Patented Persuasion

Just like the automobile purists that abhor any artificial enhancements like turbochargers and electric vehicles, the audiophile community is also filled with thousands of people who still live and die by the aural fidelity of their old-school systems. Even though the majority of the world has accepted Bluetooth and wireless music streaming as the new standard, they still cling to the belief that quality triumphs convenience. However, certain products defy the assumptions of the masses, and deliver quality sound in ingenious ways; one such being the Phantom Reactor speakers from the luxury audio brand, Devialet.

The speaker is a study in craftsmanship, as the company manages to fit all the components of a high-end Hi-Fi system into a body that takes less space than an entry-level sub-woofer. This requires a highly specialised design that incorporates over 160 patented technologies and 981 unique components, to deliver a sound that reaches 900W peak output without distortion. The layout is such that you can even see the system vibrating through the sides, as it pumps out a massive sound that covers a wide frequency range of 18Hz-21kHz.

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Even on the software side patented technologies like Analogue Digital Hybrid (ADH), Speaker Active Matching (SAM), Heart Bass Implosion (HBI), and Active Co-spherical Engine (ACE) work together to ensure that the outgoing digital sound matches the physical wave of sound produced by the vibrating speakers; so that it travels further and creates an authentic listening experience. This makes it a perfect vessel for listening to all genres of music, as the setup smoothly transitions from rap to classical, to even dubstep without any loss of quality, at any volume.

Considering all that goes into it, it goes without saying that the units are quite expensive, with the 600W unit starting at ₹1,09,000 and the 900W model going for ₹1,29,000. At this price range, it is also a bold choice, since the speaker is supposed to be a stand-alone unit, and is not designed to be integrated into existing home theatre setups.

Same in Class

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9

When it comes to technology that borders into art, the A9 is certainly a direct competitor for the Phantom, although it comes at an even more premium price of around ₹4,60,000. The company has incorporated a smart room adaptation technology that is accurate and offers easy connectivity through Google Assistant and OTA updates. Sadly though, it only offers a peak sound of 480W and a limited low-end frequency limit of 33Hz. This almost seems like half the performance for more than thrice the price, making it a tough choice comparatively.

Bose Soundbar 700 & Bass Module 700

When it comes to wireless sound, this combo represents a more traditional design language, with some of the best sound output and connectivity options, including HDMI ARC & Alexa. Bose has done a good job with audio calibration; however, you still have to wrangle with the Bose Music app for control from time to time. The entire setup costs a comparable ₹1,35,000, and you can push the price even further with a pair of wireless speakers to complete the set.

From the January 2020 issue of FHM India.