[OzarkTom]

line source towers? 

Put four of them in six rooms in your house and have surround sound in all six rooms.

[Bemopti123]

I wonder how analogue and other non computer based sources can be integrated to the setup.  For 2K a piece, it might sound fantastic but I wonder about its longevity.  I mean, if I get standard analogue electronics of a certain type, I would be able to fix them if something is wrong with them, but looking at the technology involved here, I doubt that that would be possible.  Perhaps if Devialet becomes really large in presence, they would be able to replace modules involved at a nominal fee......Or else, I would be technically paying 2k or 4k for a pair, of great sounding bluetooth speakers that would need eventual replacement. 

Paul

PS:  for what I have seen and heard through questionable videos, it looks mightly impressive sonically. 

[Bear]

Short review with a short video of one playing in a van/bus of some sort?

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2015/01/devialet-phantom-review/

[Bemopti123]

I read an entire official press release dated December 31, 2014 and perhaps due to the devaluation of the euro, the MSRP of the Phantom and Phantom Silver have gone down a couple of hundred dollars, which is a surprising move.  I do not know what they marketing team is planning but just by reading the innovation involved with the Phantoms, they could easily capture more market share from other firms, I think one of the targets is B&O, as well as more regarded brands.  From the official release paper, they describe that in order to have as much presence and slam of speakers that are 20X its volume, it actually needs to compress 20X as much air on such space.  They talk about incredible pressures on the gasket used to seal the unit.  Which also makes me think about the stresses that might go into the computing and amplifying panels.  But looking at the linkage of the opposite midbass/bass units, they might use some sort of physical cancelling technology.  Moreover they also discuss the incredible distances that are between the DAC modules and amplification modules....Reminds of 47 Laboratories with their gaincard.  They also state that the high frequency unit has an integrated tweeter and midrange unit.  Everything seems to be made by local contractors, they have not opted to ship productions overseas to the Far East like B&O.  I can imagine how secretive they are with the technology that they have developed with all Devialet computing audio products.  I cannot wait to hear one or a pair of these Phantoms in action.  I am sure that they will blow closely held perceptions out of the water. 

 

Paul

[Russell Dawkins]

I am wondering what Devialet is using for driver(s) for the mid/highs. I see no reference at all to this on their site or anywhere else.

[jhm731]

From the Devialet 200 review in the 2/15 issue of TAS"

"Conclusion- The Devialet 200 is one remarkable component; its hybrid Class A/D amplifier,  innovative  software-controlled architecture, advanced features, and genre-bending shape and operation are unique. But the 200 is more than a just technological wonder—its sound quality is in many ways superb. The 200’s bass authority, dynamic impact, soundstage transparency and dimensionality, and transient speed far exceed expectations for an under-$10k integrated amplifier/wireless  streaming  DAC.

The upper-mids and treble are a bit on the incisive side, a character that can be tamed with the 200’s tone controls or ideal loudspeaker matching.
 
This outstanding performance was catapulted into another realm by running a pair of 200s in mono. The monoblock 200s not only improved upon the best qualities heard in stereo operation,  but  more  significantly, ameliorated my reservations about the treble. Surprisingly, mono operation  rendered  a  more  refined presentation by virtue of the greater midrange liquidity and a significantly smoother and more relaxed high end.The Devialet 200/400 is, by a wide margin, the most advanced, flexible, and technically sophisticated audio product I’ve reviewed. It may look like a lifestyle product, but underneath the 200/400 is a serious piece of audiophile hardware. It’s a compelling package that just happens to sound great, too."

[Bemopti123]

I am eagerly waiting for a full fledged review of the Phantom in mono or stereo pairs to see whether what is said about it repeats itself in a more familiar environment with familiar music.

http://www.soundstageglobal.com/index.php/shows-events/ces-2015-las-vegas-usa/175-ces-2015-features/547-ces-2015-mirage-listening-impressions-devialet-phantom

[jhm731]

http://televisions.reviewed.com/content/devialet-phantom-speaker-first-impressions-review

[OzarkTom]

If I can get some used equipment sold, I am ordering a pair.

[jhm731]

If I can get some used equipment sold, I am ordering a pair.

You've got plenty of time, the earliest delivery for North America is around May.

[Bemopti123]

I am also very curious about this from Devialet.  Did you notice why they called the unit the Phantom?  Because they believe that it will take many components and their designs to the grave, according to an article from Computer Audiophile. 

[OzarkTom]

You've got plenty of time, the earliest delivery for North America is around May.

I should meet that time schedule with no problem. Maybe by then they will have them in other colors.
I don't, but I know some that has $4K and more invested in their ICs and speaker cable alone. 

Here is the Computer Audiophile article. Thanks Bemopti123 for the notice.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/615-devialet-unleashes-phantom/comments2.html#comments

[Bemopti123]

Devialet needs to come out with a way of integrating analogue sources, perhaps through an analogue to digital state on their wireless hub.  Especially for those with vinyl.  Honestly, if there was such an option, a lot of things I own will go the way towards a one box solution such as the Phantom. 

