Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series – Dante Brings Devialet’s Active Loudspeakers into Professional Installations

The various versions of the Devialet Phantom Ultimate Series from French company Devialet S.A. have so far been known primarily as exceptionally compact, design-led active loudspeakers for private living spaces. The new Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series redirects that concept towards professional audio installation. Its acoustic platform remains unchanged, but the network architecture has been rebuilt around wired Dante and Audio-over-IP infrastructures. This allows multiple loudspeakers to be distributed throughout larger buildings, synchronised precisely, configured centrally and connected to established control platforms. Devialet is therefore addressing demanding multiroom projects, private home cinemas and substantial commercial installations.

Key Facts

• Product range: Networked active loudspeakers for Custom Installation
• Models: Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 108 dB and Phantom Ultimate CI 98 dB
• Network: Native Audinate Dante and Audio-over-IP integration via Ethernet
• Signal processing: 32 Bit and 96 kHz
• Power: 1,100 Watts for the 108 dB model and 400 Watts for the 98 dB model
• Frequency range: 14 Hz to 35 kHz and 18 Hz to 25 kHz respectively, both ± 6 dB
• System latency: 18 ms
• Control: Open IP API and browser-based administration
• Platforms: Certified drivers announced for Crestron, Crestron Home, Savant, Control4, RTI and NICE/ELAN
• Finishes: Light Pearl, Deep Forest and Opéra de Paris
• Warranty: Five-year Devialet Care Professional Warranty
• Presentation: CEDIA 2026 in Denver

From design icon to professional system component

Devialet created a loudspeaker category with the Phantom that does not fit neatly into conventional HiFi classifications. Its compact enclosure, side-firing woofers, substantial amplifier output and distinctive form turned the active loudspeaker into both a technical statement and a prominent furnishing object.

That combination had already made the Phantom attractive for architecturally ambitious projects. In Custom Installation, however, conspicuous design and high sound-pressure levels from a comparatively small cabinet are not enough. Stable networks, defined interfaces, central configuration, repeatable installation procedures and long-term support determine whether a product is genuinely suitable for professional deployment.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series addresses these requirements as a dedicated product line. Rather than making minor changes to a consumer loudspeaker for occasional project use, Devialet is positioning the Phantom as a regular component within professional Audio-over-IP infrastructures.

Ethernet replaces WiFi and Bluetooth

The clearest distinction between the CI and consumer models lies in their network technology. Devialet has removed the WiFi and Bluetooth functions intended for domestic use and replaced them with professional wired protocols.

Each loudspeaker connects directly to a network switch using a conventional Ethernet cable. Native Audinate Dante integration enables uncompressed audio signals to be distributed across a standardised IP network. According to Devialet, multiple loudspeakers can operate with synchronisation accurate to within microseconds.

For extensive multiroom installations, this matters far more than the addition of another streaming app. Dante manages audio distribution across the existing network, while individual channels can be assigned and configured centrally. No separate Dante adapters or external dongles are required.

Two Phantom models on the same network

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series comprises two performance levels. The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 108 dB is the larger flagship, while the Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 98 dB is intended for areas where a more compact loudspeaker or lower output reserve is sufficient.

Both versions can be freely combined within the same Dante or Audio-over-IP network. An integrator can therefore select an appropriate output level for each room or zone without having to establish separate control and distribution systems.

Devialet states that the Dante Embedded Platform supports systems with up to 128 × 128 channels. The new range is consequently not limited to individual rooms or smaller stereo installations. Its intended applications also include larger homes, hotels, hospitality venues and representative commercial premises.

A response to the demands of professional integrators

Rodrigo Arrambide, General Manager Americas at Devialet, describes the Phantom Ultimate CI as a direct response to requests from professional integrators. Until now, they had to decide whether the acoustic and visual qualities of a Devialet Phantom could be reconciled with the stability required from a permanently installed system.

“Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI is a direct response to what integrators have asked of us. Integrators no longer need to choose between the sound our engineers are known for and the stability their projects require. With native Dante and Audio-over-IP connectivity, we bring the complete Devialet acoustic signature into a professional system environment – on the integrator’s terms.”

Devialet S.A.

The statement also defines the central idea behind the new strategy. In the CI version, control of the audio signal is no longer tied to proprietary wireless or streaming solutions. The Phantom becomes an addressable, networked active loudspeaker designed to operate as part of a wider system.

Open IP API and browser-based administration

Professional network connectivity is accompanied by an open native IP API. Integrators can use it to configure and control the loudspeakers and connect them to other components within a project.

Devialet also provides an administration interface accessible through a standard web browser. Essential operating parameters can be defined there and locked against unintended changes. One example is the ability to restrict the maximum permitted volume.

Such a limit is far from trivial in hotels, restaurants, publicly accessible areas or buildings shared by different user groups. It protects the installation against incorrect operation and ensures that every loudspeaker remains within its intended working range.

Certified drivers for major control platforms

Although an open interface makes bespoke projects easier, it can still require development work from the system integrator. Devialet has therefore announced its own certified drivers for leading Smart Home and control platforms, scheduled for autumn 2026.

The named platforms are Crestron, Crestron Home, Savant, Control4, RTI and NICE/ELAN. These drivers are intended to integrate the loudspeakers directly into central user interfaces and automated processes.

