Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB and 108 dB review: when sound comes alive

Launched in 2015, the Devialet Phantom shook up the hi-fi world by setting a new standard: that of a connected speaker capable of delivering abyssal bass in a compact format, while offering a hypnotic visual show thanks to its ultra-long-throw woofers. Quickly established as an icon of French luxury, the Phantom range became a sonic and aesthetic manifesto. Ten years on, the legend has been reinvented with the new Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB (€1,500 each) and Phantom Ultimate 108 dB (€3,200 each). These two premium models perpetuate the futuristic ovoid design that made them famous, but above all inaugurate a completely redesigned audio architecture to offer greater control, precision and unprecedented energy.

Presentation

With this new generation, Devialet has simplified its Phantom range. The 95 dB and 103 dB models appear to have been withdrawn from the catalog, making way for two distinct references: the Phantom Ultimate 98 dB and the Phantom Ultimate 108 dB. A way of streamlining the range, while concentrating technological efforts on these two top-of-the-range models.

Sculptural design

It’s impossible to talk about a Devialet Phantom without mentioning its singular aesthetics. Both futuristic and avant-garde, this speaker, designed entirely in France, looks more like a work of art than a simple piece of audio equipment. Its now-iconic ovoid silhouette remains unchanged, but is enhanced by new matte finishes that give it a new lease of life. The matte white Light Pearl version features a pearlescent metal plate that surrounds the drivers, playing with light to highlight its futuristic lines. Darker and more mysterious, the Deep Forest finish envelops the Phantom in a deep green that accentuates its monolithic, futuristic character. Finally, the exclusive Opéra de Paris edition, embellished with real gold leaf, places the Phantom in the world of luxury.

While the iconic silhouette stays true to the range’s DNA, the new Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB and 108 dB WiFi speakers inaugurate a completely redesigned internal structure to optimize rigidity and minimize resonance. Their chassis combines ABS and glass-fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, a dense yet inert material offering excellent mechanical strength. At the heart of the speaker, a central core of die-cast aluminum acts as a backbone, capable of absorbing without faltering the colossal energy released by the long-throw drivers. This meticulous workmanship contributes directly to the purity of the sound reproduction, allowing the full dynamic range of abyssal bass to express itself, without coloration or unwanted vibration. The ABS outer layer provides a soft finish that is pleasant to the touch, avoiding the unpleasant cold feel of some plastics. Our only reservation is that the Deep Forest matt version tends to be more sensitive to fingerprints, an aesthetic detail that can detract from the speakers’ luxurious appearance.

The difference between the small Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB and its big sister, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB, is obvious. The former, with a more compact format of 157 × 168 × 219mm (5.8L volume) and weighing 4.3kg, blends more easily into an interior, while already giving off an impression of extraordinary density. The second, more imposing at 246 × 255 × 342mm (21.5L volume) and 11.1kg, immediately asserts itself as a central, almost sculptural object. One seduces with its elegant discretion, the other impresses with its presence and assurance.

While the Phantom Ultimate is primarily controlled via the Devialet app or integrated streaming protocols, it can also be quickly managed via its touch-sensitive interface. Already present on the 98 dB Phantom II version, this interface now appears on all models in the Ultimate series. Located on the top of each speaker, it lets you control the essentials without having to reach for your smartphone. Play, pause, adjust volume or change track: gestures are natural, immediately taken into account, and accompanied by visual or audible confirmation that the command has been carried out correctly. The integration of this surface is perfect. Invisible at first glance, it blends harmoniously into the oval cabinet, preserving the streamlined shape. On the other hand, while this minimalist approach is elegant, it quickly shows its limitations in use. It’s a pity that the Devialet Remote V2 is only available as an option. A model included as standard would have provided real added convenience for controlling the speaker remotely without systematically using a smartphone.

