Jerry Sommers

Equipment Review
Sleek, Svelte Surround System from France
Cabasse X02 5.1-Channel Speaker System
o big things come in small packages? Cabasse, a French firm dedicated to designing loudspeakers capable of accurately reproducing movie soundtracks and music, would have you believe that they do. The first thing I noticed when unpacking their new XO2 surround system was how compact the entire system was. The system was also sleek and stylish, and, dare I say it, pretty. The "significant other" acceptance factor on this product: so far, so good. But I also knew that the aerodynamic curves of the shiny elliptical XO2 speakers were not driven by aesthetics alone. Rather, this system was borrowing tech nology from Cabasse's higher end class of iO and ARTIS loudspeakers. Cabasse's Spatially Coherent Source principal postulates that a conventional box speaker introduces distortions in sound waves of mids and highs when the sound wave reflects from the speaker's flat front panel. The solution?
An elliptical "box." I was eager to see if this elliptical speaker could take me that much closer to "the absolute sound." Features The system is comprised of five sets of identical satellite speakersthe trademark orbsand one larger boxshaped subwoofer. Two independent stands, five tabletop/wall-mount stands, and five sets of speaker cables round out the deal. The satellites provide two-way coaxial midrange-tweeters encased in attractive brushed aluminum housing. A quick rap of my knuckles against the casing suggested that the enclosure rigidity was high, which came as no surprise since these speakers, Cabasse's DOM15/10T15KALADEX/P2C diaphragm models, are the same as those used in the CinesounD and original XO systems. Each satellite also comes with two sets of grill covers, grey and black. Magnetic shielding allows the speakers to sit on or near your display. Next comes the subwoofer. Frequencies
"The elliptical shape of the satellite speakers definitely helped when it came to projecting an image that extended well beyond the sides of the front speakers."
below 200 Hz are handled by the subwoofer, housed in a medium density fiberboard (MDF) enclosure. Rated at 100W, the box is finished to match the aluminum satellites. The driver is a down-firing 8.5" subwoofer with two bass ports. The woofer, however, does not include speaker spikesinstead, cylindrical rubber feet raise the subwoofer a few inches from the floor. I felt I needed more clearance on my shag carpet, so I propped the feet on risers. The controls are located on the rear and include crossover adjustment (20Hz-200Hz), and volume/phase adjustment. Two line-in ports also feed from the back. Where other satellite surround speaker setups contain a trough in the lower mid-bass/upper-bass region, the XO2 system is a little weightier in this region, though a trough still exists. The XO2 system attempts to soften this problem in one of two ways. First, for AVRs that lack an adjustable low pass crossover, a
Copyright 2005, Absolute Multimedia AVguide Monthly

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midrange was missing. I believe the subwoofer fills in the gaps in upper bass or lower midrange that the satellite drivers can't hit. This midrange drop is perhaps characteristic of many satellite surround systems, but although less obvious in the XO2 than other entry-level surround systems I've test-driven, it is still noticeable. Because

