Devialet Gemini II: A Review of the Truly Wireless Earbuds
Introduction
Devialet, the French audio engineering company, made its first foray into the truly wireless earbuds market nearly three years ago. Since then, the competition has been fierce, with other companies constantly releasing product updates and adding new software features. Now, Devialet is back with its latest offering – the Devialet Gemini II. These earbuds promise an attractive design and impressive audio quality, but they come with a hefty price tag. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, and overall value of the Devialet Gemini II.
Design
The Devialet Gemini II earbuds feature a sleek and minimalist design, similar to their predecessor. The earbuds themselves are compact and lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The charging case is also well-designed, with a magnetic closure and a matte finish that gives it a premium feel.
One notable design feature of the Gemini II is the touch-sensitive controls on each earbud. With a series of taps and swipes, users can control playback, adjust volume, and even activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing for easy navigation without the need to reach for your smartphone.
Another design element worth mentioning is the customizability of the earbuds. Devialet offers a range of silicone tips in different sizes, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. This not only ensures a comfortable wearing experience but also helps to improve sound isolation and overall audio quality.
Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, the Devialet Gemini II truly shines. The earbuds feature a unique hybrid driver configuration, combining a dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver. This setup allows for a wide frequency response and excellent detail retrieval.
Whether you’re listening to classical music, rock, or hip-hop, the Gemini II delivers a balanced and immersive sound experience. The bass response is punchy and well-defined, while the midrange and treble frequencies are clear and crisp. The soundstage is also impressive for a pair of truly wireless earbuds, offering good instrument separation and an expansive sound image.
Devialet has also incorporated active noise cancellation (ANC) technology into the Gemini II earbuds. While not on par with some of the leading ANC headphones on the market, the ANC feature does a decent job of reducing background noise in everyday environments. It’s worth noting that the degree of noise cancellation can be adjusted through the Devialet mobile app, giving users more control over their listening experience.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Devialet Gemini II earbuds offer a respectable battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional three charges, extending the total battery life to around 24 hours. While this may not be the best battery life in the truly wireless earbuds market, it is more than sufficient for most users.
In terms of connectivity, the Gemini II earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with your smartphone or other devices. The pairing process is quick and hassle-free, and the earbuds maintain a strong connection even in crowded wireless environments. The earbuds also support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Software Features
Devialet has developed a companion mobile app for the Gemini II earbuds, available for both iOS and Android. The app offers a range of features to enhance the user experience, including the ability to adjust the ANC level, customize touch controls, and update the firmware of the earbuds.
One standout feature of the app is the Sound Pressure Estimation tool. This feature uses the built-in microphones of the Gemini II earbuds to measure the sound pressure levels in your environment. It then provides personalized recommendations to protect your hearing and prevent potential damage from prolonged exposure to loud music.
Price and Availability
As mentioned earlier, the Devialet Gemini II earbuds come with a premium price tag. Priced at $299, they are among the more expensive options in the truly wireless earbuds market. While the audio quality and design of the Gemini II justify the price to some extent, the high price point may deter budget-conscious consumers.
The Devialet Gemini II earbuds are available for purchase on the official Devialet website, as well as select retailers and online marketplaces.
Summary
The Devialet Gemini II earbuds impress with their sleek design, customizable fit, and exceptional sound quality. The hybrid driver configuration delivers a balanced and immersive listening experience across different music genres. The addition of active noise cancellation enhances the overall audio experience, albeit not on par with dedicated ANC headphones.
Furthermore, the Devialet mobile app offers useful features such as personalized sound pressure estimation and customizable touch controls. While the price may be a deterrent for some, those who are willing to invest in a premium audio experience may find the Devialet Gemini II earbuds to be a worthy option.
Overall, the Devialet Gemini II earbuds offer a compelling package for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike, combining style, performance, and advanced features in a truly wireless form factor.
