Future-Fi Now! Devialet's Phantom Reactor 900

[@Lasse_Johansen]

This is by far the most impressive hi-fi review I’ve ever seen. Needless to say - very, very well done!

[@gatornuggies]

The production quality and narration are top of class John. You deserve a Bafta and an Emmy!

[@concord9111]

You should do a 3 year update on this speaker, and how it has fared after such an extended usage!

[@georgeforeman89]

Relatively new viewer here. Just want to say that I really enjoy your videos. You’re a non-condescending audiophile- a rare breed, indeed! The editing is also spot on! Keep up the good work 😊. Also, these speakers look absolutely incredible. And 18hz?!?!? Insane!

[@maartenkok3414]

Hey John, thanks again for an awesome review. The great things about your reviews and why I watch all of them is that these reviews actually feel like a hifi journey, which we are all on, not just product specs. The other aspect for me, that I appreciate even more is that you share the music you play while reviewing components. I’ve seriously expanded on my “go to artists” and that is a great gift. So thanks and I hope you will continue!!

[@jamesoloughlin]

Great video John & Co. These speakers look great. Sidenote I am basically combing your entire channel past few days (even though I’m a long time subscriber) simply fantastic, informative and enjoyable.

[@francois-xaviergonnet7216]

Devialet came to the audio world with new ideas, new concepts and it's working well. There products are incredible for what they are... but make no mistake, they don't compete with the best stereo you can get. These are great "all in one" product, really easy to use. That's what you pay for...

[@Oban66066]

I'm always watching your new videos. I like your honesty, style and easy explanation. Thx again for this one m8😉

[@patrickthompson389]

An eye(and ear) opening review, with succinct and concise delivery of solid info, without the chocking rhetoric of personal biased. Love it. As a newbie to HiFi, this was a huge wake up call, and your perspective has really made me re-think an approach to high end audio gear purchases. Thanks, subscribed, looking forward to more in 2020. Happy New Year!

[@divadgnol67]

Hey John, keep the videos coming. I have a whole new catalog of music to listen to because you often tell us what you're listening to as well as the hardware review. Thanks so much for everything

[@Halarue]

I was secretly hoping these would be mostly hype but apparently they're the real deal. I wonder if I should re-sell all my stuff for these kind of things.

[@tariqrahman8853]

I really liked your video. Very to the point and you explained it so nicely without being nerdy. Keep making good stuff, double thumbs up.

[@Luvdac62]

Hi John, thanks for the great vid. I was an early adopter of the reactors and have had them in a stereo config since they enabled stereo. However a month ago, I found I could get much better sound by running each speaker 'unpaired' and feeding an analog line to each. The stereo channels on the 3.5 mm plugs had to be adapted to supply a mono signal to each speaker via a chord hugo 2. The result: Emotional warmth in spades! Of course now there is the usual wire clutter. I also changed the power cords to audioquest. ( Warning. The connectors on the audioquest are a bit big and have to be whittled down to fit). The legs are a bit too short for my listening position so I've got them up on stands. Love the sound. Love their size. Love their portability. I've also got the gold phantoms in stereo and although they sound far better, their software is a pain to deal with and no analog inputs.

[@Dean_O.]

Really interesting. The Phantoms and the Reactors have been on my radar for a while. In what way would you describe the "far better sound" of the Phantoms? I wonder if Deviate has another version of their speaker coming to market.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

They updated the software of the Phantoms for iPhone and Android users in Nov 2019 but removed the Dialog controller and Spark computer software from the ecosystem.

[@BillGuy]

John, I've watched you for years. With this review, you've found your voice. Bravo. As a photographer and a spouse of two artists..... I respectfully..... give you a thumbs up 😉

[@Loken47anUA]

A year ago I borrowed a pair of phantom gold from my local hifi dealer. Technically very impressive and loud(!) speakers but me and my nerdy friends were unfortunately not impressed by the sound. Too boomy bass and missing finesse. All of us felt that my system, at that time consisting of a Line magnetic tube amp and Buchardt s200, sounded much better in my living room. Would rather throw my money on Kef LS50 wireless, more settings and built around an already great speaker. By the way. I really appreciate your channel and your views on hifi and music listening. Looking forward to your next video!

