Gilles
Excellent compromise in an intermediate sound space.
Comment from January 05, 2024 — Experience from December 25, 2023
The Cabasse Eole 4 5.0 Pack brings together five identical spherical satellites, embodying French coaxial technology in an ultra-compact format. This fourth generation perpetuates a tradition of over two decades, offering a multichannel solution that combines visual discretion with acoustic performance.
The Eole 4 satellites adopt a spherical shape with a 13-centimeter diameter, a geometry that guarantees maximum structural rigidity while eliminating parasitic diffractions found in conventional speakers. The glossy white lacquered aluminum shell forms a perfectly inert sealed enclosure, housing Cabasse’s signature coaxial transducer.
At the heart of each satellite, a 29-millimeter soft-dome tweeter sits at the center of a 10-centimeter mid-bass driver with a P2C (Loaded Cellular Polypropylene) cone. This coaxial configuration, where both drivers share the same acoustic center, eliminates the phase issues characteristic of conventional systems. The P2C cone combines a lightweight cellular structure with high rigidity, allowing the driver to reach down to 150 Hz with controlled distortion.
The new protective grille, an innovation of this fourth generation, optimizes high-frequency dispersion thanks to perforations recalculated in an anechoic chamber. The 4000 Hz crossover ensures a natural transition between ranges, while the 150 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth covers the essentials of the audible spectrum.
The magnetic mounting system transforms multichannel installation. Each satellite rests on a magnetized base allowing full 360-degree rotation and adjustable tilt. This freedom lets you precisely aim each satellite at the listening area without architectural constraints.
The base can be placed on a shelf, wall-mounted with a single screw, or fitted on the optional Eole Stand. Magnetic force holds the satellite firmly while allowing fine adjustments without tools. Full magnetic shielding permits placement near sensitive equipment, a characteristic inherited from the era of CRT televisions but still relevant for certain audio devices.
With a sensitivity of 90 dB for 1 watt at 1 meter and a power handling of 70 watts (490 watts peak), the Eole 4 satellites deliver comfortable performance. The nominal impedance of 8 ohms with a 4-ohm minimum makes them an easy load for multichannel home theater amplifiers.
The 150 Hz low-frequency limit, inherent to the compact format, means pairing with a subwoofer is recommended for a fully balanced response. This characteristic does not affect dialogue intelligibility, as the vocal range is fully covered with remarkable clarity thanks to the coaxial system.
The five identical satellites ensure exemplary tonal consistency, a fundamental criterion of modern home theater. The center speaker fully benefits from coaxial technology: the point source ensures even dispersion toward all listening positions, solving the problem of conventional center channels that favor the on-axis listener.
The front satellites create the main soundstage with a stable and focused stereo image. Controlled dispersion avoids excessive early reflections, preserving clarity and definition. The surround speakers complete the envelope by creating ambience and directional effects, with placement made easier by the adjustable magnetic system.
The Eole lineage illustrates Cabasse’s evolutionary approach. The first generation introduced the concept of a miniature coaxial sphere with horizontal rotation only. Eole 2 brought the revolutionary adjustable magnetic base. Eole 3 extended the bandwidth to 150 Hz and optimized efficiency.
Eole 4 represents the culmination with its new acoustic grille and internal refinements: tighter tolerances, optimized moving masses, improved suspensions. These cumulative improvements contribute to increased transparency in the upper spectrum.
Technically yes, but the 150 Hz limit deprives the listener of an octave and a half in the low end. For music requiring deep fundamentals or the special effects of modern cinema, adding a subwoofer like the Lipari 21 or Santorin 30 transforms the experience. In pure stereo for vocal content or chamber music, the satellites alone can suffice.
Between 50 and 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms is the optimal range. Below that, dynamics may suffer on complex passages. Above that, the gain remains marginal given the satellites’ high sensitivity. Midrange home theater amplifiers from Denon, Yamaha, Marantz, or Onkyo provide ample power along with automatic calibration features.
The redesigned protective grille is the main clue. Its perforation pattern differs subtly but noticeably from earlier versions. Dimensions and proportions have remained identical since the Eole 2. Finish quality has improved over the generations, with tighter assembly tolerances on the current version.
As main and surround speakers, absolutely. For height channels, their omnidirectional design and light weight are assets. The In-Ceiling adapter even allows ceiling installation with adjustable aiming. Simply plan for additional satellites according to the desired Atmos configuration (5.0.2, 5.0.4, etc.).
Gilles
Excellent compromise in an intermediate sound space.
Comment from January 05, 2024 — Experience from December 25, 2023
Jean marc
Excellent product, very good speakers with nothing to complain about in terms of sound quality. The only downside is the wall connection, which is really very complex and requires two people for mounting and especially connection. Connecting the 2.5 cable to the small terminal block is very delicate and tedious. Since I was alone, I connected everything directly without the terminal blocks and it works very well like that. Once connected, the speakers are pure bliss.
Comment from October 02, 2023 — Experience from September 21, 2023