Calling your speakers ‘Reference’ is quite a bold statement, but then again making grand claims is not exactly unknown in the hi-fi industry!

The Reference 7 loves the high dynamics of orchestral works, powerful rock anthems or driving electronica, provided the music is channeled via a suitably capable amplifier. This is partly the result of its commanding (mid)bass extension, which Canton has always prioritised but has refined and tightened up here. It makes a great foundation for its lush lower midrange that, in turn, encourages long and engaging listening sessions.

While savouring grand orchestral works through the Reference 7s is a joy, it’s important to reflect on how these speakers might deal with more delicate pieces of music. The last track here, ‘D 703 Quartettsatz’, nicely illustrates where the Reference 7s excel. With two violins, viola and cello varying between quiet and loud, these new Canton speakers show themselves capable of nimbly handling rapid changes and runs. Although this isn’t the ultimate recording of a cello, the Reference 7s exposed the deep vibrations of the instrument’s body, with a hint of warmth to make it really engaging. I do not choose that word lightly, as putting emotion into music is exactly what these floorstanders do incredibly well.

The Reference 7 may ‘only’ be the smallest floorstander in Canton’s reinvigorated top-of-the-line range but it’s still a very solid performer that easily fills larger rooms. Introducing a radical but pleasing industrial design and embodying new ‘acoustic smarts’, the Reference 7 is a capable performer that, while extracting the finer points of recordings, really excels at communicating power, dynamics and thrills.

Jamie Biesemans, Hi-Fi News, October 2024

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