![Devialet Phantom CNY](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8khGx8B6F3Xuw9zzUURuxj-415-80.jpg)
Devialet has made a habit of creating new versions of its premium speakers every so often, to give people the option of owning even more limited editions.
The Phantom I is probably its most recognisable speaker right now, and thus is the one getting a beautiful new rendition to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The speaker's full title is a mouthful: Phantom I 108 dB by Yang Bao & Wa Liu. That gives you both the names of the artists behind its changed design, based in both New York and Beijing. They collaborated on the design and landed on this intriguing gold-and-red colour scheme and finish.
Those new gold accents towards the speaker's back are real 22.5-carat gold leaf, and the red slashes are real varnish, all of it hand-set by French craftsmen.
That makes the new Phantom I pretty much a work of art in our eyes and Devialet's, then. It's aimed at celebrating the start of the Year of the Dragon, perhaps by emulating the rippling side of a traditional dragon while it moves, which commences on 10 February this year.
This new version of the speaker has been given a sort of nickname by its artist, too - ANIMAL, apparently aimed at summing up how it gives off a different vibe to the standard Phantom I, which comes in a range of significantly more muted standard versions.
What will be the same, of course, is the absolutely perfect sound quality that you get from one of these ultra-premium Devialet speakers, making them some of the best speakers around.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
They're also wildly powerful and capable of getting incredibly loud. Phantom I units can also be paired as a stereo setup if you decide you'd like two of them. One can easily imagine how striking they'd in basically any room, too. be
Of course, anyone familiar with Devialet will be bracing for a sky-high price already. Even its portable handheld speaker Mania runs to over £750, after all.
Well, there's no getting around it - the Phantom I 108 dB by Yang Bao & Wa Liu lands at a pretty eyewatering £5,300 / $6,700 and is available to buy from Devialet now if it's caught your eye.
Max is a freelance writer with years of experience in tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor. He has tested all manner of tech too, from headphones and speakers to apps and software.
-
What are gorilla rows: the underrated strength exercise you’re not doing for a stronger back
It will also give your core a run for its money
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
JBL is keeping the flag flying for home cinema – and looking good in the process
JBL Modern Audio AV receivers and Stage 2 speakers are made for each other
By Rik Henderson Published
-
These Wilson Audio sci-fi speakers don't just look like they're straight out of Star Wars, they share the best name too
The return of a 1980s high-end classic loudspeaker
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple looks set to launch a new Bluetooth speaker very soon
A new Beats Pill might be imminent
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Sony rivals Sonos with new Ult range of speakers with bass-heavy focus
Sony Ult Tower 10 party speaker, Ult Field 7 portable, Ult Field 1 Bluetooth speaker, and Ult Wear headphones lead the range
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Loewe packages its best speakers into some seriously stylish home cinema sets
Watch movies in style
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
House of Marley celebrates One Love biopic with limited edition turntable
There are only 250
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Philips' new soundbars are designed to be heard, not necessarily seen
The Philips TAB6309, TAB5309, and TAB5109 soundbars are slim, sleek and spec-filled
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Audio Pro C20 is an elegant Sonos rival that could elevate your TV and vinyl sound
A gorgeous boombox with many talents
By Max Freeman-Mills Published