New Luxury Speaker Options from Atohm, Chario, Devialet & KEF
Also, a new turntable phono cartridge from Shelter Audio. See Michael’s thoughts on all these new components, now on demonstration in the showroom.
The new Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108db connected speakers in one of several available finishes (Pearl White shown here) on demonstration in the showroom’s entrance hall.
Introducing Our First-Ever Connected Speaker Options
Michael is excited to introduce three connected speaker models, the first of their kind in our showroom. “There was a time when a wireless, or as I prefer, a connected speaker meant compromise. The ultimate convenience came at the expense of the musical connection that kept one listening for hours. If one only wants to stream music, these connected speakers represent incredible value,” he says. “There are no music systems you can assemble yourself that will perform anywhere close to either the KEF LS Luxe or Devialet Phantom in their respective price ranges.” These powered speakers connect to your favorite digital music streaming service via your home’s network or Bluetooth for a stable connected listening experience that delivers radically higher quality than your standard streaming setup.
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108db & Phantom Ultimate 98db Connected Speakers
Now in the showroom from French audio brand Devialet, the Phantom Ultimate connected speakers look like something straight from the future—and they sound like it, too. These speakers aren’t the first Devialet component we carry—the Devialet Astra amplifier, Opéra de Paris Edition, is also on demonstration in the showroom.
As the name indicates, the Phantom Ultimate 108db is the louder of the two Devialet connected speaker models we now carry, producing impactful sound with woofers that move with an otherworldly elegance. We’ve stocked the 108db in the Light Pearl finish, shown above, while the 98db are available in a lovely green shade called Deep Forest.
Here’s what Michael has to say about this latest addition to the Stereo Stereo product line: “All you have to do is plug these bad boys into a power source, connect to your network, press play on Qobuz and music will literally explode from these French-made speakers. I would say most advertising banter is hype, but not in this case. Devialet states that in 2015 the first-edition Phantom speaker shattered expectations and obliterated the barriers to sound in a small discreet package. That remains true of these newer models. Come and listen for yourself.”
KEF LS Luxe Connected Speakers
Brand-new from KEF, the LS Luxe connected speakers are a great option for a high-end home audio system for those who prefer to stream digital music than playing physical media like vinyl records. Sculpted by the artist and industrial designer Ross Lovegrove, these sleek speakers have a simple, modern form factor that belies their power to deliver breathtakingly clear sound.
Here’s what Michael has to say about the KEF LS Luxe connected speakers: “This is a true music-making audiophile speaker system. It is the most ambitious all in one music system that KEF has ever introduced. And this is from the company that has been designing connected speakers longer than almost anyone. The LS LUXE needs only 2 power cords and an internet connection to play beautiful high resolution music. Its build quality, aesthetic, function and ease of use are all as good as it gets for a $4,000.00 all-in-one product. They look and feel luxurious. One would have to spend quite a bit more on an amplifier/streamer, cables and speakers to get even close to this performance. Just connect, hit play and enjoy!”
Two New Analog Speaker Brands
For those who like to incorporate analog music into their collection, or who simply prefer to use cables to connect to a digital streamer, Michael has introduced two new loudspeaker brands to our offerings, both of which are on demonstration now.
Introducing Atohm
Atohm is a French audio brand that’s new to Stereo Stereo. Come visit the showroom to experience each of the three Atohm speaker models we now carry: the bookshelf-sized Sirocco 1.24 in Oak true wood veneer finish, the Sirocco 2.24 floor speaker in Walnut true wood veneer finish, and the GT2-HD floor speaker in Black piano gloss lacquer finish. Each is created with a passionate dedication to balancing quality with good value, and the results speak for themselves.
Michael appreciates this brand’s balance of form and function. “When I first received a pair of Atohm speakers for demonstration, I was shocked at how musical and beautiful they sounded for such a reasonable price,” he says. “Atohm loudspeakers are made in France using their own in-house proprietary drivers. Despite their small and discreet cabinets they produce a huge and dynamic sound.”
Introducing Chario
Chario was established in 1975 when friends Charlie and Mario were studying at the University of Milan. When pronouncing the brand’s portmanteau name, think about the combination of those two names: “Cha-” as in Charlie, and “-rio.” According to Michael, “they design speakers that speak to one’s heart.” On demonstration now in the showroom are the beautiful Aviator Cielo and Constellation Pegasus MK 2 speakers, both of which feature beautiful wood housing and an overall design impact that feels like the best of midcentury modern style.
Michael decided to add these speakers to his product offerings because “Chario speakers feature technology that allows them to be easily placed in one's room; something that was very important to them. They are extremely smooth, never bright and offer fatigue-free listening for hours. Both models are beautiful, handmade products crafted with solid walnut cabinetry.”
