CABASSE, in the depths of sound where ideas become pearls.
- Elisa Nori
- Jun 30, 2024
- 30 min read
Two French names stand out both in terms of the advent of sound cinema and the birth of Cinemascope: Eugène Augustin Lauste and Henri-Jacques Chrétien.
Lauste is one of the pioneers of sound cinema who, starting from 1906, deposits a series of patents regarding machines capable of recording audio information in synchrony with images on the same film, while Chrétien develops and patents a new cinematographic process called Anamorphoscope in 1926; that process which later becomes the basis of CinemaScope.
The protagonists of pre-sound cinema are the musical accompaniment, the skills of the hall musicians and their style which define live music as the only viable path;
a single musician or even an entire orchestra, if the cinema has an important occasion and is large enough.
The noisemakers, who follow the projection from behind the screen, reproduce suitable sounds and noises with objects and instruments at their disposal.
With the advent of feature films, characterized by a more complex narrative structure, the need to connect images and sounds in a more solid way vibrates urgently;
the possibility of using music not only in an extradiegetic manner (external to the narration), but also in a diegetic manner (internal to the narration).
Lauste, with some funding from the London Cinematograph Company, carried out various experiments to find a practicable method of producing the narrow beam of light necessary, and in 1910 he made his first experimental sound films in the garden of his house in Brixton, London.
During a stay in the United States in 1911, Lauste introduced his projector-camera and thus shot a short sound film.
The world war and the lack of capital precluded him from commercializing his sound processes, his research and his experiments while retaining an absolute importance in the process of the rise of sound.
Chrétien on the other hand remains indelible in the history of cinema for having invented the first accessible process to give us panoramic films: an anamorphic system of lenses called Hypergonar which, when applied to the camera, compresses the images on the film.
Unlike that obtainable from a common lens, it encompasses a much broader scene; these "compressed" images, passing in the opposite direction through the hypergonar applied to the projector, "expand" and resume their normal shapes, but enlarged on a large screen.
To purchase some of his lenses, starting to develop its own process for the wide screen, Twentieth-Century Fox became aware of Chrétien's invention; it is called CinemaScope.
"The Robe" is the first film in CinemaScope, starring Jean Simmons and Richard Burton.
Walt Disney immediately purchased the rights and in 1954 "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" was launched, starring Kirk Douglas and James Mason; one of the greatest CinemaScope films ever made.
And if we want to talk about CinemaScope Georges Cabasse, electrical engineer and musician, founder of the French company Cabasse known for its pioneering role in modern acoustics and in the production of coaxial speakers, in 1952 created Diphone, a coaxial speaker made for the installation of the sound system of Le Grand Rex in Paris; the first in France equipped with CinemaScope technology.
Georges Cabasse founded the loudspeaker company near Paris in 1950.
Being attracted by the sea, in 1959, together with his wife Elisabeth, he moved the company to Brest, the westernmost tip of France; he builds one of the largest anechoic chambers in the world (2,000 m²) to carry out the tests necessary for the development of loudspeakers.
Descended from several generations of French luthier artisans, since 1730 builders of cellos, guitars, barrel organs, double basses and other instruments that can still be found in some orchestras (one of these basses is still used by the Istanbul Philharmonic), he became passionate about music from a young age.
This passion develops in him a sensitivity for the quality of sound reproduction and the numerous piano concerts to which he often goes do nothing but increase it. He thus began to build speakers and make recordings with the aim of reproducing the sound as close to reality as possible.
Cabasse collaborated in 1965 with the French Navy to create speakers for submarines and in 1974 designed the first active 3-way speakers – Brigantin VTA and Galion 3VTA – as part of a competition organized by “La Maison de la Radio” which he promptly won ; this leads it to provide the Radio France studios with a sound quality that will become a reference in the sector.
In 1984 the installation in the La Géode Omnimax Theater, a sphere-shaped Parisian building in which a cinema is located, of a 4-way cluster with a 12-point transmission system and 4 subwoofers (2 x 55 cm) still exists today installed.
Then, in 1998, a very original system was installed on the Charles de Gaulle ship with 10 long-range speakers that allow orders to be transmitted to crew members with a pressure that can reach 136 dB.
Cabasse also provided sound for the Paris City Hall, the palace of the King of Morocco, the Chartres Cathedral and the Opéra Comique in Paris.
In 2002, to equip the Vel Satis sedan with speakers, the company collaborated with Renault and its equipment manufacturer Sofare-Sofaital.
2003 marks a new turning point in the history of Cabasse: the teams settle in front of the ocean, headquarters in Brittany where an underground bunker allows power and reliability tests to be carried out at the brand's headquarters. Finally, a laboratory dedicated to metals, wood, paints and noble composite materials produces all functional prototypes and Cabasse instruments.
On September 26, 2006, the Japanese group Canon announces the acquisition of Cabasse.
For several years, it is the Canon factory in Liffré 7 that assembles the Cabasse speakers and takes care of the after-sales service and logistics; it then passed into the hands of the French company Awox in 2014.
Specializing in products, services and technologies dedicated to the Smart Home, AwoX becomes a highly qualified European group; for connected lighting with the AwoX brand, for high fidelity audio with the Cabasse brand and for home automation (electrical accessories, video/security equipment and home comfort products) with the Chacon and DiO brands.
In September 2020 the lighting division of AwoX is acquired by Eglo leuchten GmbH, which renews itself as the main distributor of the brand.