Volume, source selection, zone control and system status can then be managed through the same panels, apps or physical controls used for lighting, shading, climate control and video systems. This is a crucial step for Devialet, as professional integrators generally favour products that fit into the overall project without requiring a separate proprietary interface.

The familiar Devialet acoustic platform remains

According to the manufacturer, the changes are confined to the network architecture. The acoustic platform and key Devialet technologies have been carried over from the corresponding consumer models.

These include Devialet ADH New Gen, the company’s hybrid amplifier technology for driving the loudspeaker chassis. SAM is intended to control driver movement in real time while protecting the drivers from overload. HBI provides the basis for the unusually deep bass extension produced by the compact enclosure.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 108 dB delivers a total amplifier output of 1,100 Watts and is specified to cover a frequency range from 14 Hz to 35 kHz at ± 6 dB. For the smaller Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 98 dB, Devialet quotes 400 Watts and a frequency range from 18 Hz to 25 kHz, again at ± 6 dB.

Both models process audio signals at 32 Bit and 96 kHz. Devialet specifies system latency at 18 ms and considers the loudspeakers suitable not only for multiroom systems, but also for most live applications and private home cinema installations.

Monitoring Mode provides a neutral starting point

Both models leave the factory in Monitoring Mode. This is intended to produce a neutral, largely linear frequency response and give the integrator a defined starting point for further adjustment.

Tonal tuning and room-related correction do not take place within a closed Devialet system. They are instead applied upstream through the Dante matrix or a separate Digital Signal Processor. This reflects professional installation practice, where multiple loudspeakers, rooms and usage profiles are coordinated centrally.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI is therefore not intended to become a complete signal-management platform in its own right. It operates as an active network endpoint, leaving routing, signal processing and automation to the components responsible for those tasks within the wider system.

Visible design or discreet architectural integration

Custom Installation is often associated with built-in loudspeakers designed to remain out of sight. The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI takes a different route. It can remain deliberately visible as part of the interior, yet suitable mounting solutions also allow it to be incorporated into an architectural scheme.

Devialet offers the CI models in the Light Pearl and Deep Forest finishes already known from the consumer range. Light Pearl uses a particularly matt off-white treatment, while Deep Forest combines dark green tones with Black Chrome details.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Opéra de Paris Edition is also available. Its surfaces are finished by hand with 22-carat gold leaf by the gilders of Ateliers Gohard.

Tree, Gecko and Treepod mounting and stand solutions are available for installation. Treepod is offered exclusively for the 108 dB model. These options support free-standing placement, positioning close to a wall or fixed integration into a planned interior.

Five-year Devialet Care Professional Warranty

Every CI model includes a five-year Devialet Care Professional Warranty as standard. Longer protection is particularly relevant for permanently installed systems, where replacing a component may involve additional labour, renewed configuration and sometimes building work.

Devialet therefore treats its professional warranty as an integral part of every Phantom Ultimate CI loudspeaker rather than a chargeable option. Alongside Dante, open IP control and the announced platform drivers, this suggests that Devialet is seeking to establish a dependable foundation for working with integrators rather than merely selling additional units into the project market.

The most important advantages at a glance

• Native Dante integration: The loudspeakers connect directly to professional Audio-over-IP networks without external adapters.
• Wired network stability: Ethernet replaces the WiFi and Bluetooth connections intended for consumer use.
• Flexible system planning: The 98 dB and 108 dB models can be combined freely within the same project.
• Central administration: A browser-based interface provides access to configuration and protected operating parameters.
• Open system control: The native IP API supports project-specific operation and integration.
• Broad platform support: Certified drivers have been announced for Crestron, Savant, Control4, RTI and NICE/ELAN.
• Established acoustic platform: ADH New Gen, SAM and HBI remain part of the CI versions.
• Professional protection: A five-year Devialet Care Professional Warranty is included as standard.

Price & Availability

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series is scheduled to make its public debut at CEDIA 2026, which takes place from 1st to 4th September 2026 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Devialet has not yet announced a specific release date or prices for either the Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 108 dB or Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI 98 dB. Certified drivers for Crestron, Crestron Home, Savant, Control4, RTI and NICE/ELAN are due to become available in autumn 2026. Both loudspeakers include a five-year Devialet Care Professional Warranty as standard.

Getting to the point

Devialet has taken a notably thorough approach here. The Devialet Phantom Ultimate CI Series is not a lightly modified consumer product presented as professional simply because it has a network connection. Wireless playback has given way to a native Dante architecture, control has been opened up and certified drivers are being prepared for major Smart Home platforms.

These changes remove the barriers that previously complicated the use of Phantom loudspeakers in larger projects. The unusual acoustic design alone would not have been enough. A predictable network architecture, central administration, open control and a five-year warranty are what turn it into a credible CI product.

Devialet has also resisted reducing Custom Installation to invisible loudspeakers alone. The Phantom Ultimate CI can remain on display and function as a deliberately chosen object within the room. It therefore offers an alternative to conventional built-in and installation loudspeakers for demanding homes, representative commercial spaces, hotels and private home cinemas. Pricing and distribution will now need to follow the professional strategy with the same degree of commitment. Devialet S.A. has nevertheless understood the essential point: the Custom Installation market cannot be won through sound quality alone.

Technical Specifications