[@sgarcia37]

Thank you for introducing me to Sarah Blasio. Pure and real. Again, thank you!

[@pbea2410]

Based upon John's review, I had and listen to a pair (but not in the best conditions I would say). I like these ones more than their big brother so quite to got a pair. My main issue is that the Reactor runs -very- hot and I am concerned by the durability. Squeezing such power into a tiny speaker don't go without compromise and this is a big one ...

[@WarinPartita6]

I always enjoy your videos--so insightful, witty, funny and practical. BIG, BIG THANKS!! :-))))

[@hectorbonilla9433]

I recently was in New York City and found the pop-up store where these were featured at Lincoln Center. I stepped into the store for a demo and was absolutely impressed with the sound sound pressure level as well as clarity that these speakers brought forth. I’m a bit unsure if I also had the top-of-the-line speaker playing as I feel only the top two were worth listening to since I also demoed a smaller entry-level version and I felt it was anemic. I believe the top level version is at 1400 W where this one is at 900. I have to look up the price point because the top level version was at about $7500 USD and I am unsure where this one falls in the price category. I think that’s where this lineup will fail against the KEF and Elac options for wireless. Well done Mr. Darko! Your evolution as a video reviewer is near its zenith.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

The Reactors have a better user interface on the speaker than previous models. You know when it is powered like most devices it has a light and has -ve/+ve buttons. The previous Phantoms don't. I still have countless software issues and look forward to the autumn update having no bug fixes for over 12 months. For months Spark refused to load on my PC. If fixed itself! I ran it from a laptop via Bluetooth. I had issues with the optical out which workedm continued to work with other equipment but not to the Phantom. It takes the optical out from the TV but not from the DVD/hard drive recorder which is coaxial. I got another Terratec DMX 6Fire USB. I used UPnP which was okay but latency drifted (lip sync) over the lenght of the film. But then just stopped working. I never know when I switch on the Phantoms whether a feature will work or not. I was trying to work out how Phantoms might work in a 5+1 surround system. One Phantom could be centre and sub woofer. The only way of doing this is having 5 channel optical output. I don't know of a system that will take a computer file with 5+1 surround and output separate optical signals. I could convert the analogue output to optical but that just seems wrong and add further signal delays in the sound. At the moment I am using active analogue speakers for films with surround sound. I use the PC for all media playback, mostly from the network of hard drives. The Phantom gives so many ways of playback but not all are the same due to the limits of Bluetooth, Wi-fi compared to optical input and Ethernet does not work as I expected. Compared to my active floor standing speakers and to the limits of my hearing they deliever just in a smaller package. Pointing Spark (running on a computer or mobile phone) to a mapped network digital juke box and it just plays through the library of music. After a year using the Gold Phantoms they always impress. I do find I am listing at a higher volume level compared to my 1989 Meridian Active speakers. They also get very warm.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Nov 2019 software update removed Spark as an application. The interface is either iPhone or Android. You can use UPnP from a computer. The Dialog becomes a £200 paper weight as it is no longer needed. Mac and PC users have to remain on the DOS1 and not upgrade to DOS2 although they may supply an update in the future for computer users. Rectors, or a special release of them, can be set up as 5.5 surround sound. One article suggests that the larger Phantoms can be included but Devialet support stated that "Phantom ecosystem is stereo only"

[@shahidyt]

I’d consider them but I’m scared that they’ll start probing me while I’m asleep

[@cartmann227]

Even if...You will enjoy it.

[@hlubimzamo]

😂😂😂

[@janinapalmer8368]

Shahid Iqbal ~ hahaha ... luvit ! Maybe they go and hide when you want them !

[@afrog2666]

No no no, they`ll just play the brown note ;)

[@Samuel_Lipscomb]

They just follow you playing the war of the worlds sound... till you hit the brown note.

[@paulphilippart7395]

Wow finally a company that incorporates minimal diffraction enclosure properly,and looks cool,no wonder they sound good with pretty conventional,albeit dsp controlled drivers.

[@renebalza265]

Very refreshing to hear your thoughts on out of the ordinary hi-fi equipment. I am just getting into this and so far gravitate to minimalist setups, thanks

[@stijndejong3013]

Could we see the full on phantom gold stereo setup? There are no reviews on those as detailed and professional like yours. Thanks in advance!