The group becomes Veom Group in 2022 which brings together the Cabasse, Chacon and DiO companies and is refocusing its activities on the high-fidelity audio and home automation sectors.
Georges Cabasse's sons, Christophe and Olivier, still pursue the same industrial and technological objectives today.
In his study of Hi-Fi Audio excellence, Georges Cabasse focuses his design predilection on the spherical shape because a truly punctiform audio source is obtained by placing the speakers all on the same sound transmission line.
The greatest expression of his thinking is Spherè, introduced in 2006 and still in production, from which all the current ones with the same spherical shape descend.
Equipped with advanced multimedia functions, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, compatibility with Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, WebRadio, Napster, Cromecast, Air Play and not least
a very well developed app (available for both iOS and Android) that allows you to manage multi-room capabilities, Cabasse products stand between excellence and fine craftsmanship.
Audiogamma, which over time has become a primary reference in the sector, distributing products of global importance in the Audio, Audio/Video and Hi-End fields, begins 2023 with great news: the exclusive distribution agreement of the well-known French brand Cabasse.
There are numerous product lines with the Cabasse brand: they range from spherical, coaxial, wireless or wired speakers, conventional products, but nevertheless many subwoofers and built-in elements.
Let's go even deeper to learn about The Pearl Collection in detail, which came to the surface with the legendary Sphère as a reference.
The collection includes:
THE PEARL PELEGRINA
THE PEARL
THE PEARL AKOYA
THE PEARL SUB
THE PEARL KESHI
THE PEARL SUB 2.1 IO3
THE PEARL SUB 2.1 RIGA 2
THE PEARL SUB 2.1 BALTIC 5
THE PEARL SUB 2.1 MINORCA
THE PEARL SUB 2.1 MURANO
THE PEARL PELEGRINA
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Cabasse in 2021 presents the flagship of its range of connected speakers: THE PEARL PELEGRINA. It takes its name from a rare 55-carat pearl nicknamed "the incomparable".
According to various stories that see it enter the scene centuries ago, in 1660 King Philip IV of Spain gave it to his daughter Maria Teresa on the occasion of her marriage to Louis XIV of France. She passes as an inheritance to her son and is included among the jewels of the French crown; it is thought that from that moment its last French owner may have been Louis XVI.
It was then stolen by rioters, purchased by Russian aristocrats specifically the Yusupov family and subsequently resold to a jeweller; it ultimately becomes the property of a collector. Its history still remains shrouded in mystery but makes it one of the most famous pearls in the world.
Each of the first 70 pairs of The Pearl Pelegrina carries a limited numbered plaque, present on each of the 2 speakers in this exclusive series; the perfection of the latest Cabasse technologies and its acoustic know-how.
THE PEARL PELEGRINA satisfies the most demanding music lovers and their excitement to experience at home, or in a specific environment, all the realism and pleasure of sound as can be experienced in concert; audiophiles who see their desire for a purer sound and all the ease of access to dematerialized music fulfilled, without neglecting the importance of the latest technological innovations.
Plus, an added value, the privilege of having a rare piece!
An extraordinary design that incorporates exclusive materials and luxury finishes, designed by the brand's French teams and tailor-made in Plouzané (Brittany): this speaker measures almost 1.30 meters in height, the sphere and base 48 cm in diameter.
In the shape of the foot the reference to the figure of Lissajous, the name of the physicist who "made sound visible", and the logo that has accompanied Cabasse since its beginnings; a detail that connoisseurs of the brand certainly don't miss.
Those who enjoyed listening to it during the presentation were amazed at the extension in the extreme bass, simply defined as dizzying; as well as the power the speaker is able to deploy without compromising signal integrity.
Many of the praises that THE PEARL PELEGRINA has received are: "the maximum precision and fidelity of the timbres", "a total immersion in the heart of the sound", "an impressive dynamics" and even "a sound power equivalent to that of an airplane in take off".
THE PEARL PELEGRINA combines the best of Cabasse's experience for 70 years:
– Famous “TCA” tri-coaxial driver technology – used in THE SPHERE and Baltic V systems.
– Compactness with a 42 cm diameter sphere capable of rendering performance at the highest levels.
– Over 20 years of research and development and the best signal processing technology from Cabasse.
– Cutting-edge streaming technologies with our in-house proprietary embedded software.
– CRCS (Automatic Room Correction System) calibration with integrated microphone inside the speaker that optimizes sound quality based on the listening room.
Technical specifications of THE PEARL PELEGRINA:
Stereotype from 134dB
10 – 27 000 Hz
Low-Medium/Medium/Tweeter TCA
30 cm HELD woofer
Speaker amplification
Treble: 300 W RMS/520 W peak
Medium: 300 W RMS/520 W peak
Low-medium: 1250 W RMS / 2500 W peak
Bass: 1850 W RMS / 3700 W peak
Amplification performance
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: THD+N = 0,003% e 0,008% (1W, 4Ohm)
Saturation: 0
Background Noise 0 dB a 50 m (-15,5 dB SPL a 3 m)
Connectivity
Ethernet – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth – USB
SPDIF Optical - RCA analog - Balanced audio input
Audio formats
MP3 – AAC -WMA – AIFF – FLAC – ALAC – Ogg – vorbis – DSD 64/128 – WMA lossless
Compatible Streaming Services
Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Web Radio, Napster
Dimensions
48 x 48 x 128 cm (18″ x 18″ 50″)
Weight
45 kg (99 lbs)
The quintessence of this Breton speaker is streaming, not neglecting the wired sources that it can receive on its inputs located at the rear of the base.
