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30-Sep-2016, 20:47
(This post was last modified: 30-Sep-2016, 20:48 by battlefork.)
Despite some issues, I love my silver phantom + dialog. It's the best sounding system in a very small footprint (sounds way better than the Naim Mu-so and the B&W Zeppelin). Hence, I am planning to get a second phantom to make my bedroom fully stereo. However, based on the threads here, it seems that people who have that set up have gone through quite a bit of issue (unsynchronized playback, connection dropoff, static noises, etc.). Plus, I absolutely hate the Spark app.
Given that Devialet has been super slow in fixing numerous issues via software update, is it still a good idea to spend another $2.4k for a second phantom and fully commit to the Devialet ecosystem?
Alternatives I'm considering
1. Get a second B&W Zeppelin (I already own one but exiled it to the hallway) and use Chromecast audios to pair them. Cost: $800
I know it won't sound as good as the Phantom, but my experience with B&W has been very pleasant. No drop-off. No static noise. No bullshit app.
2. Get the beosound 2 and pair it with my Zeppelin using Chromecast audios. Cost: $1900
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Very good question indeed...
Try to write to the support and explain them what you consider doing...
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Two is always better than one. The leap in sound quality is quite astonishing. The static noise on the optical input on the Dialog is now fixed and I be believe the majority of Phantom owners have few problems.
Living room: Kii Three/BXT with Control.
Den: Tannoy Precision 8 iDP with TS112 iDP subwoofer.
In the cupboard, waiting for a sibling: 1st gen. Phantom Silver running DOS1
My Phantom Voyage
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IMHO, no comparison to NaIM or Zepplin. The Phantoms are in another class and are not comparable.
With this said, wired Ethernet is 99% rock solid for a stereo pair. If you can do that, then your concerns over stability should be addressed. Then just sit back and enjoy the system.
You are right though, bug fixes are ridiculously slow to address from Devialet. But so far there isn't anything show stopping at this time.
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When you are happy with chromecast to Zeppelin you can use the same configuration with two Phamtoms and Dialog. There is a remote app for volume control for Ios so you won't need Spark. Spotify connect e.g. also works without Spark after having the system configured. I have zero drop-outs using three Phantoms with Dialog that are connected through the integrated PLC even using 24/192k hires files. Not so with chromecast audio, there hires files produced many drop-outs. Is this now improved through fw updates? Google either doesn't seem to be fast with their fw updates.
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Agree with kameraguy and can add that I have them running wireless using an extender close by, no issues. Use Spotify connect or another 3rd party streamer and you will have a great solution.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Hi, have just purchased a second silver and think the overall performance experience is better and worth the cash - however I seem to have to increase the volume setting to reach the listening level I used to achieve with just one phantom. I would have expected the sound would be twice the volume for any given setting, given both speakers are active but this does not seem to be the case and at best is the same, but I suspect less than just one - has anyone else had the same experience???
Steve.
Down under (NZ)
- System-1: MacBook Pro running Spark / Roon | D200 | TMC Gold Reference Speaker Cables | USHER CP-8571-D
- System-2: MacBook Pro running Spark | Dialog | Phantom Silver
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When your room setup allows it you should play a bit with the speaker placement. It can be that with two Phantoms you excite different room modes and that now your listing position is in valley and before was in a peak. This is the only way I think you can get what you hear. In ideal conditions with 2 Phantoms you should get a slightly higher sound pressure level of max. 108 dB compared to 105 dB @ 1m with a single silver. But room modes can have a much higher influence on perceived loudness at specific room positions, specifically at the low end.
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Thanks for everyone's feedback! I have decided to get the second silver phantom. If it proves to be too problematic I will just return it.