Canton Smart A 45 BS

The Canton Smart A 45 BS is an active wireless compact speaker for music, TV sound, and expandable home theater setups. The amplifier is already integrated, so suitable playback devices can be connected directly to the master speaker. The system operates on the master-slave principle and can be integrated wirelessly or wired, depending on the system.

Key features at a glance:

• Active speaker system: A separate amplifier is not strictly necessary because the amplification is integrated into the speaker.
• Flexible source connection: Analog, digital, USB, and Bluetooth connections make it easy to integrate TVs, computers, and existing playback devices.
• Smart Wireless technology: The secondary speaker can be powered wirelessly by the master; a coaxial cable connection is also possible.
• TV and home theater use: Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround, and DTS TruSurround support use for movie sound and virtual surround sound reproduction.
• Customizable playback: Menu functions for levels, listening distance, equalizer, speech clarity, and LipSync help tailor the system to the room and usage.

Active principle and system role

In the Canton Smart A 45 BS, the amplification is integrated into the speaker. This allows you to connect source devices such as streamers, CD players, computers, or TVs directly to the master speaker, provided the appropriate output is available.

In the delivered state, the master is paired with the secondary speaker. The side assignment is preset but can be changed if necessary. This is helpful if the master needs to be placed on the other side of the system due to the available connections.

Integrating sources, TV, and computer

For connecting to a TV, one of the digital inputs is recommended because Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround are available through it. Other playback devices should be connected directly to the master so that the best possible audio signal reaches the speaker system.

Line and XLR are available for analog sources. The balanced XLR input is designed as a mono input; therefore, with this connection type, both speakers must be connected to the playback device. The required XLR signal cables are not included in the delivery.

The USB input can be used with a computer. Bluetooth is suitable for quick playback from mobile devices, but in our view, it is not the preferred signal path if the focus is on high-quality HiFi playback.

Wireless connection and expansion

The master can transmit the audio signal wirelessly to the secondary speaker. Those who prefer a fixed connection can alternatively connect the speakers digitally via coaxial cable.

The system can be expanded with additional Smart speakers and a subwoofer. The maximum possible output configuration is 5.1, so the Smart A 45 BS is interesting not only as a stereo solution but also as a basis for a Smart home theater.

Operation, sound settings, and room adaptation

Operation is via control buttons and remote control. From there, volume, source selection, menu functions, and sound modes can be controlled directly.

Through the integrated menu, you can tailor the system to the system and the room. This includes, among other things, individual speaker levels, listening distances, equalizer settings for different setups, speech clarity, dynamic control, and LipSync.

Memory buttons 1 to 3 can be used to recall previously saved sound settings. This is practical if you want to use different settings for TV, music, or other sources, for example.

Workmanship and setup

The housing of the Smart A 45 BS is made of high-density fiberboard and is lacquered and finished. The speakers are manufactured at the factory in Weilrod.

For setup, equalizer options for free-standing, wall-adjacent, and corner placement are available. This allows the playback to be adapted to typical room situations without having to place the speakers exclusively freely in the room.

Recommendations and system partners

• Canton Smart Connect 5.1 V2: Makes sense if TV connection, app control, on-screen menu, and wireless control of the speakers are desired in a Smart home theater solution.
• Canton Smart A 45 CS: Listed as a wireless center speaker for expanding a suitable Smart home theater system.
• Canton Soundbox: Listed as a smaller rear speaker solution for rear channels within the Canton Smart product family.

Awards and test reports

• Smart A 45 BS Roast Award 2020/21
• Smart A 45 BS stereoplay Test 05/2021
• Smart A 45 Home Theater Set lite-magazin.de Test 10/22
• Smart A 45 BS av-magazin.de Test 05/2021

Suitability and notes

Ideal for

• Listeners who are looking for an active stereo speaker system and do not necessarily want to use a separate amplifier.
• Systems with digital or analog playback devices that are to be connected directly to the master speaker.
• TV setups where compact speakers with Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround, and virtual surround sound reproduction are desired.
• Existing systems with a suitable pre-out, line-out, or digital output where the speakers are to be integrated as an active playback solution.
• Users who want to build a Canton Smart system with additional speakers or a subwoofer later.

Less suitable for

• Systems where an existing amplifier is to be continued to be used exclusively via speaker terminals; in the stated setup, the speaker terminals remain unused.
• Users who want to use XLR but do not have suitable XLR signal cables; these cables are not included in the delivery.
• Outdoor applications or in damp rooms, as operation is only intended for indoor use.
• Listeners who plan Bluetooth as the primary signal path for high-quality HiFi playback; Bluetooth is rather a quick and convenient additional option here.

Conclusion

The Canton Smart A 45 BS is a compact active speaker solution for customers who want to combine stereo music playback, TV sound, and Smart expandability in a flexible system. It is particularly interesting if playback devices are to be connected directly and a separate amplifier can be omitted. Before purchase, the connection path, setup, and a possible later expansion to a Smart home theater should be clarified.

• Canton_SmartA45BS_Datenblatt.pdf
• Canton_SmartA45BS_Anleitung.pdf