The new Devialet Ultimate...

Meet the New Devialet Phantom Ultimate: Reinventing the Sphere

When Devialet first launched the Phantom line, it shook up high-end wireless speakers by merging bold industrial design, deep bass, and streaming connectivity. Now, with the Phantom Ultimate (available in 108 dB and 98 dB versions), the French company is pushing that promise further — both in sonic ambition and refinement.

In this post, we’ll explore what’s new, how the two variants differ, and what it all might mean for your listening space.

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What’s New: Upgrades & Innovations

While retaining the signature “egg / ovular” silhouette that’s become iconic, Phantom Ultimate introduces a number of hardware, software, and usability enhancements that take the platform to a new level.

Design & Hardware

• Devialet says the 108 dB model now features a three-way array (tweeter, mid drivers, redesigned woofers) to offer more clarity and separation. 

• The frequency range is claimed at 14 Hz to 35 kHz (±6 dB), with total amplification of 1,100 W for the 108 dB version. 

• For the more compact 98 dB model, specs include 400 W total power and a response of 18 Hz to 25 kHz. 

• On both models, Devialet has revised the tweeter grille design and removed the traditional woofer dust caps to improve acoustic transparency and reduce resonances. 

• The user interface now includes four touch controls on the top of the speaker, improving direct interaction. 

• Under the hood, the new platform runs on Devialet’s updated DOS3 operating system, along with improved signal processing (32-bit / 96 kHz chains) and connectivity upgrades (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3) for lower latency and more stable streaming. 

• Three finishes are offered: Light Pearl, Deep Forest, and Opéra de Paris (the latter featuring hand-applied 22k gold leaf as a more artistic statement).

Technology & Acoustics

Many of the core Devialet technologies remain, but with refinements to push performance further:

• ADH® (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplification is still at the heart of Phantom Ultimate, blending the musical character of Class A with the efficiency and power of Class D stages. In Ultimate, the control algorithms (especially in higher frequencies) have been improved for cleaner treble and reduced distortion when pushed. 

• SAM® (Speaker Active Matching) continues to adapt output in real time, aligning the drivers’ behavior with the internal acoustic model and reducing distortion. The new version better accommodates the redesigned woofers.

• HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) remains a signature Devialet trick: a push-pull woofer arrangement that allows deep, tight bass even from a compact cabinet. In the 108 dB version, that means infra-bass down to 14 Hz.

• AVL (Adaptive Volume Level) is preserved, ensuring that at lower listening levels the speaker retains presence without losing dynamics. 

Connectivity, Streaming & Software

Devialet has kept pace with modern listening habits:

• Phantom Ultimate supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, UPnP, and is Roon Ready. 

• The 98 dB model uses Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band), while the 108 dB steps up to Wi-Fi 6 to deliver more robust network performance, especially in larger rooms or when using stereo pairs located farther apart. 

• The Devialet app remains central to setup, calibration, and control. It now offers a six-band equalizer and three listening modes (Music / Movie / Podcast) to tailor performance to context. 

• Stereo pairing is supported, but crucially only between identical models (i.e. you can't pair a 98 dB with a 108 dB). 

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108 dB vs 98 dB — Which One for You?

These two versions reflect a thoughtful tiering: one for immersive power in large spaces, the other for refinement in more modest rooms.

In many cases, a stereo pair of 98 dB units could outperform (in coherence and imaging) older single high-output models — especially in mid-sized rooms. If you regularly push volume or have a large open space, the 108 dB is the safer bet for headroom and control.

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Listening Experience: What to Expect

From early previews and reviews, the Phantom Ultimate seems more than just incremental — it's refined.

• The low end is deep and commanding on the 108 dB, but the 98 dB delivers a surprisingly potent, musical bass for its size. 

• The treble region is said to be smoother and less fatiguing when pushed, thanks to reworked driver control and the improved ADH algorithm. 

• Even at higher volumes, the speakers reportedly maintain composure — the mark of a mature platform. 

• Stereo imaging and soundstage are claimed to be wider and more immersive, especially when using a pair at optimal placement. 

That said, real-world performance always depends on the room. Reflections, boundary proximity, and speaker placement still matter immensely. Even the most advanced algorithms can’t fully overcome poor acoustics.

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The Good, the Caveats, and What to Watch

Pros

• A leap in refinement and control over previous Phantom models

• Deep bass without the need for a subwoofer (especially 108 dB)

• Modernized connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and full streaming protocol support

• Elegant design updates, better controls, and cleaner aesthetics

• Flexibility via stereo pairing and multiroom use

Considerations & Caveats

• The 108 dB model is physically larger and heavier, which may demand more from placement and furniture

• At the highest price tiers, marginal gains depend heavily on your room and source quality

• Only like-model pairing is allowed (108 dB ↔ 108 dB; 98 dB ↔ 98 dB) 

• No built-in room correction (at least according to current specs) — you’ll want to place and calibrate carefully

• Despite deep bass claims, in acoustically challenging rooms some users might still prefer supplementing with a subwoofer

• Releases are staggered: the 98 dB version is available now, while the 108 dB is up for pre-order.

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Final Thoughts

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate feels like a reinvention rather than a mere refresh. It blends the boldness of design with serious technical upgrades that promise more clarity, control, and immersion than ever before. For listeners seeking a “single box (or two) that just does everything” solution — high-end audio, streaming, room presence — Phantom Ultimate is now a serious contender.

If I were buying today:

• In a smaller room, I’d go with the 98 dB — it seems to punch above its weight.

• In a large living room or a dedicated listening space, the 108 dB pair is tempting for its headroom and breadth.

• And I’d place strong focus on placement, isolation, and acoustics (stands, distance from walls, toe-in) — that’s still where the biggest gains live.