Devialet Dione Review: The High-End Soundbar Orb Redefining All-In-One Audio

Stepping into the world of premium home audio often presents a dilemma: the desire for an immersive, cinematic sound experience without the clutter of multiple speakers and wires. Enter the Devialet Dione, a high-end soundbar that promises to be the singular solution for discerning audiophiles. This review delves deep into what makes the Dione a standout, exploring its groundbreaking design, advanced technologies, unparalleled sound performance, and practical considerations, helping you decide if this orb-centric marvel is the ultimate upgrade for your home entertainment.

The Devialet Dione: A New Standard in Soundbar Design and Engineering

Devialet has consistently pushed boundaries in audio engineering, and the Dione is no exception. It’s not merely a soundbar; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of audio artistry designed to integrate seamlessly into modern living spaces. This philosophy is evident in every aspect, from its striking aesthetics to its core technologies.

Unveiling the Iconic Design: The Orb and Beyond

The most distinctive feature of the Devialet Dione is its central rotating ‘Orb’. This spherical speaker isn’t just a visual flourish; it’s a functional marvel that adapts the soundbar’s acoustic signature based on its orientation. Whether you choose to place the Dione flat on a TV stand or mount it vertically on a wall, the Orb can be rotated to maintain optimal sound delivery, ensuring clear dialogue and a focused soundstage. Crafted from premium materials, including an anodized aluminum core and acoustic fabrics, the Dione measures approximately 47 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep, and 3.5 inches tall (or 3.5 inches with the Orb extended), presenting a sleek, angular profile that exudes luxury. Its substantial weight of around 26.5 lbs speaks to its robust build quality, cementing its place as a premium home fixture.

Proprietary Technologies: The Engine of Excellence

Beneath its sophisticated exterior, the Devialet Dione is powered by a suite of patented technologies inherited from Devialet’s renowned Phantom speaker range, all managed by the Devialet Operating System 2 (DOS 2) and a powerful quad-core processor.

• ADH® (Analog Digital Hybrid) Amplification: This innovative system merges the finesse of Class A analog amplification with the raw power and efficiency of Class D digital amplification, delivering both pristine sound fidelity and immense power.
• SAM® (Speaker Active Matching): SAM technology precisely controls the drivers in real-time, preventing distortion and ensuring the soundbar delivers its intended audio performance even at high volumes.
• SPACE™ Technology: This unique upmixing algorithm transforms any stereo content into a thrilling 5.1.2 multichannel experience, leveraging the Dione’s full speaker array to create a more expansive and immersive soundfield.
• ORB®: The mechanical and acoustical heart of the Dione, the rotating Orb centralizes dialogue and adjusts its output for wall-mounted or flat placement.
• ADE® (Active Crossover Design): Devialet’s active crossover technology meticulously separates frequencies, directing them to the most appropriate drivers for optimal clarity and power.
• AVL® (Adaptive Volume Level): This dynamic equalization feature balances all audio channels, ensuring consistent volume levels and preventing sudden jumps, especially useful during action sequences or commercials.

These technologies work in concert to deliver a sound experience that defies the Dione’s compact form factor, promising a sophisticated, immersive output.

Sound Performance: An Immersive Audio Experience

The true test of any high-end soundbar lies in its audio performance, and the Devialet Dione aims to impress with its all-in-one approach to immersive sound.

Deep Bass Without the Box

One of the Dione’s most frequently lauded attributes is its prodigious bass output, achieved without the need for a separate external subwoofer. It houses eight high-excursion long-throw woofers configured in Devialet’s proprietary push-push array, similar to their Phantom speakers. This design effectively cancels vibrations, allowing the Dione to produce deep, impactful, and non-directional infrabass down to an impressive 24Hz, with audibility even at 20Hz. For action-packed movies, this translates to satisfying thumps and rumbling effects that genuinely fill the room without overwhelming dialogue or causing unwanted cabinet resonance.

Crystal Clear Mids and Treble

Beyond its bass prowess, the Dione excels in delivering stellar vocal clarity and detailed mid-range frequencies. With nine full-range aluminum drivers, dialogue in movies and TV shows is consistently crisp, clear, and firmly anchored to the central Orb, ensuring you catch every whispered line. The treble is equally well-articulated, providing a balanced and transparent sound profile that captures the nuances of both music and film scores. This combination creates a rich, coherent soundstage that is impressive for a single-unit solution.

