The updated Phantom wireless audio systems are divided into two series – the senior Devialet Phantom I line includes three models – 103 dB, 108 dB and 108 dB Opéra de Paris. The junior Phantom II series, which replaced the Devialet Phantom Reactor line, consists of 95 dB, 98 dB and 98 dB Opéra de Paris audio systems. As you might guess, the number in the model name means the maximum sound pressure in decibels that a particular audio system is capable of developing. Like the previous generation, all models of the Devialet Phantom I and II series can be used either individually or as part of a stereo pair. Unlike the previous generation, the new Phantom audio systems have a matte rather than glossy finish. For Devialet Phantom I 108 dB, two design options are offered – matte white Light Chrome and matte black Matte Black.
The Devialet Phantom I 108 dB audio system is made in a three-band concept – the mid-frequency and high-frequency ranges are served by a coaxial radiator with aluminum diffusers mounted at the end of the egg-shaped housing. The low-frequency foundation is provided by two long-throw bass drivers with dome-shaped aluminum diffusers, located on the side walls of the cabinet opposite each other. Working on a piston principle, these drivers create Heart Bass Implosion (HBI) – expressive, tight bass that is perceived not only by the ear, but by the whole body.
To integrate into a home computer network, you can use either a wired version via a gigabit Ethernet port or a wireless one via Wi-Fi, for which there is a dual-band 802.11ac adapter (2.4 / 5 GHz) on board the Devialet Phantom I 108 dB. Support for the Bluetooth wireless protocol version 5.0 is also implemented here, which allows you to stream music directly from mobile gadgets. There is also a Toslink digital optical input, to which you can connect, for example, a TV. Among the advanced network functionality of the Devialet Phantom I 108 dB audio system, we note support for Spotify Connect and Roon Ready certification, which allows you to integrate the speaker into the distributed Roon eco-system and use one of the most advanced network platforms for music streaming.
As noted above, changes in the new generation of Devialet Phantom affected mainly the processor part and network functionality, which is quite expected, given that it is the “digital” filling of modern technology that is most susceptible to obsolescence. The new generation Devialet Phantom audio systems are based on a fresh dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor operating at a frequency of 1.25 GHz and are equipped with 512 MB DDR3-1600 RAM. To convert digital audio into analog form, it uses a proprietary Devialet DAC chip, capable of decoding PCM digital streams with parameters up to 24 bit / 96 kHz. Moreover, the chip is integrated into the Devialet Intelligence Processor core using proprietary Magic Wire technology, which allows you to almost completely eliminate digital noise and sound distortion.
To control the Devialet Phantom I 108 dB audio system, you can use the free proprietary application for mobile gadgets Devialet App, which provides access to the most complete list of device parameters. The application is available for both iOS and Android devices. However, if you prefer more traditional control methods, the Devialet Phantom I comes with a classic Devialet Remote with a unique design.
A distinctive feature of the remote control is a highly sensitive precision volume control, implemented on the basis of a microprocessor. The large polished control knob resembles a piece of jewelry, emphasizing the exclusivity of the Devialet Phantom I audio system as a whole. This is the second generation of this remote control, which has become more compact and has an information display to display the current volume level, operating mode (play/pause) and update availability. It’s worth mentioning that for the younger Phantom II line, Devialet skimped on providing a remote control in the kit, but you can purchase it separately or use the remote control from Phantom I if you already have one.
The Devialet Phantom I 108 dB is a sleek, oblong sphere with a volume of 12 liters with one visible speaker on the front surface and two low-frequency drivers on the sides that vibrate to the beat of the music. Inside the company they are called Heart Bass Implosion, and their special arrangement in vacuum boxes makes them 4 times more powerful and 6 times more compact than other analogues. Design can be questionable; but every product, about the appearance of which you can ask: “What does this look like? A vacuum cleaner, a severed droid head, or an enlarged computer mouse?” – deserves a place in our hearts (though not always in our homes).
Despite such impressive figures, one of the main features of the Devialet Phantom I 108 dB is its compactness – according to the creators, the new product can not only compete with large floor-standing speakers, but will also “defeat” many of them. All versions of the models have a Texas Instruments PCM1798 DAC (24 bit/192 kHz), followed by an ADH hybrid amplifier, which Devialet installs in its network receivers (Analog Digital Hybrid – the input signal voltage is amplified in class A, and the current is amplified in class D , in other words, the voltage amplifier is driven by a PWM amplifier, each of which is 90° out of phase). The company writes that ADH technology allowed the speaker to sound loud (be effective, since it is class D), but clean, because the amplification quality is close to A-class. Another interesting innovation in this system is designed to provide the speaker with powerful bass – “Heart Bass Implosion”. The dome LF drivers are located on the sides opposite each other and they are long-throw, and a vacuum is created in the boxes where the speakers are installed.
The design of the new product can be called futuristic. The shape of the body resembles a barrel and a sphere at the same time; fiberglass, polycarbonate and ABS plastic were used as materials for the manufacture of the body. It is worth noting that in order for the speakers to work on the network, you must additionally purchase a Dialog hub. You can connect up to 24 Phantom speakers to it simultaneously if you want to create multi-room acoustics. To control the system, there is a special application for iOS and Android devices. The main advantage of the Devialet Phantom I 108 dB is its innovative electronics. Like the D-Premier, it uses a circuit that combines the operating principles of Class A and D amplifiers. Class A provides high-quality sound at low power, Class D shows off its muscles. In theory, this should be a perfect partnership. In addition, Devialet engineers managed to fit all the electronics into the Phantom’s 12-liter body.
Technologies used in Devialet Phantom:
Invented by Devialet ADH Intelligence is a technology that, for the first time in the world, successfully combines the sophistication of analogue amplification (Class A) with the power and compactness of digital amplification (Class D).
This technology is also used in the Expert series from Devialet, reproducing the audio signal with extreme clarity and transparency.
ACE® technology defines the Phantom’s spherical shape concept, inspired by the Olson sphere – the ideal acoustic shape. This shape is ideal for sound reproduction and linear propagation in all directions. Phantom has an excellent acoustic architecture for omnidirectional radiation with uniform sound regardless of listening angle and without diffraction of sound on its surface.
Thanks to the EVO platform, your system gets better every day, without the need for any action on your part. Even after installation in your home, Phantom continues to be updated free of charge, improving internal controls and constantly improving features. Because Devialet is virtually anti-obsolete…
Specifications Devialet Phantom I 108 dB
Maximum sound volume: 108 dB SPL
Gain power: 1100 W
Frequency response: 16 Hz to 25 kHz (-6 dB) and 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 2 dB)
Amplifier THD: 0 .0005%
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Technologies: AirPlay Airplay 2 and multiroom, Bluetooth SBC, AAC and aptX
Amplification ADH (Digital Analog Hybrid)
DAC TI Burr Brown PCM1798
ARM Cortex A-9 1.25 GHz processor, dual-core with 512 MB RAM
Audio formats: HE-AAC (V1), AAC (16 to 320 kbps), WMA (16 bit), MP3 (16 to 320 kbps), MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV, FLAC, OGG , VORBIS
Body composite material
Internal covering glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate
External covering copolymer ABS
Central core (internal frame) aluminum
Dome acoustic emitters aluminum
Overall dimensions (HxWxD) 255x253x343 mm
Weight 11.4 kg
