maple color. The only problem is that I haven't heard them, while I've listened to both PSB lines and found them to be solid, but not so solid that I was like "I have to walk out of this store right now with these speakers.

So many people rave about cantons that either A: the joke is on me and there is a huge conspiracy going-on or B: They truly love these speakers for everything they're cracked-uo to be. My only problem is that I can't handle them without buying them and having shipping both ways, If I return them and they're not defective.

 

[f0am]

I have Canton MX's for my office. They are the small satalite speakers, they work great for what I wanted. I don't know if I would compare them to floor standing speakers. But if it helps they sure blow Bose out of the water in the satalite department.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Well seeing as how Im one of the very few members who have Cantons, allow me to chime in. Ive had the LE 170's for about 2 years, give or take, and Im just as happy with them now as I was when I bought them. I had listend to about as many speakers as I could over more than a year, and was dead set on some Definitive Technoligies (sp) That is untill I heard them next to the Cantons. I instantly fell in love with the Cantons and couldnt see why I like the DT's in the first place. When I first got them I still had a sub, which has since caught on fire and blown up, and even without a sub Im still impressed with there bass output. Im not alone in that either, most people either think I DO have a sub, or think I dont need one, of course Im getting one anyway . As far as the ol WAF, Im not married BUT I can tell you almost eveyone whos seen them has complimented me on them (BTW I have the beech finish with silver grills) For music I think they sound excelent for what they are, and for movies they do a great job of disapearing. Over all Ive been extreamly happy with my choice and would recomend them to anyone. Then again, Ive never heard the others youre looking at. I can tell you it is no consprisy, I had never even heard of Canton till that fatefull day when the local salesman felt it nessicary to change speakers when all I wanted was to hear the DT's I was set on buying.

Hope it helps a lil,
Sean

P.S. Im extreamly tired when writing this so Im sure my spelling and grammer are horrible. And I also feel the need to point out the fact that after all these years Im finally going to go buy the matching center channel in a week or two. Who knows maybe Ill step up a range and get some new towers while Im at it.

 

[3db]

Being A PSB fanatic I would say PSB over Canton

Has anyone A/B tested Canton LE series floorstanders versus PSB Image or Alpha floorstanders?

The PSB Image and the Cantons are about the same price, while the PSB Alphas are a lot less.

They will be in a smallish rectangular room with hardwood floors and powered by a Yamaha RX-V2600.

Any input would help!

Thanks!!

Joe

Thats my biased opinion because I 've never heard Cantons although they have a solid reputation. I have heard PSB, have their ImageT45s and I' truly love them. They may not be as attractive as the Cantons but they are easily one of the better speakers out there. I've done comparisons between Paradigm Monitor7 and Axioms M60 and teh T45s blow them away in most respectsl tighter bass, smooth non fatigueing but revealing highs and a soundstage thats both deep and wide. The mids are life like. Unless winnning a lottery, I feel no need to upgrade from these speakers. Here's my review of tyem;

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/floorstanding-speakers/PRD_329036_1594crx.aspx

 

[allsop4now]

I must say, I do loves me some Canton. I personally love the Karat and the Ergo line. I'd give up a limb for some the Vento stuff.

The LE line carries some of the features of the higher lines. But I'd still look at some of the bargains offered on discontinued Canton Ergo and Karat towers. "Accessories 4 Less" has been clearing some models out for awhile.

www.ac4l.com

I am very pleased with the sound and build quality of the (newly) discontinued Canton Ergo 5.0 set I bought last year. The Canton Ergo 702 DC floorstander does not have so deep bass, but that was fixed with the newest Canton Ergo subwoofer (40% discount).

Canton has recently released Canton GLE that is an upgrade of the LE serie. Below is a link to pictures to Canton GLE and the newest Ergo. The review itself is one of the worst I have read, but nice pictures:

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2006/canton_gle_ergo_1.shtml

 

[jsantos615]

I have Canton MX's for my office. They are the small satalite speakers, they work great for what I wanted. I don't know if I would compare them to floor standing speakers. But if it helps they sure blow Bose out of the water in the satalite department.

I'm quite sure they blow Bose out of the water

What are your impressions on build quality?

Thanks for your input; it good to hear from people that actually use this product!

