I listened to the ‘world’s first audiophile soundbar’ — and unbelievably, I think it might actually justify that claim

The Canvas L soundbar on a stand at a convention. The grille has been removed, so you can see the speaker arrangement and the mounting bracket.

When the Canvas L was announced, and declared itself the "world's first audiophile soundbar", the TechRadar Slack lit up. The likes of KEF and Bang & Olufsen would surely dispute that claim — and is this upstart company really going to beat them at their own game?

Well, I got to listen to the new Canvas L in action at the High End Vienna 2026 hi-fi show, and my skepticism is gone. Other companies have produced absolutely glorious-sounding soundbar-shaped speakers, but the Canvas L is pretty astounding even in that context.