Cabasse The Pearl Active Speaker, White (Each)

The Cabasse The Pearl is an active network speaker that combines amplifiers, converter, streamer and a triaxial coaxial design in a single sphere – this version in metallic high-gloss white.

It's the more compact sibling of the Pelegrina, and for most living rooms the more fitting flagship. Good to know: each sphere is sold individually. Two make a stereo pair, one alone is enough for a side room, office or bedroom.

Why The Pearl?

A 25 cm woofer and a 13 cm coaxial driver for mids and highs play from a shared acoustic centre, all the drivers stacked on one axis. That gives a precise, cohesive soundstage that doesn't fall apart into separate points, and the spherical shape spreads the sound evenly through the room. CRCS calibration measures via a built-in microphone what the wall and corner are doing to the bass, and adjusts the level to the placement. Bottom line: in white it looks like living-room decor, yet still plays like a full-blown system.

What you hear

Deep bass that, according to the manufacturer, reaches down to 14 Hz without covering up the mids – the coaxial design keeps voices right where they belong. Music comes from the network via LAN or Wi-Fi, up to 24-bit/192 kHz, Roon Ready certified and with AirPlay 2. Streaming is one option, not a requirement: via optical S/PDIF, analogue RCA and USB-A you can add a TV, CD player, turntable (with phono stage) or your own files, with internet radio thrown in for free. Control is via the StreamCONTROL app or the included Bluetooth remote.

Who is The Pearl suited for – and who isn't it for?

For anyone who wants high-end sound without a chain of components, filling living spaces up to around 35 m². Honestly: it's too good for background music in the kitchen – an Akoya or Myuki is enough there. For a large hall, the Pelegrina would be the right address. And if you're after a low-key device: a white sphere doesn't go unnoticed.

Our verdict

In white, The Pearl almost becomes a piece of furniture and still sounds like a complete system. The trade press is convinced too: 8.9 out of 10 points in the HIFI.DE test (Tim Hundenborn, May 2023). Our team in Wädenswil goes through with you beforehand how many spheres your room actually needs, and handles warranty matters as an authorised dealer.

Unsure about colour, quantity or placement? A quick call to +41 44 680 22 00 usually sorts it out in five minutes – or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch, or WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Technical data

• Type: Active streaming speaker in a spherical cabinet
• Sales unit: individual, per piece
• Amplifier power: 1600 W RMS per speaker (woofer 1000 W, midrange 300 W, tweeter 300 W), 3200 W peak
• Drivers: 25 cm woofer (HELD), 13 cm coaxial mid/tweeter (BCI), triaxially stacked
• Frequency response: 14 Hz – 27 kHz
• Max. sound pressure: 118 dB mono, 124 dB stereo
• Resolution: up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• D/A converter: up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
• Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC
• Streaming services: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify (Spotify Connect), Deezer, Napster, internet radio (vTuner); Amazon Music not native
• Network: Ethernet RJ45, dual-band 2×2 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Google Home
• Bluetooth: 4.2, SBC codec (Cabasse doesn't state aptX)
• Inputs: Optical S/PDIF, analogue RCA, USB-A (playback from USB stick or hard drive)
• Room correction: CRCS, automatic calibration via built-in microphone
• Control: Cabasse StreamCONTROL app, Bluetooth remote
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 326 × 327 × 323 mm (total size of the sphere including base surface, without stand)
• Weight: 18 kg
• Power supply: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, eco mode 2.9 W
• Material: composite resin cabinet, high-gloss metallic white
• Warranty: statutory manufacturer warranty; with registration within 60 days, 5 years on the drivers and 2 years on the electronics (Cabasse)
• Scope of delivery: speaker, Bluetooth remote (CR-2450 coin cell), power cable, quick guide, warranty card

Frequently asked questions

Is The Pearl delivered individually or as a pair?

Individually. Each sphere is a complete system with amplifiers, converter and streamer, which is why Cabasse sells it per piece. Two of them make a stereo pair that you link together in the app. A single one plays solo in an office, bedroom or side room.

How much free space does The Pearl need?

It can sit closer to the wall, but it should have some room to breathe. The sphere radiates in all directions, and CRCS calibration adjusts the bass level to the placement. The closer to a wall or corner, the more work the correction has to do. Standing freely at stand height, it sounds most open.

Which sources can I connect directly?

TV and CD player via the optical S/PDIF input, anything analogue via RCA, a hard drive or stick via USB-A. A turntable needs a phono stage first. Add to that network sources via LAN, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Roon and Bluetooth. You need no more than one cable to the source and the power outlet.

How large can the room be?

A Pearl fills up to about 35 m² with ease. It reaches 118 dB in mono and 124 dB as a stereo pair, so headroom rarely runs out. In very small rooms under 20 m², much of that goes unused, and the deep bass then needs taming via the CRCS calibration.

Do I need to take out a subscription for The Pearl?

No. Internet radio and music from your own hard drive run at no ongoing cost, as does anything you feed in through the physical inputs. Services like Tidal, Qobuz or Spotify can be linked in if you already use them, but they're not needed for it to work.

Why buy The Pearl at HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you honestly before you buy whether the sphere suits your room, and afterwards we're there for setup and service. Our seasoned team has worked with hi-fi for decades, knows the gear from daily use rather than from a brochure, and handles the warranty as an authorised dealer.

Goes well with

Continue browsing with more streaming speakers, the stand range, matching subwoofers and the full speaker selection.