Better sound everywhere
How often do an internationally renowned audio group come into Paris all day long to invit you into a swanky London hotel to listen to what they’ll only refer to as “Mania”? It’s not often. When invitations to attend come, you must abandon the task at hand and leave.
It’s true that, as everyone who has heard of Devialet is aware, Mania is built from sturdy base materials. The French audio expert’s best-selling products include the top-of-the-line Dione audiobar Phantom I wireless speaker and, more recently, a groundbreaking venture into premium in-flight audio systems, to mention just the few. However, Mania is different.
It’s an eyeball-shaped and futuristic wireless speaker that has a lovely tiny handle at the top and push-push radiators that resemble irises on each side. It weighs 2.3kg it’s quite heavy, akin to kettlebells but more stunning.
There are two main proprietary technologies to inform the world about. ASC (Active Stereo Calibration) and SAM (Speaker Active Matching).
The latter uses four microphones as well as embedded intelligence that enable the speaker to automatically adjust the audio output to its surroundings. There is no fluttering your phone around the room, no space age sounds for a long time It does the job within a matter of minutes. I set it on various surfaces within the hotel suite , and did not notice the process of calibration taking place. From the audio performances that followed I am sure that in my gut (and my ears) it was indeed happening.
The last one is comprised of four full-range drivers on the top of the speaker, and two subwoofers powered by SAM in a push-push arrangement for unidirectional stereo between 30Hz and 20kHz.
The speaker is just 17cm in height However, when you close your eyes, you’ll believe it’s much bigger.
Opinion: A number of smart speakers need to be concerned about Devialet’s Mania The most notable is the Amazon Echo
Other specifications? Why not? As well as capacitive buttons on the device and an audio mute slider Amazon Alexa is built-in (a first for Devialet) and setting up is done via Devialet’s Devialet app. There’s also wireless Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect support, 10 hours of wireless playtime as well as an IPX4 splash-proof rating.
I took it on the balcony, and after gazing at the the central London roof terraces, and hearing The Streets (and subsequently Prince) I must inform you that this speaker will make even the top smart speakers and , in particular the top Alexa devices sound terribly lacking (sorry, Amazon Echo, but I’m watching you).
It’s not an exhaustive review, but during my time with the album, Purple Rain was underpinned by a strong yet agile bass weight as Blinded by the Lights revealed the Mania’s incredibly ability to layer and tempo.
If you’re interested, Devialet sells a docking station that can be charged using the standard Mania (a version with a Paris Opera edition is also available, and is adorned with a 24 carat moon gold baffle ring, and includes the docking station included) for $80 , PS69/AU$100, however the charging method is USB-C.
Prices? Yes, of sure. The Mania is now available with your choice between Deep Black or Light Gray at $790 or PS690 or AU$1400(opens in a new tab).
Its Devialet Mania Opera de Paris edition retails for $990, PS890 or AU$1,700(opens in a new tab).
Also, the Devialet Mania is not cheap and I’m not sure it’s suitable for the best low-cost Bluetooth speaker bargain ahead of Black Friday. However, that’s not the main reason. It’s beautiful. It’s the perfect uncomplicated item for the aspirational sphere I’m in. In case I didn’t say it, you can also wirelessly stereo-pair two of them for extremely technical stereo capabilities.
