For all that Mania appears a barely un-Devialet product so far as seems to be and specification are involved, although, the corporate’s ethos comes strongly again into focus when the speaker begins doing its factor. Connected to an Apple iPhone 13 by way of AirPlay 2, and with music starting from John Coltrane’s “My Favourite Things” to Nation of Language’s “This Fractured Mind,” by way of “Don’t Leave Me Alone With Her” by Sparks taking part in, the Mania might actually solely be a Devialet product. And in fairly just a few methods, it is a good factor.

Certainly the outright scale and the low-frequency presence of the Mania is outstanding. This is a reasonably small speaker, however it creates a big and coherent soundstage. And, as is the case with all Devialet merchandise in our expertise, it generates extra bass than appears possible. It’s managed fairly nicely, with not an excessive amount of blurring into or out of bass sounds, and when the music calls for it the Mania can hit implacably exhausting. There are some listeners for whom “bass” is shorthand for “excitement,” and so they’re those at whom the Mania is squarely aimed.

Big Bottom

The authority the speaker has over its personal low-frequency output means the Mania can categorical rhythms with a good bit of confidence. Only essentially the most testing patterns or tempos may cause it to journey over its personal bass exercise, and even then solely a bit. There’s appreciable dynamic headroom accessible right here, too, and consequently the Devialet can change from “loud” to “louder” to “louder still” with none issues in any respect. The concept that the Mania would possibly begin this course of at “quiet” is fanciful, although. 

The drive for all-around stereo sound is fairly profitable too. Once the Mania has had an opportunity to evaluate its place relative to any boundaries, it’s able to assured, constant sound that gives a good diploma of separation. The level supply is at all times apparent, after all, however the Devialet has a wider and but better-focused presentation than many wi-fi audio system at this form of cash. And if you take it outdoor, the place boundaries could also be so distant as to be irrelevant, the assertive nature of the Mania’s sound means it could make its sonic presence felt with out issue.

Problems, similar to they’re, stem from the identical supply as so lots of the positives: bass, and the emphasis on it. Throughout the frequency vary, the Mania is an in depth hear with loads of pertinent observations to make about exercise within the midrange and within the treble space. It shapes info above the low frequencies with simply as a lot positivity because it does the low frequencies themselves—however its perspective is considered one of tolerance fairly than engagement. Everything—by which we imply every little thing—performs second fiddle to That Bass, and so it follows that the Mania’s general sound is bottom-heavy and unnatural.

For some individuals, after all, this might be simply high-quality. But for listeners who’re concerned about realism, within the precise literal constancy of the sound they’re listening to, the Devialet’s wonky rendition of their favourite music appears unlikely within the excessive to show passable. 

Mind you, only a few are the battery-powered audio system that may fill an area with sound even when that house seems to be fairly a big backyard—so it’s not as if Devialet Mania possession is with out its benefits.