Devialet, the French audio firm best recognized for its lineup of flashy audio gear that looks like a Daft Punk helmet, is foraying into the transportable sensible speaker venture. Today, it’s a battery-powered speaker it’s calling the Devialet Mania, which retains the company’s signature sci-fi stylings but in a compact type of issue that it says offers 10 hours of battery life at “moderate volume”. does.
The Mania has 4 full-range drivers and two sub-woofers, which Devialet says deliver 360-degree sound. But perhaps extra fascinating is how the speaker adjusts its sound profile based on the measurements of your listening area from its 4 microphones. For example, place the speaker near a wall, and Devialet claims that the speaker’s two rear drivers will modify its sound to “strengthen” the entrance’s two drivers.
In terms of connectivity, the speaker supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. Protocols include AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, and there’s built-in Alexa for voice instructions. It’s bought an IPX4 score for mud and water resistance, which should mean it’ll survive light splashes of water, though Devialet makes no claims that it’s shielded from static particles like clay or sand. There’s a USB-C port for charging or a docking station available separately.
Devialet Mania goes on sale immediately and is on sale for $790. But if it sounds anywhere close to the company’s recently launched soundbar, it will go a long way toward justifying this hefty premium over other equally transportable sensible audio systems. For comparison, Sonos’ transportable ROM speaker offers a selection of Alexa or Google Assistant and retails for $179.
