Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB for better sound quality, the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus (#11 vs #20 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998; the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is rated 4.3/5 at $699.99, $3,298.01 cheaper.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. 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 5.57 for the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 42Hz for the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Why pick the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB lacks. The tradeoff: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus 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.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output.
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 | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair Discontinued | $699.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.87 | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.38 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA subwoofer |
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