Devialet’s Gemini II: The Epitome of Luxury in Wireless Earbuds
Devialet sets itself apart from other tech brands by combining advanced audio engineering with high-end luxury, as demonstrated by their latest wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation. These earbuds feature a unique design that distinguishes them from typical models.
This is not a product aimed at the mass market. At the launch event held at the Paris Opera, Devialet’s CEO Franck Lebouchard mentioned that they anticipate selling “tens of thousands” of units annually. In comparison, Apple sells tens of millions of AirPods each year. Devialet seeks to capture a niche market by positioning itself as a premium alternative to earbuds from Apple, Samsung, Anker, Bose, and Sony.
What Makes High-End Wireless Earbuds Special?
I’ve been using the Devialet Gemini II for several weeks, and they represent the pinnacle of luxury, priced at $449 (€399, £349).
This second-generation model is a notable upgrade from the original Gemini earbuds released in 2020. The design features pill-shaped earbuds that echo Devialet’s renowned Phantom speakers, complete with a subtle D logo and a sleek metallic plate.
The Gemini II comes in three colors: black, white, and gold. The matte black version is more understated, while the gold “Opéra de Paris” edition, featuring 24-carat gold plating and an Opéra de Paris logo, is priced at $649 (€599, £549). This edition clearly targets the luxury market.
These in-ear earbuds include interchangeable silicone tips in four sizes: XS, S, M, and L. To achieve a secure fit, you insert and twist the earbuds slightly, similar to Sony’s WF-1000XM5. They are comfortable, weighing just 6g each, though fit can vary depending on ear shape.
The compact carrying case resembles those of other high-end wireless earbuds and includes a magnetic lid. The pebble-shaped case features a metallic-coated central plate and elegant plastic parts with a staircase design.
Devialet claims up to 22 hours of battery life, with five hours of use from the earbuds themselves. Charging options include USB-C or Qi wireless charging pad.
In terms of sound quality, the Gemini II excels. They offer rich, detailed sound with impressive bass, although the default EQ settings might make them sound slightly bass-heavy. This can be adjusted using the app’s six-band equalizer. The 10mm titanium-coated drivers and inward-facing microphones enhance sound clarity, and Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support allows simultaneous connections to multiple devices. The earbuds support AptX, AAC, and SBC codecs.
Active noise cancellation is effective in noisy environments like public transport but less effective in quieter office settings compared to high-end headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 45. The transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings for quick interactions.
The touch-sensitive logo on each earbud allows basic controls such as switching modes, pausing music, and adjusting volume. The earbuds also feature dual microphones and advanced wind noise reduction for clearer calls, although Bluetooth microphones can’t match the quality of dedicated headsets.
Overall, the Devialet Gemini II delivers an exceptional listening experience, making you almost forget you’re wearing earbuds. While $450 is a steep price, the Gemini II offers superior sound quality, a sophisticated design, and a luxurious feel, making them a standout choice in the premium wireless earbuds market.
