Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB for better sound quality, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Pioneer DJ VM-50 (#11 vs #34 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998; the Pioneer DJ VM-50 is rated 4.0/5 at $418, $3,580 cheaper.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 4.64 for the Pioneer DJ VM-50. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 61Hz for the Pioneer DJ VM-50. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
The case for the Pioneer DJ VM-50: An affordable DJ and studio monitor with low distortion, clean playback and easy bass and treble voicing switches. The tradeoff: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle.
Buy the Pioneer DJ VM-50 if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, the replacement for the discontinued Devialet Phantom II 98 dB, is rated higher but costs $3,998.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
An affordable DJ and studio monitor with low distortion, clean playback and easy bass and treble voicing switches.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | Pioneer DJ VM-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair Discontinued | $418 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers | 1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each | 30W LF + 30W HF; Class D |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each | 7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.87 | 4.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.00 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| DSP | - | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
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