Cabasse iO3 black matte on oak stand

The Cabasse iO3 floorstanding speakers are compact speakers with a spherical design, intended for use in stereo or home theater setups. They feature a coaxial driver, a signature technology of the brand, aimed at enhancing the temporal and spatial coherence of sound reproduction. With a sensitivity of 93 dB, these speakers are engineered to deliver high acoustic performance despite their compact size.

Architecture Designed for Sonic Neutrality

The spherical shape of the iO3 is more than just a stylistic choice. This geometry, refined by Cabasse over several decades, is a deliberate technical decision that eliminates rear resonance and suppresses unwanted reflections that could color the sound. Unlike traditional rectangular speakers that create standing waves inside the cabinet, the sphere allows for perfectly smooth propagation of the sound wave behind the driver. This acoustic architecture ensures natural reproduction, free from any structural distortion.

The speaker itself measures only 20.6 cm in height, 16 cm in width, and 18.8 cm in depth. Yet, this incredibly compact 1.8 kg enclosure houses a 13 cm two-way coaxial driver. The spherical cabinet is made from a specially developed composite, offering exceptional rigidity while keeping the weight to a minimum. The matte finishes, available in black or white, give the iO3 an understated elegance that blends seamlessly into any modern interior.

The stand that accompanies the speaker deserves special mention. This solid wood structure, 112 cm tall, positions the speaker precisely about 90 cm from the floor, placing the acoustic center at ear level for a seated listener. The 33 cm diameter base ensures perfect stability while elegantly concealing the connection terminals. Available in natural oak or black oak, this slender-profile stand transforms the set into a true sound sculpture. The stand’s design incorporates an optimized decoupling system to minimize unwanted vibrations, ensuring absolutely pure sound reproduction.

SCS Technology: When Spatial Coherence Becomes Reality

At the heart of the iO3 lies the SCS (Spatially Coherent System) principle, an acoustic philosophy developed by Cabasse since 1992. This approach places all transducers on the same axis, creating a pulsating section of a sphere during sound reproduction. This unique configuration achieves perfect phase coherence across different frequencies, eliminating directivity issues and time delays that affect conventional speakers.

The two-way coaxial driver in the iO3 is the result of decades of research. At its center, a 27 mm Kaladex dome tweeter reproduces high frequencies up to 22,000 Hz. This exclusive diaphragm, developed by Cabasse, offers exceptional rigidity with minimal weight, enabling an extended frequency response with negligible distortion. The tweeter is mounted at the center of a 13 cm Duocell mid-bass driver, a proprietary technology based on a unique treatment of Rohacell, a rigid and ultra-light foam used in aerospace.

This coaxial configuration offers significant acoustic advantages. First, it ensures that all frequencies emanate from a single point source, creating a stereo image of surgical precision. Second, the off-axis response remains remarkably consistent, allowing for a wide listening area where multiple listeners can enjoy optimal sound quality. Finally, the absence of time delay between the transducers ensures faithful reproduction of transients and preserved dynamics across the entire spectrum.

Controlled Power in a Miniature Package

Despite their diminutive size, the iO3 can handle a nominal power of 80 watts with peaks up to 580 watts. This exceptional capability results from the meticulous optimization of every component. Oversized voice coils, high-energy magnetic circuits, and a thermal conduction cooling system enable the iO3 to withstand high sound levels without dynamic compression or thermal distortion.

The sensitivity of 93 dB for 1 watt at 1 meter places the iO3 among the most efficient speakers in their class. This means they can reach comfortable sound levels with modestly powered amplifiers, while retaining significant dynamic headroom for demanding musical passages. The nominal impedance of 8 ohms, with a minimum of 3.8 ohms, ensures compatibility with nearly all amplifiers on the market.

The frequency response ranges from 150 Hz to 22,000 Hz, with a crossover frequency set at 2,700 Hz. While the lower limit of 150 Hz may seem high for standalone stereo listening, it has been carefully chosen to optimize midrange clarity and vocal precision. This makes the iO3 an ideal candidate for use in a 2.1 setup with a subwoofer, or as main speakers in a multichannel home theater system.

The Perfect Match with The Pearl Sub

Cabasse specifically developed the connected subwoofer The Pearl Sub to create a coherent 2.1 system with the iO3. This pairing is not just a commercial match but a true technological synergy. The Pearl Sub features DEAP (Digital Enhancement of Acoustical Performances) technology, a digital signal processing system that optimizes the frequency response specifically for the iO3.

When the iO3 are connected to the Pearl Sub, they benefit from a dedicated equalization profile, developed in the Cabasse laboratory by their engineers. This profile takes into account the specific acoustic characteristics of the iO3, including their phase response, directivity, and dynamic behavior. The result goes beyond simply adding a subwoofer: the whole forms a perfectly integrated system where the transition between subwoofer and satellites becomes imperceptible.

The Pearl Sub powers the iO3 with 300 watts RMS per channel, unleashing their full dynamic potential. The automatic calibration system, CRCS (Cabasse Room Correction System), analyzes the room’s acoustics and automatically adjusts parameters to optimize sound reproduction. This patented technology compensates for room resonance modes, corrects phase issues, and linearizes the frequency response to deliver optimal listening regardless of the room’s configuration.

Technical Specifications

Configuration

• Type: 2-way
• Speakers:
  • 1 × 2-way coaxial, 13 cm Duocell
  • 1 × dome tweeter, ∅ 2.7 cm Kaladex

Audio Performance

• Nominal power: 80 W
• Peak power: 580 W
• Sensitivity 1 W / 1 m: 93 dB
• Crossover frequency: 2,700 Hz
• Frequency response: 150 to 22,000 Hz
• Impedance:
  • Nominal: 8 Ω
  • Minimal: 3.8 Ω

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (H × W × D): 112 × 33 × 33 cm
• Weight: 6 kg