DOM15/10T15 Satellites

"Because sound directionality isn't razor sharp, there really is no need to search for the 'sweet spot.' Every seat is a good seat."
MAX crossover module is supplied which essentially routes signals below 200Hz from all channels to the subwoofer. Secondly, for AVRs with an adjustable low pass crossover, the system splits the bass management duties below 200Hz using the subwoofer. I noticed a slight increase in the tightness of the midrange when using the MAX crossover, but overall, I preferred the musicality of the system using my AVRs internal crossover. Music The elliptical shape of the satellite speakers definitely helped when it came to projecting an image that extended well beyond the sides of the front speakers. Listening to "Circle" from The Jazz Kamerata [SACD, Chesky] by Carlos Franzetti on SACD, instruments extended slightly farther to the sides of the front loudspeakers and surrounds, adding to the illusion of a live performance. Soundstaging was a little less promising, with the instruments located in a tight plane and in a straight line with the front and left speakers. When the cello and piano play together on "Circle," the sound of the piano remained distinct but just slightly anemic. On a hunch, I switched the subwoofer off. With the subwoofer turned off, the instruments retained some tonal accuracy, but much of the
system output below 200Hz comes predominantly from the subwoofer, the illusion of hearing a real acoustic system is subconsciously broken. I was constantly aware of the "bass localization" effect, where pinpointed bass comes from the subwoofer. Next, I listened to Rosa Passos and Ron Carter's Entre Amigos [SACD, Chesky], where Brazilian music is smothered in jazzy lounge atmospherics. Rosa's voice on "Bahia Com H" had me mesmerized. It was velvety smooth. The acoustic guitar had weight without seeming bloated, the bass was playful and dynamic, and the strums on the snare drum sounded tight and quick. I rounded out my musical tests with T. Rex and the redbook audio CD Electric Warrior [Reprise], "Jeepster," reasoning that this track, punctuated every few bars with a crash cymbal, would make a good test. Cymbals and percussion seemed a bit shelved at the top end, with a hint of buttery smoothness. In contrast to most entry-level satellite systems I've listened to, the XO2 system allowed me to crank up the volume without sensing a shrill high-end. The electric guitar was fuzzy and crunchy and Mark Bolan's voice was bold and expressive, though I

Satellites with included stands
again felt that the soundstage never made it past the front speakers. Because sound directionality isn't razor sharp, there really is no need to search for the "sweet spot." Every seat is a good seat. I switched from my music collection to live TV and caught Kanye West rapping "Jesus Walks" from College

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Dropout [Roc-a-fella] at the Grammys. Not only did the system bump at the bottom end, with rapping that was intelligible and heartfelt without being boomy, but the Dolby Digital track in HDTV supported crowd ambience, pulling me from my living room (no small task) to front row and center at the Grammys. Very cool. Queen Latifah even personally serenaded me with a soulful jazz ballad, impressing the hell out of me with her tone, delivery and technique. Movies Movie playback was the XO2 system's biggest strength. I really enjoyed just about every movie I watched. I first viewed:The Return of the King [New Line] and was immersed in action from the start. In the scene, "Battle of the Pelennor Fields," Legolas' ride atop an armored mammoth was a dramatic test of the system's capabilities. The subwoofer dynamics were breathtaking, rising from dead silence to full-on dynamics without delay or strain. The Wooly Mammoth stomps were authoritative (making me believe the imaginary wild beasts might actually exist) and Orc yells were deep and throaty. Micro-dynamics were handled convincingly with swords clanging, horses stampeding, and arrows flying in a cohesive and 3-dimensional soundfield without becoming muffled during complex scenes. Dialogue throughout the movie was clear and intelligible. The believability of the presentation was amplified by action extending far beyond the edges of the speakers, which is exactly the effect the XO2 system set out to achieve. Finally, I watched the coat check scene from The Matrix Revolutions [Warner]. Low frequency tones, microdynamic details (such as the tinkle of cascading cartridge casings) and explosive machine gun blasts played simultaneously, without strain, at high volumes. The XO2 system handled the scene with precision and authority. A hailstorm of bullets flew around me, shooting from speaker to speaker, and I could actually feel the low end bullet hits in my chest.

