Devialet Phantom I 108dB review

Devialet’s latest Phantom speaker is loud and bassy for its size Tested at £2790 / $3200

Devialet Phantom I 108db review
(Image: © Devialet)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A powerful, striking and truly one-of-a-kind wireless speaker, but not the most entertaining one at this level

Pros

  • +

    Big, broad, room-filling sound

  • +

    Heart-in-your-mouth bass

  • +

    Striking aesthetic

Cons

  • -

    Lacks transparency and subtlety

  • -

    App isn’t a UPnP controller

  • -

    In-app multi-room flakiness

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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 and bass reproduction of the latest iteration.

This new flagship Phantom I brings with it a simplification and expansion of the iconic, brand-defining line: the compact Phantom Reactor is now ‘Phantom II’ (in 95dB, 98dB and special-edition Opéra de Paris models), above which sits the ‘Phantom I’ (in 103dB, 108dB and Opéra de Paris variants). 

Devialet has now introduced a £349 ($350) Arch configurable connectivity hub for Phantom too, giving owners the option to add sources (including a turntable) either via its built-in phono stage and RCA line-level inputs, or alternatively two coaxial digital inputs.

Features

Devialet Phantom I 108db features

(Image credit: Devialet)

Without that accessory, the Phantom I is reliant upon a network, with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP and Roon (both up to 24-bit/96KHz) over ethernet or wi-fi, although there is Bluetooth onboard, as well as an optical input (up to 24-bit/96KHz) at the rear.

Devialet Phantom I 108dB tech specs

Devialet Phantom I 108db

(Image credit: Devialet)

Power output 1100W

Airplay 2 Yes

Spotify Connect Yes

Bluetooth Yes

Roon Ready Yes

Dimensions (hwd) 25.5 x 25.2 x 34.2cm

Weight 11.4kg

The decibel ratings attached to the names represent their maximum sound pressure level at one metre – something that sets Devialet Phantoms apart not only from one another but most of their competition, considering they can go between the approximate relative loudness of a lawnmower and a chainsaw. 

The sample on test here is the Phantom I 108 dB, which is available in dark chrome or white/gold finishes and covers a claimed frequency range of 14Hz to 27kHz. The Phantom I 103 dB, meanwhile, comes in light chrome or matte black and encompasses a slightly narrower bandwidth (16Hz to 25kHz).

Many of Devialet’s patented technologies are present in the new Phantom I, including its ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplification, designed to combine the benefits of Class A analogue (high performance) and Class D (high efficiency and power) designs.

At the risk of using too many acronyms, HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) represents Devialet’s efforts to produce deep, impactful bass from the compact enclosure; its ACE (Active Cospherical Engine) design takes care of outputting sound evenly in various directions from the spherical chassis; and Speaker Active Matching (SAM) processing works to optimise the signal and performance in real-time. 

Such patented technologies have been part of the Phantom line-up from the start, but the new Phantom I aims to take performance further with a next-generation system-on-chip and improved thermal dissipation (it’s four times more energy-efficient than the previous model).

Build

Devialet Phantom I 108db build

(Image credit: Devialet)

The Phantom’s iconic, visually striking spherical design, which we’ve likened to an ‘Alien bug’ and ‘Storm Trooper’s lunchbox’ lives on, but not totally unchanged. It’s now like a miniature jet engine, with a matte finish, new signature side panels and LED status lights at the rear – it’s eye-catching in the best way possible.

The Phantom I comes with a new puck-like remote that’s as other-worldly and premium as the speaker aesthetic and price deserves, too. 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 all that natural in the hand to do so.

The alternative is Devialet’s dedicated app, which 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 sucking some of the bass out of the performance (which it does effectively, too). 

Somewhat disappointingly, the app doesn’t also serve as a UPnP streaming controller, so those wanting to access local or networked files or music services will need to use the paid-for Roon platform (the Phantom I is Roon Ready), or download another third-party UPnP app such as BubbleUPnP (Android) and mconnect Player (Android, iOS), both of which are perfectly usable free apps. 

We’re also a little let down by the app’s imperfect multi-room and stereo pairing experience, which in our testing proves occasionally flaky by not displaying the connection, or doing so but not initiating through the speakers. If you’ve spent several thousands on a multi-room wireless speaker set-up, you are perhaps entitled to expect seamlessness.

Sound

Devialet Phantom I 108db sound

(Image credit: Devialet)

You also expect a ‘wow’ performance, which in some areas the Phantom I delivers. This is one of the clearest, most bassy and broadest-sounding single-chassis wireless speakers we've come across since the previous full-sized Phantom we tested.

For a wireless speaker of its size, Devialet’s latest can, like the iterations before it, excavate a bass line. The jaunty electro-funk lows underpinning Childish Gambino’s 19:10 are deep and impactful – and visually represented by the enthusiastically pumping side-firing drivers. Play something denser such as 65daysofstatic's Retreat! Retreat!, and it’s not afraid to get down and dirty with the cacophony of drums and electrics while ensuring they don’t bog down the whole presentation. 

