View Full Version : Balls Of Pleasure
Snagged this off eBay a couple of weeks ago for £499.
I might have tens of thousands of pounds worth of hifi, but this is just so surprisingly good I am genuinely seriously impressed with it.
Is it worth the new price of £790?
Easily, I think.
Devialet Mania.
31528
Hello Justin,
Where have you been hiding? We haven't heard from you for quite a while now.
I'm pleased to learn that you are happy with your new purchase - but exactly what is it?
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2025, 20:30
Maybe a combined smart speaker and sub. Or a handbag.
Maybe a combined smart speaker and sub. Or a handbag.Sounds like you haven't got any balls, then, Pigmy?
There is a designer version. Bit posh for here, though.
Hello Justin,
Where have you been hiding? We haven't heard from you for quite a while now.
I'm pleased to learn that you are happy with your new purchase - but exactly what is it?Trying to copy Marco, but failed, Barry.
I'm fine just got bored of hi-fi forums. Plus I don't buy much gear these days.
Might have an upcoming DIY Michell Gyrodec AC Pabst motor power supply thread in me, but they switched to DC years ago.
Quartz locked and all. For very little money. I asked Grok to design me one. Involves a class D power amp. So bizarre I have to make it, LOL.
I actually asked Grok about 150 questions about that AC Pabst power supply, hopefully guiding Grok in the right direction.
They stopped.making them, which is why Michell went DC. I still reckon the Pabst motors are outstanding. 35 years later after I bought the deck that uses one. Some things age so well you just have to respect them beyond normal bounds.
The Mania is cool, but when you walk into serious land, a few tens of thousands definitely helps.
What I like about the Mania is how it manages to be so enjoyable. And really quite hi-fi with a good bass bias. Turn it down a bit via the app if it is too much for you, but it really isn't for me.
This forum is full of pretty wise geezers who should not pretend they don't know who Devialet are. I am just giving the product a thumbs up. Cos it's good in many ways.
Pigmy Pony
29-03-2025, 00:04
I remember reading about Devialet's "Speaker Active Matching" technology (SAM) a few years ago, and was intrigued, but lack of funds and technical know-how got the better of me... I believe it is speaker-specific, but the range of models it will work with is huge these days. And that's all I know about Devialet :)
I remember being impressed by the Phantom when it first came out. Crazy bass driver excursion and impressive sound for the size.
I don't like the Phantoms' look. The Mania looks a lot better, IMHO. Plus it's portable and has a bass station for recharging.
The Phantoms' performance is considerably beyond the Mania, though, not pretending there.
Lawrence001
30-03-2025, 08:20
I bought the Sky Soundbox a few years ago to try it as a Bluetooth speaker. It was designed (and made?) by Devialet and sold cheaply with the most expensive Sky packages, although some functionality (mainly I think tone controls) does require a Sky Box to use.
I really liked the sound, it reminded me of what you get from a large quality gramophone, quite deep bass and overall warm sounding, impressive for a small black box.
If anyone likes the sound of that you can pick them up for about £60-80 on eBay and occasionally AV Forums (where I got mine). As a stand alone Bluetooth speaker it's excellent value.
Have a tiny wee Samsung Bluetooth speaker on my bedside table for bluetoothing music to from my phone/ipad when having an early night.
Hadn't heard of the Sky Soundbox, read a bit up on it and the fact its powered by Devaliet got my attention.
Found one on Fleabay for £35 no remote, can get a compatable one for a fiver.
Job jobbed!
Thanks Lawrence for the heads up.
I bought the Sky Soundbox a few years ago to try it as a Bluetooth speaker. It was designed (and made?) by Devialet and sold cheaply with the most expensive Sky packages, although some functionality (mainly I think tone controls) does require a Sky Box to use.
I really liked the sound, it reminded me of what you get from a large quality gramophone, quite deep bass and overall warm sounding, impressive for a small black box.
If anyone likes the sound of that you can pick them up for about £60-80 on eBay and occasionally AV Forums (where I got mine). As a stand alone Bluetooth speaker it's excellent value.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JwJ-RHGKQzM/maxresdefault.jpg
:)
I bought the Sky Soundbox a few years ago to try it as a Bluetooth speaker. It was designed (and made?) by Devialet and sold cheaply with the most expensive Sky packages, although some functionality (mainly I think tone controls) does require a Sky Box to use.
I really liked the sound, it reminded me of what you get from a large quality gramophone, quite deep bass and overall warm sounding, impressive for a small black box.
If anyone likes the sound of that you can pick them up for about £60-80 on eBay and occasionally AV Forums (where I got mine). As a stand alone Bluetooth speaker it's excellent value.
:lol: @ the meme - “do you want woofers with that?”
Sky Sound Box does indeed sound interesting - but no rooms left without some sort of speakers so not sure where I would use it!
