Devialet Mania Opéra de Paris Review

In the rarefied world of high-fidelity audio, Devialet has long been the audacious innovator, blending alien-like design with physics-defying sound. With the Mania, the French audio house has finally cut the cord, delivering its first portable smart speaker. The Opéra de Paris edition we’re looking at today takes this concept a step further, wrapping groundbreaking tech in a 24-carat gold-plated chassis. This isn’t just a speaker; it’s an objet d’art that sings. But does the performance justify the palatial price tag?

Gilded Design, Substantial Build

From the moment you unbox it, the Mania Opéra de Paris asserts itself as a luxury item. Its spherical body, reminiscent of a futuristic orb, is adorned with gleaming 24-carat gold-plated side panels that catch the light beautifully. The integrated handle and woven fabric grille feel premium to the touch, and at 2.3 kg, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to the quality of the components within. This is not a flimsy piece of plastic. While it looks delicate, it carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water from any direction. You can confidently take it to the patio, but it’s not designed to survive a torrential downpour or a tumble into the pool. It’s a masterful blend of form and function, designed to be seen as much as it is heard.

The Sound of Intelligent Space

Devialet’s reputation is built on sound, and the Mania delivers. For a speaker of this size, the audio output is nothing short of immense. It houses four full-range drivers and two subwoofers in a push-push configuration, a brand hallmark that cancels out vibrations to produce incredibly deep, tight, and distortion-free bass. The sound signature is energetic and clear, with sparkling highs and articulate mids that bring vocals to life.

The Mania’s killer feature, however, is its Active Stereo Calibration (ASC). Using four built-in microphones, the speaker analyzes its surroundings in real-time and tailors the audio output accordingly. Place it in the center of a room, and it creates a wide, immersive 360-degree stereo soundscape. Move it against a wall, and it intelligently refocuses its power, using the rear drivers to reinforce the stereo image from the front. The effect is not a gimmick; it’s tangible and genuinely enhances the listening experience, ensuring optimal sound no matter where you are. While it can’t fully replicate the channel separation of a true two-speaker stereo pair, it produces a sense of space and depth that most single-unit portables can only dream of.

Smart Features and Practical Limitations

Connectivity is robust, with support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. On a Wi-Fi network, you get the full suite of smarts, including AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, which provide a more stable and higher-quality stream than Bluetooth. The Devialet app is sleek and functional, allowing for easy setup, firmware updates, and basic EQ adjustments. The speaker also has Amazon Alexa built-in for voice commands, rounding out its smart-home credentials.

The primary weakness is battery life. Devialet claims up to 10 hours of playback, but this is only achievable at moderate volume levels. Push the Mania to the room-filling volumes it’s capable of, and you’ll find that figure closer to 5-6 hours. This is adequate for an afternoon on the terrace but falls short of many competitors in the portable space. Furthermore, while it charges via USB-C, the elegant Devialet Mania Station—a wireless charging dock—is an expensive optional extra. For a product at this price point, its exclusion from the main package feels like a missed opportunity to complete the premium experience.

A Verdict on Value

The Devialet Mania Opéra de Paris exists in a category of its own. It’s an undeniably expensive portable speaker, with the gilded finish commanding a significant premium over the already pricey standard model. Judged on pure sound-per-dollar, you might find more practical alternatives. However, that line of thinking misses the point. This product is for the discerning individual who values design, craftsmanship, and brand prestige as much as acoustic performance. It’s a functional piece of modern art that delivers a truly impressive and intelligent audio experience.

If you are a Devialet enthusiast, a design aficionado, or someone seeking a high-end portable speaker that makes an unambiguous statement, the Mania Opéra de Paris is a spectacular choice. It’s for the person who wants to fill their meticulously designed home with equally beautiful sound. It is not for the rugged adventurer or the budget-conscious buyer. This is portable audio, elevated to luxury.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon