Cabasse Baltic 5 white on black stand
Overview
A 27-centimeter sphere that concentrates three drivers on the same acoustic axis: that’s the challenge Cabasse has been meeting since 1993 with its Baltic range. This fifth generation continues a singular approach to coaxial loudspeakers, completely redesigned around the TCA (Tri Coaxial Aramid) transducer. Manufacturing remains rooted in the CAC (Cabasse Acoustic Center) in Plouzané, Brittany, where each speaker is assembled and checked according to a 360° measurement protocol.
The point-source principle and its implications
The three-way coaxial architecture places the 2.5 cm tweeter, 10 cm midrange, and 20 cm woofer at a single emission point. This layout eliminates time delays between different frequency ranges, a phenomenon that undermines the coherence of the soundstage in traditional speakers where drivers are arranged vertically. The signal reaches the listener’s ear simultaneously, regardless of the frequency being reproduced.
The spherical enclosure reinforces this behavior by eliminating internal resonances and the diffractions typical of rectangular cabinets. The rounded shape disperses sound energy evenly throughout the room, a concept Cabasse formalizes under the name HDSE (Homogeneous Distribution of Sonic Energy). Measurements carried out in an anechoic chamber are not limited to the listening axis: they cover the entire radiation sphere to optimize the crossover and guarantee consistency between direct and reflected sound.
The TCA transducer, heart of the fifth generation
To improve performance without changing the diameter of the enclosure, the Cabasse team developed exclusive aramid film diaphragms, designed and produced in-house. These diaphragms use a honeycomb structure that combines lightness and rigidity, two qualities that are usually at odds. The profile of the midrange and woofer diaphragms features a constant and regular geometry, maximizing radiating surfaces while reducing fixed areas likely to generate diffraction.
The magnetic motors use rare-earth magnets, more powerful than conventional ferrite magnets. This evolution increases both efficiency (91 dB/W/m) and power handling: the Baltic 5 handles 250 W continuously and tolerates peaks of 1,210 W. The two main diaphragms are produced simultaneously by a dedicated robot, ensuring consistency from one unit to another and limiting batch variations.
Three configurations for different setups
The Baltic 5 is available as a floorstanding model on a column, a compact stand-mount, or a wall-mounted version. The floorstanding version rests on a brushed aluminum column that positions the speaker at ear height when seated. The stand-mount model is intended for furniture or shelves, while the wall-mounted version incorporates a rotating magnetic bracket that allows you to aim the sphere toward the listening area. A single screw is enough to secure it to the wall.
The nominal impedance of 8 ohms (minimum 3.2 ohms) makes the speaker compatible with virtually all hi-fi or home cinema amplifiers. The rear binding posts accept thick cables, banana plugs, and spades, making it easy to integrate into an existing system. The frequency response extends from 75 Hz to 25 kHz, with internal crossover frequencies set at 740 Hz and 3,500 Hz.
Bass extension and triphonic system
The low-frequency response, limited to 75 Hz, calls for pairing with a subwoofer to reproduce the full spectrum. Cabasse offers THE PEARL SUB, an active connected subwoofer that includes amplification for the satellites (2 × 300 W) in addition to its own 1,000 W module. This 2.1 system benefits from DEAP technology, a digital processing system that optimizes the signal for each Cabasse speaker model (iO3, Riga 2, Baltic 5). THE PEARL SUB also provides access to high-resolution streaming via the StreamCONTROL multiroom system, compatible with Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, and other services.
Combining two Baltic 5 speakers with a subwoofer creates what is known as a triphonic system, a configuration historically favored by Cabasse for its coaxial loudspeakers. This approach lets you exploit the spatial coherence qualities of the coaxial driver in the mid and high frequencies, while entrusting the bass range to a specialized transducer, better suited to the demands of large air displacement.
Technical specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- Number of channels: 3
- Configuration: TCA triaxial coaxial speaker (bass, midrange, treble)
- Sensitivity: 91 dB / 1 W / 1 m
- Frequency response: 75 – 25000 Hz
- Crossover frequencies: 740 – 3500 Hz
- Even, pure dispersion from the very highest treble down to the bass
- Wide, stable and natural soundstage thanks to HDSE crossovers
- Natural, precise sound, faithful to the point-source ideal
Electrical characteristics
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
- Minimum impedance: 3.2 Ω
- Rated power: 250 W
- Peak power: 1210 W
Technologies and design
- TCA triaxial speaker
- Midrange and bass / low-midrange diaphragms in exclusive aramid films
- Constant, even profile for maximum radiating surface area
- Lightweight, rigid honeycomb structure
- New rare-earth motor systems for optimal efficiency and power handling
- Robotized production to ensure reliability and consistent performance
- HDSE crossovers
- 360° anechoic chamber measurements to control directivity and total power
- Even distribution of sound energy
- Perfectly balanced direct and reflected sound
Compatibility and extensions
- Available in floorstanding or on-wall version
- Compatible with THE PEARL SUB connected active subwoofer
- Phenomenal dynamics
- Patented DEAP technology to optimize the digital signal
- Connection to major streaming services
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 128 × 40 × 42.4 cm
- Weight: 19 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
What amplification should be paired with the Baltic 5?
The 91 dB efficiency and 8-ohm impedance allow the use of most integrated amplifiers or power amps on the market. A model capable of delivering 50 to 100 W into 8 ohms is sufficient for home listening. Amplifiers that can handle a load down to 3.2 ohms are preferable if you want to fully exploit the speaker’s dynamics at high volume.
Can the Baltic 5 be used without a subwoofer?
The frequency response goes down to 75 Hz, which covers most voices and common instruments. For acoustic music or jazz recordings, listening without a subwoofer is perfectly viable. However, electronic music, movies, or organ music require a subwoofer to reproduce the lowest bass.
Can the wall-mounted version be aimed at different listening positions?
The magnetic base of the wall-mounted version allows the sphere to be rotated in several directions. This flexibility makes installation easier in rooms where the listening position is not directly facing the mounting wall.
What is the difference compared with the Baltic 4?
The Baltic 5 retains the same sphere diameter (27 cm) but incorporates a completely redesigned TCA transducer. The aramid diaphragms with honeycomb structure replace the materials used in the previous generation, and the rare-earth magnet motors are more powerful. The finishes are now matte, whereas the Baltic 4 offered more varied options.
Are the speakers sold individually or in pairs?
The Baltic 5 is sold individually, allowing you to build a stereo system, a 5.1 setup, or any other multichannel configuration by purchasing exactly the number of speakers you need.
Which cable should be used for connection?
The binding posts accept cables up to 4 mm² in cross-section, as well as banana plugs and spades. A standard-quality cable (2.5 to 4 mm² cross-section) is suitable for lengths under 5 meters. Beyond that, a larger cross-section helps limit losses.
Can the Baltic 5 be used as a center speaker in a home cinema system?
The spherical shape and coaxial coherence make it an excellent center speaker, provided you have enough space. The stand-mount version can be placed horizontally under a screen, while the wall-mounted version can be fixed above or below it, depending on the setup.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: ENC1622A