[@montz6743]

you have to review their big brother the phantom gold in stereo im sure Devialet will send you them

[@darensweeney5925]

High, John. I thought your words at the end of the video were so sincere, I immediately subscribed. I agree that powered speakers without a ton of equipment will be the future of audio. Ironically, some audiophiles dismiss these kind of speakers even though the simple, minimalist approach may be the only thing that increases the number of people who are interested in hi-fi. Finally, you're right that "The Lamb" is Genesis' album. I put it right up against Tommy as the best rock opera of all time.

[@vincentteoh3936]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Even though i cannot afford a Devialet speaker, it's still educational to watch and learn about how to properly set up a home sound system.

[@kevinkelly8301]

This vid is well made sir. You got my vote and support. Well done man!

[@davehood1514]

Great quality video as normal, you set the bar v high for other reviewers to aspire to. Great review John.

[@orangejuicepony6881]

I LOVE your videos. You could review a cooking pot and I would not move for a full 10mins until the review was over. You have fantastic presentation style, and the film editing technique. I love the fact you can see small bits of dust on otherwise perfect pieces of equipment!

[@gatornuggies]

I concur..I love these reviews..

[@edelweisskoenig]

If it had AptX, it would be the perfect wireless Future-Fi match for the Cambridge Audio Alva Turntable. Maybe not for the hardcore analog guys.

[@antonhelsgaun]

Or Flac

[@theearthisbread]

Not even AptX for 1000? Jeez thats kinda stupid.

[@Neojhun]

Flac over UPnP, even better.

[@Amphibax]

If it weren't for the price they would be the perfect second system for my kitchen. Good looking, small and all in one system

[@1Juanbk]

Amazing speakers, the difference after i got the second one, and played stereo is unreal. Great review and channel

[@pyrolinn2088]

There are a pair of these in the HBO series "Succession" in Shiv and Toms condo. Glad to see they are using something else other than the white Meridian speakers which seemed to show up in movies for about a decade....

[@slickimilano]

@John Darko, you should compare the Phantom with the KEF LSX. Personally i compared both sounds in a shop, my take if you like base Phantom is loud as F..k. Yet the KEF LSX has a much better sound clear vocals easy soothing to the ears. LSX is cheeper comes with a pair, top it off with a subwoofer and your set. The Phantom however is a loudy mess to my taste.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

On stands or on a shelf? They do not pass vibrations from the cabinet but the stands make a difference.

[@haroldsunken1074]

John - Really enjoy your 'channel'. I've been out of the high end stereo world for 30 years. I recently decided to build a new high end system and your youtube segments (especially the Future-Fi ones) have really helped me to think in new ways about what a Stereo system can and should be about.

[@tellierdave3513]

Just wowww! Thanks for the amazing content!

[@jeroenvang1963]

I got the 600 reactor for the kitchen, but just ordered the 900 opera de Parijs tonl replace the 600, the living room is with 2 phantom gold's, they are fantastic, can't wait for the new reactor. I still got the d-premier hanging on the wall but since the phantom gold's came the premier was decommission together with the dynaudio c1

[@mikedeboard1197]

Excellent review. You do get to the core strength of a product. Well done.

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Skeptical, with only one driver for mids and highs, especially at $1350, but I’ll take your word for it for now!

[@skygazer87]

Best review yet. Love you delved onto its sound quality .

[@samueltung]

What a insightful and entertaining piece! I pressed thumb-up 3 times just to be sure.

[@itscliffvtr]

If you ever find yourself at Houston Airport you'll notice they have Devialet speakers everywhere. My god the bass is so deep and smooth, you really feel it. It really gives that "high class bar/ club" feel to the sound. Fantastic and considering the size, its unbelievable that such a rich and detailed sound comes from such a small unit.

[@DavidTrejo]

@Paul Richards Yeah they have quite a few at the Ember restaurant

[@joshuam3903]

Do they have the bigger ones there or the smaller reactors as shown in the video?

[@pson3801]

Thanks John, Sarah Blasko is really gooood. More tips like this. It´s all about the music. Enjoy it!

[@michelrochette3066]

Thanks for the review John. Good job!

