The Devialet Phantom II: a sonic powerhouse defying its diminutive size? This review dives deep into the performance of this remarkably compact speaker, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. Initial impressions are shaped by its surprisingly small footprint, raising questions about its capacity for deep bass reproduction. We’ll unpack Devialet's innovative engineering, examining how it achieves astonishing bass response despite its compact dimensions.Beyond the low-end prowess, we'll assess the overall sonic signature, including the high-frequency performance and the speaker's ability to create a wide soundstage. We'll also explore the user experience, considering the convenience of its connectivity options and the stability of the accompanying software. Ultimately, this review aims to determine if the Devialet Phantom II lives up to its high expectations, and whether its exceptional bass compensates for any shortcomings in other areas.
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Devialet Phantom II arrived, a surprisingly small package for such a highly-touted speaker. The compact design immediately stood out, easily held in one hand. Initial expectations were tempered by its diminutive size, especially concerning bass reproduction.
Despite its small size, the Phantom II boasts an impressive array of technology, evident even in its physical design. The build quality felt premium, and the speaker's unique shape hinted at sophisticated internal engineering.
Bass Performance: A Tiny Speaker, Massive Sound
The Phantom II’s bass response was nothing short of astonishing. It effortlessly produced deep, powerful bass that rivaled much larger floor-standing speakers. The reviewer compared it to the Wilson Audio Alexia, highlighting the surprising scale and dynamics.
This exceptional bass performance stems from Devialet's innovative engineering, including the use of opposing drivers. The internal pressure, measured at 174dB, contributes significantly to its powerful output, exceeding the limitations of traditional speaker design.
High-Frequency Response and Soundstage: A Trade-off?
While the bass was exceptional, the high frequencies proved less refined. The reviewer experienced listener fatigue due to a slightly boosted high-frequency response that lacked the smoothness of other high-fidelity speakers.
The speaker’s small size also limited the soundstage, creating a more focused, albeit smaller, listening experience. While instrument placement and imaging were excellent, the overall soundstage felt confined to the space between the speakers.
Connectivity, App, and Software Issues
The Devialet Phantom II offers versatile connectivity, including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and compatibility with Roon. Setup is quick and intuitive via a companion app.
However, the reviewer encountered software issues after a recent app update. Pairing the speakers in stereo mode became unreliable, requiring repeated unpairing, resetting, and reinstalling the app. This experience contrasts with earlier versions of the software, which were trouble-free.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
The Devialet Phantom II is a compelling speaker, particularly for its remarkable bass performance, exceeding expectations for its size. The build quality and design are exceptional.
However, limitations in high-frequency response and soundstage, along with potential software instability, prevent it from being a perfect replacement for a high-end audio system. Its ideal use case is for parties or desktop setups prioritizing impactful bass.
Ultimately, whether or not it's worth the price depends on individual priorities. If booming bass is paramount, it's hard to beat. However, those seeking a more refined and expansive audio experience may find its shortcomings significant.