Phantom Remote is so dumb that it is dangerous.

[G51]

I recently reported a change I did not like that was implemented with Spark 1.2.0.
It now changes the volume to a default value of 35 when the source is changed, eg. Tidal to optical.

The reply, which is probably sensible was

"Yes indeed, this is completely normal and a security measure.
The reason is that basically Spark does not know which source you are going to stream. However each source has a basic sound power.
Which is why for exemple you could stream optical content at 45% and get a correct Phantom volume, but then you skip to Deezer content and a 45% volume might blow your hears off.
So by security our engineers decided that each new sources reverts to a safe 35%."

I suspect that must have been at the request of a user experience.
So, although it should not be necessary, I would report your scary experience, if you have not already, and hope something can be actioned.

Read the original post again. The volume was at 100 due to someone fiddling with the remote while in mute. The gripe is that there was no indication on the remote that this had happened and would have been avoided had Devialet stuck to the original spec of the remote with a display of volume.

Devialet needs to be careful here as the original promises for this fantastic piece of Hi Fi equipment are not forthcoming. As long as these changes and delays (coming soon....) are happening, current and prospective customers are going to be very disappointed. The minor changes to Spark did not go anywhere near far enough and the lack of facilities for different streaming sources sadly continue to be lacking. Devialet needs to pull their fingers out and listen to stop alienating people. It's a shame as the Phantom has so much promise, but I suspect that the investors in Devialet are pushing for product volume and profits rather than the superb listening experience it could and should be.

Unlike you guys, who are already Devialet customers and Phantom owners; I haven't yet bitten the bullet and bought the Phantom, or even an Expert amp.
I'm here on the forum to learn and glean information before taking the plunge.

What I'm reading so far, both here and on other forums, doesn't fill me with confidence.

My understanding (I might have got it wrong) is that Devialet is a big project, with some serious financial backing and reputed to have a very large R&D budget.
Nobody makes that level of investment without having big ambitions.
So far they've delivered some stunning new technology, wrapped up in some very attractive industrial design.
There's a big advertising budget and they have an impressive, stylish and up market looking web presence, as well as very professional marketing at shows and dedicated showcase showrooms.
Now their latest PR for the US launch of the Phantom, harnesses association with and endorse by major pop stars and personalities.
The objective seems to be to create a desirable premium brand, with all the trapping that come with it.

So why do I get the feeling this is all going to blow up in Devialet's face if they're not careful?

My impression is that they are failing to deliver on all the important smaller detail, the important things that count and that can lead to a poor user experience and ultimately, disappointment.

It's one thing if audiophiles and people used to experimenting with audio kit, can find work-arounds or get used to the shortcomings; but if they start letting down people who are spending big bucks and who expect everything to work "out of the box', then Devialet will rapidly gain a poor reputation which will stick like poison.

Phantom, as a whole package, is clearly underdeveloped and not ready for market. I could argue that it has been released too soon.

Just some of the gripes I hear over and over....
No stands available at launch, then only available months later in limited numbers and then sold out.
Substitution of a promised, useable remote control, with a limited and flawed product that reeks of "Cheap". Except it is not cheap!
Set-up and WiFi problems.
Spark - under developed at launch and despite upgrades, still falls behind.
Bluetooth but no AirPlay, despite a large chunk of the target audience being very much in the market for this (particularly in the US).
Dialog build quality and overheating problems.
Poor connectivity, with limited ports.

Next?

Don't get me wrong and think I'm just here to slag off Devialet and be negative.
I really want this product to succeed and I would dearly like to replace some of my existing HiFi gear with a Phantom set-up.
However, at the moment, I am not filled with confidence and I'm not sure if I should shell out thousands of £££'s to effectively be a Beta tester for a mk1 version of a product.

Am I wrong?



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Totally agreed.