[@harrycherns1037]

@John Darko Hey John, couldn't you give a little help.. Still can't find the tune from 5:18, that's exactly the type you want to play on your pair of Divs. Thx for great content au.

[@DarkoAudio]

Sorry man, I just don't remember. EDIT: It's definitely by Brendon Moeller.

[@harrycherns1037]

@@DarkoAudio Hey John! Finally got it. Brendon Moeller - Linear Daybreak .. Thx for the hint ;) Good shift it's got. Where d you actually find such gem?

[@remiandrepedersen868]

Could have been fun and tried a few of these with a sophisticated EQ system, to find out if it is possible to make the sound a little fatter, a little more open midrange, and a hint of more micro details!

[@garydurler5603]

Great review. Everyman's everyday hifi system

[@izzeystarz7578]

Hey John. Top review, thanks. Mind telling us the tracks/artists you used in this video. Also maybe your reference tracks? I liked the heavy bass in the tracks used in this video and would like to test my Elac Uni-Fi with them. Thanks.

[@twelvebears1971]

I’m going to be investigating a pair of the bigger Phantom 1 units as an alternative to the KEF LS60 I’ll report back but it would be interesting to get John’s perspective of these as a option for those after active streaming speakers in the same category as the KEF

[@MrSatyre1]

Their bass drivers remind me a lot of what Sunfire did decades ago with their micro subwoofers. Insane amount of power and little 8" drivers moving in and out two or three inches during playback. Amazing bass, tho'.

[@olivierw.frappier]

Hi, i'm agree with you. Stereo is important. i've just bought 2X 600 Reactor. And The Stereo image is incredible. I prefer this configuration thant a mono Phantom Premier . And With new DOS 2.9.0, i use optical input, and use ETHERNET cable instead of WIFI between the left and Right and can set the latency safe to 80ms instead of 190ms. They are incredible FULL RANGE speakers, without a complicated SUB needed.

[@michelovic]

There is a German brand called Teufel offering highend audio products as well. But I guess, you can only purchase them online from abroad.

[@Nucleon447]

Great review! Question: 2x Phantom II or KEF LSX II+KC62 SUB? What should I choose? Mainly for deep& progressive house music via SoundCloud and for some of locally stored hi-res tracks (Pop & Neoclassical). 🙏

[@stefanbanovic]

Did you find out how the KC62 compares to Devialet bass?

[@Shozuable]

Whats the Track playing @5:18 ?

[@harrycherns1037]

It's the 'Brendon Moeller - Linear Daybreak'

[@2musiclover534]

Thanks for the review. Surprised to hear that you felt these hold up to the LS50W. The mids are lacking given that the very small driver is producing mids and trebles. By the way, I had a pair of the full sized Golds. Thanks for the review.

[@lenward474]

Pretty and sound good!! Speakers are great too!!!

[@Jay_Thurston]

I'm just getting back into hi-fi after 20 years off. Boy have things changed! I'm dying to find/hear these somewhere, great review!

[@MoutonNoir105]

What is the name of the beat at 0:18 ?

[@MrRobbyrobs]

Totally agree, music needs to be stereo to get the best listening experience and soundstage. Great review👍 thanks ✌️

[@hungfaiwong1339]

pair of these DEVIALET or KEF LSX II / Wireless II for 16sqm mini gaming and movie room??

[@juryservice1]

Just had demo at local dealer V Kef LSX. Impressive but felt the top end was a bit cool IMO. The Kefs were a stereo pair and I preferred to single 900.

[@jjw238]

does it come in black?

[@angelospalaiopanos1442]

Great video as usual. It appears that those new smaller Devialet speakers are packed with more options and connections than their bigger brothers. It would be great if you could do a Phantom Gold, stereo set up review and show the sound and usability differences with the reactors, as they run different applications and have different input options.

[@Daniel189HLL]

Great video. I bought my Mrs a phantom reactor 600 two Christmases ago as something to listen to whilst she's cooking in the kitchen or chilling in the sun room. It's awesome. So awesome that I kind of wish I had a pair of 900s as a main system on the proper legs in my lounge. Small speakers always work better in most UK rooms and although I have a devialet expert 220 Pro CI and totem acoustic tribe tower loudspeakers her little box does some things that I don't get.

