The Cabasse Eole 4 5.1 pack is the fourth evolution of a compact home cinema system developed by the brand. It consists of five identical spherical satellites and a flat Lipari 21 subwoofer. Designed for discreet integration, the system offers a 5.1 audio solution with 13 cm diameter speakers and a 15 cm thick subwoofer, suitable for domestic living spaces.
A coaxial architecture inherited from high-end models
At the heart of each Eole 4 satellite is a 2-way coaxial driver, a configuration that has been Cabasse’s acoustic signature since 1952. This architecture combines a 29 mm soft-dome tweeter and a 10 cm mid-bass driver with a P2C diaphragm (polymer loaded with calcium carbonate) in perfect alignment. This layout, directly derived from the SCS (Spatially Coherent Source) technology developed for the prestigious ARTIS range and the iconic La Sphère speaker, allows sound waves to emanate from a single point.
The coaxial principle eliminates the phase and directivity issues encountered with traditional configurations. In a conventional speaker, the physical offset between the tweeter and midrange creates interferences that vary depending on the listening position. With the Eole 4, all frequencies originate from the same acoustic centre, ensuring perfect time alignment and a stable soundstage across a wide listening area.
The spherical enclosure used for the satellites is not just an aesthetic choice. This shape, developed after hundreds of hours of research, optimises omnidirectional sound dispersion and minimises unwanted diffractions. The precisely calculated internal volume allows the coaxial driver to operate in ideal conditions despite the compact dimensions of the speaker.
Technical improvements designed for performance
Compared with the previous Eole 3 generation, this fourth iteration brings substantial improvements. The protective grille has been completely redesigned to optimise high-frequency dispersion. This new design, recognisable by its Cabasse logo and two chrome rings, offers better transparency in the treble and greater consistency in the extreme high frequencies. The engineers have meticulously worked on the geometry of the openings to minimise diffractions while maintaining effective protection for the drivers.
The magnetic base is another major evolution. While the first generations of Eole only allowed limited horizontal orientation, the new system allows full rotation in all planes. This complete freedom of positioning greatly facilitates acoustic optimisation, particularly for the surround channels, which can thus be aimed precisely at the listening area. The base now offers two distinct wall-mounting modes, making it possible to adapt the installation to the constraints of each interior.
The impressive power handling of 70 watts nominal (490 watts peak) demonstrates the robustness of the design. Full magnetic shielding allows installation in close proximity to sensitive electronic equipment, a valuable feature in modern home cinema setups where space is often at a premium.
The Lipari 21 subwoofer: discreet and efficient
The new Lipari 21 subwoofer marks a clear break from the previous-generation Santorin 21. With dimensions of just 39 x 39 x 15 cm, it adopts an ultra-flat format that greatly simplifies integration. This compactness does not come at the expense of performance: the 21 cm cellulose-fibre cone driver, combined with 200 watts of digital amplification (400 watts peak), delivers deep bass extending down to 33 Hz.
The flat design of the Lipari 21 allows two installation modes: vertically against a wall or horizontally under a piece of furniture. This versatility meets the constraints of contemporary interiors where space is precious. The adjustable crossover from 50 to 180 Hz and the phase switch (0° or 180°) allow fine-tuning of the subwoofer’s response to the room acoustics and optimisation of the transition to the satellites.
The new-generation digital amplification provides better control over low frequencies, with tighter, more defined bass than on the previous Santorin. This precision in the bass range is particularly valuable for home cinema use, where the clarity of low-frequency effects directly contributes to the realism of the experience.
Installation and flexibility of use
Cabasse supplies the Eole 4 pack with a complete set of accessories that reflects real thinking about user experience. The five supplied speaker cables (1 x 2 m, 2 x 3.5 m and 2 x 10 m) allow immediate installation in most living-room configurations. This attention to practical details avoids the need to buy additional accessories and makes system setup easier.
The identical design of all satellites greatly simplifies installation and offers maximum flexibility. Each speaker can be used equally as a front, centre, or surround channel. This approach also makes it easy to expand the system to 7.1 or 9.1 configurations by simply adding extra satellites, available individually.
Wall mounting requires only a single screw per satellite, a welcome simplicity that contrasts with the complex support systems of some competitors. The magnetic system ensures perfect hold while allowing quick orientation adjustments without tools.
