In what could become a significant challenge for Bang & Olufsen, German luxury AV brand Loewe—whose products have long been available in the Australian market—has made a major strategic move by entering the US consumer electronics market while local Loewe distributor has launched new reference speakers.
Both Loewe TV’s aznd Canton speakers are from leading German manufacturers.
Canton is a respected German speaker brand, and one of the largest European hi-fi loudspeaker makers, with a product range from entry-level to high end.
Within Canton’s lineup, the Reference models are typically at the top of the performance pyramid before going into highly specialized custom/Pro models claim analysts.
Reference R denotes their current flagship hi-fi models.
These are floor-standing speakers (plus matching centre/surround), are specifically designed for high resolution music playback and home audio systems.
Canton stress acoustic precision, wide dynamic range, and low distortion — traits that place them in the upper echelon of consumer hi-fi.
Reference K is a related premium reference line that sits just below Reference R in terms of performance and price, still very much targeted at enthusiasts who want high-end sound without going to ultra-boutique brands.
Wikipedia
Both share more advanced drivers, cabinets, and engineering than Canton’s mainstream tiers.
Both Loewe TV’s and the Canton Reference speakers are designed to appeal to consumers who want premium entertainment.
Founded in 1923, Loewe is one of Europe’s oldest television manufacturers and has a rich history of innovation. The company was responsible for developing the world’s first electronic film transmission in the early 1930s, and it later became known for pioneering integrated smart TV technologies, minimalist industrial design, and premium build quality. Despite facing financial difficulties in the 2010s, Loewe returned with new investment, expanding beyond televisions into audio, home appliances, and lifestyle products. This revitalised brand strategy now places it in more direct global competition with Bang & Olufsen.
In Australia, the distributor of Loewe TV’s has also taken aim at Bang & Olufsen with its all-new Canton Reference speaker series, a product line the company claims “blends precision engineering, artisan craftsmanship and raw musical emotion like never before.” These new loudspeakers join Loewe’s premium coffee machine range and its long-established high-end television lineup already sold in the Australian market.
Crafted entirely in Germany, the Reference Series is built around Canton’s latest generation of ceramic-tungsten drivers, coupled with refined ceramic dome tweeters. The components are housed in sculpted, multi-braced curved cabinets designed with advanced internal damping and precision-engineered crossovers. According to the company, every element reflects the highest standards of German acoustic engineering and industrial craftsmanship.
Industry analysts say Loewe has been expanding aggressively across multiple product categories—including televisions, premium audio, and home appliances—positioning itself as a revitalised global luxury brand. The company’s entrance into the US market is being interpreted as a bold step that could further pressure the already struggling Bang & Olufsen, especially in high-margin lifestyle AV segments.
ChannelNews understands that Loewe will have a significant presence at CES 2026 in Las Vegas next month, signalling its intent to establish itself firmly in North America.
“This US debut marks not just an expansion, but the beginning of a long-term commitment to growth, innovation, and customer experience in one of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Aslan Khabliev, CEO of Loewe.
Loewe’s new US website showcases the brand’s Inspire, Stellar, and Iconic (or “We. See”) OLED TV ranges, spanning 42 to 97 inches. The company is also offering more accessible Callas LCD models in 32- and 43-inch formats. Some Loewe television models utilise Samsung’s Tizen OS, while others are powered by Loewe’s own OS8, based on Hisense’s Vidaa platform—demonstrating a flexible software strategy aimed at broadening appeal.
New Australian Canton Audio Line-Up
REFERENCE ALPHA 2 – $79,999 per pair
Canton’s flagship statement loudspeaker.
Dual 12″ ceramic-tungsten woofers
Advanced 7″ midrange driver
Ultra-high-resolution ceramic dome tweeter
Massive multi-chamber cabinet delivering unparalleled bass extension
Engineered for elite 2-channel systems and reference-grade home theatres
REFERENCE 1 – $39,999 per pair
Powerful, authoritative, and effortlessly dynamic.
Twin 10″ bass drivers
7″ ceramic-tungsten midrange
High-precision ceramic tweeter with extended frequency handling
Ideal for large listening rooms requiring high output and clarity
REFERENCE 2 – $34,999 per pair
(You can provide specs if you want them included—this section is ready for expansion.)
