Devialet Mania: Premium sound in a Compact Package, But at a Premium Price
PARIS, FRANCE - Devialet’s new Mania portable speaker delivers surprisingly powerful adn clear audio from a small form factor, but its nearly £800 price tag raises questions about value, according to a recent review by GameReactor.cn. The 17×19 cm speaker impresses with its warm, vibrant sound despite its size, a testament to Devialet’s dedication to audio engineering.
The reviewer describes the Mania’s sound profile as reminiscent of JBL, with a leaning towards Bose – a notable advantage over speakers like Beats, which often prioritize bass at the expense of dynamic range and clarity. The Mania boasts significant bass response, described as “deep and powerful,” alongside a full and controlled midrange. however, the review notes a slight deficiency in the higher frequencies, occasionally resulting in a sound that feels “dull and muted.” Devialet offers equalizer adjustments within its companion app to address this, but the reviewer personally doesn’t find it a major drawback, preferring a warmer sound signature.
“Honestly, this little bullet can make such a loud sound and still make a clean and clear sound full of warmth and vitality, impressive,” the reviewer writes. “There are a lot of bass here, with deep and powerful bass and a full and controlled midrange sounds.”
Despite the positive assessment of the audio quality, the review highlights usability concerns with the side-mounted buttons, which are described as “awkward to press” and the power function as “a bit unclear.” (See image above).
the core issue,however,is price. The reviewer concludes that while the Mania sounds very good, its cost – approaching £800 – makes a strong suggestion arduous. They suggest that consumers could achieve comparable audio performance for significantly less money by opting for alternatives like the JBL Partybox Encore, which offers similar volume and bass control capabilities at a lower price point.
“The Bluetooth speaker of this size is close to £800, and there is too much performance irrespective of volume options or bass control,” the review states. “If you ask me for buying advice, buy JBL Partybox Encore and save money. It sounds almost as good as it is indeed and can at least play just as strongly.”
Devialet Context: Devialet, a French audio technology company founded in 2007, has built a reputation for innovative and high-end audio products. They are known for thier patented technologies like Speaker Active Matching (SAM), which aims to deliver precise and distortion-free sound. The Mania represents Devialet’s attempt to bring its premium audio experience to a more portable and accessible format. The company has previously focused on high-end home audio systems,including the Phantom speakers,which are known for their powerful sound and distinctive design.
Portable Speaker market Overview: The portable Bluetooth speaker market is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for consumer attention. Key players include JBL, Bose, Sony, and Ultimate Ears. Price points vary widely, ranging from under £50 for basic models to over £500 for premium offerings. Features such as water resistance, battery life, and multi-speaker connectivity are significant considerations for consumers. The demand for portable speakers continues to grow, driven by the increasing popularity of streaming music services and the desire for convenient audio solutions.
