Devialet Phantom I: Smart gain, multiroom and optics
Devialet’s Phantom wireless speakers came in a variety of versions, and finally the moment of generational change came: the company introduced the Phantom I model. Visually, it is difficult to distinguish the new model from the old one, since most of the changes are hidden inside. However, the design of the side plates in Devialet was still updated, and also added matte colors.
This is still the same oval barrel with a raised “nose”, in which a tweeter is hidden behind an openwork overlay. In addition to the tweeter, separate midrange and woofer speakers are provided, but now they work with an updated gain that supports the automatic tuning function (Speaker Active Matching-SAM): the system distributes the power of the amplifiers so that the speakers sound as harmonious as possible.
The new model also adds the “Heart Bass Implosion” (HBI) function, which provides a powerful bass response in a closed case. The ACE (Active Cosmerical Engine) technology helps to ensure uniform sound distribution, and thanks to the modified heat sink scheme, the speaker has become almost four times more energy efficient.
You can control the Phantom I from the updated app or from the remote-washer. With the release of the Phantom I, the app has added multi-room functionality that allows you to link all Devialet models into a multi-room system. The Phantom I itself has received AirPlay2 support and Roon Ready certification for working with UPnP sources-although the maximum available quality is limited to 24 bits/48 kHz.
Unlike the previous model, the novelty is ready to work not only with wireless sources: now it has an optical input. The wireless functionality is extensive: in addition to the mentioned AirPlay 2 and UPnP, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth are available.
The Phantom I is available in two power options: 500 W and 103 dB of sound pressure with a frequency range from 16 Hz to 25 kHz, or 1,100 W and 108 dB of sound pressure with a frequency range from 14 Hz to 27 kHz. The older configuration is also available in the limited edition dedicated to the Paris Opera, which differs only in the color of the sidewalls.
The younger Devialet Phantom I costs 1,890 euros in Europe, the older one-2,790 euros, and the Paris version will cost 3,090 euros at all.