Dolby Atmos: A 5.1.2 Journey

The Devialet Dione supports Dolby Atmos, offering a 5.1.2 channel configuration that aims to envelop the listener in three-dimensional sound. While it skillfully creates an expansive front soundstage with impressive width and height effects, it’s important to note that without physical rear speakers, the surround immersion is largely focused from the front. The Dione simulates rear channels effectively with its up-firing and side-firing drivers, but true overhead and rear effects may not be as distinct as a multi-speaker setup. Nonetheless, for an all-in-one bar, its ability to render Dolby Atmos content is commendable, providing a noticeably more immersive experience than standard stereo soundbars.

Music Fidelity: Beyond Home Theater

While primarily designed for home theater, the Devialet Dione truly shines when it comes to music. Its sophisticated engineering and high-fidelity drivers make it an excellent choice for audiophiles who appreciate dynamic and open sound for their music collection. Whether streaming high-resolution audio via AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect, the Dione delivers a taut, rhythmic, and detailed performance, often compared to the expansive sound of a pair of high-end bookshelf speakers. This versatility ensures that your investment provides exceptional value for both movies and musical enjoyment.

Connectivity and User Experience

A high-end soundbar should offer robust connectivity and an intuitive user experience. The Devialet Dione, while streamlined, provides essential options and a modern control interface.

Seamless Integration

The Dione comes equipped with key connectivity options:

• HDMI 2.1 eARC/ARC: This allows for high-bandwidth audio transmission from your TV, including Dolby Atmos signals, and supports CEC for integrated control with your TV remote. Notably, it only features a single HDMI input and lacks HDMI passthrough.
• Optical TOSLINK S/PDIF: For legacy devices or TVs without eARC.
• Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi (dual-band 802.11ac for 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) for streaming high-res audio.
• Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45): For a stable wired network connection.

While the single HDMI input might be a limitation for those with multiple external sources, its eARC capability and comprehensive wireless streaming options make it highly adaptable for most modern setups.

The Devialet App: Your Control Hub

Unlike many soundbars that include a dedicated remote, the Devialet Dione is primarily controlled via the intuitive Devialet app, available on iOS and Android. The app guides you through the setup process, including Wi-Fi connectivity and room calibration. This room correction feature automatically adapts the Dione’s sound profile to your specific acoustic environment, ensuring optimal performance regardless of room size or furnishings. The app also allows you to switch between various listening modes. However, some users have noted a lack of advanced customization tools, such as a full equalizer, though the Dione’s default sound profile is generally well-regarded. If you prefer a physical remote, the Devialet Remote (sold separately) is compatible, and basic functions can be controlled via your TV remote through HDMI CEC.

Devialet Dione vs. The High-End Competition

When investing in a premium soundbar, comparing it to its closest rivals is crucial. The Devialet Dione competes in a segment with several formidable contenders, each with its unique strengths.

Devialet Dione vs. Sennheiser Ambeo Plus

The Sennheiser Ambeo Plus is a frequently cited competitor, often praised for its excellent room calibration and overall immersive soundstage.

• Price: The Ambeo Plus is typically more affordable than the Dione, which currently retails around $2,199.
• Soundstage & Calibration: While both offer impressive sound, some argue the Ambeo Plus delivers a more convincing, genuinely expansive soundstage, partly due to its superior room calibration technology.
• Versatility: The Dione is often highlighted for its musicality, providing a dynamic and open sound for audio playback that rivals dedicated hi-fi systems. The Ambeo Plus excels more specifically in cinematic immersion.
• User Experience: Reviewers suggest the Ambeo Plus offers a more “plug-and-play” experience with fewer potential connection quirks, while the Dione, despite its engineering prowess, might require a bit more familiarity with its app.
• Size: The Ambeo Plus is generally more compact, making it a better fit for smaller TV stands or spaces where the Dione’s 47-inch width might be imposing.

Devialet Dione vs. Sonos Arc (with Sub)

The Sonos Arc, especially when paired with a Sonos Sub, represents another popular high-end multi-room audio solution.

• All-in-One vs. Modular: The Dione’s strength is its all-in-one design, delivering powerful bass without an external subwoofer. The Arc, while good on its own, significantly benefits from the addition of a separate Sonos Sub for comparable low-end impact.
• Bass Performance: Without an external sub, the Dione’s integrated woofers provide deep, non-directional bass that is exceptional for a single bar. The Sonos Arc plus Sub setup can deliver formidable bass, but requires a separate unit.
• Music Quality: Many audiophiles find the Dione’s music performance, particularly with spatial enhanced stereo sound, to be vastly superior, offering a dynamic and open sound reminiscent of its Phantom siblings.
• Expandability: A key differentiator is expandability. The Sonos ecosystem allows you to add dedicated rear satellite speakers for a true surround sound experience, which the Dione does not support. The Dione simulates rear effects, but can’t match the discrete channels of physical rears.
• DTS Support: The Sonos Arc (and many other soundbars) supports DTS formats, whereas the Dione does not natively, converting DTS:X to PCM via its SPACE™ upmixing.

