CANVAS HiFi Expands BACCH 3D with Dolby Atmos Surround

CANVAS HiFi has deliberately occupied territory between an integrated HiFi system, a premium TV audio solution and a piece of interior design. BACCH 3D has been central to that identity, creating an expansive three-dimensional front stage without requiring conventional left, centre and right speakers around the television.

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The concept is now taking a significant step beyond the front of the room. CANVAS HiFi is adding support for genuine discrete surround and height channels, allowing CANVAS and CANVAS L to form the basis of a modular immersive home cinema rather than remaining self-contained front-stage systems.

Two specialist partners have been brought into the project. The German electronics company almando GmbH has jointly developed Almando InMedio, which provides surround decoding, signal distribution and control, while Danish loudspeaker specialist System Audio A/S is preparing versions of its active SA Silverback speakers specifically matched to the CANVAS platform.

Key Facts CANVAS HiFi BACCH 3D

• CANVAS HiFi BACCH 3D expansion for Dolby Surround and Dolby Atmos
• CANVAS HiFi reproduces front left, centre, front right and bass
• Discrete side, rear and height channels through external active speakers
• Almando InMedio for decoding, signal distribution and system integration
• Dolby Atmos configurations up to 7.1.4, MPEG-H and 3D Audio / Auro-3D
• Wired active-speaker integration or wireless transmission via WiSA HT
• Cooperation with System Audio for specially adapted Silverback speakers
• HDMI eARC/ARC, coaxial S/PDIF, Line In and eight-channel analogue output
• B&O PowerLink with data signal and B&O Wireless PowerLink
• Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect
• Public première at IFA 2026 in Berlin
• Phased availability from the end of 2026

A reduced front stage without virtualising the entire room

The new system does not attempt to generate every Dolby Atmos channel virtually from the front of the room. Instead, CANVAS HiFi is dividing responsibilities according to where each part of the sound field needs to originate.

BACCH 3D remains in charge of the entire front stage. CANVAS HiFi reproduces the front-left, centre and front-right channels together with the bass, retaining the visually restrained installation immediately beneath or around the television.

According to CANVAS HiFi, BACCH 3D differs fundamentally from conventional virtual-surround processing. By controlling the acoustic interaction between the left and right ears, it is intended to produce a considerably wider and more precisely defined three-dimensional front image. Separate loudspeakers to the left and right of the television are not required, nor does the system depend on carefully directed reflections from the room’s side walls.

The channels whose physical positions are crucial, however, are assigned to separate active speakers. Depending on the chosen configuration, these can serve as side, rear or height channels around and above the listening position. CANVAS HiFi is therefore retaining its compact front-stage solution while adding genuine loudspeakers wherever directional sound must actually enter the room from somewhere else.

Almando InMedio takes control behind the scenes

Almando InMedio provides the technical bridge between the incoming multichannel signal, CANVAS HiFi and the additional active speakers. Developed in cooperation with almando GmbH, the unit handles decoding and sends each channel to the appropriate part of the installation.

The electronics can, according to the manufacturer, be concealed inside the CANVAS Converter Bracket. This allows a substantially more capable home cinema system to be assembled without surrounding the television with conspicuous control units and additional electronics.

That discreet installation is particularly relevant to the original CANVAS philosophy. The system may now extend far beyond its previous role, but the hardware required directly around the display is still intended to remain largely out of sight.

From a pair of surrounds to a 7.1.4 system

Almando InMedio supports Dolby Atmos in configurations of up to 7.1.4 channels. The technical information also lists MPEG-H as well as 3D Audio / Auro-3D.

This is not simply an option to add two rear speakers to an integrated TV sound system. The platform can accommodate side and rear channels together with multiple height speakers, providing the foundation for a fully developed immersive home cinema.

Many compact television audio systems offer expansion only through a small selection of proprietary rear speakers and, in some cases, a separate subwoofer. CANVAS HiFi is taking a broader route by allowing the system to grow from its integrated front solution into a considerably more elaborate multichannel installation.

