Acoustique Quality is an Eastern European loudspeaker manufacturer known for its wide range of speakers, from the trapezoidal $1,200 Acoustique Quality Labrador 39 Bookshelf Speakers (read my review), to the hyper-futuristic flagship Passion Loudspeakers, priced at $22,000 per pair. While not yet a household name in the United States, Acoustique Quality is gaining recognition within the audiophile community for its unique approach to speaker design and uncompromised use of quality components and materials. Boris Meltzner of Amped America – the man behind ADCOM’s renaissance (read my review of the updated classic, the Adcom GFA-555 SE) – enthusiastically sent Future Audiophile a pair of the new Acoustique Quality Canto 3 two-way bookshelf speakersfor review and, I have to admit, when these large speakers, packed in a tall, reinforced heavy-duty gear crate, arrived on my front porch, I was licking my audiophile chops.
Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the look and feel of these midsize bookshelf speakers. Their curved and tapered shape and real wood veneer are reminiscent of higher-end brands, such as Sonus faber, and the ceramic-coated, bright white driver certainly caught my attention. The finish was pristine and quite attractive – it was immediately evident that a lot of time and thought was put into the design and construction of these speakers. I couldn’t wait to hook them up and give them a listen. However, priced at just under $2,500, I wondered if these relatively unknown speakers could persuade me – and the rest of the audiophile community – to choose them over a well-established brand at a similar price point. I’ll explore this question and more in the review ahead.
What Makes the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers So Special?
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers are equipped with custom drive units and crossover components from the renowned Danish manufacturer SB Acoustics. Known for its high-quality drivers and tweeters, SB Acoustics produces excellent components used by legacy brands and DIY speaker enthusiasts alike. The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 features a striking six-inch white ceramic-coated mid-bass driver, set in a cast aluminum frame, positioned below a traditional one-inch textile dome tweeter housed in a solid aluminum waveguide. This combination produces a somewhat mellow and full sound, with a distinctive identity that remains unobtrusive and easy to listen to.
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers are relatively easy to drive. My Marantz Slimline 1510 receiver (50 watts per channel) made quick work of these speakers, and got them to play nice and clean at medium volumes. When connected to my Monoprice Monolith M2100X Amplifier via my receiver’s front preamp-outs, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers truly came to life. But for customary casual listening contexts, most amplifiers or receivers should be able to power them just fine without the need for extra amplification.
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers are front-ported, allowing flexible placement and competent bass, regardless of positioning. The six-inch mid-bass driver produces clean, distortion-free bass that dips down to 45 Hz. This is quite impressive, considering their relatively lightweight footprint (only 20 pounds per speaker), and represents potential cost savings for those looking to utilize these speakers in a true two-channel stereo configuration, sans subwoofer.
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers feature an upgraded crossover and internal circuitry that are hand-soldered to ensure the highest level of precision and performance. Unlike many other speakers that rely on push or snap-on connections, which might come loose over time, the Canto 3’s connections are built for durability and reliability. Adding to their premium build, the speakers come with attractive, high-quality screw-type terminals that allow for bi-wiring or bi-amping, which only adds to their premium look and feel.
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers offer the look and feel of high-end European bookshelf speakers at a fraction of the cost. Available in three finishes – Beech, Walnut, and Black Veneer – they are crafted using traditional Czech wood-bending techniques over a rigid MDF frame. Environmentally conscious audiophiles (looking at you, my fellow millennials) will also appreciate that the wood is sustainably sourced. Acoustique Quality representatives proudly shared that minimizing environmental impact was a priority in the design of these speakers, an approach that I hope becomes more common in the industry.
- At just under 11 inches wide, slightly under 19 inches tall, and 13 inches deep, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Bookshelf Speakers are not physically compact in my book, but they aren’t overwhelmingly large, either. Their curved, slim design allows more diverse placement options, compared to traditional rectangular or boxy speakers, and they can be pushed deep into a bookshelf or on a media cabinet, thanks to their front-ported design. Those looking for a midsize speaker where shelf space is a concern will appreciate the flexibility of these speakers.
Why Should You Care About the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers?
The audiophile landscape is changing. Brands we assumed were untouchable are being scooped up by larger conglomerates, merged, or are disappearing outright at an alarming rate. For many brands, overall sales continue to decline year after year, as the market evolves with the new generation of audiophiles whose tastes and budgets are vastly different from those who came before. Consequently, the pool of handmade boutique brands that produce unique speakers and components is sure to shrink. While some may view purchasing products from a relatively unknown brand as a risky proposition, I see it as an opportunity. Supporting small-scale and international audio companies is crucial for reinvigorating our hobby and fostering innovation among speaker manufacturers. By committing to new and up-and-coming brands (whether it be Acoustique Quality or others), you are investing in the future of our beloved hobby, and helping to sustain the diversity and creativity that makes this community thrive.
Some Things That You Might Not Like About the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers
- While rated at eight ohms impedance, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers have a pedestrian sensitivity rating of 87 dB. As I mentioned before, my modestly-powered Marantz amplifier handled these speakers well at medium volumes, but in order to fully unlock their potential, a little extra push from my external 90-watts-per-channel amplifier was needed.
- The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers only come with a five-year warranty, which is better than some, but I would certainly prefer more substantial coverage when purchasing speakers from an up-and-coming European manufacturer that may not be able to offer the same level of customer support as established brands. My experience with Acoustique Quality has been stellar thus far, and I have heard no negative reports about customer service to date, so my concerns may be overblown. However, it still might be prudent for them to offer a beefier warranty to assuage any potential concerns about longevity and staying power.
