Cabasse Company: Quality Speakers and Technology Across Generations

Cabasse Company has been a pioneer in speaker technology for over 80 years, with a legacy that spans multiple generations of innovation. Founded in 1934 by Gabriel Cotte, the company has been family-owned and operated for nearly a century.

Their commitment to quality is evident in the fact that they were the first company to produce a speaker with a dedicated subwoofer, the Cabasse Adyton, in 1958. This groundbreaking design set the standard for home theater systems.

Cabasse speakers are known for their unique blend of French design and cutting-edge technology, which has earned them a loyal following among audiophiles. From their iconic Adyton to their latest releases, each speaker is a testament to the company's dedication to excellence.

Cabasse has a rich history that spans over 70 years, with a fascinating story that predates its audio brand. Founded in 1950 by Georges Cabasse, the company built its reputation on highly engineered coaxial drivers.

The Cabasse family's legacy extends beyond audio, as they were luthiers who produced instruments from 1730 to 1840, including guitars, violins, cellos, organs, and double basses. One of these basses is still in use by the Istanbul Philharmonic.

Here are some key dates in Cabasse's history:

Cabasse has a rich history that spans over seven decades, and it's fascinating to explore the key milestones that have shaped the company into what it is today.

In 1950, Cabasse was founded, marking the beginning of a legacy that would go on to revolutionize the world of sound.

The company's first major innovation was in 1952, when it created the first 2-way coaxial speakers for Cinemascope movie theatres, including the iconic Le Grand Rex in Paris.

This was followed by the development of active loudspeakers systems with valve amplifiers and filters in 1958, a significant step forward in sound technology.

One of the most notable achievements was the creation of underwater loudspeakers for the French Navy in 1965, showcasing Cabasse's ability to push the boundaries of sound in extreme environments.

In 1974, Cabasse introduced dome tweeters and midranges, as well as servo-controlled active Hi-Fi and monitor loudspeakers, which were used by Radio France.

The company continued to innovate, introducing honeycomb dome membranes for Hi-Fi and Public Address systems in 1983, ranging from 7" to 22" in size.

Carbo high-efficiency units were introduced in 1984 for the 4-way clusters fitting the 12-channel system at the Omnimax theatre La Géode in Parc de la Villette, Paris.

Duocell membranes based on an exclusive processing of Rohacell foam were developed in 1985, further advancing the company's sound technology.

The SCS principle (Spatially Coherent System) was launched in 1992 with the Atlantis reference system, featuring a 4-channel and 5-speaker setup.

In 1998, Cabasse fitted the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier with specific 117 dB efficiencyhorn systems, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver high-performance sound in demanding environments.

The TC22 reference 3-way coaxial unit, which goes from 80 Hz to 20 kHz, was introduced in 2002.

La Sphere, a 4-way coaxial unit, was launched in 2006, showcasing the company's continued commitment to innovation.

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Here's a brief timeline of Cabasse's major milestones:

Imagine an audio brand with a three-century history of making music. That's exactly what we're looking at with Cabasse, a French company that's been perfecting its craft for an impressive 70 years.

Cabasse was founded in 1950 by Georges Cabasse, who built the brand's reputation on highly engineered coaxial drivers. Those drivers are now part of cohesive and tightly engineered products that deliver high-fidelity sound.

Georges Cabasse passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on through his son Christophe, who shared with us the story of the brand's history and his father's vision. Christophe mentioned that his father had a unique connection to music from a young age.

Growing up in Paris, Georges played the lute and the piano and attended concerts whenever he could, often sneaking in after the intermission to learn the second half of the performance. This early exposure to music developed his incredible sonic memory.

As an engineer, Georges used both his technical and artistic background to produce high-fidelity music reproduction equipment, making it seem only natural that he would pursue this path.

Cabasse has been pushing the boundaries of audio technology for centuries, with six generations of luthiers (stringed instrument makers) shaping the company's legacy from 1730 to 1860.

The company's innovative spirit continued in the 20th century with the development of coaxial drivers for a 7 channel Cinemascope movie theater in 1952.

In the 1970s, Cabasse introduced the Brigantin VTA and Gallion 3VTA, the first active 3-way speakers with dual bass, used for the Radio France studios in 1974.

Their focus on innovation led to the creation of the Stream 1 in 2013, the first Wifi speaker and the Cabasse StreamCONTROL application.

Cabasse has named Arnaud Hendoux as its new deputy general manager. He brings 25 years of experience from Focal and Naim, where he led sales and American operations.

Arnaud Hendoux will focus on strengthening Cabasse's presence in the global "luxury audio" market, particularly in North America.

His mission includes supporting the launch of new connected product lines.

Cabasse has a rich history of innovation, with significant milestones in their development of speakers and technologies.

In the 1950s, Cabasse introduced the first coaxial drivers for a 7 channel Cinemascope Movie theater in 1952 and the first 3-way active speaker in 1958.

The 1970s saw the introduction of the Brigantin VTA and Gallion 3VTA, the first active 3-way speakers with dual bass used for the Radio France studios in 1974.

In 2013, Cabasse released the Stream 1, the first Wifi speaker, along with the creation of the Cabasse StreamCONTROL application.

The Baltic IV, released in 2015, was the first tri-axial aramid speaker.

Cabasse's commitment to craftsmanship and reliability has led to the creation of speakers that can last for decades, with some models still in use after 50 years.

Their most high-end speakers are hand-assembled by specialists, who meticulously control every step of production to achieve unparalleled sonic excellence.