Again, the XO2 system's music capabilities take a back seat to the real strength of the system, movie playback. Soundtrack clarity, imaging that extends well beyond the edges of the speaker, and low end dynamics make film playback with the XO2 a winner. Conclusion Overall, the SCS design principals integrated within the XO2 system elevated system performance to a class above most entry level satellite home theater systems I've heard in the past and at this price I'd expect them to. If you can look past the minor musical shortcomings of the system and want a speaker system that packs a knockout punch with movies, I recommend the XO2. With a sexy minimalist appearance, you'll be impressed at how well the system blends into your home theater environment. SPECIFICATIONS Price: $1659 (entire system) DOM15/10T15 Satellites Type: Standmount, Wall-mount Satellite Drivers: 3.5" coaxial midrange-tweeter, P2C Diaphragm Sensitivity: 92dB Impedance: 8 Ohms Frequency Response: 200Hz-20kHz Dimensions(Width, Height, Depth): 6" x 6" x 4" XO2 Subwoofer Driver: 8.5" driver, P2C Diaphragm Frequency Response: 35Hz-200Hz Dimensions (Width, Height, Depth): 11" x 15" x 15" MANUFACTURER INFORMATION CABASSE NORTH AMERICA 2125 Stillwater Drive, Ste 109 Beaumont, TX 77705 (409) 722-6727 www.cabasse.com ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Dell W3000, Definitive Technology BP7004, Harman Kardon AVR 630, Philips DVD 963SA, Wireworld Speaker Cable and Interconnects
XO2 subwoofer (bottom view)
XO2 subwoofer (rear view)

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www.cabasse.com

THANK YOU
Thank you very much for choosing Xo SYSTEM, the new complete audio video system in the continuity of Cabasse SCS technology (Spatially Coherent Source). Xo SYSTEM is a pack with 5 small coaxial satellites and a dedicated subwoofer, it is a complete audio video system combining acoustic quality, miniaturization, modularity and performances. With Xo SYSTEM you will freely listen a 2.1 configuration dedicated for stereo, to a 5.1 configuration dedicated for audio video 5 channels reproduction. The serial number of your system is at the back of Xo SYSTEM subwoofer, this same number is allotted to the 5 Xo SYSTEM satellites. Please take the time to follow this owner's guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate your system properly, and enjoy all of its advanced features. We suggest you save your owner's guide, your purchase invoice and your guarantee certificate for future reference.

UNPACKING

Remove any staples from the opened carton flaps, leave one by one Xo SYSTEM components. If the speakers or the subwoofer appear damaged, do not use them. Repack everything in the original packing and contact your authorized Cabasse dealer immediately. We suggest you to retain the packing for future use. Xo SYSTEM subwoofer weighs 23,2 pounds (10,5 kg). Use good lifting practice to avoid injury. To avoid electric shock or fire hazards, do not expose speakers to rain or moisture. To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags that wrap these speakers out of the reach of children. What comes in the pack 1 Xo SYSTEM satellites mounted with their bookshelf support Xo SYSTEM subwoofer stand supports for satellites to be mounted if needed wall supports for satellites to be mounted if needed Cabasse module crystal cables (3 x 6 m/20 ft and 2 x 15 m/49 ft) black coaxial cables with CINCH RCA plugs (2 x 6 m/20ft) power cord for the subwoofer quick set up manual owners manual guarantee certificate 12

SETTING UP

Assembly of the different supports
Xo SYSTEM is an entirely modular system for a perfect integration in your listening room.
The satellites are delivered with the bookshelf support to place the satellites on a television set or a rack. This support is dismountable, once dismounted you can choose 2 other modes of fixing: the stand version or the wall version.
On wall version and for aesthetics, connection cables can pass above or inside the fixing.

On stand version connection cable will pass inside the stand to connect then to the satellite. Therefore it is important to strictly respect the assembly of the stand to make easier the passage of the cable inside the stand support.
Positionning of Xo SYSTEM
Xo SYSTEM satellites have all the same technical features, they can be used on any channel. All the satellites are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with the image of your television set, they can thus be placed near any screen. Front left and right satellites must be directed towards the listening area and placed on either side of the screen with at least a distance of 2 and 5 m (7 ft and 16 ft) between the 2 satellites. The centre satellite should be placed as close as possible to the screen: on the top, below, or directly on your television set. Place the satellite at the vertical of the screen for a perfect cohesion and precision between dialogues and picture. Rear satellites should be placed against the side walls, at listening height or higher if possible and slightly behind the listening area. The subwoofer should be placed in the front listening area. To get the best result, it is always necessary to carry out tests according to the acoustics of the room. To prevent interference with the screen of your television set, place the subwoofer at least 0,6 m/2 ft of your television set.