Outstanding power

At the heart of the two new Devialet Phantom Ultimate Bluetooth speakers are the brand’s iconic technologies, starting with ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplification. This patented technology combines the musicality of analog amplification with the power and efficiency of digital. Present on both the 98 dB and 108 dB models, this architecture greatly limits distortion, even at high volume. Similarly, the in-house processor and SAM (Speaker Active Matching) technology ensure that phase and amplitude are maintained with surgical precision, whatever the complexity of the signal.

Where the differences appear is in the acoustic design of the two models. The Phantom Ultimate 98 dB adopts a two-way configuration, with a single new-generation full-range aluminum dome driver supported by two side-mounted aluminum woofers. This architecture enables it to cover a bandwidth from 18Hz to 25kHz, while delivering 400W RMS. The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB takes this already outstanding performance a step further with a true three-way configuration. The latter incorporates a new-generation aluminum dome tweeter, a dedicated midrange driver, and two high-excursion ABS side-mounted woofers. This more ambitious design gives it a bandwidth of 14Hz to 35kHz, and above all a phenomenal power output of 1,100W RMS.

Both wireless speakers retain the brand’s unique HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) tech, a Push-Push architecture in which the side woofers move in perfect synchronization. This configuration generates spectacular acoustic pressures, capable of exploring the depths of the infrabass, a true signature of the brand. In this respect, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB already impresses by going down to 18Hz, offering a deep, visceral foundation that only a handful of subwoofers can match. But the Devialet Ultimate 108 dB goes even further, reaching the extreme limit of 14Hz with incredible ease. The result is a physical experience in which the low frequencies are felt throughout the body.

To adapt to all types of content, the Devialet app lets you switch between three listening modes: Music, Cinema and Podcast. You can fine-tune this sound customization with a 6-band equalizer, a Loudness mode, a night mode to calm the woofers and activate or deactivate AVL, which automatically adjusts the sound level. However, we regret the absence of acoustic calibration by microphone, a criterion that has become essential on speakers of this price range.

Streaming and connectivity

Designed above all for wireless use, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate speakers connect to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For this, the French manufacturer relies entirely on open protocols, with AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth compatibility. This enables sound to be streamed directly from any app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. In practice, implementation is quick and easy. However, these solutions impose certain limitations when it comes to Hi-Res streaming. AirPlay 2 is limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz transmission (CD quality), while Google Cast goes as far as 24-bit/96kHz. Bluetooth, on the other hand, lags behind: the absence of HD codecs such as aptX or LDAC results in greater compression.

Also regrettable is the lack of native integration of streaming services in the Devialet app, which serves primarily as a remote control and settings center. For direct listening, only two solutions are offered: Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, which ensure easy, smooth use, and Roon, which not only provides access to compatible services but also plays local libraries shared on the network. This access is also possible via UPnP. In both cases, streaming is capped at 24-bit/96kHz.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate’s range of connectors is deliberately minimalist, and this is undoubtedly one of its few weak points. There’s just a single SPDIF Toslink input, compatible with both 3.5mm mini-jack and optical inputs. While this allows you to connect an external source such as a TV or a turntable with built-in phono preamp, it limits the possibilities to a single source device. For a speaker of this standing, we would have appreciated at the very least an independent digital and analog input, as well as an HDMI ARC port, which has now become essential to simplify pairing with a TV.

Installation and configuration

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate speakers are quick and easy to install. Each model can be placed directly on a sturdy piece of furniture or showcased with the official accessories: the slender Devialet Tree stand, the Treepod tripod or the Gecko wall bracket for more discreet integration. Configuration is carried out entirely via the Devialet app. After choosing between an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, the app guides the user step by step through the pairing process. Detection is almost instantaneous and, if necessary, a firmware update is installed automatically. In just a few minutes, the Phantom is up and running and ready to play music. The app also allows you to go one step further by combining two Phantom Ultimate speakers in stereo to extend the soundstage. If required, you can adjust the equalizer and activate the DSP mode (cinema, podcast or music) best suited to the content being broadcast.

