German manufacturer, Canton, has released their new-generation soundbar, the Smart Soundbar 9.

Wireless Connection

The Smart Soundbar 9 has Chromecast built in, enabling connection to a home Wi-Fi network. Audio can be ‘cast’ to the soundbar from any device on the network, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac, including music from popular streaming apps such as Spotify, Tidal, Google Play Music, Deezer and TuneIn. Native support for Spotify Connect also allows direct streaming from Spotify.

The soundbar can be connected to other speakers via Wi-Fi to create a wireless multi-channel home cinema system, or even a whole-house multi-room set-up. For example, add a Canton Smart SUB 8 subwoofer to make a powerful 3.1 system; then add a pair Smart Soundbox 3 speakers behind the viewing position for full 5.1 surround sound, all without signal cables. These different Smart Series models can be combined in any configuration, in full synchronisation, in any room in the house. This also provides an upgrade path. 2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN connections are supported, while the addition of aptX Bluetooth enables users to stream directly from Bluetooth-equipped devices without connecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Eight Drive Units

The Smart Soundbar 9 has 300 watts of Amplification, powering an array of eight drive units, comprising four bass drivers and two midrange Drivers, all with 50mm aluminium cones, plus two 19mm fabric-dome tweeters. A pair of passive drivers with 147x57mm diaphragms further augment the bass. These drivers work in tandem with DTS TruSurround. Decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround formats ensures soundtracks from movies, games and more are delivered in full effect; or you can simply listen in two-channel stereo if you prefer. Hi-res audio is supported, up to 24-bit/96kHz. Bass, midrange and treble controls enable the user to tailor the sound according to taste, while three equaliser presets facilitate sonic adjustment to suit the soundbar’s location. When watching video content, Lipsync technology precisely synchronises speech with the image on screen.

HDMI ARC

Four HDMI ports, three inputs and one output, provide ample connectivity, all HDCP 2.2-compliant to enable transfer of 4K Ultra HD video. The HDMI output supports ARC, allowing those with a compatibleTV to control the soundbar with its remote. The Smart Soundbar 9 also comes with its own handset. Two digital audio inputs, one optical and one coaxial, provide further connectivity, together with a stereo RCA analogue input. A dedicated subwoofer output is also provided.

Measuring 89x7x10cm (WxHxD), its slender form is ideal for TVs with a screen size of 40in or greater and can be wall-mounted or simply placed on a support shelf. The Smart Soundbar 9 is built to the standard of a high-performance Hifi loudspeaker. Its main cabinet is fashioned from reinforced MDF, embellished with touches such as a top surface made from heat-treated glass and an integrated metal grille, behind which lies a cool blue LED display. Available in the UK from late July in a choice of black or silver at an RRP of £699.

Get all the latest Hifi News with Hifi Pig here!