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
- Design oozes quality with a simple, stunning spherical enclosure and gleaming metallic trim
- Delivers a rich, clear, and detailed sound quality, particularly effective with voices and lighter music
- Impressive musicality, especially given its compact size
- Good localizability and distance performances
- Capable of matching a live classical orchestra in volume
Product Considerations
- Lacks support for AirPlay
- App can be erratic and frustrating at times
- Some may find the bass too forward
- High level of volume dependency means tonal balance shifts at different volume levels
- Bass is limited at higher volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Devialet Phantom Reactor 600—The Pearl Akoya has a more refined sound
- Vs PIEGA's Premium Wireless 301—Pearl Akoya has more punchy bass and presence
Takeaway: The Pearl Akoya is a compact speaker that looks great and can really fill a room with sound, making it perfect for enjoying music. It is easy to use and sounds very good.
All
The Pearl Akoya
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Maximum Sound Level: 115 dB mono 121 dB in stereo
- Bandwidth: 30 – 27,000 Hz
- Drivers: Medium-tweeter 13 cm/5" coaxial BCI, Woofer 17 cm/7" HELD
- Amplification: Tweeter 300W RMS/600W peak, Medium 300W RMS/600W peak, Bass 450W RMS/900W peak
- THD+N: 0.005% (1W, 4Ohm)
- Background Noise: 0 dB at 50m (-15.5 dB SPL at 3m)
- Connectivity: Ethernet/WiFi, Bluetooth, SPDIF Optical, RCA Analog, USB
- Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 22 cm (8.7" x 8.7" x 8.7")
- Weight: 6 kg (18 lbs)
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?
Powerful, rich sound in a compact design. Designed for both digital and analog sources, Duetto is a versatile combination of Italian style and contemporary function. Big sound in a compact design, Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
Double the sound, not the size. Inspired by a harmony produced by two instruments, Duetto sets a new standard for wireless high-fidelity sound in a compact design.
Ultra Wide Band Technology
Duetto employs Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, enabling communication between the two speakers. The wireless transmission avoids latency and interference by other home networks, while guaranteeing a wide frequency spectrum to send data signals at high speeds.
SENSO™ Technology by Sonus faber
The leather top panel allows the user to control and set up speaker functions — such as playback, volume, input selection, and connections — with a buttonless interface through simple fingertip gestures.
Sonus faber's iconic lute-shaped design takes inspiration from musical instruments. Crafted from wood, the cabinet ensures structural solidity, rich timbre, and musicality, while effectively eradicating internal resonances to shape the unmistakable Sonus faber Natural Sound.
Hear – and see – to believe. Duetto takes note of Sonus faber's most iconic design cues and natural materials.
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet. The A10 is something we are truly proud of, both in terms of sound, look and production values. It is a true celebration of our passion for amazing high-end sound, great engineering and high value products.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
CAPELLA embodies the ambition of an enthusiastic team to combine the acoustic experience of TRIANGLE with advanced sound signal processing technologies in a refined enclosure.Made in France, CAPELLA provides a complete, intelligent audio system with unprecedented performance. Entirely configurable to suit your taste and environment, CAPELLA adapts and fits your needs.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent wireless stability, pairing easily and remaining connected even with other wireless activity
- Big, confident, and enjoyable sound, with surprising bass extension for its size
- Aesthetically pleasing design, with unique and attractive finish options
- Versatile connectivity options through its media hub, including multiple digital and analog inputs, plus Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast
Product Considerations
- The absence of a dedicated streaming app may require reliance on third-party apps or external streamers
- The system could benefit from a slightly more refined sonic presentation, needing a touch more sweetness and natural warmth
- There can be some audible amplifier noise at idle/start-up, depending on proximity
- The base of the speakers can be quite large, potentially requiring dedicated stands for proper placement
- No wired subwoofer output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to KEF LS50 Wireless II, the Capella will appeal to those who would rather have a more classic, wood-cabineted speaker on show than the ultra-modern aesthetic of the Brit boxes
- Compared to Triangle Borea BR03 BT, the Triangle Capella active speaker system is much more ambitious, with more advanced drivers and superior fit and finish
- Compared to Buchardt A10, the Triangle Capella and Buchardt A10 are more similar than different, but still pretty different, as they use the same concept
Takeaway: The Triangle Capella is a convenient and stylish all-in-one system that delivers a big and enjoyable sound. It's a great choice for those seeking hifi audio without the complexities of traditional separates.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality audio and intuitive smart functionality
- Can be used in various setups—as a single speaker, stereo pair, multi-speaker surround system (including Dolby Atmos), or multiroom system
- Cardioid speaker design provides more precise bass and limits acoustic room interaction
- 'Audiophile-grade' sound due to Active Wave Focusing, ensures perfect time alignment over the entire frequency spectrum
- Versatile connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, XLR, TRS, AES/EBU, Dante, and KiiLink/KiiCONTROL
Product Considerations
- Some consumer streaming features may not be fully implemented initially due to licensing demands