There is an optical digital input, an unbalanced RCA input and a balanced XLR input.
Also included is a USB port for playing music stored on a USB stick or external hard drive. This reproduction is possible up to the very high resolution of 32 bit/768kHz, guaranteeing excellent sound quality.
THE PEARL PELEGRINA never ceases to fascinate and amaze, so much so that when the Diapason d'or awards ceremony was held in Paris on 20 January 2022, Christophe Cabasse, brand ambassador, was awarded the prestigious trophy.
THE PEARL
Let's move on to THE PEARL, a few years older than PELEGRINA, presented during the opening night of the Audio Video Show in Paris; a refined and powerful jewel with a double shell reinforced in composite fiber with metal grille.
Carbon fiber, aluminum and fiberglass are used for the speakers.
It has attracted many people since the end of 2018, and audiophiles in France and abroad have fallen in love with it.
With a sound power equivalent to that of a Formula 1 car (118dB) and the Cabasse acoustic experience, THE PEARL restores all the purity of the sound.
The spherical magic of THE PEARL sits proudly in the interior design of the lucky ones, who have the chance to be conquered by its presence.
Its noble materials sublimate the performance: no less than 6 layers of paint are necessary to obtain the best performance in 2 possible finishes.
With two THE PEARL speakers it is possible to create, for an even more exceptional result, via Wifi and without additional boxes a stereo system with incomparable performance;
through its optical and analogue inputs, listening to a television, dematerialized sources, a CD player or vinyl records will be truly easy and satisfying.
The two PEARLs will offer music and movies the precision of a high-end stereo sound system.
Rotating the outer ring of the sleek, minimalist Bluetooth remote adjusts the volume; the front surface has basic playback functions.
A custom floor stand and bracket are available for THE PEARL to mount it on any wall.
Cabasse acoustic engineers have aligned the woofer, midrange and new coaxial tweeter in carbon and neodymium, thus achieving compact dimensions, excellent power management and a uniform frequency response from 14 Hz to 27000 Hz without any directivity, coloration or distortion .
A truly intelligent all-in-one solution, so much so that it also won the Diapason d'or 2020.
Technical specifications of THE PEARL:
Maximum Sound Level
118 dB mono
124 dB stereo
Bandwidth
14 – 27 000 Hz
Drivers
Medium-tweeter 13 cm (5") coaxial BCI
Woofer 25 cm (13") 25HELD
Tweeter
300 W RMS/600 W peak
Medium
300 W RMS/600 W peak
Bass
1.000 W RMS / 2.000 W peak
Amplification performance
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: THD+N = 0,005% – (1W, 4Ohm)
Saturation: 0
Background Noise 0 dB a 50 m (-15,5 dB SPL a 3 m)
Connectivity
Ethernet/WiFi – Bluetooth – SPDIF Optical – RCA Analog – USB for music on external hard drives
Multi-room
Mono – stereo with 2 speakers – High-Resolution Multi-room
Audio formats
MP3 – AAC – WMA – AIFF – FLAC – ALAC
Audio formats up to 24 / 192
768kHz / 32 bit DAC
Compatible Streaming Services
Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Web Radio, Napster
Dimensions
326 x 327 x 323 mm (12,6″x 12,6″x 12,6″)
Weight
18 kg/40 lbs.
THE PEARL AKOYA
Compared to "a motorcycle or astronaut helmet" and to stay on the musical theme to "a member of Daft Punk", THE PEARL AKOYA made its entrance the year after THE PEARL.
The name derives from Akoya pearls, a type of Japanese pearl whose meaning is 'powerful and complete'.
Equipped with a beautiful semi-rigid case with a handle shaped on the speaker, to be used in case of need, THE PEARL AKOYA completes the look almost like an accessory to show off.
Smaller than her older sister, but just as effective, she amazes those who look and listen to her with her voice control, multiroom and multisource capabilities.
On the cabinet, made of very resistant and several centimeters thick composite resin with GFRP and wood dust just like in the larger Pearl, one of the two decorative aluminum rings was removed.
A triaxial speaker, amplified in class D, with an internal DAC, with environmental acoustic correction, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), with both wired connections for "traditional" devices and with Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay.
Designed for spaces of up to 20/35 m2, it is positioned as a new generation hi-fi system; THE PEARL AKOYA is equipped with a calibration room compensation system, which solves every problem.
With just one tap in the StreamCONTROL APP, the built-in microphone inside Akoya automatically measures the room, identifies problem spectra, and then Akoya compensates for acoustics with high-precision digital parametric filters, ultimately achieving optimal frequency responses in less than a minute.
Like its bigger sister, THE PEARL AKOYA is equipped with an ergonomic, simple and elegant Bluetooth remote control.
The speaker is thus intuitively controlled wirelessly; volume, playback, pause, selection of your favorite piece of music; all comfortably in total relaxation and with the security of irreplaceable quality.
You will become fond of this pearl because no pearl is the same as another; the art of perseverance allows you to achieve perfection, Cabasse knows this well.
Like a foreign body inside the oyster, suffering that is isolated, allows it to give life to a masterpiece of nature...so the work of a highly qualified and passionate company, the result of countless sacrifices and research, becomes tangible through the his creations.
With THE PEARL AKOYA Cabasse receives the Highly Recommended award from the Norwegian magazine Stereo+, the Applause Award from Stereonet UK, the Diapason d'Or and Product of the Year 2021.
