Devialet Phantom 1 108 dB Opéra de Paris Edition Review

Mesdames et Messieurs, welcome to the extravagant world of French high-fidelity audio. We present the Devialet Phantom 1 - 108 dB Opéra de Paris Edition - a symphony of design elegance and acoustic grandeur. Priced at HK$35,990, this is more than a speaker; it's an extravaganza of cutting-edge design and unmatched audio engineering. It harks back to an era where art and science unite to create magic, and we invite you to be part of this magnificent journey.

Design & Build

As the name suggests, the Phantom 1 - 108 dB Opéra de Paris Edition is inspired by the Paris Opera House's ornate beauty. At first glance, it appears like a modern art installation, standing out with its golden gleam. Its spherical structure, adorned with gold leaf side plates, is captivating. The gold leaf, reflecting the iconic Opéra de Paris's gilded interiors, is hand-applied by Ateliers Gohard's master gilders. Each leaf is carefully positioned to create a unique patina, a tribute to the artisan's skill and pursuit of excellence. The side plates, showcasing the Phantom's signature, are gilded with Moon Gold, an exquisite, stainless blend of palladium-yellow gold alloy that promises unrivalled audio.

While the Phantom is eye-catching, it also boasts a robust build designed to withstand high-performance audio delivery rigours. Its construction is primarily plastic, excluding the gilded side panels. If you're looking for a more tactile luxury, you might find Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo or the Bang & Olufsen BEOLAB 18 more appealing.

Sound Quality

The Phantom's radiant exterior houses an orchestration of stunning audio performance. The ACE (Active Cospherical Engine) technology immerses you in a 360-degree soundscape that surpasses regular listening experiences. Every note, rhythm, and beat resonates in a vibrant sonic feast.

At low volumes, the Phantom's bass can sometimes overstep, but it gracefully strikes a balance with the upper registers as you go beyond the 25% volume mark, creating a harmonious ensemble. The Phantom doesn't specialize in whispers; it is eager to deliver a full-blown orchestral performance! If you're more inclined towards subdued tones, perhaps Bang & Olufsen or Sonos would suit your preferences.

The Phantom, as a single speaker, lacks stereo imaging depth. This can quickly become fatiguing for critical listening sessions. However, pairing two can considerably elevate the experience, albeit at a significantly higher cost. In this price range, you might find KEF LS60s or Bang & Olufsen's BEOLAB 18s equally captivating with greater connectivity options. 

The optional TREE stand (HK$3,790 each) can considerably enhance the Phantom's performance, improving bass response and overall sound clarity. The Phantom thrives in open spaces, and this stand allows it to fully unleash its potential.

Conclusion

The Phantom 1 - 108 dB Opéra de Paris Edition is a well-executed blend of design and audio performance. Despite some minor issues, most notably its lack of stereo imaging and slightly disjointed bass at low volumes, its overall package proves to be compelling. This speaker is not tailored for those in search of subtlety or an economically friendly solution. Rather, it's designed for audio enthusiasts who are willing to invest in a blend of design and high-quality audio performance. While it's a substantial investment, the sound quality that the Phantom delivers does a remarkable job of justifying its price point. For the right buyer, this speaker promises a superior audio experience that brings together luxury and performance in one slick package.

Price: HK$35,990 - Buy Here

Disclaimer: This review is the outcome of two weeks of hands-on experience with the Devialet Phantom 1 - 108 dB Opéra de Paris Edition provided to us as a loan sample. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of our editorial team, based on our assessment and experience with the product. Devialet has not influenced the content of this review in any way.