Showing our age a bit here Alex! :lol:
Always somewhere for an extra speaker...
https://www.tapsuk.com/images/villeroy-boch-o-novo-white-close-coupled-toilet-cistern-soft-close-seat-p66032-285275_image.jpg
Haha! I did think that, but no power socket!
Lawrence001
31-03-2025, 20:59
Have a tiny wee Samsung Bluetooth speaker on my bedside table for bluetoothing music to from my phone/ipad when having an early night.
Hadn't heard of the Sky Soundbox, read a bit up on it and the fact its powered by Devaliet got my attention.
Found one on Fleabay for £35 no remote, can get a compatable one for a fiver.
Job jobbed!
Thanks Lawrence for the heads up.Good stuff, report back here with your findings when it arrives. I'm pretty sure all basic remote functionality is also available with the buttons on the top. Of course with Bluetooth from a device you always have the volume control on that and if you never change source you really don't need a remote at all.
Good stuff, report back here with your findings when it arrives. I'm pretty sure all basic remote functionality is also available with the buttons on the top. Of course with Bluetooth from a device you always have the volume control on that and if you never change source you really don't need a remote at all.
Will do Lawrence, appreciate the heads up on this mate. :thumbsup:
Yeah,
just casting music from my device to it, see how I get on without a remote.
For all the times I'll actually use the thing, just for when I have an early night.
Looking forward to hearing it, reviews say its really good.
Not Justin's glittery testie good (great Band Name?)
but a massive step up from what I have there now.
Mania Vs Gibson. Seems to be a sweet placement spot for it.
Not surprising makes the bodies of those fairly decent guitars resonate in sympathy.
Soz about the picture quality. Poor light at the time it was taken.
31529
Super strummers... not long just bought an Eastman acoustic
Super strummers... not long just bought an Eastman acousticCan you play it?
I've been playing for 20+ years - that SJ200 has a date code of 2002 bought it new.
I'll never be a great player I just enjoy it. Someone will inherit that SJ200 cos I am never selling it;) I had a standard J200 but that custom shop SJ200 is in a different league.
When I saw the thread title, I thought that we has a hacked user account. :lol:
I was almost scared to click on it…
Can you play it?
I've been playing for 20+ years - that SJ200 has a date code of 2002 bought it new.
I'll never be a great player I just enjoy it. Someone will inherit that SJ200 cos I am never selling it;) I had a standard J200 but that custom shop SJ200 is in a different league.
I can.
Get the sentiment though.
Gateway drug to the D28 I know is in my future.... though still doesnt match the sound of the "ideal" acoustic I have in my head.
Like the black boxes we love, its a fickle thing!
The SJ is a great guitar, awesome you had it from new
Trying to copy Marco, but failed, Barry.
I'm fine just got bored of hi-fi forums. Plus I don't buy much gear these days..
Might have an upcoming DIY Michell Gyrodec AC Pabst motor power supply thread in me, but they switched to DC years ago.
Quartz locked and all. For very little money. I asked Grok to design me one. Involves a class D power amp. So bizarre I have to make it, LOL.
Still always worth contributing your tuppence in Justin, these things come and go, but a good egg is always a good egg.
New folks get the benefit from experience?
Anyhoo,
Remember you from 'back the day' (all those many several months ago!) Keep up the good work!
I remember reading about Devialet's "Speaker Active Matching" technology (SAM) a few years ago, and was intrigued, but lack of funds and technical know-how got the better of me... I believe it is speaker-specific, but the range of models it will work with is huge these days. And that's all I know about Devialet :)
A tremendous Chap at an Owsten hifi Meet I tripped across at the Bar a good few years ago had previously ached 'n pained over the "best valves to get for his 10K Preamp" (and such), and ended up with top Tier Devaliet because it sounds as good and He didn't need to obsesses if what he had was 'good enough'.
Genuinely down to earth bloke, just fortunate in the life circumstances front, so knew he was genuine.
A learning experience to have met Him and chatted about hifi.
My wee bluetooth Sky speakerbox has Devaliet printed on the casework. Happy about that.
And having run it for a while it's bloody great.
Bought it on a punt for 30 odd quid, it sounds terrific, WAY better that what I had there before.
I actually asked Grok about 150 questions about that AC Pabst power supply, hopefully guiding Grok in the right direction.
They stopped.making them, which is why Michell went DC. I still reckon the Pabst motors are outstanding. 35 years later after I bought the deck that uses one. Some things age so well you just have to respect them beyond normal bounds.
The Mania is cool, but when you walk into serious land, a few tens of thousands definitely helps.
What I like about the Mania is how it manages to be so enjoyable. And really quite hi-fi with a good bass bias. Turn it down a bit via the app if it is too much for you, but it really isn't for me.
This forum is full of pretty wise geezers who should not pretend they don't know who Devialet are. I am just giving the product a thumbs up. Cos it's good in many ways.
My."Gorbe" power.supply remains one of the best.turntable related spends I've made.