It's definitely worth diving for.
Technical specifications of the THE PEARL AKOYA:
Maximum Sound Level
115 dB mono121 dB stereo
Bandwidth
30 – 27 000 Hz
Drivers
Medium-tweeter 13 cm/5" coaxial BCI
Woofer 17 cm/7″ HELD
Tweeter
300 W RMS/600 W peak
Medium
300 W RMS/600 W peak
Bass
450 W RMS/900 W peak
Amplification performance
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: THD+N = 0,005% – (1W, 4Ohm)
Saturation: 0
Background Noise 0 dB a 50 m (-15,5 dB SPL a 3 m)
Connectivity
Ethernet/WiFi – Bluetooth – SPDIF Optical – RCA Analog – USB for music on external hard drives
Multi-room
High-Resolution Multi-room
Remote control
Programmable Bluetooth Controller
Audio formats
MP3 – AAC -WMA – AIFF – FLAC – ALACDAC 768 kHz / 32 bit
Compatible Streaming Services
Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Web Radio, Napster
Dimensions
22 x 22 x 22 cm (8,7″x 8,7″x 8,7″)
Weight
6 kg/18 Ibs.
THE PEARL KESHI
We are faced with ultra-compact dimensions that release vigor and impressive acoustic performance: 2 satellites of 8 cm in diameter and a connected compact subwoofer of 22 cm in diameter with 1050 Watts RMS of total power; the fidelity to the concept of point sources in spherical bodies is evident.
Presented in 2021 at the Paris Audiovidéo Show, THE KESHI PEARL takes its name from the small natural pearls found in Tahiti and the South Seas. The optical effect is that of suspension, as if they were floating even if supported by a raw chromed steel base.
For an excellent result, 4 successive coats of matt varnish were essential.
The practical dimensions allow it to be adapted to multiple environments and uses, as a wall fixing system for the satellites is also integrated to allow them to be positioned in 5 adjustable positions, in addition to the standard position on the base.
The two Pearl Keshi satellite speakers are equipped with a brand new patented driver with an ultra-thin 50 micrometer diaphragm and neodymium motor, powered by a 300 Watt RMS (per speaker) module positioned in the subwoofer.
This miniature Death Star has a unique yet practical design, an exciting system for both music and home cinema. The ergonomic and refined remote control, connected via Bluetooth, allows you to control the device in a simple and insightful way.
Strong points of Cabasse technology:
– DEAP: optimized digital signal amplifier/speaker combination.
– DFE: real-time optimization of sound dynamics (audio analysis, dynamics and volume). Real-time algorithm to find the balance of the original recording whether you're listening to it at low volume at home or at full volume at a party.
– CRCS: automatic room correction to adapt the speaker sound to your listening environment.
THE PEARL KESHI integrates perfectly with the Cabasse StreamCONTROL multiroom system and allows the playback of all audio files from MP3, AAC, WMA to very high definition files such as AIFF, FLAC, ALAC.
It connects to online music services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, Web radio, etc.), but also to traditional sources such as CDs, turntables, NAS, etc.
Cabasse does not overlook any detail, making the experience perfect even when the system reaches your hands at home: an elegant wooden box opens like a treasure chest to reveal the jewel, with the respective elements placed in dedicated compartments. The speakers and subwoofer are protected by well-made fabric cases.
Technical specifications of the THE PEARL KESHI:
Sound
Stereo 115 dB (peak)
Bandwidth: 30 – 23 000 Hz
Medium-tweeter: Dom55
Subwoofer 17 cm HELD
Amplification
Left channel: 300 W RMS / 600 W (Peak)
Right channel: 300 W RMS / 600 W (Peak)
Bass: 450 W RMS / 900 W (Peak)
Amplification performance
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: THD+N = 0,005% – (1W, 4Ohm)
Saturation: 0
Background Noise 0 dB a 50 m (-15,5 dB SPL a 3 m)
Connectivity
Ethernet – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth
Micro USB – SPDIF Optical – 3,5 mm Jack
Audio Formats
WAV – MP3 – AAC -WMA – AIFF – FLAC – ALAC – Ogg – vorbis – DSD 64/128 – WMA lossless
Compatible Streaming Services
Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Web Radio, Napster
Dimensions
Subwoofer: 24 x 22 x 27 cm
Satellites: 10 x 8 x 8 cm
Weight
Satellites: 550 gr (approx per speaker)
Subwoofer: 6Kg (approx)
THE PEARL SUB
A subwoofer comes onto the scene that goes well with 5 models of passive speakers: iO3, Riga2, Baltic 5, Minorca and Murano which promise unparalleled sound and a design that loves to show off.
This is THE PEARL SUB with high definition 2.1 connection; It will shake you and your room with the deepest bass! It follows the phenomenal global success of the Pearl and Pearl Akoya streaming speakers.
It has a sleek, floating design, resting on a hewn, bent, chrome-plated steel base to hold the subwoofer in the air. There are four successive layers of matt varnish, which allow for a perfect spherical rendering.
The Pearl Sub features a 25cm woofer with a linear excursion of up to 30mm.
It is powered by 2,000 watts (peak power) for a spectacular level of deep bass and prodigious bass dynamics.
On the back, four carbon speaker connectors allow you to power speakers with a nominal power of up to 300 Watts.
THE PEARL SUB is also equipped with Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity.