Connections for more ambitious AV installations

Almando InMedio is also intended to function as the connectivity centre of the system. HDMI eARC/ARC provides the connection to the television or central source, accompanied by a coaxial S/PDIF input and an analogue Line In on RCA connectors.

Eight analogue output channels are provided through RJ45. These outputs are compatible with B&O equipment and can also be converted to RCA through suitable adapter cables. An optical digital output is available as well, including for CANVAS HiFi Mode.

Integration with Bang & Olufsen components has been considered in some detail. Almando InMedio supports B&O PowerLink with its data signal and B&O Wireless PowerLink, while separate 12 V Triggers are provided for audio and video equipment. These may be used to control devices such as external amplifiers or a motorised projection screen.

An integrated 1 Gbit LAN switch completes the installation-oriented feature set. Almando InMedio is consequently positioned not merely as a Dolby decoder, but as the central electronics platform for a wider AV system.

Streaming without another external component

Streaming is integrated directly into Almando InMedio. Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect are listed alongside internet radio and podcasts, with configuration handled through the Almando Play App.

The system also supports several listening positions or zones and offers basic multi-room functionality. Automatic signal management is intended to keep everyday operation straightforward without requiring an additional external control system.

These functions broaden the role of Almando InMedio considerably. It brings television sound, multichannel decoding, music streaming and the management of additional active speakers together within one platform.

An open platform for active loudspeaker

One of the more important decisions concerns the choice of additional speakers. CANVAS HiFi does not intend to restrict customers to a single proprietary family of surround and height speakers.

Compatible active models can be connected by cable or integrated wirelessly using WiSA HT. A system can therefore be expanded gradually, beginning with CANVAS HiFi as an independent stereo and TV audio solution, progressing to a relatively compact surround installation or ultimately becoming a complete Dolby Atmos home cinema.

CANVAS HiFi CEO Laust Nielsen places this openness at the centre of the project. The stated aim is to combine BACCH 3D with established Dolby formats while giving customers as much freedom as possible when choosing loudspeakers and determining the final channel configuration.

System Audio supplies the visually matched option

An open platform does not prevent CANVAS HiFi from offering a particularly closely coordinated solution. Its partnership with System Audio A/S establishes the Danish active-loudspeaker specialist as the preferred supplier for the additional surround channels.

Selected SA Silverback speakers are to be offered in versions designed specifically for the CANVAS environment. The cooperation goes beyond technical compatibility: matching Kvadrat fabrics, colours and wood finishes are planned so that the front system and the additional speakers share a coherent visual language.

CANVAS HiFi currently offers 13 front finishes. These include black or light-grey textile, eight colours using Kvadrat fabrics and wooden slats in light oak, mahogany or walnut. Corresponding finishes for the System Audio speakers should allow side, rear and height channels to become part of the same interior concept rather than appearing as unrelated technical additions.

That consideration is integral to the CANVAS proposition. The system was conceived to become part of the room rather than presenting itself as a conventional stack of HiFi and home cinema equipment.

System Audio SA Silverback for side, rear and height channels

The System Audio SA Silverback speaker described in the press kit is a compact two-way active design. It combines an 80 W amplifier with a 5.5 inch Silverback 3.6 bass/midrange driver and a 1 inch DXT Ti soft-dome tweeter.

Its specified frequency range extends from 45 Hz to 25,000 Hz at ±1.5 dB. Wireless audio transmission is handled through WiSA HT, while an analogue Line In provides the alternative wired connection.

An integrated wall mount is included, and the enclosure is also prepared for the W.5 Bracket. Measuring 21 × 32.5 × 13.5 cm, the speaker is compact enough to be incorporated comparatively discreetly as a side, rear or height channel.

The partnership between CANVAS HiFi and System Audio is therefore intended to deliver considerably more than a general recommendation. The additional speakers should operate as part of the same technical system while also continuing the design language established by CANVAS at the front of the room.

From a front-stage specialist to a complete home cinema platform

Until now, CANVAS HiFi has primarily presented an alternative to conventional stereo loudspeakers and premium soundbars. Its defining feature was the ability of BACCH 3D to produce an unusually spacious front image from an integrated system positioned around the television.