 

[jsantos615]

Well seeing as how Im one of the very few members who have Cantons, allow me to chime in. Ive had the LE 170's for about 2 years, give or take, and Im just as happy with them now as I was when I bought them. I had listend to about as many speakers as I could over more than a year, and was dead set on some Definitive Technoligies (sp) That is untill I heard them next to the Cantons. I instantly fell in love with the Cantons and couldnt see why I like the DT's in the first place. When I first got them I still had a sub, which has since caught on fire and blown up, and even without a sub Im still impressed with there bass output. Im not alone in that either, most people either think I DO have a sub, or think I dont need one, of course Im getting one anyway . As far as the ol WAF, Im not married BUT I can tell you almost eveyone whos seen them has complimented me on them (BTW I have the beech finish with silver grills) For music I think they sound excelent for what they are, and for movies they do a great job of disapearing. Over all Ive been extreamly happy with my choice and would recomend them to anyone. Then again, Ive never heard the others youre looking at. I can tell you it is no consprisy, I had never even heard of Canton till that fatefull day when the local salesman felt it nessicary to change speakers when all I wanted was to hear the DT's I was set on buying.

Hope it helps a lil,
Sean

P.S. Im extreamly tired when writing this so Im sure my spelling and grammer are horrible. And I also feel the need to point out the fact that after all these years Im finally going to go buy the matching center channel in a week or two. Who knows maybe Ill step up a range and get some new towers while Im at it.

It actaully helps a lot!

No worries on the grammar! I've been looking for feedback from someone who owns the LE series.

I'm actually considering the LE207 with the same finish as yours. It seems that they have a good form factor and the definitely fall in favor with the WAF. Can you tell me what the front baffle material is? your feedback sounds right up my alley, as I listen to 2 channel music about as much as I watch movies.

I've been auditioning Aperion Audio 422 Cs in an LCR setup for the front channel and they sound great (great soundstage and fairly detailed, for a small bookshelf speaker) for the money. they mate well with my sunfire Truesub Jr, but I'm finding that they sound a little harsh on the sibilance side of things for both female and male vocals. Because of this, I am looking for something that really disappears into the room when I'm on the sofa...

My experience with the Aperions really reminds me that I'm looking for a speaker that works nicely as a piece of furniture, is well-constructed (The PSB Alpha Ts don't fell as solid when I do the knuckle test on them) and sounds great to boot.

 

[jsantos615]

Thats my biased opinion because I 've never heard Cantons although they have a solid reputation. I have heard PSB, have their ImageT45s and I' truly love them. They may not be as attractive as the Cantons but they are easily one of the better speakers out there. I've done comparisons between Paradigm Monitor7 and Axioms M60 and teh T45s blow them away in most respectsl tighter bass, smooth non fatigueing but revealing highs and a soundstage thats both deep and wide. The mids are life like. Unless winnning a lottery, I feel no need to upgrade from these speakers. Here's my review of tyem;

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/floorstanding-speakers/PRD_329036_1594crx.aspx

Wow! Nice review! thanks! Your test material is pretty much the same as mine - especially with the Cowboy Junkies, also your music library is quite similar to mine. One question: what center channel do you use?

 

[jsantos615]

I am very pleased with the sound and build quality of the (newly) discontinued Canton Ergo 5.0 set I bought last year. The Canton Ergo 702 DC floorstander does not have so deep bass, but that was fixed with the newest Canton Ergo subwoofer (40% discount).

Canton has recently released Canton GLE that is an upgrade of the LE serie. Below is a link to pictures to Canton GLE and the newest Ergo. The review itself is one of the worst I have read, but nice pictures:

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2006/canton_gle_ergo_1.shtml

wow -

I've never seen them up close before...thanks for the link! I looks like they are finished pretty well. Are your ergos close to a wall or corner? I hear they do pretty well with the placement.

 

[jsantos615]

Well seeing as how Im one of the very few members who have Cantons, allow me to chime in. Ive had the LE 170's for about 2 years, give or take, and Im just as happy with them now as I was when I bought them. I had listend to about as many speakers as I could over more than a year, and was dead set on some Definitive Technoligies (sp) That is untill I heard them next to the Cantons. I instantly fell in love with the Cantons and couldnt see why I like the DT's in the first place. When I first got them I still had a sub, which has since caught on fire and blown up, and even without a sub Im still impressed with there bass output. Im not alone in that either, most people either think I DO have a sub, or think I dont need one, of course Im getting one anyway . As far as the ol WAF, Im not married BUT I can tell you almost eveyone whos seen them has complimented me on them (BTW I have the beech finish with silver grills) For music I think they sound excelent for what they are, and for movies they do a great job of disapearing. Over all Ive been extreamly happy with my choice and would recomend them to anyone. Then again, Ive never heard the others youre looking at. I can tell you it is no consprisy, I had never even heard of Canton till that fatefull day when the local salesman felt it nessicary to change speakers when all I wanted was to hear the DT's I was set on buying.

