Future-Fi Now! Devialet's Phantom Reactor 900

This video sponsored by Audirvana: audirvana.com/
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: Jana Dagdagan
Forget the solo Phantom Reactor. Get 'em in stereo pairs! Add a pair of Legs for extra visual stimulation.
Backstory: darko.audio/2019/08/a-short-f...
Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 (€2598/pair):
www.devialet.com/en-eu/buy-ph...
Legs (€298/pair):
www.devialet.com/en-eu/access...
Devialet factory tour:
darko.audio/2017/12/devialet-...
darko.audio/2018/02/to-core-i...
________________________________________________________________
Also in this video....
KEF LS50 Wireless (€2299):
darko.audio/?s=KEF+LS50+wireless
Technics SL-1500C (€999):
darko.audio/2019/02/a-closer-...
Ortofon 2M Red (€99):
www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-re...
Ortofon 2M Black (€599):
www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-bl...
AudioQuest Tower interconnect (€25):
www.audioquest.com/cables/ana...
________________________________________________________________
Playlists….
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/playlist/6Gd...
Tidal:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ee0...
Qobuz:
play.qobuz.com/playlist/2388988
#futurefi #devialet #phantomreactor
________________________________________________________________
Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
Instagram: / darkoaudio
Twitter: / darkoaudio
Facebook: / darkodotaudio

[@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!

[@Oban66066]

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

[@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 😉

[@Lasse_Johansen]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@garydurler5603]

Great review. Everyman's everyday hifi system

[@samueltung]

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

[@cloneroom]

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.

[@hughjanus1135]

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

[@KyrosMoutsouris]

🤣

[@alecmcleod387]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ;)

[@samuellipscomb8173]

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

[@skygazer87]

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

[@michelrochette3066]

Thanks for the review John. Good job!

[@kevinkelly8301]

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

[@mickeyparker]

That was fun to watch! Definitly gonna check 'em out.

[@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?

[@davehood1514]

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

[@sgarcia37]

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

[@lenward474]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@cls63amgwagon34]

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

[@stuartmartin3408]

Thank you. I enjoyed that review.

[@johnmckay428]

always enjoy your work. thanks!

[@eagerbeaverization]

Excellent review!!! .....and especially the end. :) Thank you for the info. Keep on posting.

[@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.

[@WarinPartita6]

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

[@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.

[@FireMunki63]

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

[@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...

[@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!

[@hushpuppykl]

Really nice unit. A lovely lifestyle system.

[@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.

[@pson3801]

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

[@lefteris2583]

Hi John, I really enjoy your channel.

[@mikedeboard1197]

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

[@cillyede]

Sehr gut as always, danke.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@tellierdave3513]

Just wowww! Thanks for the amazing content!

[@brucecomerford]

Another great video. Thanks john.

[@dynaudiofocus]

I love my dynaudios so much i cant let them go, but you've definitely got me wanting to hear some of those

[@1Juanbk]

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

[@MrRobbyrobs]

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

[@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

[@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..

[@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.

[@k.a.8891]

Lov'in it dude, big fan. Thanks

[@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.

[@damonbehnke5817]

Thanks for the recommendation on Sarah sounds great on tidal and my Focal Kanta 2s

[@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 :)

[@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...

[@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!

[@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'.

[@pierresalagnac2203]

Agree on the stereophony thing: I could test a pair of Phantom gold and I have to say for testing with only one unit: I could simply not understand spending this amount of money on one unit ! But with 2 units in stereo, it's a totally different story: great imaging and... music ! Bit shy in the medium v/s my electrostatics but refined highs, quick and powerful bass and a very coherent between bass and mid/highs. So for someone looking for a great looking minimalist setup making music: 👍👍👍. And the plus: if you are throwing a party in the garden, just carry them over. I can't even think of doing this with my 75kg/piece loudspeakers

[@mct0407]

The live version of the Sarah Blasko sounds fantastic also

[@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....

[@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.

[@isaacsykes3]

Another great video!!

[@ittoakimbo]

Great review, I’m sold...

[@carlosocana6685]

Great review!!!

[@Sampardhanani]

I still love the kef.

[@montz6743]

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

[@nakedhand]

Nice Analogical Force collection next to Amber at 2:44 - that Brainwaltzera - The Kids Are AI, is beautiful and eclectic. Mamaru is such an emotive track with bit´s and pieces of early 80s new wave melancholy, late 90s Björk drum work and early Autechre like chords and sonics.

[@rashminperla2]

Amazing review

[@massimilianozeni1848]

best reviewer on the web

[@jimihendrix1575]

Great reviews. Enjoy very much.

[@emreisiklar]

Will buy them thanks to you:)

[@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

[@VarunSastry09]

A good high quality, to-the-point video. Quite underrated. Made me a subscriber ✌️😁... When you were making those Album recommendations (pretty good albums), had to switch to my RHA 390U earphones to get a better listening experience than the Samsung S9+ phone speakers...was worth it.

[@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"

[@DemarcoElliot]

They look like something from Star Wars! Crazy bit of kit

[@pegun]

Homework is my jam!

[@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.

[@brianswift1495]

I heard a pair of Phantoms on a demo day, very impressive.

[@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.

[@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 ...

[@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.

[@7thAct]

Awesome and honest reviews. They have it on display in the World Financial Mall

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

900 watts ! Lol my 2channel amp has 2 -25 pound transformers in it at only a 165 watts class A/B and . 003 thd but yeah it's nice not to have so many components and wires, nice review but dang that's 6k ! stands made it much much better appealing but they must have the push pull to a science ! Thanks a lot John I've learned so much from you since last November and you inspired a 31 year audiophile to start his own channel thanks man

[@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.

[@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.

[@cornerliston]

Great to see. Been thinking about changing my Genelec's in livingroom to these. How do you think these “fill” the room? Not talking about loud volume now but sane normal listening. How do you connect these best way for tv and pre-amp? Or better not since they are more focused on wifi?

[@stevenswall]

What Genelecs do you have? I've been thinking about an 8040 5.1 system from a local college, but these seem like they would have even better dispersion, as they seem to be acoustically coaxial.

[@HiFiman4u]

Great review.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

God those are lovely

[@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

[@erkioras]

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

[@unol]

They look like they've been plucked out of Bjorks "all is full of love" video. Future-fi is definately the best description for them.

[@phildarmon]

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.

[@robertcreighton272]

If you are watching this in the future (2024), this and other models are now roon-ready

[@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.