Dolby Atmos Surround changes the scale of that proposition. CANVAS HiFi can now serve as the starting point for a complete immersive installation while retaining the central idea that made the original system distinctive.

A conventional home cinema normally requires an AV receiver, separate front-left and front-right loudspeakers, a centre speaker, a subwoofer and further speakers for the surround and height channels. In the CANVAS HiFi approach, much of this front-of-room hardware is absorbed into a single integrated solution.

Only those loudspeakers whose actual positions within the room are essential to the intended spatial effect need to be added separately. Dolby Atmos therefore does not replace BACCH 3D. BACCH 3D continues to form the front stage, while Dolby Atmos extends the sound field around and above the listening position.

This division of labour is what gives the new CANVAS HiFi concept its particular appeal. It combines the clean installation of an integrated TV audio system with the physically discrete channels expected from a serious immersive home cinema.

World première at IFA 2026 in Berlin

CANVAS HiFi will present the new BACCH 3D surround solution publicly for the first time at IFA 2026 in Berlin. From 4 September 2026, the company intends to demonstrate how its BACCH 3D front stage can operate together with discrete surround channels in a single installation.

The partnership with System Audio and the specially prepared Silverback variants are also scheduled to make their public début at the event. The various new products and expansion options are then expected to become available in stages from the end of 2026.

The Most Important Advantages at a Glance

• BACCH 3D retains control of the front: CANVAS HiFi continues to reproduce front left, centre, front right and bass.
• Physical Dolby Atmos channels: Active loudspeakers provide genuine side, rear and height reproduction.
• Expansion up to 7.1.4: The platform supports comprehensive immersive home cinema configurations.
• Open choice of speakers: Compatible active loudspeakers can be connected by cable or wirelessly through WiSA HT.
• Centralised electronics: Almando InMedio combines decoding, signal routing, streaming and AV integration.
• Coordinated System Audio models: Special Silverback versions are planned with technical and visual matching for CANVAS HiFi.
• Extensive system integration: HDMI eARC/ARC, B&O PowerLink, eight analogue output channels, networking and 12 V Triggers support larger installations.
• Clean living-room installation: The area around the television remains centred on one integrated CANVAS solution.

Price & Availability

CANVAS HiFi will publicly demonstrate its new BACCH 3D surround system, Almando InMedio and the cooperation with System Audio from 4 September 2026 at IFA 2026 in Berlin. The individual products and expansion options are scheduled to become available gradually from the end of 2026.

A price for Almando InMedio has not yet been announced. According to the press kit, pricing will be revealed closer to its market launch, with several versions planned.

The CANVAS All-in-One System starts at € 3.399,-, while the CANVAS L All-in-One System starts at € 5.999,-. The System Audio SA Silverback versions are listed at € 1.999,- per pair in black or white, € 2.199,- per pair with Kvadrat fabric and € 2.499,- per pair with a wood finish.

Getting to the Point

BACCH 3D has been the technology that most clearly distinguished CANVAS HiFi from conventional soundbars and familiar television audio systems. The addition of Dolby Atmos Surround does not abandon that identity; it gives it somewhere meaningful to go.

CANVAS HiFi remains responsible for the task at which BACCH 3D is intended to excel: constructing a broad and three-dimensional front stage. Physical loudspeakers are added only where sound genuinely needs to come from the sides, behind the audience or above the listening position.

The manner in which this expansion has been conceived is just as important as the additional channels themselves. Almando InMedio supplies the central decoding, routing and integration functions, while System Audio A/S offers a visually and technically coordinated speaker option. Yet the platform remains open to other compatible active loudspeakers.

CANVAS HiFi BACCH 3D with Dolby Atmos Surround is therefore not a minor feature update. It marks the transition from an unusual integrated front-stage solution to a complete home cinema concept that still looks and operates very differently from the conventional combination of an AV receiver, centre speaker, separate front speakers and subwoofer.

Technical Specifications – Almando InMedio

Technical Specifications – System Audio SA Silverback

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