₹3,30,000
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 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 an 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.
Optimising performance
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.
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 matt black and encompasses a slightly narrower bandwidth (16Hz to 25kHz).
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