Devialet and Naim are two renowned and well respected brands in the audio industry that produces high quality speakers, headphones, soundbars, subwoofer, amplifiers and receivers.
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at sound quality, durability, price and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however, we will compare them as closely as we can.
Devialet is a high-end audio brand known for its luxurious and expensive audio equipment, while Naim is a high-end audio brand known for its premium-priced home theater systems and audio equipment.
Pros and Cons of Naim:
Naim is a well-respected brand in the audio industry, known for producing high-quality home audio products such as amplifiers, receivers, and speakers. Here are some pros and cons of Naim products:
Pros:
- Known for producing high-quality home audio products with excellent sound quality and build quality.
- Strong reputation in the audio industry.
- Offers a wide range of products to choose from.
Cons:
- Some products may be on the expensive side.
- May not have as wide of a product range as some other brands.
Pros and Cons of Devialet:
- Pros: Known for producing high-quality audio components, including amplifiers and speakers, with excellent sound quality and build quality. Many of their products are well-regarded by audiophiles and have received positive reviews.
- Cons: Some of their products can be expensive.
Quick History
Devialet Quick History
Devialet is a French acoustics engineering company that specializes in speakers and amplifiers. It was founded in 2007 by Quentin Sannié, Pierre-Emmanuel Calmel and Emmanuel Nardin in Paris, France, where its headquarters is located.
But Devialet had earlier beginnings from 2004, when Pierre-Emmanuel Calmel developed his Analogue Digital Hybrid (ADH) technology which is now used in every Devialet device.
Naim Quick History
Naim was founded by Julian Vereker in 1973. Vereker was a racing car driver, entrepreneur, and self-taught engineer with a deep passion for music. He spent his spare time listening to and recording his friends playing live in the 1960s.
His disappointment with the sound of professional recording equipment at the time led him to design his power amplifier. The company’s headquarters is based in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Sound Quality
Devialet Sound Quality
As expected from a high-end brand like Devialet, the audio quality is nothing short of superb. Their devices have been described as having dynamic midranges, crystal-clear treble, and powerful and deep bass with exceptional immersion and directivity.
Naim Sound Quality
Naim devices are a good option for those who want uncompromising sound quality devices. They give you the exact sound as it was recorded, either good or bad.
This type of original recording reproduction is suitable for vinyl record players and turntables. They have a balanced sound at every volume, while the bass hits hard and has a lot of elasticity.
Features
Devialet Features
Devialet devices are equipped with all the basic features required of audio devices and more. Check out some of them from the list below:
- Analog Digital Hybrid (ADH) technology combines elements of analog and digital amplifiers, allowing for higher wattage and decibel peaks
- Heart Bass Implosion (HBI) technology that promotes wider low-frequency coverage and imitates a subwoofer
- Speaker Active Matching (SAM) signal processing technology analyzes and adjusts sounds in real-time to “reproduce the exact acoustic pressure recorded by the microphone.”
- Active Co-Spherical Engine (ACE) is an acoustic architecture designed to deliver sound in every direction
- Dolby Atmos®, SPACE™ and EVL support for an immersive and enveloping sound experience
- Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, or Apple TV+ streaming
Naim Features
Naim possesses many beneficial features which include the following:
- Multiroom and high-resolution audio support
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast built-in
- Touch Controls
- Naim App for Android and iOS
- Bluetooth and Ethernet Connectivity
- HDMI ARC, Optical, USB, digital and analog Inputs
- Alarm clock (in some devices)
Build Quality
Devialet Build Quality
Devialet devices have sturdy and acoustically superior construction using materials such as titanium and aluminum, which are the most used. Other materials include copper and plastic.
Beyond that, their devices are modern and stunning with a signature clean and minimalistic finish.
Naim Build Quality
Naim devices have a unique styling and luxurious build quality. For example, the Naim Mu-So speaker is built with a remarkably wooden cabinet in a layer of anodized aluminum with an elegant brushed finish.
There is a mirrored acrylic base light at one end to highlight the Naim logo, with an extruded heatsink that keeps it cool.
Ease of Use
Devialet Ease Of Use
Setup and control is very easy with the Devialet App. The devices have easily located and intuitive controls with universal symbols.
Naim Ease Of Use
There are many easy ways to control Naim devices at your fingertip. You can control them using the remote, the Naim smartphone app, or their stylish touchscreen display. There’s also a video and a manual to help you whenever you have difficulties installing or using the devices.
Cost
Devialet Cost
The price of some ranges of Devialet devices are listed as follows:
- Speakers (Phantom): $1200 – $3800
- Earphone (Gemini): from $250
- Soundbar (Dione): from $2400
- Amplifiers (Expert): $6500 – $35,000
Naim Cost
Naim devices seem a little bit expensive for the kind of devices they produce. Below is the price range for different devices produced by Naim:
- Preamplifiers: $2000 – $5000
- Amplifiers: $1500 – $6000
- Speakers: $1000 – $3000
- Digital Audio devices: $500 – $1500
Space Requirements
Devialet Space Requirements
Devialet devices are compact while performing much better than bigger ones. To illustrate, the Phantom l measures only 252x255x342mm (HWD) but has specs more suited to bigger devices. The Expert 1000 Pro measures 400x400x40mm (DWH) and weighs 9.7Kg.
Naim Space Requirements
Some Niam devices consume a lot of space due to their shape and size, while some do not. An example is the Naim compact multi-source music player with a 10.5 x 9.7 x 3.8 inches and weighing 15.43 pounds. It is advised to consider the available space before getting any product.
Remote Controls
Devialet Remote Controls
The Devialet app can be used to set up and customize your devices from iOS and Android devices. They also support wireless remotes and are compatible with smart home systems.
Naim Remote Controls
Naim only has a remote control for a few devices, though they produce remote controls that work perfectly for more than one device. Naim mobile app can also be used to control some of their devices. The remote control works in a range of 10 meters to 15 meters.
Connectivity Options
Devialet Connectivity Options
Devialet devices have Airplay 2, Bluetooth, Wifi, UPnP and Spotify Connect for high-resolution wireless streaming. They also offer Digital options like Optical Cable, HDMI and USB; as well as analog alternatives like RCA.
Power Range
Devialet Power Range
The ADH technology used in Devialet’s amplifiers ensures that they can reach such high power levels as 4500W without affecting audio quality.
The lower power output is 350W. The Phantom l has 500W RMS rating while the Expert 1000 Pro has 1KW RMS and 4KW peak output.
Naim Power Range
Naim devices are power-saving, i.e. they use less power consumption. They have an average power range of 100W to 200W. Most Naim amplifiers produce power of 70W per channel into 8 ohms.
Frequency Response
Devialet Frequency Response
Devialet devices have an immense frequency bandwidth from 5Hz to 27KHz. For example, the petite Phantom II has a frequency response range from 18Hz-21KHz while the Phantom l ranges from 16Hz-25KHz.
Naim Frequency Response
Naim frequency responses are not so wide and generally range from 20Hz to 20kHz. Though the frequency response of Naim devices varies. Like the Naim mu-so QB V2 with a wider range frequency response from 24Hz to 48kHz.
Conclusion
The prices of Devialet devices might be on the high end of the price spectrum, but their performance ranks much higher on the performance spectrum. With Devialet devices there is no compromise, they perform well all-round.
Naim devices have a beautiful design, extensive features, and outstanding sound quality. Naim is one of the best audio devices you may get out there, especially if you like good looks. It may be a bit costly when compared with some other audio devices, but its stunning design and performance easily justify the hefty price tag.