In recent years, audio has become widely democratized. Hifi systems have deserted bedrooms and living rooms, bulky amplifier + speaker systems are now reserved for purists.
The quality has been leveled down. Today, more and more people, especially young people, listen to music on the speakers of their phone (disaster), on a small Bluetooth speaker at 15 euros (very bad) or in a headset (it is normally much better). Fortunately, there are also what are called connected speakers, those which themselves connect to the internet to get the music source (internet radio, Spotify, etc.) and which can be controlled via an application on the phone or by the voice (Sonos, Nest Audio, etc.). The sound quality improves.
But we are far, very far, from what high-end equipment can feel. So I swerved. For once, although few people will put 1.490 euros in a connected speaker, I tried an object as aesthetically successful as it was musically efficient: The Pearl Akoya, from the French company Cabasse. This is the compact version of the ‘normal’ Pearl.
Aerial, spatial sound
If this pearl created and developed at the tip of Brittany, in France, displays small dimensions (22 cm in height, width and depth), its weight reminds us that we are dealing with a different, neat product. 8 kg, it’s tough.
But it makes sense when we put in a shoehorn a 17 cm bass driver with balanced motor, a two-way coaxial speaker, a heat sink and specific shells. All in materials supposed to improve performance and design (resin, carbon, aluminum). The on-board amplification delivers not far from 2,100W cumulated (at peak, ie “at the maximum”).
Cabasse’s algorithms analyze the sound and send the right dose to each speaker, which gives an excellent impression of 360 ° sound in the room.
Behind these technical data hides something that is difficult to describe. The sensation to hear each instrument distinctly, to hear the sound of the drummer’s stick brushing the taut skins of its different boxes. Thumb strumming a guitar. And then, this ventilation of the sound, which becomes spatial while there is neither stereo nor special effects. Again, we can distinguish each instrument, and above, subtly, the voice that stands out.
To have this feeling, you have to listen to the right music: calm rock, jazz, etc. An unknown sensation, or forgotten, and which is priceless. In fact, yes, it has a price: 1,490 euros. If you can afford it, it’s worth a try.
Cabasse has developed an application to configure the Pearl. When installed, it will emit several sounds to calibrate itself according to the room, thanks to an integrated microphone that will listen to how the waves reverberate on the walls and surrounding objects. This application also allows you to configure a lot of things, including connection to your Wi-Fi network.
As soon as it does, just launch your favorite music app (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz, etc.) and tell it to stream on the Pearl.
A capricious remote control
There is a built-in remote, which is Bluetooth and just as stylish as the Pearl. By turning the dial, you can touch the sound with precision, it’s intuitive and practical. Unfortunately, powered by a small flat battery, it goes to sleep a little too quickly and it is not uncommon for it to disconnect at the wrong time. Too bad, because without a control button on the speaker, it is the only way to control the music and the volume if the smartphone is not nearby.
The Pearl is equipped with all the necessary connections to be connected otherwise to an amp, a record player, etc. Even if it is not really a portable speaker (it only works on mains), it comes with a high quality carrying bag:
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