Is the Devialet Dione Right for You? A Buying Guide for Audiophiles

Choosing a high-end soundbar like the Devialet Dione is a significant investment, and it’s essential to align its unique capabilities with your specific needs and expectations.

Defining Your Audio Priorities

Consider your primary use case. If you’re seeking a singular, aesthetically pleasing device that delivers exceptional audio for both movies and music in a clean, minimalist setup, the Dione is a compelling choice. Its robust bass and clear dialogue make it excellent for cinematic experiences, while its musicality truly sets it apart from many soundbars. If true, discrete 360-degree surround sound with dedicated rear channels is a non-negotiable for your home theater, then a system with expandable satellite speakers might be a better fit.

Understanding the Investment

With a premium price point, the Dione is positioned as a luxury audio product. Its value lies not just in its sound quality but also in its innovative engineering, striking design, and the convenience of an all-in-one solution that eliminates cable clutter and the need for additional components. For those who prioritize aesthetic integration and high-fidelity sound from a single, elegant unit, the investment may be well justified.

Considering the Limitations

While impressive, the Dione isn’t without its limitations. The absence of native DTS:X support (though converted via SPACE™) and only one HDMI input might be minor inconveniences for some users. More critically, the inability to add external rear speakers means its surround sound, while immersive from the front, won’t replicate the discrete rear effects of a multi-speaker system. Furthermore, the limited in-app EQ customization means you’ll largely rely on Devialet’s finely tuned default sound profile and room calibration. A quote from an expert suggests, “The Dione is undeniably a marvel of engineering, but its true magic unfolds when you embrace its ‘all-in-one’ philosophy. Don’t expect to add components later; it’s designed to be a complete ecosystem.”

Conclusion

The Devialet Dione stands as a bold statement in the high-end soundbar market, a testament to Devialet’s commitment to innovative design and uncompromising audio performance. Its distinctive rotating Orb, powerful built-in subwoofers, and suite of proprietary technologies deliver a remarkably immersive 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos experience and exceptional musicality from a single, elegant unit. While it foregoes the expandability of separate rear speakers and offers limited manual EQ, its ability to produce deep, non-directional bass and crystal-clear dialogue in a compact form factor is truly remarkable.

For those who prioritize a clutter-free, aesthetically stunning home audio solution that doesn’t compromise on sound quality for both movies and music, the Devialet Dione presents a compelling, albeit premium, proposition. Are you ready to elevate your home entertainment with a soundbar that’s as much a work of art as it is an audio powerhouse?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Devialet Dione require an external subwoofer?

No, the Devialet Dione is designed as a true all-in-one soundbar. It features eight high-excursion long-throw subwoofers built directly into its chassis, utilizing a push-push configuration to deliver powerful, deep bass without the need for an additional external subwoofer unit.

Can I add rear speakers to the Devialet Dione for a more immersive surround sound?

The Devialet Dione does not support the addition of external rear satellite speakers. It is engineered as a standalone unit to create a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos experience, using its internal drivers and SPACE™ technology to simulate a wide and tall soundstage, primarily from the front.

Is the Devialet Dione compatible with DTS:X content?

No, the Devialet Dione is not natively compatible with DTS:X audio formats. However, it can process DTS multichannel audio content by converting it to PCM (Pulse-code modulation) through its proprietary SPACE™ listening modes, allowing you to still enjoy DTS-encoded media.

How do I control the Devialet Dione since it doesn’t come with a remote?

The Devialet Dione is primarily controlled via the dedicated Devialet mobile app, available for iOS and Android. This app handles setup, room calibration, and playback controls. You can also use your TV’s remote for basic controls if connected via HDMI with CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) enabled. A separate physical Devialet Remote is also compatible.

What is the “Orb” feature on the Devialet Dione?

The “Orb” is the Devialet Dione’s unique spherical center speaker, which can rotate within its mount. This innovative design allows the soundbar to adapt its acoustic signature depending on whether it’s placed flat on a surface or mounted vertically on a wall, ensuring consistent and optimized dialogue clarity and sound imaging in any orientation.