Future-Fi Now! Devialet's Phantom Reactor 900
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2019
- 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...
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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...
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Playlists….
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/playlist/6Gd...
Tidal:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ee0...
Qobuz:
play.qobuz.com/playlist/2388988
#futurefi #devialet #phantomreactor
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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 - บันเทิง
I'm always watching your new videos. I like your honesty, style and easy explanation. Thx again for this one m8😉
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
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!
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.
The production quality and narration are top of class John. You deserve a Bafta and an Emmy!
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.
This is by far the most impressive hi-fi review I’ve ever seen. Needless to say - very, very well done!
You should do a 3 year update on this speaker, and how it has fared after such an extended usage!
What a insightful and entertaining piece! I pressed thumb-up 3 times just to be sure.
Great review. Everyman's everyday hifi system
That was fun to watch! Definitly gonna check 'em out.
This vid is well made sir.
You got my vote and support.
Well done man!
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
Awesome review, thankyou. Very stylish speaker, especially with those stands. Totally agree with your statement that these are hifi speakers in "Lifestyle clothing".
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 😉
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!!
Thanks for the review John. Good job!
Best review yet. Love you delved onto its sound quality .
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!
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.
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.
Or Flac
Not even AptX for 1000? Jeez thats kinda stupid.
Flac over UPnP, even better.
I always enjoy your videos--so insightful, witty, funny and practical. BIG, BIG THANKS!! :-))))
Excellent review!!! .....and especially the end. :) Thank you for the info. Keep on posting.
Great quality video as normal, you set the bar v high for other reviewers to aspire to. Great review John.
Thank you. I enjoyed that review.
Pretty and sound good!! Speakers are great too!!!
always enjoy your work. thanks!
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?
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.
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.
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.
@Paul Richards
Yeah they have quite a few at the Ember restaurant
Do they have the bigger ones there or the smaller reactors as shown in the video?
I’d consider them but I’m scared that they’ll start probing me while I’m asleep
Even if...You will enjoy it.
😂😂😂
Shahid Iqbal ~ hahaha ... luvit ! Maybe they go and hide when you want them !
No no no, they`ll just play the brown note ;)
They just follow you playing the war of the worlds sound... till you hit the brown note.
I've got the naim muso 1st edition, was wondering which is the better speaker overall, muso vs. 1 devialet reactor? Thanks!
Really nice unit. A lovely lifestyle system.
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.
Emotionally distant speakers?!? were they not hugged enough as a child😂
🤣
Sehr gut as always, danke.
Just wowww! Thanks for the amazing content!
I love my dynaudios so much i cant let them go, but you've definitely got me wanting to hear some of those
How does this compare to KEF LSX in stereo mode?(in terms of details and sound imaging)
Amazing speakers, the difference after i got the second one, and played stereo is unreal.
Great review and channel
Another great video. Thanks john.
Thank you for introducing me to Sarah Blasio. Pure and real. Again, thank you!
Excellent review. You do get to the core strength of a product. Well done.
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.
pair of these DEVIALET or KEF LSX II / Wireless II for 16sqm mini gaming and movie room??
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!
Hey John, great video. I'm considering getting rid of my amp and speakers and my surround sound in my living room and just down sizing to a pair of these. Do you know if they pair with ps4? That will be the decider
Advantage of the Rectors is the 3.5mm audio input. Will work with everything. Same socket takes digital coax input. Phantoms have toslink opitical input. They also have Bluetooth and Wi-fi and can use UPnP.
You will miss surround sound on movies and some TV programmes. The special custom series using a version (?) of the Rectors is over €8500 for 5.5 surround.
Hi John, I really enjoy your channel.
Thanks for the recommendation on Sarah sounds great on tidal and my Focal Kanta 2s
Need to see if updating the firmware in my router helps, but dang it's hard to get it to detect both.
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.
Hey John, if you have to choose between the KEF LSX and the Devialet Phantom Reactor 900, which one would you go with?
So how about what was your thoughts over the 2M red and 2M black in this system?
Hi, you mentioned the 3.5mm input only gives 48hz instead of 18hz? Which means my idea of connecting the phantom 2 (as a subwoofer) to my kef ls50w using rca to 3.5mm wouldn't reap the 18hz capability?
sample rate not frequency 48khz
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.
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.
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.
Thanks John, Sarah Blasko is really gooood. More tips like this. It´s all about the music. Enjoy it!
Hello John. I am confused between buying a pair of reactor 900 or KEF LS50 wireless. What would you suggest me???
And if i am also ready to get a subwoofer with KEF and which subwoofer woofer would you recommend me?? Will it sound better then reactor 900 then??
