Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the better pick: it ranks #11 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #17 (rated 4.3/5) for the Klipsch The Fives. If you want one new, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB and is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998.
Why pick the Klipsch The Fives: A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB lacks. The catch: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
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 5.52 for the Klipsch The Fives. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Klipsch The Fives. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, which replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $324.95 per pair Discontinued | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 | 7.95 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) | 400W RMS each |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
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