Devialet is an acoustic engineering company operating at the intersection of luxury and cutting edge audio technology, and with products that far surpass the ability for its own marketing department to describe what they do. Founded and based in Paris since 2007, Devialet has become an established audio brand thanks to the continuous breakthrough inventions, unique designs, and aggressive global expansion.
Earlier on, Devialet introduced a new sound amplification technology called ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid), which was described as a "hybridization between digital and analog technologies, creating an unmatched sound quality." Not very enlightening, and the reason why hardly anyone talks about it any longer (well... maybe in France), even though the original chromed Devialet amplifiers sounded good and looked really impressive.
A few years back, Devialet’s engineers launched the Phantom, a wireless speaker that revolutionized the concept of what wireless whole home audio could be and how sound could be experienced. Dozens of patented inventions combined to offer an unforgettable acoustic experience, starting with the company's ADH amplification, adding Devialet's SAM (Speaker Active Matching) software algorithm designed to optimize playback, and elevating sound reproduction with the HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) driver design, developed exclusively for the Phantom and adding low frequency with physical impact, totally surpassing the constraints of a compact plastic, hermetically sealed speaker.
The Devialet Phantom was praised for its impactful sound and the way it generated an intense emotional experience to those who were able to fit it in their lifestyles. But under the speaker design Devialet also offered a new level of convenience with a powerful new plug & play interface that allowed users to enjoy music wirelessly or wired from all devices, in standalone, multiroom, or stereo, at a time when wireless audio was usually more complicated.
Based on the same basic formula, Devialet created a whole Phantom range, with two basic color schemes, increasing power in some versions, creating a more compact version, and launching exclusive, luxury models. The Phantom I has now been updated in 2021 with a modern matte finish, available in black and white, with new signature side panels available in a range of finishes, including black matte, dark chrome, light chrome, and 22 carat gold.
The latest Devialet OS is now improved with a newly designed remote control with a screen (also compatible with the smaller Phantom II), included with every Phantom I package, while a more intuitive product interface includes new LED signals at the rear of the Phantom for status checking, and a new stand-by mode. There's also new analog connectivity through the new Arch accessory - allowing Phantom users to even connect a turntable - now the ultimate cool.
Inside every 2021 Phantom I there's Devialet’s next generation audio processing chip, embedding signal processing and amplification performance in a unique system on a chip (SOC). This, according to the company, allowed for reduced size for optimal integration and higher power efficiency, lowering distortion and noise perturbation in the signal path, and increased thermal dissipation for enhanced energy consumption.
And of course the updated Phantom I offers the ultimate features and technologies in home networking integration and wireless audio with updated Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, as well as physical optical TOSLINK and Ethernet connections, also enhancing multiroom configuration possibilities.
In terms of specifications, the Phantom I is now available at two power levels (each in matte white and matte black finishes), with the more affordable being the Phantom I 103 dB powered by 500 watts RMS, and the more powerful Phantom I 108 dB offering 1100 watts RMS. All use the latest next generation audio processing chip, embedding signal processing and amplification SoC in the same iconic spherical design. All prices remain expensive, since anyone that might consider a Devialet Phantom or several doesn't really cares too much about such mundane things.
www.devialet.com
