Devialet Phantom I 108db

Devialet’s latest Phantom speaker is loud and bassy for its compact size

Despite having welcomed many Devialet Phantom wireless speakers into our test rooms over the past few years, we still find ourselves struck by the beauty of the latest iteration. This flagship Phantom I brings with it a simplification and expansion of the iconic line: the compact Phantom Reactor is now ‘Phantom II’, above which sits the ‘Phantom I’ (in 103db, 108db and Opéra de Paris variants).

Devialet has also introduced an Arch configurable connectivity hub (£349) for the Phantom, giving owners the option to add sources (including a turntable) either via its built-in phono stage and RCA line-level inputs, or two coaxial digital inputs. Without it, the Phantom I is reliant upon a network, with support for Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, UPNP and Roon (up to 24-bit/96khz) over ethernet or wi-fi. Bluetooth is on board, as well as an optical input (up to 24-bit/96khz).

Plenty of decibels

The decibel ratings represent their maximum sound pressure level at 1m. The sample on test here is the Phantom I 108 db; it is available in dark chrome or white/gold finishes and covers a claimed frequency range of 14Hz to 27khz.

Many of Devialet’s patented technologies are present in the Phantom I, including its ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplification, designed to combine the benefits of Class A analogue and Class D designs. HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) represents Devialet’s efforts to produce impactful bass from the compact enclosure. Active Cospherical Engine (ACE) takes care of outputting sound evenly in various directions from the chassis; and Speaker Active Matching (SAM) of processing works to optimise the signal and performance in real-time.

The Phantom I aims to take performance further with a nextgeneration system-on-chip and improved thermal dissipation. The Phantom’s visually striking spherical design lives on, but it’s now like a miniature jet engine, with a matt finish, new signature side panels and LED status lights at the rear.

The Phantom I comes with a puck-like remote that’s as other-worldly and premium as the speaker. We like how you rotate the whole outer ring to change volume (you can also play/pause and skip tracks with the central touchpad), although ergonomically it doesn’t feel that natural in the hand.

Devialet’s dedicated app provides similar playback functions, as well as settings such as ‘AV sync’ for reducing latency if you’re using the Phantom I with your TV via its optical input, and ‘Night mode’ for reducing the bass.

We’re let down by the app’s multiroom and stereo pairing experience, which in testing proves imperfect. If you’ve spent this much on a multi-room wireless speaker set-up, you are perhaps entitled to expect seamlessness.

You also expect a ‘wow’ performance, which the Devialet delivers. This is one of the clearest, most bassy and broadestsounding wireless speakers we’ve come across. The Phantom I produces a broad, open soundstage that far belies its compact size. The jaunty electro-funk lows underpinning Childish Gambino’s 19:10 are deep and impactful – and represented by the enthusiastically pumping side-firing drivers.

But, while one of the Devialet’s unique selling points is its power output, the presentation ultimately becomes harsh and less listenable when really pushed. While the Phantom I can distinguish between a soprano and a piano, it’s able to draw only the silhouette of a vocal or instrument rather than reveal any of its colour or shading. We play Ludovico Einaudi’s piano-led Oltremare, and while the notes float across the soundstage, there isn’t the dynamic insight or finesse necessary to thoroughly appreciate the variation in his masterstrokes.

We find ourselves creeping the volume up to feel more involved in the piece – a sign of a performance that falls short of captivating. For this price, we would expect more sonic sophistication.

You’ll struggle to find another wireless speaker that can fill a room or dig up a bass line quite like the Phantom I, but your search for a wireless solution capable of more insight for the money will be easier. The Phantom I remains a one of a kind option with undisputed talents, but overall its performance leaves us a little cold.