Canton Marks 30th Anniversary With Introduction Of Flagship Karat Reference 2 DC Speaker System

14-Oct-02

Canton is marking its 30th aniversary with the introduction of the Karat Reference 2 DC loudspeaker system.The Canton Karat Reference 2 DC is a three-way loudspeaker system with a trapezoidal cabinet,made from multiple-density laminate that is 1.3 inches thick. The internally braced cabinet is divided into several vaults with no parallel internal surfaces. The system's transducers are Canton drivers that have been reengineered with more powerful magnets, improved diaphragms, higher tolerance gap geometry, added shielding, and better venting. The 16-pound crossover network, which uses large hand-wound coils and ICW capacitors, is mechanically and acoustically isolated from the rest of the speaker, in order to prevent microphonic distortions. The crossover also incorporates the latest evolution of Canton's Displacement Control (DC) technology. ""This is our ultimate speaker to date,"" said Canton USA President Paul Madsen. ""Canton's engineering team was given free reign to do whatever was necessary to create a speaker that would go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. They used newly developed simulation and analysis methods to first forecast and then optimize the interactions of the drivers, crossovers, enclosure, and signal control circuits. Since Canton makes all its own transducers, electronics, and enclosures, they have more flexibility in this regard than companies that merely 'stuff boxes' with mass-produced drivers. When these technological benefits are combined with the craftsmanship and visual design for which Canton has long been famous, the result is a speaker that perfectly reflects the company's 30-year commitment to the quest for ultimate sound."" Canton's Displacement Control technology prevents the woofer from responding to infrasonic signals (below 20 Hz), and is also said to lower bass distortion and extend the low-frequency response of the system. The Karat Reference 2 DC's 1.3-inch-thick enclosure walls consist of a layer of high-density particleboard, laminated to a layer of lower density board.The driver complement consists of a 1-inch aluminum manganese dome tweeter with a one-piece dome and voice coil former. In the Karat Reference 2 DC, this classic Canton tweeter design was modified with a new neodymium ring magnet, added magnetic shielding, and improved internal venting to prevent unwanted back pressure. The two 7-inch aluminum midrange drivers have a smooth concave profile, and are in a D'Appolito configuration. Like the tweeter, the midrange is a classic Canton design with modified magnetics and venting. The Karat Reference 2's 12-inch woofer features enhanced magnetics, a low-mass cellulite-graphite diaphragm, improved suspension, and a heavy duty cast magnesium frame. The woofer is supplemented by a very low-mass, 12-inch passive radiator. These are all proprietary drivers designed and manufactured by Canton. The Canton Karat Reference 2 DC can be finished in a silver lacquer, or wood veneers of beech and alder. Each speaker weighs 139 pounds. They are available at a suggested retail price of $10,000 per pair.For more information about this and other Canton products, visit www.cantonusa.com.

Read More:
http://www.cantonusa.com