I love Cabasse's speakers and am currently using a 2.1 Cabasse passive setup.
I've auditioned the larger Pearls in stereo setup. They were highly resolving, bright-sounding, and plenty of bass that no subwoofer is needed. The downside is the highs were slightly sharp and the sound might be fatiguing. Their direct competitor is LS60. LS60 has smoother more pleasant sound, but lesser details, less bass and obviously larger. I would say LS60 probably would appeal more to the masses, but the Pearls were IMO more fun to listen and also excel at movies.