[@Cheechmmksl]

What is the name of the beat at 0:18 min?

[@Markov39]

Shazam can't help me with that sound at 9:25. Is it just a beat or an actual song? I really enjoy it, would like to hear more :)

[@whynotwas]

I'm really excited about the prospect of a John Darko cartridge episode. I believe the mantra that vinyl always sounds better is a lie until you rise to a certain price point. I'm thinking a Ortofon 2m black is in my future, was thrilled to see it in this video.

[@FireMunki63]

John Darko is the best :) always watch and listen to the No.1 ;)

[@stephantranquille6681]

Great review, thank you. I heard a single PHANTOM in a medium sized room at the Sound & Audiovisual show in Melbourne. Devialet was showcasing the extraordinary powerful egg as well as their Incredible Expert Pro system. I was in awe! Any chance you would do the same review using a pair of Phantoms?

[@SuperMcgenius]

900 watts? Maybe a nanosecond in peak , look at the wall power rating for a start. At 120 volts it would be over a 15 amp load for two speakers.

[@mct0407]

The live version of the Sarah Blasko sounds fantastic also

[@jochemindahouse]

Hi, will you be doing a review on the bowers and wilkins formartion duo’s? I’m keen on your thoughts about them....

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Very cool looking speaker (s) but I am sure over-priced (for most of us) for a single BT speaker with gobs of competition. And like with all powered speakers, good luck when service is needed, when out of warranty with limited / ever changing parts availability down the road, unless of course, the owner thinks of them as a disposal toaster. With so little powered speaker history to date, time will surely tell. Nonetheless, a very well done video from you as always. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@MrSatyre1]

While it's more than I would spend on something like this (it's not really something that fits my needs), I disagree that it's overpriced. This is a very solid design and sounds very good. You get what you pay for.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Not sure about Devialet service and repairs. They might offer a 30% discount (or something) on a replacement unit, although if you have a matched stereo pair you could loose out full cost of "upgrading" to the current model on the other speaker. I have a B&W PV1 that was fixed with B&W collecting it and returning it for a fixed price. My Meridian Active speakers have had some repairs done over the past 40 years, including this year. Not back to factory new (lights and displays not as they were) but sound is just as good. Yes, like all electronics, getting replacement parts over time becomes harder. Those with built in DACs, DSP and streaming are going to be out of date when they no longer connect to anything or might still function just as an output speaker. Active speakers have a history of 43 years as top end hi-fi. Powered speakers going back to the 1930s.

[@turn1210]

18hz is very impressive, I built a set of horn speakers known for their bass response and even they don't go that low.

[@stephantranquille6681]

WoW, at last some1 who gets the PHANTOM Principle! I didn't get to hear the Reactors last year at the Sound & Vision Show in Melbourne but the GOLD's were and I could not fathom having two of them playing in my medium sized lounge. Friends of mine had trouble believing that something so small was as loud or louder than a P.A. speaker. Boy can they move air! The Expert Pro system need to be experienced too! Devialet truly is at the cutting edge.

[@Ant3739]

Hi John, thanks for the review, I have been intrigued by these speakers. I've picked up on your comment that the Devialets reveal details in the music. Do you think they would be suitable as studio monitors for music production?

[@iamsimonmorris]

Thanks for the great info and review. I'm so glad you mentioned Sarah Blasco, the Album 'As Day Follows Night' is a fabulous journey indeed, well worth the time. Now off to do a bit of Phantom investigating.

[@912324]

12:10 what's the name of the song? I've repeated this part a couple times but I can't figure it out :(

[@theotb9737]

I've got the naim muso 1st edition, was wondering which is the better speaker overall, muso vs. 1 devialet reactor? Thanks!

[@mensrea1251]

14:09 “… if you don’t dig it, hit that thumbs down button, *but do it twice just to be doubly sure…* ” LOL when audio equipment reviewers do humour 😂

[@reubennichols644]

Self Deprecating C O N F I D E N C E . One can not help -- but to respect that . The I M P O R T A N C E of the S T E R E O -- E F F E C T . - - Bravo .

