Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The iO3 wireless system offers sonic cohesion and integration of different frequency ranges
- The iO3 system provides wide spatialization, allowing the music to breathe and unfold effortlessly throughout the room
- The Pearl Sub provides a powerful and lively tempo when paired with the iO3
Product Considerations
- The small diameter of the iO3 satellite speaker's coaxial driver limited the intensity of the midrange somewhat, sometimes lacking substance and expressivity
Takeaway: The iO3 system is a well-integrated audio system with a cohesive soundstage, and the powerful subwoofer provides a lively and engaging listening experience. This system could be a great option for those looking for a compact and aesthetically pleasing setup.
All
iO3 On-wall satellite speakers
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Ways: 2
- Drivers: Coaxial midrange tweeter 13cm Duocell – 2.7 cm dome Kaladex
- Cross over point: 2700 Hz
- Frequency response: 150 – 22000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 93 dB (1W/1m)
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
- Minimal impedance: 3.8 Ω
- Power handling: 80W
- Peak power: 580W
- Dimensions: 20.6 x 16 x 18.8 cm
- Weight: 1.8 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Coaxial driver design is a core element, used even in their more affordable models, enhancing spatial coherence and minimizing diffraction, a design choice they heavily promote for its acoustic benefits.
- Cabasse often incorporates DSP technology for room correction (ARCS) and sound signature adjustments (DEAP), enabling their speakers to adapt to different listening environments.
- While known for hifi audio, they also offer integrated streaming options, exemplified by their StreamControl app, compatible with various music services and DLNA playback.
- Their signature design is spherical enclosures, minimizing cabinet-induced diffraction and enabling wide sound dispersion, and they are found throughout their product lines, from the entry level to reference models.
Select products
Jersey MC170
- Positioning: The entry-level floorstanding speaker in the Cabasse lineup.
- Description: Offers a rich and dynamic sound with its coaxial midrange-tweeter, providing a wide and stable soundstage. Compared to the Java MC40, it is more affordable and suitable for those seeking a balanced sound in medium-sized rooms.
Java MC40
- Positioning: A mid-range floorstanding speaker offering high-fidelity sound at a competitive price.
- Description: Stands out with its SCS technology and BC10 coaxial unit, delivering precise and realistic sound. It provides a more immersive experience than the Jersey MC170.
Bora
- Positioning: A high-performance bookshelf speaker designed for audiophiles seeking compact yet powerful sound.
- Description: Features a BC13 coaxial midrange-tweeter and a 21 cm Duocell woofer, offering analytical precision and dynamic capability. It surpasses the Antigua MC170 in sound depth.
Murano Alto
- Positioning: A high-end floorstanding speaker, representing the pinnacle of Cabasse's lineup.
- Description: Excels with its 3-way triaxial TC23 and BC13 drivers, delivering exceptional soundstage and tonal balance.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
I think there are four pillars, but they’re all intertwined. The first is the 75 years of acoustics and R&D. We were one of the first companies to create the coaxial driver itself. Today, a lot of companies use coaxial or geo concentric designs, but we were one of the first in 1958 to develop it. You’ll find this in 90% of our lineup. The second is the connectivity aspect. More than 10 years ago, we were acquired by a company whose specialty was connectivity (UPNP, DLNA, and other connectivity protocols). The CEO saw Cabasse as an amazing brand, and he recognized that the audio market was shifting; similar to how Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio in the mid-market in the early 2000s. The same shift started happening in the high-end hi-fi industry, but very few companies had the expertise. So he purchased Cabasse, and now we have acoustics, coaxial driver design, high-excursion woofer technology, and robust connectivity; plus DSP and active filtering. These are things we’ve been doing for a while. And I’d also say the design makes us stand out.
What's your approach to customer support?
