In 2007, Bang & Olufsen launched the Beolab Penta, a speaker that redefined compact high-end audio. Nearly two decades later, Devialet’s Phantom Ultimate 108 dB enters the same arena with a claim: delivering concert-hall sound from a 36 cm cube.
The French manufacturer positions the Phantom Ultimate as a statement piece, not just in design but in technical ambition. The speaker packs up to 1100 watts of power and a frequency range extending to 14 Hz, a range typically reserved for large floor-standing systems. This performance comes from a proprietary ADH (Amplifier Digital to Hologram) driver and a closed-loop architecture that corrects distortion in real time. The result is a soundstage that rivals systems costing five times more, according to measurements by French audio lab L-Acoustics.
Pricing starts at 42 000 NOK for the speaker alone. A matching Devialet stand adds another 15 000 NOK, pushing the total closer to 60 000 NOK. The cost reflects the titanium diaphragm, Class D amplification, and six built-in amplifiers, each handling a dedicated frequency band. Build quality is flawless, with a seamless aluminum shell and hand-finished details that justify the premium for collectors and professionals.
Listening tests in a controlled room confirmed the claims. The bass extends deeper than most compact speakers, reaching 14 Hz without the boominess of ported designs. Midrange clarity is exceptional, and the holographic soundstage creates a three-dimensional effect even at moderate volumes. The only caveats are the speaker’s weight—38 kg—and its sensitivity to placement, requiring at least one meter of clearance on all sides for optimal performance.
Source: itavisen.no