Connections

Before making any connections turn off your receiver and unplug it from the outlet. Not doing so may result in damage to your system. Never use broken or frayed wiring, which can result in electrical shock or damage to your system. It is imperative before any connection to respect the setting in phase by connecting the terminals +/red of the amplifier to the terminal +/red of the satellites. Proceed then in the same way for terminals -/black. Connection of the satellites is carried out with a push button which once slackened locks your connection. The use of the Cabasse module is essential to the correct operation of Xo SYSTEM, therefore it is necessary to respect the following connection instructions. Use 3 crystal cables of 6 m/20 ft to connect the centre, " front left " and " front right " output of the audio video amplifier to the centre, front left and right left satellites. Use 2 crystal cables of 15 m/49 ft to connect the rear left and rear right outputs of the audio video amplifier to the rear left and rear right satellites. 14
The Cabasse module and the 2 black coaxial cables with CINCH RCA plugs (2 x 6 m/20ft) will be used for the connection of the subwoofer. Low frequencies coming from the 5 channels of your amplifier are taken directly from the amplifier with the Cabasse module and directed with one of the black coaxial cables with CINCH RCA to the input IN of the subwoofer. For the Cabasse module, cables are standardized, they can be connected to any speakers outputs of the amplifier.

Then connect input LFE IN of the subwoofer to the output SUBWOOFER / LFE of the audio video amplifier using the second black coaxial cable with CINCH RCA.

Cabasse module

CONNECTING CABLES crystal cable 6 m/20 ft crystal cable 6 m/20 ft crystal cable 6 m/20 ft crystal cable 15 m/49 ft crystal cable 15 m/49 ft black coaxial cable with CINCH RCA plugs 6 m/20 ft black coaxial cable with CINCH RCA plugs 6 m/20 ft
SPEAKERS front left satellite centre satellite front right rear left satellite rear right satellite input LFE IN of the subwoofer input IN of the subwoofer
AMPLIFIER CONNECTION LEFT FRONT CENTRE RIGHT FRONT LEFT SURROUND RIGHT SURROUND output SUBWOOFER / LFE output of the Cabasse module
Check all the connections carried out on the satellites, the subwoofer and the audio video amplifier. Ensure that each satellite is connected according to its position in the room. Check that all the satellites are well in phase (+/red in +/red and -/black in -/black). Once this checking made you can connect your audio video amplifier and the subwoofer to the sector.
To prevent the risks of electric shock, take care to completely insert plugs of sector cords.

ADJUSTING

Subwoofer adjusting
Take care of positioning the sector switch 115V/230V on the right position according to your country. The switch on/off of the subwoofer has 3 positions: ON AUTO: Automatic, the system is put automatically on ON or OFF according to the the presence of signal coming from the amplifier. OFF Put the switch on/off on AUTO or ON position. CROSSOVER: adjust the potentiometer on 200 Hz.
VOLUME: The adjustment of the volume will depend upon room positioning, type of amplifiers With Xo SYSYEM the average position is on " 12 am ". For an optimum adjustment of the volume, we advise you to carry out it starting from a stereo source (CD). Then use the " test tone " of your audio amplifier video 5.1 to adjust the level of channel SUBWOOFER / LFE.
PHASE: usually it is necessary to position the potentiometer on 0, however there is 2 positions: 0 and 180. 1 / Adjust the potentiometer on 0 when the subwoofer and the satellites are positioned at the same distance of the listening area.

2 / Adjust the potentiometer on 180 when the subwoofer is positioned 1,50 m/5 ft ahead or behind the satellites.