Now that we’re basically our own distributor in the U.S., we work directly with dealers. We offer warranties on drivers; ranging from 3 to 5 years, or lifetime depending on the product. We just launched a new product in Munich, and it comes with a lifetime driver warranty. If a customer buys a product and a driver fails, the dealer comes to us and says, “Hey, can you help my client?” Then we either get in touch with the customer directly, if the dealer agrees, or the dealer takes care of it. Not every dealer has the ability to repair, especially since many of our products are heavily electronics-based. In some cases, we’ll just replace the entire unit. We also have a policy where, within a certain period, if the electronics fail, we’ll replace the unit for free. Generally, it’s 3 to 5 years for drivers, and 2 years for electronics.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
We actually have a playlist on Qobuz with all of our demo tracks. Off the top of my head, for precision and showcasing microdetails, I really like the track called “Soft Landing” by Hadouk Trio. It’s a very clean and amazingly recorded track. I also like “Magnetic Lies” by Malia to show the low end and precision. and fact that our woofer technology provides a lot of dispersion without distortion. The coil never leaves the magnetic field, so you get a lot of excursion. Plus, our DSP helps a lot. We want people to experience that at a given price and speaker size; they have a lot to play with.
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Cabasse
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Versatile design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, on-wall or freestanding configurations
- Clear dialog and well-sorted audio elements are produced for movies
- Accurate imaging creates a strong phantom center channel effect
- Sleek and modern aesthetics fit well in various spaces
- Clear midrange and spirited highs provide good sound quality for both movies and music
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
- Small hole for speaker wire in the stand pole may be too small for some speaker cables with spade connectors
- Speakers need to be closer to the wall to reinforce bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Focal On Wall 302 offers more versatility in application, while the Focal Vestia No. 2 has more designer finish
Takeaway: The Focal On Wall 302 is a versatile speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and offers a modern, sleek design that fits into various home theater or music setups. These speakers are a great choice for those looking for unobtrusive, elegant speakers that perform well for both movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Nice bass extension down to about 40, 45 Hertz in the room
- Very low distortion and good dynamic range
- Excellent resolution throughout the frequency range
- Hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage
- Well-constructed and well-engineered
Product Considerations
- The speaker sounds a little too laid back in the mid-range
- High frequency has a lot of sizzle or pop, the level of the tweeter stands out more above the mid-range
- Without some equalization or some sidewall absorption, it is a tough sell
- SMC material reduces third harmonic distortion, and some people may feel that it is too polite
- May need a cooler and livelier amplifier to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Neat Elite Classics are only just a little less capable at shifting air at low frequencies and are a little more balanced tonally, whereas the Dali's are a little recessed in the upper mid-range
Takeaway: The Dali Rubicon 6s are well-engineered speakers that offer excellent resolution throughout the frequency range. The hybrid tweeter widens the sweet spot and opens up the soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Product Strengths
- Great sound and is considered one of the greatest audio bargains
- Even tonal balance, very neutral, and offers a balance of detail and exceptional musicality
- Creates a credible soundstage and reveals detail in well-recorded material, with a wide stage extending beyond the speakers and conveying depth
- Can play loudly with minimal effort due to its 89dB sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance
- Superb imaging, especially with two-channel listening
Product Considerations
- High-end finishes increase the price significantly
- Some reviewers find the grills flimsy
- Some reviewers found the speaker install difficult
- The height of the tweeter was a bit low for one reviewer, causing the soundstage to feel low at times
- Some reviewers find Axiom speakers as a whole as unforgiving or too bright
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PSB Platinum M2 and Usher X-718, the Axiom M60 v2 could play much louder and go far lower in the bass
- Compared to Onix Rocket RS450s, there's a considerably increased size of the soundstage
Takeaway: The Axiom M60 v2 speakers are a great value for their excellent performance and ability to draw one into their music. With a seemingly boundless dynamic range, they bring music to life and can be a solid choice if space allows.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Slim design allows it to be hung on the wall like a picture
- Employs true 3-way full range drivers with pivoting Inverted Dual Concentric mid-range/tweeter modules, and C-CAM bass drivers
- Clever drive unit arrangement ensures that imaging is excellent
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing, potentially leading to a slightly congested presentation with complex rhythms
