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
Very good question indeed...
Try to write to the support and explain them what you consider doing...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
(02-Oct-2016, 12:23)streamy Wrote: [ -> ]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.
I strongly urge everyone NOT to go near the maximum loudness of the Phantoms, even for a few seconds. Playing music at levels exceeding 100dB is a sure way to get deaf soon! You have ONLY ONE pair of ears. Human hearing is a marvel that that defies science and there is no easy way to restore hearing once it is lost. Human hearing depends on very sensitive components in the ear that are easily damaged by loud noises (one sad consequence for veterans who return from wars in the middle East or Afghanistan is that most of them have lost a good part of their hearing).
Consider this. At the most sensitive frequency and softest level (around 1Khz), the human eardrum moves less than the diameter of the Hydrogen atom, and yet we can hear sounds. How exactly we discern such soft sounds by such small displacements, and yet ignore all the random buffeting of the ear by air molecules remains a mystery.
DO NOT PLAY YOUR PHANTOM's LOUD! PRESERVE YOUR HEARING. It is not worth losing it for a few moments of thrill.
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.