It also integrates perfectly into the Cabasse StreamCONTROL multiroom system and allows the playback of all types of audio files: from MP3, AAC and WMA to very high definition AIFF, FLAC and ALAC files, whether stored on hard drives/computers, transmitted streaming from Internet radio stations or online music services (Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Napster, Tidal). THE PEARL SUB can also be controlled by voice and is compatible with Google Voice Assistant.
Technical specifications of the THE PEARL SUB:
Sound
Ways: 1
Woofer: 1 x 25 cm/10″ HELD
Amplification
Left Channel: 300 W RMS/600 W peak
Right Channel: 300 W RMS/600 W peak
Bass: 1.000 W RMS/2.000 W peak
Amplification performance
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: THD+N = 0,005% – (1W, 4Ohm)
Saturation: 0
Background Noise 0 dB a 50 m (-15,5 dB SPL a 3 m)
Connectivity
Ethernet – Wi-Fi – Bluetooth – USB
SPDIF Optical – RCA Analog
Audio Formats
MP3 – AAC-WMA – AIFF – FLAC – ALA
Multi-room
Hi-res Multiroom
Compatibility
iO 1/2/3, Riga 1/2 e Baltic 4/5, Minorca MC40, Murano
Remote control
Bluetooth
Dimensions
338 x 320 x 368 mm (13″ x 12,5″ x 14,5″)
Weight
20 kg/44 lbs.
Finish
Black, White
A recap of the speakers that can be paired with THE PEARL SUB:
iO3: 16 cm in diameter is the smallest satellite speaker inspired by the famous Baltic and based on the same principles; It therefore adopts the same principle of coaxial coincidence and benefits from the unique know-how acquired for the development of its big sister. The 5" coaxial driver with the 1" dome tweeter covers a frequency range from 150 to 22,000 Hz. While compact, it benefits from all the technology of its larger counterpart; the SCS (Spatially Coherent Source) technology applied in this system guarantees the same fundamental characteristics: linearity, coherence, dynamics, power management and absolute spatial coherence. Cabasse offers 4 versions: iO3 on base, on wall, on stand (wooden) forming a 2.1 combination with Pearl Sub and mounted on the ceiling. Once positioned, you can orient them in all directions until you find the ideal position to have the most effective sound possible. The display of the different versions is optimized by Cabasse's Deap technology.
RIGA 2: whether you are a lover of chamber music, opera, jazz, blues, pop or heavy metal...Riga 2 radiates energy and enthusiasm with all music lovers; a crazy impulse of desire, wanting to be carried away by what you will feel. The Cabasse Riga2 satellite speaker benefits from an elegant spherical frame, a shape known and tested by the brand for decades, which presents numerous interests and technical advantages: in particular it facilitates the circulation of the sound wave behind the speaker, eliminating any parasitic reflection that could color the sound. Goodbye to distortions and welcome to natural reproduction, which Riga2 guarantees without compromise. This ultra-compact satellite speaker features a 17cm coaxial driver, set in a sphere half the size of its predecessor, the Baltic. The acoustic needs and perfectionism of music and cinema enthusiasts will be satisfied by the BC 17 driver; it will aesthetically delight listeners with its class. The Riga 2 Cabasses are skillful and trustworthy: their exceptional virtues are unconditional tonal neutrality, dynamic flexibility and exorbitant resolution. You will feel live music more alive than ever. The Riga 2 Cabinet is designed to adapt to different audio configurations: it can be used as a stand-alone stereo speaker or as part of a home theater system. You can adjust it in different positions: on the floor, on a stand or mounted on the wall.
BALTIC 5: since its introduction, the Baltic, the world's first 3-way coaxial satellite speaker, has always offered the unique acoustic and musical qualities of a true full-range point source. This redesigned fifth version of the Baltic 5 features a triaxial TCA speaker that will form an even more powerful and versatile portion of the pulsating sphere. A “must have” for every audiophile. Further improving the performance of Baltic without changing the dimensions of the sphere led the Cabasse team to design, exclusively in its laboratories, aramid films suitable for the development of new membranes. The latter present a constant and regular profile between them, with a maximum of emissive surfaces and fixed surfaces almost free of diffraction. The homogeneity and purity of the diffusion, from the extreme top to the bottom, are exemplary. The lightness and rigidity of this new TCA-specific honeycomb structure allows, with the development of new very powerful rare earth engines, to increase the efficiency and power management of the Baltic. The simultaneous production of the two membranes in the same material by a Cabasse robot guarantees reliability and constant performance. Baltic is available on a stand, on a base or with a wall mount.
MINORCA: the ultra-compact Minorca MC40 is a 3-way bookshelf speaker equipped with a BC10 coaxial midrange tweeter and a Duocell membrane woofer, as well as Cabasse's SCS (Spatially Coherent Source) technology. The 17cm woofer is equipped with Duocell membranes developed by the company; These membranes are produced using a thermoplastic forming process developed by Cabasse and are extremely lightweight, yet still have high strength and internal cushioning. The material thickness also increases in heavily loaded areas thanks to an exponential profile. These measures allow the membranes to freely convert the immense forces exerted on them by the powerful magnets of the Cabasse into a precise, lively and realistic sound. Developed with the same innovative solutions used to reproduce the mid-high sound of the flagship "The Sphère" system, the BC10 adds depth and realism to the fidelity of the timbres, without artifice or auditory fatigue. A speaker that is unrivaled at this price level. Minorca does not fear the action of great cinema nor the delirium of a concert... on the contrary, it ensures that the listener experiences the emotions as if he were the protagonist. The respective floor stands are available in black and matt white finishes. Their clever design allows you to hide cables to ensure elegant integration into your listening room.
