Canton DM55 2.1 Virtual Surround System - Silver Glass

Product Information

The Canton DM55 remains an impeccably built soundbase. The structure is sturdy, and feels even classier than before thanks to that sleek glass top.

At this price most folk will be looking for a decent, convenient improvement on their TV’s sound, rather than unit that’s overly cinematic – and you certainly get that with the DM5. This device sounds solid and authoritative, and shows none of the thin, fragile sound that often emanates from your TV. Underneath the cover, both models feature Canton’s own bespoke soft dome tweeters to really get to grips with dialogue for films and TV programmes alike. Bass should be plentiful as well, with both boxes featuring dual 100 mm subwoofers that are capable of dropping to a hefty 35hz. The Canton DM76 has a lot to recommend about it. The sound quality is a big one – we would quite happily put this up against the more expensive Sonos Playbase in terms of audio. We also adore the design, which feels sleek and elegant. The DM76 will easily slide into any room without a problem, and with a weight rating of 88lbs, it can support even the largest TVs. Canton are one of the few manufacturers who consistently release new soundbases, and the DM76 continues their excellent legacy.The Canton Smart 9 isn’t hugely smart, either, with only Chromecast built-in. Everything else is effectively done off-board. Not surprisingly, play some music via Bluetooth and many of the DM5’s sound characteristics remain the same. It displays plenty of confidence, and will double as a great party speaker that suffers no shortage of drive. An Eco mode automatically shuts the unit down if a signal isn’t detected for an hour (although it’s disabled if auto power is activated). Canton DM55 – Setup & Operation Your music or TV is controlled via a free app on your computer, smartphone or tablet. From the app you can choose what music you want to play in a variety of ways. Numerous streaming services such as Spotify or Deezer can be accessed as well as internet radio stations or your iTunes (or equivalent) music library. You can stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet – but really you’re better off using your device as a controller. TV is just another source you can choose from the app: Selecting TV source from Sonos app The Canton Digital Movie 55 is a 2.1-channel soundbar capable of delivering powerful audio output with its 200W RMS rated power. It features advanced audio decoders such as DTS TruSurround and Dolby Digital, which enhance the audio quality for an immersive viewing experience.

I have two award winning options (albeit in different categories) to look at, the Sonos Playbar and the Canton DM55. There is a significant price difference between the two, so my aim is not to try and determine which sounds best. There are far better qualified people who can do that (and indeed have). I will discuss sound quality briefly, but I will be looking at the broader picture. Sonos Playbar One of the nicest features of the previous series was the solid remote control that came with it – rather than the cheap ‘credit card’ style remotes that often gets tossed in with less premium products. Canton have provided a wand of their own creation that’s solid and responsive to use and adds to the high-end feel of these products. For its size, it’s capable of a large, expansive sound, which will put the performance of your TV’s speakers to shame. Its impressive low-end provides punch to action scenes, not to mention the fact it doubles as a pretty ballsy Bluetooth speaker. Canton’s DM series Some of the most attractive soundbases available right now, and the DM 101 is a superb example. It’s one of the most powerful soundbases on this list, with 200 watts output – a figure that is matched only by its cousin, the less expensive Canton DM76. The audio performance you get is solid, arguably better than the Sonos Playbase, at number one on this list.

One of the things that traditional home theater systems can do that sound bases definitely cannot is surround sound. Try as you might, and no matter how amazing the drivers are in your new base, they are not going to be able to convince you that things are happening above and around you, as it would be with 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. Then again: that’s not really their purpose. A sound base is there to offer a step up from a traditional soundbar: a convenient, one box solution that will often offer stellar sound. And while it doesn’t have as many speaker options in its arsenal, in terms of spacing, the quality of the drivers and the algorithms behind them can often do a passing imitation of what surround sound might be like, even if it’s nothing like the real thing.

The DM 55 goes further still by offering a powerful and extended bass response. Twin, downward firing 100mm woofer cones give this sound base depth and high volume dynamics that even other soundbars and sound bases struggle to match. This sound base gives you the sort of powerful, dynamic sound that you'd usually only expect from a separate amp and speaker system. For even more bass, simply connect up a sub via the dedicated output. Starting with the DM55, Canton have made modest changes to this new iteration, but they look set to be worthwhile. It’s a little easier on the eye (and it was already one of the nicest models out there in my opinion) thanks to its new gloss top panel, but the case is just as solid as its predecessor, able to hold TV sets weighing up to 40kg (although this is also screen size dependent). Most soundbars are looking at ways of getting height channels/virtual surround sound into their latest bars. If a more conventional performance is what you’re looking for then this Canton delivers that well. You shouldn’t buy the Canton Smart Soundbar 9 if…

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The DM5 measures 55cm wide and stands just 6.4cm tall, meaning it will slip beneath the majority of TVs without issue. In fact, with the Samsung QE55Q9C we tested it with, it nestled neatly into the middle of the V-shaped stand. Most of our Canton Audio Hi-Fi Equipment services come with a minimum of three-month warranty which you can extend to a one year warranty for complete peace of mind and customer satisfaction. Resist the urge to push the bass level up to 3 and you’ll enjoy seamless, non-directional bass that doesn’t sound boomy. Its natural agility and seamless integration keeps your eyes on the action, not the bass controls.