Made a start on construction Gaz.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/22b3d0a5b6ff4e2b3560bca804604325.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/9e39668959430afbf19485aa835a2fb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/409249dc85fbbb3a0398b60c5560f927.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/df0b5a50c439f0867b862aac174b2931.jpg
Good to see that I'm not the only one here who builds things in the kitchen. ;)
Great stuff mate, keep the pictures coming! :thumbsup:
Made a start on construction Gaz.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/22b3d0a5b6ff4e2b3560bca804604325.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/9e39668959430afbf19485aa835a2fb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/409249dc85fbbb3a0398b60c5560f927.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250406/df0b5a50c439f0867b862aac174b2931.jpg
I will raise a thread for it. Waiting for bits is slowing things up. Will do the Arduino code tomorrow. A few lines of C++ is all that is needed.
Good to see that I'm not the only one here who builds things in the kitchen. ;)Kitchen, office and hi-fi studio. Everything seems to be breaking including one of my 211 monos, an Accuphase M-60 mono plus GyroOrbe PS. So I have decided to fix it all myself. It's gear I dearly love and those Accuphase monos keep on failing. They are older than old but I just really like them.
A tremendous Chap at an Owsten hifi Meet I tripped across at the Bar a good few years ago had previously ached 'n pained over the "best valves to get for his 10K Preamp" (and such), and ended up with top Tier Devaliet because it sounds as good and He didn't need to obsesses if what he had was 'good enough'.
Genuinely down to earth bloke, just fortunate in the life circumstances front, so knew he was genuine.
A learning experience to have met Him and chatted about hifi.
My wee bluetooth Sky speakerbox has Devaliet printed on the casework. Happy about that.
And having run it for a while it's bloody great.
Bought it on a punt for 30 odd quid, it sounds terrific, WAY better that what I had there before.
Unforseen problem...
Bought it from Ebay for the bedroom, sounds great and all, but it must have been sitting in his garage for a while?
Its a bit whiffy, makes the bedroom smell like an old bookshop! :lol:
Anyone any "Top Tips" to freshen it up a bit?
Give it a blast of 'Febreze'.
Pigmy Pony
08-04-2025, 12:39
Give it a blast of Febreze, then leave it a couple of days to dry out :) Though I'd be inclined to put up with it, and I'm sure the smell will go away. A bit like if you switch on an electric fire that hasn't been used for a long time, they can be a bit smell initially until the dust and crap has burned off.
Pigmy Pony
08-04-2025, 12:40
Give it a blast of 'Febreze'.
Damn, you beat me to it by one minute!
Great minds think alike - so not sure what happened there given it's us.
Seriously it does work - set the nozzle to the finest mist - test you got it set right first by spraying furniture or a family member - then just a quick blast on the device. Won't harm it.
Even though the Devialet was bought from eBay, the warranty is on the product. Be aware of that - my unit is still covered.
Exactly what you want, really.
You MUST have the original sales receipt. So check with any sellers if they have it if doing the eBay thang.
That warranty is totally real.
One brand new Mania arrived today.
I am massively impressed. Have given their customer service a 10 on every question.
The unit had a volume button flaw and otherwise behaved a bit weirdly, which is why they honoured the warranty. Brilliant on an eBay 2nd hand buy.
Faith is restored in humanity.
So glad to have this back. Really missed it while it was away.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250424/98409686afbd2cfa3fc021e35f3c9c52.jpg
That is very impressive service! Almost unheard of these days. :thumbsup:
They also sent me a box to return it in and paid all the UPS expenses.
I almost feel guilty! Thought about buying another but no, this is a one piece portable item I feel.
Lawrence001
27-04-2025, 20:22
Unforseen problem...
Bought it from Ebay for the bedroom, sounds great and all, but it must have been sitting in his garage for a while?
Its a bit whiffy, makes the bedroom smell like an old bookshop! [emoji38]
Anyone any "Top Tips" to freshen it up a bit?Just caught up with this thread. Did you send it back in the end? I think I'd rather pay £50 for one that doesn't smell if it's going in the bedroom [emoji23]
Just caught up with this thread. Did you send it back in the end? I think I'd rather pay £50 for one that doesn't smell if it's going in the bedroom [emoji23]
Alls well that ends well :)
Basically,
I sat it outside for a couple of days and let the fresh air get at it, done the trick.
No smell now, or at least one that bothers me as much.
My initial attempt was using Fabreeze as per Martins suggestion,
Didnt work as expected, was like after you've been to the loo and spray air freshener...
a DIFFERENT version of the same smell, sure, but still the same. :)
Happy to report its all good now, and sounding great.
Will hook the bedroom TV up to it and use it as a soundbar proper when I move TVs about this this week.
Lawrence001
28-04-2025, 11:08
Great news glad my reccy turned out ok in the end.
Hope it didn't rain too much while it was outside [emoji23]
Picked a dry couple of days :)
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.