Canton DM 60 2.1 Virtual Surround System - Black

Product Information

The Canton DM55 soundbase replaces the terrific DM50, offering some new featuresand upgraded audio. It’s the smallest of three models from the German brand, alongside the DM75 and DM100, which are both designed for bigger rooms and TVs. In terms of features and connectivity, the DM55 scores highly. It’s easy to use thanks to the large LED display and well-designed remote control. Just to clarify, will the Canton output the same surround 'effects' regardless of whether it recieves a 2 channel signal from the TV optical out or a 5.1 signal via the coaxial? I'm getting the impression that there will be some difference and there does seem to be some audible difference when I switch between the TV and DVD inputs, mainly the dialogue appears more central and clear when using a dirict coaxial connection from the bluray player as opposed to going through the TV. Surround mode opens up the soundfield, but it doesn’t compromise the midrange or vocal clarity too much. Try it when watching Blu-rays for a more cinematic experience. Build and design quality

The DM101 goes bigger still, fit for TVs 50 inches and bigger. It also has a 200W amp, but the number of mid-range drivers has been increased from two to four (two per channel). The sense of luxury continues on the inside. The DM55 uses six drivers – two tweeters,two midrange and two subwoofers, size unspecified – which is a more sophisticated configuration thanmost soundbases.They’re driven bya 200W amplifier. There’s no doubting the Canton DM75 is an excellent soundbase – we gave it an Award after all – but with the introduction of some fresh new rivals, there are now some things that put its fifth star on shaky ground. You can place TVs weighing up to 40kg on top, provided the stand fits well within the 545mm by 300mm surface area. If you have a TV over 50in, I’d recommend stepping up to the DM75 or DM100.

If the issue persists, you might prefer to add an external subwoofer (in which case the DM100 rolls off low frequencies at 80Hz) – it’s great that Canton gives you the option. However, with judicious tweaking most people should be perfectly happy with the Canton’s built-in subs. Once properly integrated, bass sounds fast and agile, starting and stopping on a dime. The whole thing is held together by the DM55’s excellent bass output. There’s a subwoofer pre-out if you have a spare woofer to call into action, but left on its own and the twin in-built drivers prove deep and potent, giving bass-rich moments ample scale and weight without overpowering the other speakers. The thud and hum of lightsabers in a forest clash is tight and beefy, and when the final act plays host to some truly destructive sequences this 2.1-channel soundbase has the presence to match. As you can see, I have it mounted high up and under the telly - the top shelf is 86 cm from the ground and the granite chopping board and absorber mat add another 2 cm = 88 cm. You should also be able to see just how small and discreet it is in appearance compared to my Center speaker, it's still hard to believe it makes such a big sound sometimes. You may have come across the term woofer, which is used to refer to a speaker designed to put out low end frequencies. A subwoofer, on the other hand, is only designed to handle the extreme low end. When you hear a bass that rattles your stomach, chances are it’s a subwoofer that doing it.

Finding the information from manufacturers can be difficult, so while we have included the data, take it with a pinch of salt – try not to get too close to the upper limit, either. Connections What we have here is the newly updated Pyle PSBV600BT. Based on an already popular model, this version comes with a couple of added features - Bluetooth 3.0 streaming and an optical connection. This is added to the basic, and industry standard, 3.5mm aux and RCA inputs. For less than a hundred dollars, this might be everything you expect in terms of connectivity from a soundbase or any wireless speaker. This soundbar includes two tweeter drivers with a diameter of 1 inch or 19mm, delivering clear and crisp high-frequency sounds. Additionally, it is equipped with two mid-range drivers with a diameter of 2 inches or 50mm, producing well-defined mid-range frequencies. Furthermore, the Canton DM 75 features four woofer drivers with a diameter of 4 inches or 100mm, delivering deep, rich bass tones to enhance the overall audio experience. Providing a one-box Home Cinema solution in a compact body of a 2.1 sound system, the Canton DM101 is an ideal home stereo soundbase to partner up with your home cinema set up, or even works alone. With a seamless Bluetooth connection, the sound system establishes a powerful and uninterrupted connection using apt-X® technology. The Bluetooth connectivity makes it easily connectable to phones, tablets, iPad and other Bluetooth devices allowing a wide range of functionality. If you’re after a soundbase that both looks good and performs brilliantly, this Canton DM55 is definitely one you need to audition.I know with Forums you can get a sense that this issue is a frequent occurance because that is why we have posted comments, but I wonder how many are affected by this issue, 1 in 10, 1 in 1000, 1 in 50,000? - I get slightly more worried when I hear someone has the same issue twice - unusually for Lightning to strike twice unless the obvious is true and there is a Quality issue. Build quality is fantastic. The heavy HDF enclosure feels like it was hewn from granite, giving it the strength to support TVs up to 40kg. Take a peek underneath and you’ll spot two 4in woofers, which complement the two 2in midrange drivers and two 1in fabric tweeters at the front of the cabinet. The beauty of having no HDMI ports is that it simplifies the setup process – just run an optical cable between the TV and soundbase and you’re pretty much good to go. However, the Voice mode helps by boosting dialogue so you don’t have to crank it up quite as much. Good job, too, as the tonal quality of its dialogue is top-notch. The combination of a solid mid-range, expressive treble and subtle bass depth makes speech sound almost life-like, particularly Joe’s narration. The DM 75 is a surprisingly good Bluetooth music player too, making the most of its three-way driver complement and aptX support. It digs out details that go missing on lesser soundbases and renders basslines with great agility. Verdict

For starters, the overall wattage is estimated around 300W (total/peak) which is pretty serious for a soundbase. Much of that is reserved for the 5.25” woofer, positioned at the bottom. The power on tap is undeniable and, to help potential sympathetic vibrations, Pyle have included a digital equalizer. There's a wealth of inputs too - three pairs of analog ins should be enough for most, but you also get built-in FM radio, USB, a card reader, and last but not least, Bluetooth connectivity. Source selection is made easy by the included rather-well-thought-out wireless remote. If only Pyle had included a HDMI port, they would have broken the internet with this soundbase. I would appreciate a response from Canton if you can get one though, as I'd like to know how they would suggest configuring things.

Thanks to both of you fro taking the time to help me with some of my issues, I look forward to any more comments or advice you may have. You don’t want to push the limits, as this could cause a lot of damage. Ensure they are both compatible or choose to place them both separately. Re the downmixed PCM performance: have you tried switching the Canton to stereo mode when using that? You may prefer it, as it'll be cutting out any 'surround' processing. It's not on Canton's roadmap at moment - I know there are cost as well as technical issues involved (DTS charge a chunky licensing fee, regardless of whether you ever intend to use the decoding). Obviously if that changes i'll update you.