MURANO: with its luxurious and careful finish (in white, black or lacquered mahogany) this contemporary speaker with round shapes, perfect paintwork and chrome edges is exceptional in all registers. In the absence of magnetic grilles, Murano shows off a chrome ring surrounding the speakers. To allow the sound waves inside the cabinet to have no parallel surfaces to bounce off, reducing distortion and adding rigidity, the side walls of the speaker are elegantly curved outwards. With a peak power of 1,000W, any type of music will be superb with a pair of Muranos, in both small and large rooms. It is the smallest speaker belonging to the high-end Artis series range. As such, it benefits from innovations also developed in the superior La Sphère and L'Ocean models: the BC13 coaxial midrange-tweeter will be able to amaze you like no speaker before; the 17 centimeter woofer, thanks also to the use of the honeycomb membrane, provides clean and deep low frequencies. At the rear it reveals very high quality clamps, rhodium-plated and covered with a carbon fiber inlay. The center holes have red or black inserts that indicate polarity and house banana plugs. Above the binding posts is a specially designed bass reflex port that curves gently downwards, improving low frequency reproduction given the relatively small enclosure. Additionally, the port mouth widens outward to reduce turbulence, resonance and noise. At a sound level, Murano is extremely natural and capable of revealing many details and nuances, standing out compared to other bookshelf speakers for its ability to play at very high sound pressure levels without effort or audible compression. Their three-dimensionality is astonishing and the timbre no less so, together with a surprising realism whether listening to male or female voices. Small speaker but, in the heart of Murano lies the greatness that allows you to reach a level of emotion previously only achievable from large speakers.
The following interview was carried out thanks to the availability, professionalism and courtesy of Nicolas Balaguer, marketing director of Cabasse.
Thanks go to him and the entire Cabasse team, who through their work aim to strengthen the concept of leadership in the sector; change and progress are key objectives and purposes in the creation of their products.
Cabasse left his signature in countless prestigious locations in Paris including Le Grand Rex, the Paris City Hall, the Opéra Comique, La Géode Omnimax, but also in the Chartres Cathedral and on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier which, from the Brest shipyards , passed to the French Navy in 1998. The same famous port city started La Maison Cabasse, where the intent was to develop private consumer electronics because almost all development in Brest was concentrated on military electronics. Powers born on the sea... What does the Cabasse brand represent for France today?
Thank you for your question. Cabasse is incredibly proud of her long history and the special place she holds in French culture. From legendary venues like the ones you mention, our sound systems have played a vital role in bringing sound to life in some of France's most prestigious locations.
Starting from Brest, a city known for its naval heritage, Cabasse initially focused on military electronics. However, with the founding of La Maison Cabasse, we have shifted our expertise to creating high-quality consumer electronics. This move marked the beginning of our journey to make exceptional audio experiences accessible to all.
Today Cabasse is a symbol of French excellence in the world of audio. Our products are known for their superb sound quality and innovative design, continuing to capture the spirit of craftsmanship and innovation that has been with us since the beginning.
In a word, Cabasse represents the harmony between tradition and innovation, a brand that continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots.
Furthermore, for France, Cabasse is synonymous with superlative audio experiences, embodying the best of French design and engineering; The Cabasse sound signature is known for faithfully reproducing music and is something we strive to do with all our systems.
Cabasse's Research and Development department has designed unique and tailor-made equipment: a 20,000 m3 anechoic chamber at its site in Brittany where reliable acoustic measurements are carried out; designed without solid connections with the building around it, except the ground, for almost perfect acoustic insulation.
A true underground bunker which also allows power and reliability tests to be carried out at the brand's offices. Give me a little insight into “The Bunker”.
The Bunker is structured to reach the maximum limits of our system; it is underground and outside the Plouzané facility.
Sometimes when we test very powerful systems like Pearl and Pelegrina, we can hear the speakers playing from inside the building.
We let them play for 3 or 4 days to test their limits.
In addition to the Bunker we have the "Anechoic Chamber" which is also used for acoustic measurement tests.
A little story about the anechoic chamber is that each of our The Pearl Pelegrina systems are tested in our anechoic chamber, before being sold to our customers around the world.
The Spherè presented at CES 2006 in Las Vegas, still in production, is the maximum expression of the thought of Georges Cabasse whose predilection was the design in the spherical shape, thus obtaining a truly punctiform audio source.
Made with composite materials originally intended for a European space program and designed in collaboration with the award-winning French architect Sylvain Dubuisson, all the current ones with the same shape descend from Spherè; paved the way for a flagship generation. What were the best satisfactions gained from this design that is recognized as a trademark? What is important to you in product design at the moment of its conception and subsequent creation?
The most satisfying part of Spherè's legacy is how it has inspired our current products, becoming a symbol of Cabasse's dedication to progress and excellence.
It is recognized not only for its extraordinary sound, but also for its striking design.
When creating new products, we focus on innovation, precision and aesthetics. We push the boundaries of technology and design to ensure every product looks amazing and delivers great sound.
La Spherè embodies this philosophy, blending functionality and beauty in a way that continues to define our brand.
Today we continue to sell the La Spherè system all over the world and it is still our sonic reference when we develop new products.
The Pearl Sub allows you to create an optimized and complete acoustic system, depending on the speakers it is associated with; satellite systems have therefore proven to be extremely efficient. Ease of implementation is now accessible thanks to digital filtering.