[@hughjanus1135]

Emotionally distant speakers?!? were they not hugged enough as a child😂

[@KyrosMoutsouris]

🤣

[@lewislockstone7146]

Can you try the devialet home cinema system review ? I can find anywhere on the internet anyone true review of the devialet phantom theater. 😃

[@cybergod77]

a pair of Gold Phantoms is what I'd really like to have...sounds amazing

[@biggerbitcoin5126]

Proper audiophile separates are way superior.

[@davyhoogy]

Saving up for my 2nd. Hoping to order it next week. CANT WAIT

[@256k_]

"this is when daft punk used to be a real techno group, before they sold out with easy listening funk on random access memories" Thank you so much.

[@Willysedom]

@aertsflo If you know Daft Punk, I mean really know them, RAM is just the continuity of their evolution. And it's definitely not easy listening funk.

[@Onjayyy]

PLEASE, what is the track at 14:07 ?!

[@madspedersen4911]

@3:30

[@markphilpot4981]

John, what makes your reviews different is you have fun with it rather than turning it into a spec fest. Isn’t this really about opening people up to different technologies that they may not be exposed to? I’m sure the digital haters and the streaming haters are coming out and attack you and this speaker. Why can’t people learn to just keep quiet and let hate take a walk. It isn’t that serious. Enjoy music in your own way and let others do so in their’s! It’s about enjoying music, not how it is introduced or reproduced!🙄😁💖👍🏻

[@diegodelossantos9244]

hi, i had a rare change to experience the devialet speaker here in manila phils at shangrila plaza. that was 2 years ago, they placed it in an open area it was turned off. i approached it and somebody hidden in the crowd showed me how and we paired it to my cp. WOW!!! it was just an mp3 file and it gave a sound stage feel. off topic, daft punk sold out to mainstream music, like most of them artists. but at least kraftwerk is still solid independent.

[@alecmcleod387]

Awesome review, thankyou. Very stylish speaker, especially with those stands. Totally agree with your statement that these are hifi speakers in "Lifestyle clothing".

[@samkaestner]

How do you think these do with classical music? You talk quite a bit about other types, I’m just curious how they do with solely acoustic music. Great review. Thanks

[@erkioras]

John Darko, You are my hero! Keep up the good work, mate!

[@Bula]

John! Your reviews are superb..I mean really great! Now when that's out of the way.. I listened to a pair of Phantom gold and they blew my mind really. I mean, i knew they were impressive but man..And as a fellow Techno-nut..They really provided that German techno-bunker stage as we both know and love. And for the rest of yall..When in Berlin, you techno! Go to the small underground clubs. Bring earplugs and comfortable shoes :P

[@veronaroller]

What about now? I got my pair year ago, still think good, but ...

[@Gaur8n]

I can't afford it but I don't understand why so many people hate it. It's not meant to compete with audiophile equipment nor is it a budget speaker. It's not the loudest in general but it is the loudest at this cubic volume; it's not cheap but it is not expensive compared to hifi equipment. It is a space saving sound system that is a marvel of engineering.

[@ramitmehta]

Great video! Any chance you will be comparing them to a pair of Phantom Is? Thanks!!!

[@BjornBuzzurk]

Amazing review! I would be cool if you tested the rest of their line-up as well for a full overview, as most youtubers review these speakers in mono. Subbed :)

@DarkoAudio what instead? quality=price?

[@25024431]

Hi John. I bought a pair of these after watching this video and I am really pleased with them. My question is am I getting the best from them given I use an iPad with Bluetooth connection. Are the other connections better? I want to keep it simple and absolutely wireless. TIA

[@barrybrennan2135]

Nice vid, John. 'Reasonable' outlay in hi-fi terms for a complete system. In any case, this is the future. I don't think it's a jump to say even non-audiophile folk will have the next evolutions of such a system in their homes - assuming decreased RRP with the eventual trickle down technology. DSP, smaller form factors and usability really are the key elements to the future of home audio. I own some big old monkey coffins, and like them very much too, but I also realise that they're an anachronism. On we go...

[@dennislou9506]

I just went to a demo of the top Devialet's Phantom, a pair of the 108db. The base was definitely the best, however, the vocal of them gave me the feeling of a high street Bluetooth speaker, given a pair of 108db costs more than 5 grand.