Listening impressions

Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB

From the very first notes, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB impressed us by the depth and power of its bass range, delivered from such a small format. With the factory settings, however, the bass tended to take over, providing plenty of body and presence, but to the detriment of overall balance. While this is very flattering with pop and R&B tracks, the effect wasn’t as convincing with less bass-driven registers such as jazz and classical music. After some slight adjustments via the app’s equalizer, the result wa a more homogeneous and versatile reproduction. The low frequencies were more accurately positioned and the upper midrange was more natural, even though it still lacked presence. As for the highs, they were smooth and clear, sometimes with a hint of sparkle depending on the recording.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB delivered a coherent, pleasant sound for ambient listening, with even diffusion throughout the room. However, the soundstage remained limited in mono configuration, which somewhat restricted the sensation of space. On the other hand, when paired in stereo, the soundstage became considerably wider, instruments gained relief and the spatialization was much more natural.

On Hans Zimmer’s Time, the orchestral buildup was accompanied by growing acoustic pressure, and remained fully legible as the track gained in intensity: strings stretched out smoothly, while the timpani hits were powerful without ever saturating the space. The effect was already impressive with a single speaker, but took on a whole new dimension when the speakers were used in tandem.

Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB

Switching to the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB, the change of dimension was immediate. Where the 98 dB amazed with its depth, the 108 dB fascinated with its breadth and spectacle. With electronic tracks like Massive Attack’s Angel, the bass was no longer just heard: we could also feel it. The lateral drivers came alive with hypnotic energy, generating acoustic pressure that made the whole room vibrate. It was a true sensory experience, where every bass impact seems to resonate right into our chest.

This abyssal bass, although more balanced than with the first generations, sometimes has a slight tendency to dominate, much to the delight of bassheads. Experienced music lovers will prefer to use the equalizer for a more uniform sound. By slightly reducing its intensity, we enjoyed better integration of the various frequencies: the power of the bass blended more effectively with the midrange and highs. The overall sound was more natural and less ostentatious. On Dave Brubeck’s Take Five, the saxophone gained substance and the percussion was more clearly defined, giving it greater presence.

The midrange was one of the most notable advances of this new generation, even though it could still gain in presence. Clearer and more articulate, voices were more expressive. On Billie Eilish’s No Time To Die, every inflection was perceptible, every breath heard with a new intensity, even if the upper midrange remained slightly timid. Finally, the highs benefit from the new-generation tweeter. Finer, more chiseled, they soared elegantly, sometimes a little too bright, but without ever sinking into aggressiveness, even at high volume. Some of the piano’s notes, however, still revealed a few limitations, with notes that seemed slightly recessed, sometimes masked by the presence of the vocals and the generous bass.

Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB vs 108 dB

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB is the more accessible of the two, with its compact size (4.3kg) making it easy to place in any interior. With an already impressive power output of 400W RMS, it’s surprisingly deep in the bass, reaching 18Hz. The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB changes scale. More imposing (11.1kg, 1,100W RMS), it aims for the ultimate experience, with abyssal bass down to 14Hz and more homogeneous sound thanks to its three-way design. It retains the spectacular effect of moving diaphragms, but combines it with improved midrange and treble definition. While the 98dB seduces with its unbeatable performance/compactness ratio, the 108dB is the ideal choice for those looking for spectacle and truly physical bass.

Which Devialet speaker is right for you?

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 dB offers the best balance between power, compactness and accessibility. With its 400W RMS, bass that reaches 18Hz and smaller size, it fits easily into a living room, office or music room. Its sound reproduction is engaging, capable of excelling with both intimist compositions and movie soundtracks. More imposing, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108 dB is a must-have for lovers of physical bass and users in search of real thrills. With 1,100W RMS, an exceptional bandwidth of 14Hz to 35kHz and a three-way architecture, it delivers incredible power that will impress any listener.

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