[Russell Dawkins]

Until I hear them or read a report by a respectable reviewer I will guess the bass is good - possibly even superb -  but the midrange and high end is a huge question mark.
Are we to believe that the engineers at Devialet, never having produced a speaker before, have the wherewithal to get the fine points of the design of the the mid-high crossover, not to speak of the midrange and high frequency coaxial drivers themselves and their immediate acoustic environment inside the grill, so right as to be able to claim with validity (as they do in their Press Release) that (quote) "Phantom is the best sound system in the world. Because it integrates revolutionary technologies to process and emit sound" and "Phantom emits an ultra-dense sound with physical impact. The result: a uniquely powerful sound with no distortion." (my underlining, their bold).
Even their engineers - "The best team of acoustic engineers in the world" (their bold) must blush a little at this hype and by being so rapidly propelled to world stardom.
But then they are able to say this ...."And during silent moments in your music, Phantom produces absolutely no air blast. To reach this unique performance, we had to invent a fully cybernetic system..."

Honestly, the press release linked to in the Computer Audiophile article:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/615-devialet-unleashes-phantom/comments2.html#comments
contains some of the most florid hype I have seen from a company intent on being taken seriously.

[Ultralight]

Agree.

UL

Until I hear them or read a report by a respectable reviewer I will guess the bass is good - possibly even superb -  but the midrange and high end is a huge question mark.
Are we to believe that the engineers at Devialet, never having produced a speaker before, have the wherewithal to get the fine points of the design of the the mid-high crossover, not to speak of the midrange and high frequency coaxial drivers themselves and their immediate acoustic environment inside the grill, so right as to be able to claim with validity (as they do in their Press Release) that (quote) "Phantom is the best sound system in the world. Because it integrates revolutionary technologies to process and emit sound" and "Phantom emits an ultra-dense sound with physical impact. The result: a uniquely powerful sound with no distortion." (my underlining, their bold).
Even their engineers - "The best team of acoustic engineers in the world" (their bold) must blush a little at this hype and by being so rapidly propelled to world stardom.
But then they are able to say this ...."And during silent moments in your music, Phantom produces absolutely no air blast. To reach this unique performance, we had to invent a fully cybernetic system..."

Honestly, the press release linked to in the Computer Audiophile article:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/615-devialet-unleashes-phantom/comments2.html#comments
contains some of the most florid hype I have seen from a company intent on being taken seriously.

[wisnon]

Not really true guys. A quick internet check shows that the R&D Manager and partner, Antoine Petroff has speaker design chops from his time as co-founder of StenHeim, where the Haute Fidelity magazine awarded the Alumine speaker. He is also ex-Goldmund.

Julien Berger , the Project director is ex-Phillips Consumer electronics and had design experience with speakers there.

From LinkedIn: Devialet was founded by four friends, all successful entrepreneurs in the fields of electronics, design, strategy and marketing. Within four years since its first product was launched, Devialet turned from 5 to 75 employees and raised a total of $35M, including $20M from four renowned French IT and luxury entrepreneurs. Devialet products are now sold at 350 high-end audio dealers worldwide. With 45 engineers and 70 patents, the best is still to come.
 

[OzarkTom]

Devialet has been working on this project for three years. They have built a worldwide reputation for their products, I am betting my money that they would never bring out a lemon.

[wisnon]

People say this like they exist in isolation. The Devialet design people are from a small world...audio. They all know each other and have big overlaps in their work experience.

What really is new here is that creative engineers are now surrounded by expereinced and competent business managers and are backed by serious venture capital. these business angels have lots of clout in france, with associations to groups like LVMH. Big league stuff.

Having said all this, I do agree wirh Russell that the Hype train has run off the tracks a bit. Too much hyperbole. The Marketing people need to let the Phantom do more of the talking and tone down their hype in the messaging. It may turn off audiophiles, who are the best bet to buy this stuff for the uncomplicated second systems...though I can see Devialet going after the richer end of the mass market. To do so, they need more interior design options though...colours, stands, etc, but I am sure that is coming...

[Bemopti123]

Agree.

UL

Obviously a lot of marketing but then, there might also be some a of justified hype.  I do not know, but there are plenty of other products that are taunted as the greatest, most breakthrough product at a price point, but how many of them stick around for a long time?  When Devialet came out with their integrated a couple of years back, I could not believe the price point but the technological breakthrough that is was I guess did not go unnoticed and they have progressed.  So, perhaps this Phantom, espouses a lot of the technology behind their super expensive integrated, in a neat package.  I will wait and see.  Yes, the language is florid....I will need to hear whether it blossoms as audio rarity.  Perhaps.

[wisnon]

The amps have FALLEN in price (some pity for the original D-Premier buyers). They first came out with the D-Premier at €15K!!! About $21K back then. Now you can get a Devialet amp for €5K and even $2K now each speaker. So they seem to want to break into the "mass market" in the high end. Kudos for that.

I do not agree that the ADH tech is that innovative. Its just a modern take on STASIS power developed by Nelson Pass/Coda guys from the Threshold days and some say that is also related to Quads current dumping. Stasis was class A coltage with Class B current drive. ADH is class A voltage with even more efficient Class D (NOT DIGITAL, but switching technology which is implemented as Analog) current, so it's far smaller and cooler.

Yes, the continued minaturization is commedable, but is in tandem with current levels of industrial development. Note, I am not saying that what they did was easy nor trivial nor did not necessitate some patents, but its clearly not a new, revolutionary concept. On the other hand, I can see no precedent for Heart Bass Implosion tech and that truly has the potential to set the cat among the pigeons!