Cabasse The Pearl Sub Subwoofer, Black (Each)

The Cabasse The Pearl Sub is an active subwoofer that also works as a network streamer and as a stereo power amp for two passive satellite speakers.

That means a single sphere replaces three devices: bass foundation, source and amplifier. All that's left are two speaker cables and one power plug – and a living room where you hear the system instead of seeing it.

Why the Cabasse The Pearl Sub?

Because it packs 1600 watts of continuous power into a sphere that, on its chrome base, needs barely more floor space than a stool. 1000 watts RMS drive the 25 cm HELD woofer with up to 30 mm of linear excursion, while twice 300 watts RMS feed the satellites; Cabasse states peak values of 2000 and 2 × 600 watts respectively. Automatic CRCS room correction measures via a built-in microphone and corrects the frequency response, while DEAP signal processing tunes the crossover to the connected speakers.

Playback runs via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2 is on board, and since the firmware update in spring 2025 the Pearl Sub is officially Roon Ready. A streaming subscription is optional, not mandatory: via the optical input, the RCA input and the USB port it also plays entirely without a subscription.

What you get

• Active subwoofer with a built-in network streamer
• 1000 W RMS for the bass, 2 × 300 W RMS for two passive satellites
• Automatic room calibration via CRCS, tuning via DEAP
• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready
• Control via the Cabasse StreamCONTROL app and Bluetooth remote

Who is the Pearl Sub suited for?

For anyone who wants a 2.1 system without accepting a rack full of gear for it – ideally with compact passive Cabasse satellites like the iO series. Bottom line: if you just want to boost the TV sound a bit, you're buying way more than you need here. And if you already own a power amp you're attached to, you're paying twice for part of the Pearl Sub. But if you want a lot of music with very little visible gear, there's hardly anything more elegant.

Our verdict

Subwoofer, power amp and streamer in one lacquered sphere – that sounds like a compromise, and surprisingly, it isn't one. Cabasse states the frequency range from 14 Hz, without adding a measurement condition; it plays deeper than the sphere's size would suggest, in any case. The automatic calibration takes the most thankless part of the job off your hands. Which satellites go best with it is something we're happy to plan through with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Subwoofer amplifier power: 1000 W RMS / 2000 W peak
• Satellite amplifier power: 2 × 300 W RMS / 2 × 600 W peak
• Total power: 1600 W RMS (sum of the three channels)
• Driver: 25 cm HELD woofer (carbon-glass fibre), up to 30 mm linear excursion
• Frequency range: 14 – 180 Hz (manufacturer figure, no measurement condition stated)
• Max. sound pressure: 100 dB (mono) / 112 dB peak
• Distortion (THD+N): 0.005% (1 W at 4 ohms)
• D/A converter: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Network: dual-band 2×2 Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Ethernet (RJ45)
• Wireless protocols: Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, hi-res multiroom
• Streaming services: Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, Napster, internet radio (vTuner)
• Audio formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Analogue input: 1 × stereo RCA (no 3.5 mm jack input)
• Digital inputs: 1 × optical S/PDIF (Toslink), 1 × USB 2.0 type A for music from a stick or hard drive
• Speaker outputs: 4 terminals for 2 passive satellites, 300 W RMS per channel
• Output level: adjustable via app and remote; no line or preamp output
• Headphone output: not available
• HDMI: not available
• Room correction: CRCS with built-in measurement microphone, DEAP signal processing
• Control: Cabasse StreamCONTROL app, Bluetooth remote
• Cabinet: sphere on chrome base, matte lacquer
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 320 × 338 × 368 mm incl. base
• Weight: 20 kg
• Colour: Matte black
• Scope of delivery: The Pearl Sub, Bluetooth remote, power cable, quick guide, warranty card

Frequently asked questions

Does the Pearl Sub drive two passive speakers on its own?

Yes. On the back are four speaker terminals for a passive stereo pair, supplied with 300 watts RMS per channel. The Sub handles bass, amplification and source playback in a single device – you need neither a separate power amp nor an additional streamer. Passive Cabasse satellites like the iO series are the obvious partner.

What analogue input does the Pearl Sub have?

A stereo RCA input. Unlike the smaller Pearl models, which the manual lists with a 3.5 mm jack, the Pearl Sub works with classic RCA sockets. Added to that are an optical S/PDIF input for the TV, a USB port for music from a stick or hard drive, plus Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the Pearl Sub?

No. A subscription is optional, not a requirement. Via the optical input, the RCA input and the USB port you can feed it directly from a TV, CD player, phono preamp or a hard drive. Internet radio and music from your own network work too, without you having to subscribe to anything.

How deep does the Pearl Sub play?

Cabasse states the frequency range as 14 to 180 Hz, without giving a measurement condition for it. That's thanks to a 25 cm woofer with up to 30 mm of linear excursion and 1000 watts of continuous power. Maximum sound pressure is 100 decibels, with a peak of 112 decibels.

Why buy the Cabasse The Pearl Sub at HD Zürisee?

Because a 2.1 system stands or falls with how the subwoofer, satellites and room are tuned to each other. We plan the combination with you, set up the room correction and stay reachable afterwards – our technician Mauri handles installation and service. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00 or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Matching partners are in our speakers overview, further subwoofers are listed under subwoofers. If you're thinking through the whole chain, take a look at streaming and cables & connectors.