Yes, it is possible to add a subwoofer to your Cabasse Akoya or Pearl system, but there are a few important considerations:
Cabasse's Integrated Subwoofer Solutions:
Cabasse offers "The Pearl Sub," which is a connected active subwoofer specifically designed to integrate with their "The Pearl" collection, including the Akoya and Pearl speakers.
- The Pearl Sub: This is not just a subwoofer; it's a versatile hub. It features a powerful 1000W RMS (2000W peak) amplifier for its own woofer and also includes two 300W RMS (600W peak) amplification modules to power passive satellite speakers (like the Cabasse iO3, Riga, or Baltic). It also has comprehensive connectivity (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SPDIF Optical, RCA Analog, USB) and multi-room capabilities.
- How it works with Akoya/Pearl: While The Pearl Sub is often marketed with passive satellite speakers, it can also integrate with your existing Pearl or Akoya speakers. The key is its multi-room compatibility. You can group The Pearl Sub with your Akoya or Pearl speakers within the Cabasse StreamCONTROL app, allowing them to play music synchronously and potentially use the subwoofer to augment the bass. Sources connected to The Pearl Sub (optical, RCA) can also be streamed to your Akoya or Pearl speakers in other rooms.
Can you add any subwoofer?
The Cabasse Pearl and Akoya speakers themselves are full-range, high-performance active speakers with powerful built-in woofers. The Pearl Akoya, for example, has a 17cm HELD woofer with 450W RMS power. The larger Pearl has a 25cm HELD woofer with 1000W RMS power. This means they already deliver significant bass.
However, if you desire even deeper or more impactful bass, or if you want to create a dedicated 2.1 system with specific satellite speakers, you might consider adding an external subwoofer.
- Connectivity: The Pearl and Akoya speakers have various inputs, including optical digital and RCA analog. If an external subwoofer has these inputs, you might be able to connect it. However, the challenge is typically managing the crossover and integration, as these speakers are designed to be self-contained units.
- Best Integration: For optimal integration and control, using Cabasse's own "The Pearl Sub" is likely the best solution, as it's designed to work seamlessly within their ecosystem and offers advanced features like automatic room correction (CRCS) and DEAP technology (Digital Enhancement of Acoustical Performances) when paired with compatible Cabasse speakers.
In summary:
- Yes, you can add a subwoofer.
- The recommended and most integrated option is Cabasse's "The Pearl Sub," which is designed to work with their Pearl line and offers advanced features.
- While theoretically possible to connect other subwoofers via analog or optical inputs, achieving seamless integration and optimal sound quality might be more challenging due to the sophisticated DSP and design of the Akoya and Pearl speakers.