Hope it helps a lil,
Sean

P.S. Im extreamly tired when writing this so Im sure my spelling and grammer are horrible. And I also feel the need to point out the fact that after all these years Im finally going to go buy the matching center channel in a week or two. Who knows maybe Ill step up a range and get some new towers while Im at it.

I forgot to ask: are your LEs made in Germany?

 

[jsantos615]

Thats my biased opinion because I 've never heard Cantons although they have a solid reputation. I have heard PSB, have their ImageT45s and I' truly love them. They may not be as attractive as the Cantons but they are easily one of the better speakers out there. I've done comparisons between Paradigm Monitor7 and Axioms M60 and teh T45s blow them away in most respectsl tighter bass, smooth non fatigueing but revealing highs and a soundstage thats both deep and wide. The mids are life like. Unless winnning a lottery, I feel no need to upgrade from these speakers. Here's my review of tyem;

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/floorstanding-speakers/PRD_329036_1594crx.aspx

I forgot to ask...are your T45s made in Canada or China?

 

[allsop4now]

wow -

I've never seen them up close before...thanks for the link! I looks like they are finished pretty well. Are your ergos close to a wall or corner? I hear they do pretty well with the placement.

My fronts (Ergo 702 floorstanders, front ported) are 36 cm from the wall so that they line up with my big hulking CRT. The speakers are at least 1 meter from a sidewall. This works well, considering there is a big CRT between them. I do have room mode problem with them in the current position, but that was helped by putting a subwoofer on the middle of the sidewall.

The Ergo CM 502 centerspeaker is big (more than 50% of the volume of my floorstanders), and put on top of the TV.

Due to the shape of my room and furniture, I put the surrounds at my sides (slightly behind, about 100 degrees in Dolby surround setup parlance) 5 cm from the wall and slightly toed-in to the sweet-spot. One of them is in a corner, but some space behind since the surrounds are backported. This works well for me.

Edit: there are some measurements available on the Canton homepage. Look in the "Service" menu.

Test Ergo 702
Test Ergo 202, 502, AS12

 

[allsop4now]

I forgot to ask: are your LEs made in Germany?

I think that they are made in Germany. My Ergos and the newer GLEs are. Some parts may be made elsewhere, though. Canton make their own drivers.

 

[f0am]

I'm quite sure they blow Bose out of the water

What are your impressions on build quality?

Thanks for your input; it good to hear from people that actually use this product!

Eh being that I have the satellites they are not meant to be taken apart, aside of that they are pretty solid, I actually dropped one of them on my concrete garage floor while moving in and it didn't even blemish. I have had my cantons for about 4 years now and they have worked great on multiple receivers and so forth. But like I said you can't compare these to floor standing speakers. If you want to take anything out of my posts, I simply am a satisfied customer. I got what I paid for.

 

[Rowdy S13]

Yes my Cantons are made in Germany. The front grille is made of metal, and the face (the silver part) is plastic if I rember. Im glad that my slightly over tired review helped.

Sean

 

[majorloser]

All of my Canton apeakers are made in Germany. I have two systems, a 7.1 system in my theater and a 5.1 system in my bedroom. All of them are from Canton's Ergo line of speakers except the side surrounds in my theater. They are from the older THX-10 series (S-10's).

It's a sound both my wife and I fell in love with. If I can just come up with $15K I'd love to have a set of Vento Ref 1 towers in cherry.

http://www.canton.de/en-produktdetail-vento-ventoreference1dc.htm

 

[3db]

My center channel

Wow! Nice review! thanks! Your test material is pretty much the same as mine - especially with the Cowboy Junkies, also your music library is quite similar to mine. One question: what center channel do you use?

Is the older Image 8C. I bough the system component by compeonent buying PSB to replace my crappy technics speakers

 

[3db]

My PSBs are made in Canada

I forgot to ask...are your T45s made in Canada or China?

I'm thinking. I'll have to check on that. If they are made in China, I'm not complaining as they are a solid speaker and I;ve had no problems wiith them.