- The AQ Canto 3s’ lack of a front grille could scare off some potential buyers who prefer a more understated look. While the craftsmanship is striking, many audiophiles (and their wives) prefer speakers that disappear into the listening space and don’t call attention to themselves. The all-white, ceramic-coated driver is eye-catching but quite stark, and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I think the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Bookshelf Speakers are beautiful and would be happy to proudly display them in my listening space, but others might prefer something a little more subtle.
Listening to the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Bookshelf Speakers …
I noticed right off the bat that the AQ Canto 3 bookshelf speakers possessed a natural, warm sound. The song “Don’t Get Me Started” by the Smile (from Tidal) was a great choice to test this at full capacity. The deep, cascading, rhythmic synth layers were represented with topnotch accuracy and stereo imaging. Thom Yorke’s reverbed vocals enveloped the room with presence and authority, and I was particularly impressed by the wide horizontal soundstage that the Acoustique Quality Canto 3s produced. At around the 2:15 mark, as the track builds and deeper electronic drums are introduced, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers handled deeper bass well. The low end was not earth-shattering by any means, but enjoyable nonetheless as the six-inch driver was fully capable of reproducing a thumping lower end that sounded full and resonant.
I chose Leon Bridges’ “Mariella” for my next test track, as it is superbly mellow, but also sonically complex. “Reverb and chill” was the theme of my evening, and the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers understood the assignment. The Canto 3 Loudspeakers gave this track a considerably more weighted feel compared to other speakers I have tested recently. The mid and mid-high frequencies were clear and full without being remotely dark – showcasing the balance of the Canto 3’s internal crossover. The tweeter was a little subdued at times, compared, say, to some of the more brilliant and bright Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters I’ve reviewed recently, such as the revamped JET 6 Tweeter used in the ELAC BS312.2 (read my review here), but that does not mean it was not enjoyable or capable, just a little more restrained than I am used to. Perhaps Acoustique Quality chose to play it safe with the tweeter in order to minimize the risk of distortion and tinniness. It reminded me of a Focal dome tweeter, but a little softer and with a slightly different touch. Tone control adjustment on the Marantz receiver allowed me to dial things up to my preferences, and I continued listening to the remainder of my tracks for the night with pure enjoyment.
Will the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers Hold Their Value?
When I unboxed the Canto 3s, I was immediately struck by their craftsmanship and build quality. The attention to detail and premium materials used was evident from the moment I laid eyes on them. However, it’s important to acknowledge that reselling a pair of $2,000-plus bookshelf speakers from Czechoslovakia on Facebook Marketplace or eBay might prove challenging, given the brand’s relative obscurity in the U.S. market.
Looking ahead, though, if Acoustique Quality continues to produce high-caliber loudspeakers, it’s not farfetched to imagine their long-term value appreciating significantly. In 10 years, these speakers could very well become a sought-after commodity. If the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers were a stock, I’d confidently recommend a “buy and hold” strategy – invest in them now, and in the meantime, enjoy the rich audio dividends they produce.
What is the Competition for the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers?
At times, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers reminded me of the British-made QUAD Revela 1s, thanks in part to their wide soundstage and handsome looks. At $2,250 per pair, the Quad Revela 1s feature an impressive folded ribbon tweeter and come in both Gloss Black and Piano Walnut finishes. The Quad Revela 1 employs a more traditional rectangular shape and tends to be more forward and neutral in its sound presentation, so audiophiles looking for a less monitor-like speaker and who prefer a slightly warmer tone may consider the Acoustique Quality Canto 3s instead.
At $1,999 per pair, the Italian-made Sonus faber Sonetto I G2s are a worthy contender in the stand-mount bookshelf speaker category. They feature a one-and-one-eighth-inch Damped Apex Dome (DAD) silk dome tweeter and an attractive five-inch cone woofer, complete with a flower-shaped surround. A leather flange around the tweeter completes the look and eliminates any doubt that these do not belong in the super high-end category. They are much smaller than the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 bookshelf speakers, and certainly won’t beat them in the bass department, but would be an excellent choice for an audiophile seeking a sophisticated-looking speaker from a brand with an excellent reputation.
The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speakers are half the price at $1,200 per pair, but punch far above their weight in terms of sonic capability. They would be a sound choice for an audiophile looking for a medium-sized bookshelf speaker on a budget. There isn’t anything Ultra Evolution Bookshelf Speakers can’t do, thanks in part to their redesigned tweeter and innovative time-aligned cabinet design. They only come in black or white finishes, and their aesthetic is a little more modern and futuristic compared to the aforementioned speakers, so they might not be the best fit for audiophiles specifically seeking a more handmade, real wood look.
Final Thoughts on the Acoustique Quality Canto 3 Loudspeakers
The Acoustique Quality Canto 3 loudspeakers represent a compelling option for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound and craftsmanship at a relatively competitive price point. Their unique design and premium components deliver a warm, immersive listening experience that rivals more established brands. While the lack of a front grille and a shorter warranty might deter some potential buyers, the Acoustique Quality Canto 3’s striking appearance and above-average build quality make it an appealing choice for those willing to explore beyond the mainstream. By supporting brands like Acoustique Quality, audiophiles can help sustain the diversity and innovation within the industry. As a bonus, you’re also supporting a brand that takes the environment into account when sourcing its materials. Ultimately, the Acoustique Canto 3 loudspeakers offer a compelling balance of performance, aesthetics, value, and originality, making them a solid pair of midsize bookshelf speakers that can appeal to audiophiles young and old.
Learn more about AQ speakers at The Audio Legacy