Setting your amplifier

The table below shows the adjustments to make. SPEAKERS LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT CENTRE LEFT AND RIGHT SURROUND SUBWOOFER / LFE ON LARGE AMPLIFIER

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have a problem with your Xo SYSTEM 5.1 speaker system, turn off your sound source and try the solutions below. If you still have a problem, contact your Cabasse dealer to arrange for service. PROBLEMS at all SOLUTIONS operating AC wall outlet and that the subwoofer is turned ON or AUTO. - Be sure that the right source is selected on the amplifier (video, CD, DVD, tuner). - Turn the subwoofer on ON or AUTO. - For digital sound, be sure a coaxial or optical cable connects the digital output of the DVD player with the digital input on your receiver. Not enough or too much bass - Move the subwoofer closer to a wall or a corner to increase very low bass frequencies. - Move it farther away from a wall or a corner to decrease very low bass frequencies. - Adjust the LFE level control of your audio video amplifier. No surround sound - Check that the adjustments of your audio video amplifier are correct. No sound - Check the speaker connections.
The system does not function - Make sure the amplifier and the subwoofer plugged into an

CLEANING THE SPEAKERS

The cabinets of Xo SYSTEM speakers may be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Do not use any sprays near the system or allow liquids to spill into any openings. Also, do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
The grille assemblies on the satellites may be carefully vacuumed, if necessary. Please note that the drivers are located directly behind the grille cloth, and are easily damaged if reasonable care is not taken.
Xo SYSTEM TECHNICAL FEATURES
TECHNICAL FEATURES Installation Number of ways Coaxial driver Sub driver Sensitivity 2,8 V / 1 m Frequency response Nominale impedance Minimum impedance Power handling Peak power Power ampifier Magnetic shielded Dimensions (h x w x d) mm

(h x w x d) in SATELLITE SPEAKERS
SUBWOOFER subwoofer cm active active active active active 100 W no 370 x 255 x 365 14,6 x 10 x 14,4 10,5 kg / 23,2 lb
2/5 channel system 2 Tweeter Medium 3,8 cm 10 cm 92 dB 000 Hz 8 ohms 3,2 ohms 70 W 490 W yes 132 x 132 x 115 5,2 x 5,2 x 4,5 1,3 kg / 2,9 lb

Weight

AFTER SALE SERVICE
CABASSE retailers network is at your disposal to ensure the after sale service of your material. To get the list of CABASSE retailers, contact us or consult our web site www.cabasse.com.

GUARANTEE

The guarantee conditions are indicated on the certificate of guarantee delivered with Xo SYSTEM. Conditions for guarantee application To benefit from this guarantee, it is imperative to send back the certificate of guarantee duly filled with the copy of the original purchase invoice within 60 days after purchase to the official CABASSE distributor in the country of purchase. Passed this time this guarantee will not be registered. The guarantee applies only if duly recorded by the official CABASSE 18
distributor of the country of purchase and if the owner is able to present the certificate of guarantee or a copy of this one with the copy of the original purchase invoice. CABASSE guarantee CABASSE is transferable provided that it was well recorded by the official CABASSE distributor of the country of purchase and that the new owner can provide the certificate of guarantee or a copy of this one with the copy of the original purchase invoice. The guarantee is limited to the repair of the equipment. Neither transportation, nor any other costs, nor any risk for removal, transportation or installation of products is covered with this guarantee.
This guarantee covers all manufacturing defects of the material. The following cases are not covered: - deteriorations resulting from incorrect installation, connection or packing - deteriorations resulting from any use other than the correct use described in the users manual - deteriorations caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment - deteriorations resulting from: accidents, lightning, water, fire heat, war, public disturbances or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of CABASSE distributors - deteriorations resulting from the intervention of an unauthorised person not entitled by Cabasse or its network - products whose CABASSE serial number has been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible The guarantee cannot in any case give right to a recovery, a refunding or the payment of damages. CABASSE conditions of guarantee implies shipment to the authorised dealers and service centres of the speakers protected by their original packing. We advise you to preserve it under good conditions. Thanks to the above information, your Xo SYSTEM is now nicely set up and we hope you will enjoy your audio video 5.1 speaker system for many years. We receive every day letters from customers expressing the ever growing satisfaction and musical emotion they have been getting with our speakers over the years. These letters are our first motivation.