- Needs space on either side to allow the side-mounted bass driver room to 'breathe'
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SEVEN is smaller and better suited to compact studio spaces, compared to the Kii THREE
- The SEVEN has less low-frequency reproduction, but not by much when used normally, compared to the Kii THREE
- The SEVEN is designed as a standalone smart speaker system, while combining the THREE and SEVEN requires workarounds
Takeaway: The Kii SEVEN is a smart speaker that delivers exceptional sound in a compact size. For an all-in-one system that sounds great and sidesteps cable clutter, this could be a great option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact dimensions make them suitable for smaller rooms and wall mounting
- Delivers a big sound despite its small size
- Impressive dynamic capabilities
- Good bass performance considering the speaker size
- Clean and purposeful look in either sleek white or black satin finishes
Product Considerations
- Magnets holding the grilles in place aren't very strong
- Soundstage depth is limited, projecting sound forward of the speaker plane
- May exhibit some dynamic compression during complex musical passages
- The SA Cockpit app can be flaky and exhibit strange behavior
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Q Active 200 created a deeper and higher soundstage, while the Silverback 1 had better-defined lower notes, and dynamics were more compressed on the Q Active 200
Takeaway: The Silverback 1 system is a great option for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on sound quality, offering impressive performance in a compact and aesthetically pleasing package. They are designed to blend into a domestic space rather than dominate it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Signature Klipsch sound, described as 'classic Klipsch concert-like sound' with a 'warm, rich' tone and detailed high end
- Powerful bass performance that in many cases negates the need for a separate subwoofer
- Retro-modern aesthetic with real wood veneers and metal control dials
- Clear and commanding presence across a multidimensional soundstage
- Versatile connectivity including HDMI-ARC, USB, optical, analog inputs (including phono), and Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- Dialogue clarity in movies could be improved
- The Klipsch Connect app can be clumsy and sluggish
- Limited tonal controls on the remote itself
- The soundstage may lack depth in some setups
- Some reviewers found the treble to be too high, requiring adjustment via the app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 200: The Q Active 200 has a wider, deeper soundstage with better imaging, while The Nines has a fuller, more embodied sound with bigger, more powerful bass and less dynamic compression at higher volumes
Takeaway: The Nines is a versatile and powerful speaker system that combines Klipsch's signature sound with a range of modern connectivity options, making it a great option for both music and home theater. Its strong bass performance and classic design further enhance its appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality that is true to form for KEF
- Sleek design that appeals to many
- User-friendly KEF Connect app allows control over volume, source selection, and EQ
- Integration with streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music is well done
- Versatile connectivity, including HDMI, USB, optical inputs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- Lacks analog input, preventing direct turntable connection
- Bass response may require a subwoofer for a full range experience—especially for bass-heavy music or home theater
- May exhibit some diffraction elements that can affect the sound, though this may reduce sibilance
- Not Roon Ready, though it can stream via AirPlay or Chromecast
- Can suffer when playing super bass heavy music at very high volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PSB Alpha IQ: The KEF LSX2 LT offers a mellower take on music
Takeaway: The KEF LSX II LT is a stylish, compact, and versatile wireless speaker system that delivers very good sound quality for its size. It's a great option for desktop use, small to medium-sized rooms, or as an alternative to a soundbar, especially when paired with a subwoofer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers fantastic, room-filling sound from a small footprint
- Is simple and straightforward to set up using the KEF Connect app
- Imaging and dynamics are excellent, with the sound mostly spread between, above, and behind the speakers, creating a palpable and impressive sense of the music being there in space
- Well-balanced sound with punchy dynamics and excellent instrumental separation
- Offers a wide array of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, USB-C, and HDMI ARC
Product Considerations
- Bass is good, but those who focus on EDM or hip-hop might want a sub
- Treble can be slightly rough in the upper midrange to treble transition region, more noticeable with lower quality recordings or data rates
- For native 24-bit/192kHz playback, a wired connection is required between the speakers
- KEF Connect app lacks robust full equalizer controls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos: KEF LSX II offer superior sound quality
- Vs Q Acoustics M20HDs: KEF LSX II has a more sophisticated app and integration of Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
- Vs Original LSX: KEF LSX II's setup is much easier and more seamless thanks to wireless updates
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless: KEF LSX II lacks Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) present in these models
Takeaway: The KEF LSX II is a stylish and versatile wireless speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality and is easy to set up and use. Its wide range of connectivity options and excellent imaging make it a great choice for those looking for a compact and convenient audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
Speakers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
