Following the introduction of The Pearl wireless streaming loudspeaker released in 2018, French Hifi brand Cabasse, has launched the newest member of its streaming audio range, The Pearl Akoya. We saw both at the recent Paris Hifi Show and the Akoya seems to be a perfect petite Pearl!

This active and wireless speaker created and developed in Brittany, France, is a concentration of all the technology and expertise that went into making the Cabasse flagship La Sphère, distilled into an ultra-compact active speaker.

Cabasse, France

The inventor of the technology behind coaxial speakers, which has helped forge the reputation of the brand for decades, Cabasse has achieved another technological feat with The Pearl Akoya: develop and integrate into a 22cm spherical volume, the most compact tri-axial speaker ever created (bass, midrange and new carbon and neodymium coaxial tweeter). The new drivers take up very little space and deliver maximum power from the 1050 watts RMS amplifiers and a smooth response from 30Hz to 27,000Hz.

Streaming Audio

The Pearl Akoya, equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, is compatible with Cabasse StreamCONTROL multi-room systems, is controllable by voice, and can read all formats of digital audio: ranging from MP3, AAC, WMA to ultra-high definition files such as AIFF, FLAC and ALAC, whether they are stored on external hard drives, computers, via internet radio or the online streaming services available in the StreamCONTROL app (Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Napster, Tidal). With the power equivalent of a classical orchestra (115 dB) the Pearl Akoya has a 17cm woofer.

La Sphère

As with all speakers from the Cabasse high-end collection, such as La Sphère, this new speaker is equipped with the Cabasse patented automatic calibration system (CRCS) for an optimised acoustic experience, no matter where the speaker is located. Connecting two The Pearl Akoya speakers through a simple Wi-Fi connection, without an additional box or hub, provides a full stereo playback system. It is also possible to listen to television, a CD player, or even a turntable and phono stage through its optical digital or 3.5mm analogue jack inputs.

Six layers of lacquer are applied to obtain the depth of finish, which is available in metallic black with pure chromium rings, or pearl white with silver rings. The attention to detail and materials continues with the carbon driver membranes, the aluminium dissipater, and driver, the double reinforced casing with buffered finishing and a magnetic grille with the Cabasse logo.

The Pearl Akoya comes with a wireless controller that sports the same finish, as well as an ergonomically refined design. There is no need to use a smartphone, just simply use the Bluetooth controller, which can be held in the palm of the hand, to easily control the speaker.

Price & Availability

It will be available from November 2019, and includes a custom carrier case, a cloth-covered power cable and 3.5mm jack and micro-USB adapters. A stand and wall bracket are also available.

UK retail price is £1499 inc. VAT

A dedicated stand is available for £299 and a wall bracket for £99

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