2021 Product of the Year Awards: Integrated System of the Year

Cabasse Pearl Akoya

$3800/pr. (stands, $800)

Cabasse’s “go anywhere, go anytime” speaker is a marvel of packaging and sophistication. This three-way, tri-axial sphere is loaded with built-in Class D amplifiers and a DAC with DSP control and room-correction calibration. It’s Wi-Fi-equipped, too. Just add a high-resolution streaming service or a thumb drive, and it becomes a fully self-contained, high-performance system—all in an impossibly small enclosure the size of a honeydew. Sonically, it conveys an engaging, forward, midrange-freighted personality.  Imaging is stable and well focused; tonal balance is articulate but not overly assertive or strident. Overall, response was fairly linear with dollops of air and buoyancy. Ultimately, there’s some roll-off in the treble, but not enough to set off alarm bells. Bass extension dips into the 50-60Hz range with conviction and surprising impact and amplitude. Whether you’re burning the midnight oil in the office (or bedroom) or kicking back at a BBQ, Cabasse has redefined high-end portability.