RATING
PERFORMANCE
FEATURES
ERGONOMICS
VALUE
FROM TIME to time I get to review an audio product that is so thoroughly engineered, so cutting-edge and so high performing that it leaves me in awe. And let’s be clear, after three decades of doing this, I’m not easily impressed. But I’ll tell you here that the subject of this review, the $2,400 Devialet Dione, is hands-down the best all-in-one soundbar I have ever heard, and undoubtedly one of the two best soundbars currently available. We’ll get to that later, but for now, let’s take a closer look.
If you’re familiar with Paris-based Devialet you’ve probably seen their Phantom, a futuristic wireless speaker that puts out more volume and bass than anything its size. (If not, pay a quick visit to devialet.com.) The company is known for unique style and innovation, holding over 200 patents on technologies that squeeze audiophile sound out of compact, easy-to-use lifestyle products.
It’s not surprising, then, that when they set out to create a subwoofer-less soundbar, they threw in everything, including the kitchen sink. Technically, the Dione is a discrete 5.1.2-channel bar with 17 drivers, including upfiring units for Dolby Atmos front height channels. It has an imposing but friendly industrial design with dimensions of 47 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches (WHD)—slim enough to fit easily below the screen of a table-mounted TV, but unusually deep for reasons that will become apparent.
The most obvious feature is the orblike pod that houses the center-channel speaker; Devialet actually calls it the Orb.