The value comes not only from their fascinating and unusual shape, but also from the engineering.
Which of the proposed solutions i.e. iO3, Riga2, Baltic 5, Minorca and Murano are the most requested? Is there any further news related to The Pearl Sub?
Among the most requested solutions associated with The Pearl Sub, iO3 currently remains.
These compact satellite systems have proven to be extremely efficient when paired with the Pearl Sub, creating an optimized and complete acoustic system.
They integrate into any type of room: the value of these systems is given by the automatic room correction system for optimized acoustics regardless of the listening location, as well as the possibility of connecting the speakers to the most popular streaming services such as Airplay 2, making them very easy to use.
The StreamCONTROL app is a platform that provides customers with a complete range of streaming services, compatible with voice assistants and numerous control options including automatic calibration and supervision of devices from any room. Well over 15,000 streaming Internet radios and podcasts, as well as access to major online music services (Deezer, Spotify, Napster, Tidal, Qobuz). It continually evolves to adapt to the rapid advancement of intuitive use and platforms; all created by Cabasse's internal team. StreamCONTROL revolves around the words technology and innovation... tell me more about this.
When it comes to our app, we are committed to providing the highest quality because our customers deserve only the best.
We are always trying to improve and evolve. For example, we launched The Pearl Speakers in 2018 and they quickly gained a global following.
Three years later, through hard work and discussions with Apple, we were able to launch a free update that enabled AirPlay 2 support.
This update has been delivered remotely to all our customers, improving their experience at no additional cost. It's developments like these that help us build a strong and loyal community around our connected luxury speakers.
In 2021 to celebrate its 70th anniversary, Cabasse presented the excellent THE PEARL PELEGRINA. The fascinating comparison with a rare 55-carat pearl nicknamed "the incomparable", already anticipated the beauty and acoustic exclusivity of this limited series; Furthermore, the peculiarity to highlight is the support, a reference to the figure of Lissajous.
Present on each of the two speakers, a numbered plaque for each of the first 70 pairs of The Pearl Pelegrina and Cabasse lifetime guarantee for the first buyer; tested with the utmost care in an anechoic chamber in laboratories in Brittany.
I imagine that, given the company's long history, this symbolized an achievement, also proven with the prestigious recognition of the Diapason d'or.
We could define this pearl as a piece of art and cutting-edge technology, certainly for hedonistic audiophiles.
What were the expectations during the conception and implementation phase?
How was it received by the public and what were the reviews from buyers?
We wanted to create a unique masterpiece that could be the link between The Pearl Collection, our connected range and The Spherè which has always been the reference for our products; we spent a lot of time developing the design of this product which was challenging because we needed to have the electronics in its base and we wanted to create something aerial.
It was well received by audiences at the Paris Audio Show when it launched in 2021; people were amazed by the compactness and power delivered by such a system. Even today, when we presented The Pearl Myuki in Munich, we had the Pearl Pelegrina alongside to celebrate the same acoustic signature on both systems.
Georges Cabasse started just as the first theater in Paris, France to show CinemaScope films was Le Grand Rex. Through the cinematic experience, Cabasse brings cinema directly to the home, with its range of Home Cinema systems.
What idea of cinema does the company want to communicate today?
We want you to feel like you're in the middle of the action, whether you're watching a blockbuster movie, an addictive TV show, or listening to your favorite music.
Our goal is to transform your living room into a private theater where every sound is crisp, every detail is clear and every moment is unforgettable.
With Cabasse, our goal is to create a truly immersive experience.
We want to make sure that when you watch a movie at home, it is as exciting and overwhelming as being in the cinema. So, every night can be a movie night, with all the magic and impact of the big screen, right from the comfort of your home.
Our idea is to bring the cinema experience directly to your home through the range of Home Cinema systems.
VEOM Group spans the main Smart Home sectors and incorporates Cabasse for intelligent audio, Chacon for video/security equipment and electrical accessories and the DIO brand for home automation and home comfort solutions.
It is present in France, Belgium, the United States and an industrial branch in Singapore.
Being among the fastest growing French technology companies, what has this meant for Cabasse which was also acquired by Canon in the past?
This growth and integration within the VEOM Group has provided Cabasse with valuable resources and opportunities to innovate and expand. It allows us to collaborate closely with other leading brands in the smart home ecosystem, enhancing our product offerings and providing more integrated solutions to our customers.
For Cabasse, this means we can continue to be a leader in the audio industry, creating advanced, high-quality products that enhance the home entertainment experience. It's about combining our heritage of superior sound quality with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world.
Inspired by the most famous and ancient bridge in Venice, you launched in 2022, a new audio system called RIALTO which symbolizes the meeting between traditional Hi-Fi and the connected technologies developed over the last 10 years by Cabasse. It was presented with great success with the «Classic Connected» collection at the Pacific Audio Fest 2023, at the American T.H.E. fair. SHOW 2023, at High End Monaco 2023 and at Paris Audio Video Show 2023.
The question arises spontaneously: what relationship do you have with Italy?
We have a distributor in Italy and have excellent relationships with our neighbors, but the name Rialto was more likely chosen as you said to represent a bridge between tradition and modernity; we presented the «Classic Connected» collection in 2022 to complete The Pearl Collection but we guarantee complete compatibility between each range, being able to have systems in each room of different sizes.
The company has invested in new distributors in Asia, Pacific, North - South America and the Middle East. Cabasse also announced the opening of a brand new flagship store in South Korea in early 2022.