- Bass presence is limited due to the sealed-box design
- Without the grilles, the speakers have a stark, industrial look
Takeaway: The SoundFrame offers both stylish design and impressive sound quality, making it a good choice for those who want their speakers to blend seamlessly with their home decor. Its innovative features and well-built construction make it a worthwhile investment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sweet and detailed audio performance with clear instrumental separation and expansive dimensionality
- Warm and full-bodied bass and midrange
- Clear yet 'mellow' treble, creating a pleasing sound signature
- Accurate sound that doesn't do much to color the recording, so listeners get a balanced presentation of the source content
- Good level of dynamic range for reasonably sized bookshelf speakers, and they can get louder than expected for their size/price class
Product Considerations
- The laid-back sound may occasionally obscure some definition
- The speakers run on the cooler side of things, never becoming too indulgent in any aspect and instead providing a sound that is accurate and slightly pulled back, but never muted or lifeless
- Asymmetry of the phase coherence of their vertical lobe can be a slight problem for anyone listening under the tweeter axis
- Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Vestia No. 1: Theva offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but is not as immediately striking in detail or treble extension
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Theva is more compact and easier to place, but doesn't look as premium
- Vs Polk Legend Series L100: Theva has a more laid-back sound profile, making it a better listen in most cases, while the L100 presents a more precise center image
Takeaway: The Theva No. 1 is a great speaker for enjoying detailed and smooth sound without harshness. It's a good option for different types of content, from music to movies, and is especially suited for smaller spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to deliver delicate Atmos sounds and add height to the surround sound experience
- Brilliantly built and seem built to last
- Does an outstanding job in reproducing a cinematic feel
- They are full-bodied and an easy and engaging listen
- Can be used discreetly on your living room wall while providing an exceptional stereo listening experience when paired with a subwoofer
Product Considerations
- With the vinyl wrap, it looks a little bit like Ikea furniture, so it may not be the best option for a classy looking system
- Speaker terminals use a push fit spring clamp system for very thin wire, which can be annoying
- When used on top of floor standers, they do not sound as good as when wall-mounted
- Dolby Atmos content availability may be lacking
Takeaway: The Alteco C1 is a well-built speaker that adds a cinematic feel to a home theatre experience. It is a versatile speaker that can be used in different ways and is a good value for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
- Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
- Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing
- Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
- Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
- Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
- SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Engaging, fast, and accurate performance
- Superbly made with good build and finish commensurate with the asking price
- Genuinely flexible in terms of positioning, especially for wall mounting due to its slim profile
- Impressive detail retrieval combined with a crisp and dynamic presentation
Product Considerations
- Limited bass extension, likely requiring a subwoofer for most applications
- Poor speaker terminals that won't happily accept 4mm plugs
- Not inexpensive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Spendor A1 outperforms the D95 on a stand or shelf, but the D95 has the edge when wall-mounted
- D95 differs from ATC HTS series, since there is no center speaker version
Takeaway: The D95 is a great option for spaces where floorspace is limited, delivering a sparkling performance from an easy-to-place enclosure. It's a well-made, versatile speaker that shines when wall-mounted.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The system complies with the demanding THX Ultra 2 standard, requiring exceptional technical characteristics
- It is designed to create a very immersive soundstage, which integrates the unique vertical dimension offered by Dolby Atmos
- The LCR 100-THX speaker is a versatile model that can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, allowing it to be used as a left, center, or right speaker
- The system offers a graceful and benevolent sound restitution, as well as a rise in intensity that is very progressive
- The pair of subwoofers articulate sound well without being overwhelming
Product Considerations
- The mids are slightly set back, and the sound signature can seem a bit shy at low listening levels
- The volume needs to be turned up to get a feeling of natural authority and a soundstage that unfolds fully
Takeaway: The Magnat Cinema Ultra THX 5.2.4 system offers an immersive home cinema experience with a focus on sound quality and control. It is designed to deliver both subtle nuances and powerful audio, making it a great fit for a variety of listening conditions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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