Short answer: the O.S. Acoustics DBS8. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#23 and #29 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers), and the O.S. Acoustics DBS8 costs $5600 against $7998 for the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB: Erin’s measurements show full bass output all the way down to about 20Hz, the lowest frequency measured, which is remarkable from a single cabinet about 34cm deep. Watch for: DSP limiting and compression take over near maximum volume, so the deep bass you hear at moderate levels shrinks when you push it; Erin’s 96dB distortion test ran into the limiter.
Why pick the O.S. Acoustics DBS8: The available Sound & Recording data gives a 7.85 ideal-subwoofer score and a 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting balanced monitoring with bass support. The catch: The measured -3dB point is 48.5Hz, not especially deep for a large monitor.
Buy the O.S. Acoustics DBS8. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $2398 less than the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB | O.S. Acoustics DBS8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,998 per pair | $5,600 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 48.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | approximately 35Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 9.7"W x 13.5"D (255 x 246 x 342 mm) | 19.8" x 8.7" x 17.2" (502 x 222 x 437 mm) each |
| Weight | 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) each | 34.8 lbs (15.8kg) each |
| Drivers | Aluminum tweeter, aluminum midrange, two opposed aluminum woofers | Two 6.5-inch aluminum woofers; 1.1-inch ceramic-coated magnesium tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Optical | Balanced XLR |
| App | Yes (Devialet) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.3 with SBC, AAC) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) | - |
| Streaming Services | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total | 500W LF + 150W HF per speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) | 105dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 14Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 21.5kHz (±2 dB > 50Hz) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.73 | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 | 7.85 |
| Subwoofer Output | No | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed MTM |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How O.S. Acoustics DBS8 compares with other leading options:
- O.S. Acoustics DBS8 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Meyer Sound Amie vs O.S. Acoustics DBS8
- Dynaudio Core 47 vs O.S. Acoustics DBS8
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs Genelec S360
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs PSI Audio A21-M
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB: $7,998 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show full bass output all the way down to about 20Hz, the lowest frequency measured, which is remarkable from a single cabinet about 34cm deep. The listening window is close to flat, with a -0.04dB per octave tilt and 0.80 smoothness, earning a 6.73 preference score on its own and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer. Directivity is smooth, so room reflections keep the same tonal balance as the direct sound. Wi-Fi 6 streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon Ready, plus Ethernet and optical inputs, makes one unit a complete music system. Measured bass extension of <21Hz (-3dB).
Cons: DSP limiting and compression take over near maximum volume, so the deep bass you hear at moderate levels shrinks when you push it; Erin’s 96dB distortion test ran into the limiter. Stereo means buying two units, which puts a pair well above conventional powered monitors that measure as well. There is no analog input or subwoofer output, and the rounded shape does not sit on a shelf or desk stand like a box speaker.
Full Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total |
| App | Yes (Devialet) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.3 with SBC, AAC) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 9.7"W x 13.5"D (255 x 246 x 342 mm) |
| Drivers | Aluminum tweeter, aluminum midrange, two opposed aluminum woofers |
| Frequency Response | 14Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Optical |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 |
| Streaming Services | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP) |
| Subwoofer Output | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) each |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
O.S. Acoustics DBS8: $5,600 per pair O.S. Acoustics Dealers eBay
Pros: The available Sound & Recording data gives a 7.85 ideal-subwoofer score and a 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting balanced monitoring with bass support. DSP settings provide useful adjustment for installation. Measured bass extension of 48.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is 48.5Hz, not especially deep for a large monitor. Driver layout and listening height require care; a scalar directivity statistic alone cannot establish a wide sweet spot.
Full O.S. Acoustics DBS8 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W LF + 150W HF per speaker |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 35Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 48.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.8" x 8.7" x 17.2" (502 x 222 x 437 mm) each |
| Drivers | Two 6.5-inch aluminum woofers; 1.1-inch ceramic-coated magnesium tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed MTM |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 21.5kHz (±2 dB > 50Hz) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.85 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs (15.8kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons