Short answer: the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB for better sound quality, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks #9 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $2998. The Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus ranks #33 at $499.99, $2498.01 cheaper.
What the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB offers: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Watch for: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
What the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus offers: Erin’s data shows a small 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a broadly level midrange trend. Scores of 3.18 standalone and 5.84 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful compact desktop option. Flexible cabinet orientation, multiple inputs and automatic subwoofer crossover behavior help with setup. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region. Vertical listening angle changes the upper-midrange response. The review finds cleaner results at moderate levels than near maximum output, where multitone distortion increases. A subwoofer is particularly valuable here.
Buy the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 92Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers | 4" aluminum cone woofer, 4" long-throw passive radiator, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each | 120W total (Class D) |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each | 8.5"H x 5.5"W x 6"D |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 3.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.15 | 5.84 |
| Sensitivity | - | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA subwoofer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Devialet Phantom II 98 dB:
- Genelec 8331A vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Genelec 8030C vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Dynaudio LYD 5
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Devialet Phantom II 98 dB: $2,998 per pair Devialet eBay
Pros: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Measured bass extension of 30Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
Full Devialet Phantom II 98 dB review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.15 |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8020D
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8330A
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- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs JBL 305P MKII
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Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s data shows a small 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a broadly level midrange trend. Scores of 3.18 standalone and 5.84 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful compact desktop option. Flexible cabinet orientation, multiple inputs and automatic subwoofer crossover behavior help with setup. Measured bass extension of 92Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.5dB.
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region. Vertical listening angle changes the upper-midrange response. The review finds cleaner results at moderate levels than near maximum output, where multitone distortion increases. A subwoofer is particularly valuable here.
Full Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120W total (Class D) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 92Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
| Dimensions | 8.5"H x 5.5"W x 6"D |
| Drivers | 4" aluminum cone woofer, 4" long-throw passive radiator, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Inputs | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.84 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus Review. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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