AXPONA 2022 Show Report: Back to Listening in Person

As the audio industry gradually resumed its trade show calendar in result of the global pandemic, Oliver A. Masciarotte offers a report from the 2022 edition of Audio Expo North America, better known as AXPONA - the most important annual hi-fi and high-end audio show in the US. As audio enthusiasts and audiophiles returned once again to listening in person at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, there was a lot to explore in very little time. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2022.

Unveiled for the first time at the end of September 2021 during a special event in Paris, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the brand, Cabasse now launched a new 2.1 ultra-compact concept of its ultra-high-end flagship coaxial system The Sphere. The Pearl Keshi is a hi-res connected system that combines the qualities of Cabasse’s renowned solutions with all its sophisticated DSP features. The result is an impressive acoustic performance relative to its size due to the combination of floor subwoofer and two satellites.

Cabasse, the iconic French hi-fi brand is today part of AwoX, one of the most dynamic companies in the smart home space. In recent years, Cabasse significantly expanded its catalogue with modern and feature-rich products for home-theater and wireless multiroom. The most recent announcement from Cabasse clearly positions the brand in the most contemporary lifestyle segment. After 3 years of R&D and benefiting from the group's experience in wireless and smart home connectivity, Cabasse has launched The Pearl, an active, high-definition, connected – and smart – speaker.

AwoX announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares of French acoustics technology company Cabasse from the Canon Group. Canon had acquired Cabasse in 2006. AwoX is known for its innovative Awox StriimLIGHT Bluetooth and Wi-Fi LED light bulbs, equipped with a 10W speaker, allowing to stream music stored on a tablet, smartphone or computer and supporting multiroom applications thanks to a synchronization function.