The Phantom I produces a broad, open soundstage that far belies its compactness. If you're looking for the biggest sonic footprint from a small physical one, a single Phantom I can output more than is necessary to fill most living rooms. But, while one of the Devialet’s unique selling points is its spectacular power output, the presentation ultimately becomes harsh and, consequently, less listenable when really pushed.

Such is the Devialet’s midrange clarity that upon hearing it for the first time, you’ll want to queue up songs by your favourite vocalists. We find ourselves doing just this; Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, ANOHNI, and The Tallest Man on Earth’s Kristian Matsson come through with purity and polish. But it isn’t long before we realise that such tangibility isn’t complemented by the levels of transparency we’d expect at this price – and especially from a Phantom.

While the Phantom I can distinguish between a soprano and a piano, it’s only able to draw the silhouette of a vocal or instrument rather than reveal any of its colour or shading. It doesn’t rise and fall with Simone’s dynamic delivery, nor does it get under Matsson’s subtle inflections. 

We play Ludovico Einaudi’s piano-led Oltremare, and while the notes float across a soundstage that, if you closed your eyes, could pass for one from stereo speakers placed close together, there isn’t the dynamic insight or finesse necessary for you to thoroughly appreciate the variation in his masterstrokes. 

We find ourselves creeping the volume up in an effort to feel more involved in the piece – a sign of a performance that falls short of captivating. For the Devialet’s not insignificant asking price, we expect more in the way of sonic sophistication.

Verdict

Devialet’s original Phantom arrived at a time where wireless speakers were slowly but surely maturing into the high-end market. Today, that premium space is more competitive, and with it, the level of performance has improved too. 

You’ll struggle to find another that can fill a room or dig up a bass line quite like the Phantom I, but your search for a wireless solution – single-box or otherwise – 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.

SCORES

  • Sound 3
  • Features 4
  • Build 4

MORE:

Read our guide to the best wireless speakers

Read our Devialet Gold Phantom review

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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  • SuperSonicSound
    The mistake so many people make is to review only one Devialet. As a stereo, they are some of the most entertaining speakers around.

    I say entertaining not audiophile, but I myself hate pure audiophile and think it is boring.

    I have my pair of phantom II hooked up to a THX Onyx which gives more warmth and listening to music through apple lossless is god-tier.

    Maybe there are more audiophile systems, some that sound better in a lab, but as a snobfisticated listener, I have heard nothing I love more than a pair of Devialet.

    The kicker is: They sound good on low volume while other speakers need volume to unleash a sound at all.

    So if you ever went to a store listened to the most expensive, best and most sophisticated audiophile system and still did not like it that much, if you listened to the cleanest recording of the best artist and did not enjoy it, go for two Devialet pump in some high-quality mainstream music and you will never regret it.
    Reply
  • dmbent91
    This is 100% true. I have built recording studios and listen to a stereo pair of the flagship Phantoms in a treated room. Compared to main monitor systems and high end consumer stereos, I will always come back to the Phantoms. They are in their own league in certain categories and competitive in all the others. I can't nitpick a speaker that digs up audio in the lowest octaves that other speakers aren't even capable of reproducing at all. That is musical information that the Phantoms simply own all to themselves and it matters a lot. So called "audiophile" bass is a justification. We all loved massive bass and we know it.
    Reply
  • nopiano
    Wow, two new members from Devialet have arrived to big up one of the worst speakers it’s been my misfortune to ever clap ears on. Pray, new members, what system do you have at home, and what is your interest in Devialet?

    I was a big fan of Devialet amplifiers but this Phantom stuff has turned me off them in a big way.
    Reply
  • SuperSonicSound
    nopiano said:
    Wow, two new members from Devialet have arrived to big up one of the worst speakers it’s been my misfortune to ever clap ears on. Pray, new members, what system do you have at home, and what is your interest in Devialet?

    I was a big fan of Devialet amplifiers but this Phantom stuff has turned me off them in a big way.

    That is so typically "Audiophile" - just because you have taken probably hours and hours to find the system that is the perfect match of your budget and YOUR taste you think it has to be perfect for anyone

    because it is either

    A - cheaper and has better sound than a pair of overpriced mainstream speakers
    B - is equally priced and much superior to a pair of overhyped mainstream speakers
    C - is much more expensive than the only thing anyone who ever wants to spend money should ever consider

    all obviously in your opinion as all that I stated was in my opinion.

    I am no fanboy, I am just telling my journey to what my personal choice for the best sound is and why you should trust your ears and personal choice more than the opinion of others.

    To take this one step further: Audiophile Systems are made for audiophile music. For me personally. I do not listed to any of these albums ever for example: 50 of the best hi-fi albums for audiophiles | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com) even if they make the perfect system shine.

    So in the end is not only what you like, and what you enjoy most, but also what a system was made for and maybe a good explanation why not everyone has to be an audiophile to share a passion for music.
    Reply
  • lovlid
    Ah, the ravings of someone trying to justify spending too much money on a device that isn’t really that good.
    Just my opinion, but go on, say “Audiophile” again.
    Reply