The French manufacturer continues to expand its range of wireless network speakers with the latest, the Devialet Mania, an active nomadic connected speaker.
In short, the Devialet Mania speaker is a direct competitor to the Sonos Move. Like her, Devialet Mania has a battery (autonomy of about ten hours), like her, Devialet Mania is a connected speaker, multiroom and Bluetooth, and like her, Devialet Mania has a voice assistant (Amazon Alexa). But the comparison stops there, the acoustic package has nothing to do, and the French manufacturer’s ambitions are light years away from the Sonos Move with, for example, a stereo configuration and sound dispersion up to 360° depending on its location in its environment.
Devialet Mania, network and connected speaker
Connected via the voice assistant (Amazon Alexa), the Devialet Mania speaker comes in a circular shape with an integrated handle for easy transport. In terms of connectivity, there is Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, Airplay 2 (multiroom function extra) and Spotify Connect. The Amazon Multiroom Music (Amazon MRM) feature is indeed announced for 2023. However, it is impossible to power the Devialet Mania via a wired audio source, it has a single USB-C port dedicated solely to power/charging.
Devialet Mania, mechanical interface
If your mobile device is not at hand to control the Devialet Mania through the Devialet application, the Mania has transport buttons to enjoy the music with a simple finger movement (manage volume, play/pause, Bluetooth, on/off microphones, etc.).
Devialet Mania, acoustic package
Technically, the Devialet Mania has four full-range aluminum speakers (two pairs located at the top of the cabinet, on either side of the handle) plus two high-excursion boomers in a Push-Pull configuration. The power supply for the latter is provided by two Class D amplifiers of 2 x 8 W, 4 x 25 W Class D again, for the broadband speakers. The frequency response is 30Hz-20kHz and the maximum sound level is 95dB at 1 meter.
Devialet Mania, SAM, ASC and oriented stereo mode functions
As usual with the French manufacturer, the Devialet Mania embeds several exclusive technologies. First, the SAM (Speaker Active Matching) function finely optimizes the signal delivered by the amplifier to the speakers according to their qualities and capabilities, all in real time. So the sound reproduction always gets the most out of the speakers, in all circumstances, regardless of the type of music.
Next, the ASC function (Active Stereo Calibration) for real-time sound calibration of the listening room. The four microphones built into the Devialet Mania detect the speaker’s environment – in the middle of a large room, against a wall or even outdoors – and it automatically adapts the sound reproduction: 360° if there is no obstacle here (see photo above), in oriented stereo mode in the presence of a wall (see picture below). The latter delivers directional stereo sound to the front of the speaker and rich sound that reflects off the wall and expands the soundstage.
Final details on the Devialet Mania speaker, its IPX4 certification allows it to withstand splashes (but not rain or immersion in a swimming pool for example) and its 3,200 mAh battery (replaceable, very good news) guarantees ten hours of autonomy at a reasonable volume.
The floor of Franck Lebouchard, CEO of Devialet
” Four years of research and development were required to achieve this new technical feat: offering the Devialet sound signature in a portable speaker for the first time.says Franck Lebouchard, CEO of Devialet. The launch of Devialet Mania marks a real milestone in the life of the company, which, thanks to this expanded range, is now present in all categories of the audio product market. “.
Immediate availability in grey, black or Opéra de Paris gray finish with 24 carat gold plated inserts). Indicative prices: €790 for the gray or black Devialet Mania versions, €990 for the Devialet Mania Opéra de Paris version (wireless charging station included).
Reminder of the main features of Devialet Mania:
• Type: 2.0
• Boomers: 2
• HP Broadband: 4
• Power: 2 x 38 W for boomers + 4 x 25 W for broadband speakers
• Bandwidth: 30 Hz-20 kHz
• Other: IPX4 certification
• Hi-Res Audio Certification
• Amazon Alexa compatibility
• Wi-Fi ac Dual Band compatibility
• Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility
• AirPlay 2 compatibility
• Spotify Connect compatibility
• 192kHz/24bit DAC
• Battery: 3,200 mAh (10 hours of autonomy, 3 hours for full recharge)
• Multiroom: yes
• Function(s): ASC (Active Stereo Calibration), SAM (Speaker Active Matching, stereo oriented
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 139 x 176 x 139 mm
• Weight: 2.3 kg
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