Cabasse Archipel 17ICP – Trimless – 35 W RMS – 280 W Peak – 7″ In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair)

Product Overview

The Cabasse Archipel 17ICP – Trimless – 35 W RMS – 280 W Peak – 6.7″ In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair) is a high-performance architectural audio solution designed for listeners who demand refined sound quality combined with seamless visual integration. Engineered by Cabasse, a brand renowned for its acoustic research and precision loudspeaker design, the Archipel 17ICP delivers clear, balanced, and immersive sound while remaining discreetly integrated into ceilings or walls.

This model is part of Cabasse’s Archipel series, created specifically for custom installation environments where aesthetics and performance must coexist. With its larger 17 cm driver, the Archipel 17ICP offers enhanced low-frequency extension and higher sound pressure capability compared to smaller architectural speakers, making it suitable for larger rooms, premium residential spaces, and professional installations.

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Acoustic Design Philosophy

Cabasse applies the same acoustic principles found in its traditional loudspeakers to its architectural range. The Archipel 17ICP uses a 2-way coaxial design, placing the tweeter at the acoustic center of the midrange/woofer. This configuration allows the speaker to behave as a point source, ensuring excellent phase coherence, stable imaging, and consistent sound dispersion throughout the listening area.

This coaxial approach is particularly effective in ceiling installations, where off-axis listening is common. Regardless of listener position, the Archipel 17ICP maintains tonal balance and clarity, avoiding the uneven frequency response often associated with conventional in-ceiling speakers.

The trimless construction further reinforces Cabasse’s design philosophy by prioritizing architectural discretion without compromising acoustic integrity.

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Drivers and Technical Architecture

At the heart of the Archipel 17ICP is a carefully engineered driver system:

• 17T20 IC Midrange/Woofer (17 cm / 6.7″):
  This large-format driver is designed to deliver improved bass response and midrange authority. The diaphragm material is optimized for rigidity and damping, ensuring accurate transient response and low distortion. The increased surface area allows the speaker to move more air, resulting in fuller low-end reproduction compared to smaller in-ceiling models.

• DOM24 Pivoting Tweeter:
  The soft-dome tweeter provides smooth, extended high-frequency reproduction while maintaining low listening fatigue. Its pivoting mechanism allows installers to direct high frequencies toward the listening zone, improving detail, clarity, and stereo imaging. This feature is especially valuable in ceiling installations where precise aiming can significantly enhance sound quality.

Together, these components create a coherent and natural soundstage that remains detailed at low volumes and composed at higher output levels.

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Sound Performance and Frequency Response

The Archipel 17ICP offers a frequency response of 48 Hz to 21,500 Hz, allowing it to reproduce a wide range of audio content with authority and precision. The extended low-frequency capability makes it particularly effective for music playback and cinematic sound, even when used without a dedicated subwoofer in moderate-sized rooms.

• Bass Performance:
  The 6.7″ woofer delivers controlled, articulate bass that adds depth without excessive resonance. Low frequencies remain tight and musical, enhancing rhythm and impact.

• Midrange Clarity:
  Vocals and instruments are reproduced with natural presence and tonal accuracy. Dialogue remains intelligible, making the speaker suitable for home cinema surround or height channels.

• High Frequencies:
  The tweeter delivers smooth, detailed treble without harshness, ensuring long listening sessions remain comfortable and engaging.

This balanced tuning makes the Archipel 17ICP versatile across genres, from acoustic and classical music to electronic, pop, and film soundtracks.

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Power Handling and Efficiency

The Archipel 17ICP is rated at 35 W RMS with a 280 W peak power handling, providing ample headroom for dynamic audio content. The RMS rating reflects the speaker’s ability to handle continuous power safely, while the high peak rating ensures it can manage short bursts of dynamic energy without distortion or damage.

With a sensitivity of 87.5 dB (1 W / 1 m), the speaker efficiently converts amplifier power into sound output, making it compatible with a wide range of AV receivers and multi-room amplifiers. Its 8-ohm nominal impedance and stable electrical behavior ensure reliable performance and easy system integration.

This combination of power handling and efficiency allows the Archipel 17ICP to deliver impactful sound while remaining safe and stable in long-term installations.

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Installation and Architectural Integration

Designed for both in-ceiling and in-wall installation, the Archipel 17ICP features a shallow mounting depth that fits easily into standard construction cavities. Its mounting system ensures secure placement while minimizing vibration and resonance.

The trimless, paintable grille allows the speaker to visually disappear into its surroundings. Once installed and painted, the grille aligns seamlessly with ceilings or walls, making it ideal for luxury interiors, minimalist designs, and professional architectural projects.

This discreet appearance makes the Archipel 17ICP an excellent choice for environments where visible speakers are undesirable but high-quality sound is essential.

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Applications and Use Cases

Thanks to its larger driver and extended frequency range, the Archipel 17ICP is well suited for a wide range of applications:

• High-End Residential Audio: Living rooms, open-plan spaces, and dedicated listening areas

• Home Cinema Systems: Surround, height, or immersive audio channels

• Multi-Room Audio Systems: Premium sound distribution throughout the home

• Commercial Installations: Retail spaces, offices, hospitality venues, and conference rooms

• Custom Install Projects: Architect-designed spaces requiring hidden yet powerful sound

Its combination of performance, reliability, and discreet design makes it adaptable to both entertainment and professional environments.

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Technical Specifications

Speaker Type: 2-way in-ceiling / in-wall architectural speaker
Drivers:

• 1 × 17T20 IC midrange/woofer (17 cm / 6.7″)

• 1 × DOM24 pivoting soft-dome tweeter
  Power Handling:

• RMS: 35 W

• Peak: 280 W
  Frequency Response: 48 Hz – 21,500 Hz
  Sensitivity: 87.5 dB (1 W / 1 m)
  Impedance: 8 Ω nominal (8.3 Ω minimum)
  Crossover Frequency: 3,500 Hz
  Dimensions: Approx. 24 × 24 × 9.7 cm
  Weight: Approx. 1.3 kg per speaker
  Mounting: In-ceiling / in-wall
  Finish: White, paintable trimless grille

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Conclusion

The Cabasse Archipel 17ICP – Trimless – 35 W RMS – 280 W Peak – 6.7″ In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair) is a powerful and refined architectural loudspeaker solution designed for demanding audio installations. Its larger driver delivers enhanced bass and dynamic range, while the coaxial design and pivoting tweeter ensure precise imaging and consistent sound coverage.

Combining Cabasse’s acoustic expertise with elegant, discreet design, the Archipel 17ICP offers an ideal balance between performance and aesthetics. Whether used in a premium home, a professional space, or a custom installation project, it delivers reliable, high-fidelity sound that integrates seamlessly into its environment.

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