What are Cabasse's plans for the near future? What news does it have in store for us?
I'm sorry, we're listed on the stock exchange and I can't answer this question precisely, but we're currently working on developing new market segments in audio.
And if we talk about smart home and domestic comfort: classic public cinema or Home Cinema with whoever we want?
Now the difference is becoming increasingly subtle, considering that the quality of sound offered to those who want the big screen within the walls of their home is growing;
the systems offered show substantial progress in terms of accuracy, depth, realism and sound performance.
Experiences are becoming more and more immersive and engaging.
There are those who combine the two things and allow themselves the luxury of an entire private room, often designed and engineered specifically to optimize the use of acoustics; whether you are alone or in company... you never get tired of one thing: cinema.
High-quality projector, large screen, surround sound are more and more in people's homes; for the more fussy, the dedicated area is a must... where total darkness is essential for optimal vision.
From the comfort of your seat you can now synchronize a pre-set cinema scenario, where the curtains will close and the light will turn off when the focus is totally on the vision, simply by touching your device; home automation is first and foremost convenience and time reduction.
Mr. Balaguer remarked how they at Cabasse take care of making every moment unforgettable whether it is listening to music, watching a film, a television series or anything else you want to indulge in; functionality and aesthetics are never separated so that the atmosphere becomes a pearl within a pearl.
Growth...expansion...Cabasse is this.
How the dream of a single person becomes the shared path of many is the magic of believing. Believing that our vision has a purpose for us and society, believing that the goal is achievable through an unshakable feeling of success...
Cabasse, after a fascinating journey, which sees her starting from the roots of Cinema up to the very precious gems that contain within them the beginnings of a sprout capable of projecting us towards technological progress, presented in May 2024 at the HIGH END in Munich, the internationally renowned audio exhibition, THE PEARL MYUKI: a new model of portable, battery-powered, connected, ultra-compact and elegant high-resolution active speaker; an added value to their precious necklace.
The expansion and development of Cabasse on the international front sees the recent launch of the French audio brand also in the Philippines, at the Shangri-La Plaza in the city of Mandaluyong. This significant moment for the country's audio enthusiasts was the perfect opportunity to showcase their latest innovation.
To Mr. Balaguer, exceptionally, a couple of extra questions on this matter:
Mr Balaguer, a new intelligent speaker has recently arrived, which has a battery with 12 hours of autonomy...THE PEARL MYUKI.
I haven't revealed anything yet on the technical side, regarding this practical and compact pearl; except that it was recently presented in Monaco ... so I leave it to you the pleasure of describing its qualities ... Tell us its potential! Does it promise the excellent sound that Cabasse is known for?
Yes sure. We've incorporated two woofers on each side in a push-pull arrangement to ensure excellent low frequency response. These woofers were specially developed for this speaker. Another innovation is the front speaker, the Dom45, derived from our Keshi system launched two years ago. Each speaker is powered by 100 watts RMS and can be used in mono or stereo if you want to use two speakers in your room. They can be connected to your TV via the optical port on the back. If you want to use them in a restaurant, they can work as a multiroom system with up to 8 speakers that play wirelessly from the app over WiFi. You can mount them on the wall with a dedicated holder. These speakers are designed to meet different needs; if you want to move them to your garden, you can unplug them and switch to battery power to continue playing music. For background music, in a restaurant for example, you can bypass the battery and connect the speakers to the power outlet; this guarantees years of use without compromising battery life, thanks to Cabasse's power management system.
With THE PEARL MYUKI, what leap has Cabasse made compared to previous pearls?
What do you expect from this latest selection? What will be the next events that will see you as a protagonist?
This product is compact but powerful. We designed it as an improved sister model to the Pearl Akoya; you can use it in mono, stereo or multiroom mode and it offers up to 12 hours of battery life.
It comes with a customized bag with a shoulder strap, for convenient travel.
The speaker also has control buttons on the top.
Our goal was to create a complete system that met all of our customers' needs, and that's why we included an optical, RCA and Ethernet port on the back; they allow you to stream from any source.
This speaker is versatile for any situation and, weighing only about 4 kilos, is easily transportable; you can take your hi-fi system with you on holiday and enjoy the Cabasse's sonic signature wherever you want to go.
Our next event will be in France this October, where we will present the product at the Paris Audio Video Show 2024 at the Palais des Congrès.
The history of pearls, among all precious materials, is the oldest, giving them magical properties.
In ancient times, pearls were thought to be tears of the gods or drops of dew absorbed by the sea on full moon nights; Ancient Chinese civilizations believed that wearing pearls protected a person from fire and dragons.
Over the centuries, the legends and myths about their symbolism have changed more and more but the characteristic that continues to unite them is that the pearl is the archetype of purity, wisdom and nobility as well as beauty.
The first ever known were found in La Quina in France.
Just as for pearls which, to make them suitable for use, must go through some steps starting from extraction up to processing and assembly (attention to detail and great craftsmanship are essential) so Cabasse's work ethic aims to deliver high quality to its loyal followers.
Even today, many books, paintings and works of art talk about pearls, demonstrating the timeless charm that this gem emanates; Cabasse narrates the same charm by associating it with a wonderful precious element... sound, which becomes a fascinating process.
To each their own pearl in size, shape and colour, to each their uniqueness, to each their timeless elegance. But above all... to each their own acoustic emotions.
CONTACTS:
Official site: https://www.cabasse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabasseacoustic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cabasse/
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