I live in an apartment with a 4500mm*5000mm living room.
If you were me, which would you choose between two reactors(stereo) or one phantom gold or two phantom classic(stereo)
I usually listen to 60~00s black music, pbrnb, hiphop, jazz and james blakes.
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?
Does anyone know what the opening montage song is?
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.
Lov'in it dude, big fan. Thanks
Another great video!!
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.
Hi, will you be doing a review on the bowers and wilkins formartion duo’s? I’m keen on your thoughts about them....
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.
Did you enjoy these initially? I just got a pair of the 900s in matte black, and it does impress a bit with some bass, but it's like the lower part is warm with "icy" too end on some songs, but the detail isn't quite coming through... Maybe it's because it's in the evening? (Maybe my ears are tired, but I just got up from a nap.)
I've been moving them around quite a bit and am getting a phantom center easily but it's almost like a three channel system instead of an even spread.
I'll have to try them in another room.
Update: maybe this is placebo, but I swear they sound different over WiFi. I wonder if the DSP processing things differently based on the source?
Great review!!!
With the extra deep bass extension and lack of a port I have to wonder if the woofers are servo-controlled?
Hello ! And what about Cabasse pearl Akoya compared whith Devialet reactor ? (Sorry for my english...😁)
you have to review their big brother the phantom gold in stereo im sure Devialet will send you them
Skeptical, with only one driver for mids and highs, especially at $1350, but I’ll take your word for it for now!
12:10 what's the name of the song? I've repeated this part a couple times but I can't figure it out :(
a pair of Gold Phantoms is what I'd really like to have...sounds amazing
Proper audiophile separates are way superior.
Saving up for my 2nd. Hoping to order it next week. CANT WAIT
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 😂
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 .
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 ...
John Darko is the best :) always watch and listen to the No.1 ;)
Amazing review
Great video! Any chance you will be comparing them to a pair of Phantom Is? Thanks!!!
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'.
Does stereo work while streaming via bluetooth? Or is it limited for using Airplay and Spotify? What is the delay for lipsync lag, anything noticeable?
Good questions! Yes, stereo Bluetooth with which there is a small lag.
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.
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
I still love the kef.
Will buy them thanks to you:)
So you are the one with no issues in stereo wireless? Updates/setup hints?
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
God those are lovely
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.
Now I am totally confused! Decided to get a pair of Reactors 600 as my main entertainment system, then changed my mind to a set of KEF‘s LSX with a sub and now this...! Back again to my original choice or what? Unfortunately I am not able to find a pair of Reactors in my area to compare versus the LSX. Any ideas? I will use them in my 50 sq.m. Living room. Any contribution to this will be greatly appreciated!!
You mentioned to connect to your MacBook via Bluetooth for watching tv/Netflix, no latency problem?
I would also like to know, I've seen some comments about latency rendering them useless for watching movies.
I have a pair of Phantom Gold. Watching movies from the computer (Windows PC) I use uPnP. The latency is a problem. Easy to adjust from VLC but drifts over the length of the movie and is different for each movie (video file). The DOS2 upgrade, whilst removing Spark software running on PC/MacOS, has improved the latency issue over Ethernet and wireless. Bluetooth works okay but is a compressed, lossy and stereo only.
Using fibre optic from the TV in stereo is not a problem. Toslink is compressed and limited for surround sound compared to using HDMI 2.2.
The only digital active speakers that do work in stereo AND surround (8 channel) are those using WiSA such as the Buchardt A500 & A700 and Bang and Olufsen Beolab 18 & 28. Third party WiSA transmitter are available for HDMI and USB from a computer. B&O have WiSA subwoofer but use their TV for centre channel. Buchardt have NOT announced centre or subwoofer speakers.
The B&W Formation speakers can be set up for surround using Bar, Bass and Flex as rears. You can not use Formation Duo which would offer a better stereo (most videos I have are still in stereo) than the Bar and would leave the Bar for centre channel but this does not work.
For surround sound the simpler and workable solution is to use analogue - either an AV Receiver and passive speakers or analogue active speakers with a HDMI debedder (strips the audio from the HDMI signal from a sound card or Bluray player to 8 channel line level output to active or powered speakers).
You can adjust latency for any input via the app
The live version of the Sarah Blasko sounds fantastic also
Can they (2) be used as DJ monitor speakers? Would that be a proper use?
How do movies and non-music media sound through these?
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....
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 :)
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...
Great job & watch would work better for movies?
Great reviews. Enjoy very much.
Great review as always. Given the impressive bass extension, could the Divialet be considered as a competitive single sub woofer?
Doesn't have a dedicated LFE filter.