These ambitious names hide a new variation of the iconic Devialet Phantom speakers. On the program, a new connected platform, the removal of the core cover of the woofers which required a new assembly of the various elements of the speaker and a new grille for the full-range speaker placed under the sign of purity for an improved sound opening. Namely, six months of studies and developments were required to harmoniously marry aesthetic evolution and sound performances.
Devialet Pantom Ultimate 98, concentrate of technologists££££
Technically, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 integrates three speakers, a full-range "surrounded" by two [abc]woofers[/abc]. This configuration allows engineers to get closer to the concept of the pulsating sphere, the only form capable of avoiding diffraction problems at the surface of the speaker, as Olson's work highlighted in the 1940s. This particular development is known at Devialet under the name ACE (for Active Cospherical Engine).
For its part, amplification is provided by as many new generation ADH amplifiers (one per speaker) directly derived from those present in Devialet amplifiers. The formidable rendering of low frequencies is the work of the HBI or Heart Bass Implosion process. In short, it allows, with its acoustic volume, a reproduction of bass equivalent to that of a speaker twenty times larger. To achieve this incredible result, you should know that the acoustic pressure within the Devialet Phantom is twenty times higher than that of a conventional speaker, equivalent to 174 dB SPL, that of a rocket at takeoff. Finally, the HBI process offers bass of unprecedented depth which will inevitably appeal to music lovers and connoisseurs given the volume of the Devialet Phantom.
Another essential element of the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 is the integration of the Sam (Speaker Active Matching) system which allows the signal supplied by the amplifier to the speakers to be finely optimized according to their qualities and capacities, all in real time. Thus, the sound reproduction always gets the best out of the speakers, in all circumstances, whatever the type of music.
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98, implementation££££
As you have probably already understood, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 can be used alone, as a network speaker via the [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] functionality, the [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port or a simple speaker through the [abc]optical[/abc] input, but also in duo to create a stereo audio system. Or within a multiroom configuration through the [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc], [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc] or Roon protocols.
Namely, the Devialet application gives access to all [abc]streaming[/abc] music services and can access, thanks to the [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]) audio gateway function, content stored on a [abc]Nas[/abc] hard drive or a computer via [abc]Ethernet[/abc], [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 5 Dual Band, [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.2 or AirPlay 2 and Google Cast already mentioned. Note that the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 is Spotify Connect certified (up to the [abc]Lossless[/abc] version) and Tidal Connect.
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98££££
It is also worth mentioning the latest version of the DOS3 operating system, launched with the Devialet Astra amplifier, a total power of 400 W, file management up to 192 kHz/24 bits, a new SoC (System on Chip) based on the new NXP i.MX 8M Nano chip, a frequency response of 18 Hz-25 kHz, IP43 certification and the presence of four touch buttons.
The word to Jacques Demont, CEO of Devialet££££ "Devialet is more ambitious than ever. With Devialet Phantom Ultimate we are once again confirming our status as a pioneer in the audio industry. This new generation offers the possibility of experiencing sound with unprecedented intensity and an unprecedented level of clarity and depth. Behind this feat lies the excellence of our engineering, a testament to our know-how and expertise."
Immediate availability. Indicative prices:
• €1,500 for the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 in Deep Forest or Light Pearl finish
• €1,800 for the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98 in Paris Opera finish
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98:
• Type: [abc]1.0[/abc]
• Boomer(s): 2
• Wideband HP: 1
• Power: 400 W
• Connections: 1 [abc]optical[/abc], 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port
• Technologies HBI, ADH, Sam, AVL, ACE, Dac Magic Wire
• THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): < 0.001%
• Certifications: [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc], IP43
• Audio file compatibility [abc]MP3[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]WMA[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]AAC[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]Alac[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]AIFF[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]Flac[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]HE-AAC[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]Wav[/abc]
• Audio file compatibility [abc]Vob[/abc]
• Frequency response: 18-25,000 Hz
• Audio Gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])
• Spotify Connect compatibility
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ac compatibility
• [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] compatibility 5.2
• Roon Ready compatibility
• [abc]Airplay 2 compatibility[/abc]
• [abc]Chromecast (built-in) compatibility[/abc]
• 192 kHz/24-bit DAC
• Multiroom: yes
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 157 x 168 x 219 mm
• Weight: 4.3 kg
• Consumption: nc, < 2 W in standby