The Minorca MC40 + Pearl Sub Bundle is a great example of Cabasse's system integration, offering exceptional imaging and seamless frequency extension.

The Cabasse house takes pride in its artisanal approach to manufacturing, where specialized workshops are dedicated to crafting high-quality speakers, drivers, and composite or carbon membranes.

These workshops are equipped with precision instruments, allowing the team to bring their creations to life with exceptional quality.

Each unit is carefully crafted using in-house designed machines and robots, as well as precision control equipment and anechoic chambers.

The spaces where prototypes are born also feature custom tooling essential for refining high-fidelity speakers.

Our specialists, who are skilled artisans, hand-assemble all top-tier speakers, ensuring a unique expertise that sets them apart.

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Cabasse masters the four pillars of the audio industry: drivers, amplification, mechanics, and software. This expertise is reflected in their meticulously designed speakers, crafted by acoustic engineers and imagined by a design team to deliver exceptional sound quality.

Their speakers feature innovative technologies such as coaxial technology for pure and natural sound, HELD technology for deeper and more powerful bass, and DEAP for optimized matching between amplification and speakers. The result is a distortion-free sound experience.

Cabasse's commitment to quality is evident in their attention to detail, from the design of electronic boards to the programming of key components like DSPs. Their software development includes millions of lines of code, ensuring longevity and reliability in their products.

Cabasse's acoustic expertise is truly unique. They master the four pillars of the audio industry: drivers, amplification, mechanics, and software.

Their drivers are meticulously designed by acoustic engineers to deliver the best sound in every format, style, and use case. From exceptional systems like LA SPHÈRE to classic or lifestyle speakers, connected devices, home theaters, built-in solutions, or portable models, Cabasse's drivers aim to satisfy users today and tomorrow.

Coaxial technology is at the heart of Cabasse's sound design. Initially 3-way, then 4-way, this technology ensures pure and natural sound. HELD technology, on the other hand, is designed to produce deeper, more powerful, and distortion-free bass.

Cabasse's innovations don't stop there. DEAP optimizes matching between amplification and speakers, while DFE ensures perfect sound balance. CRCS even offers automatic acoustic calibration and optimization.

StreamCONTROL, the Cabasse app, provides seamless multiroom and multisource connectivity. This means users can easily control their audio experience across different rooms and devices.

Cabasse's design philosophy is all about combining performance and aesthetics. They achieve this through elegant designs, high-quality materials, and flawless finishes.

At Cabasse, they take pride in their commitment to quality, which starts with designing their products with precision and care. They have a specialized repair workshop dedicated to their speakers and drivers, ensuring the exceptional longevity of their systems.

Their expertise allows for custom replacements, restorations, or repairs of every part, while maintaining the original standards. This commitment to quality is evident in their ability to reproduce every component in-house using precision machinery and tooling.

A large stock of spare parts, sometimes dating back several decades, is available to support the restoration of vintage high-fidelity speakers. The Cabasse House restores several pairs of vintage speakers daily, showcasing their dedication to preserving the quality of their products.

Their rare expertise and in-house capabilities enable them to guarantee the exceptional longevity of their systems, with some vintage models even covered by a lifetime warranty.

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Cabasse has a history of innovation, as evident in the patents they've filed.

Cabasse has filed 3 patents.

One of the notable patent topics is speaker technology, which is a key area of focus for the company.

The 3 most popular patent topics include speaker technology, material science, and acoustic design.

Cabasse speakers are designed to last, with some models still in use after several decades. This exceptional longevity creates a special bond between the speaker and its owner, often passing down through generations.

Many Cabasse speakers become true collector's items for high-fidelity sound enthusiasts, cherished for their ability to deliver remarkable acoustic fidelity and a fully immersive musical experience.

The Pacific 3 Loudspeakers were a popular choice for home audio systems in the 1970s. They were known for their clear and balanced sound.

Their design featured a 3-way configuration with a 12-inch woofer, a 5-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch tweeter. This setup allowed for a wide frequency range and accurate sound reproduction.

The Pacific 3 Loudspeakers were often paired with vintage amplifiers and turntables to create a classic hi-fi setup. These systems were prized for their warm and inviting sound quality.

Their cabinets were typically made of high-quality wood and finished with a durable veneer. This attention to detail helped to reduce resonance and improve overall sound quality.

The Pacific 3 Loudspeakers were a favorite among audiophiles and music enthusiasts, who appreciated their ability to deliver accurate and detailed sound.

Cabasse speakers have a unique ability to transcend time and generations. Their exceptional longevity creates a special bond between families, with many speakers being passed down through generations.

Some Cabasse speakers have been in use for several decades, with some models still going strong after 50 years. This is a testament to the company's commitment to craftsmanship and reliability.

The attention to detail in Cabasse speakers is unparalleled, with every component carefully selected and each step of production meticulously controlled. This results in remarkable acoustic fidelity and a fully immersive musical experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of Cabasse speakers is their ability to be repaired and updated, even after decades of use. Their after-sales service is true to their philosophy, extending the life of systems with the same rigorous quality standards as in their original design.

The company's most high-end speakers are hand-assembled by specialists, who are guardians of a unique artisanal expertise. This level of craftsmanship is rare in today's mass-produced speaker market.

From the development of coaxial drivers in 1952 to the creation of the StreamCONTROL application in 2013, Cabasse has been at the forefront of speaker technology. Their innovative designs have consistently pushed the boundaries of sound quality and speaker design.