Pantheone I Review: Premium Sound and Design

Pantheone Audio, an Australian speaker company founded by Oren Adani, has built a reputation for combining exceptional sound quality with cutting-edge design. This philosophy is embodied in the company’s tagline, “Art Form Sound,” which is etched onto every Pantheone I wireless speaker. First released in 2020, the Pantheone I comes with a hefty price tag of £2,995/$2,995. With recent upgrades to AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.0, it promises a premium listening experience. But does it live up to its premium price tag and sleek aesthetic appeal?

At over 65cm high and 46cm wide (18in x 25in), the Pantheone I demands attention even when it’s idle. When unboxed, it resembles something from a sci-fi movie, with a protective bag that makes it look like an Alien egg. I hesitated for a moment before reaching in, but once I got a hold of it, I realized its 25 kg (55 lbs) weight might be more of a concern than any alien creatures lurking inside. Its substantial build, made from polished resin, ABS plastic, and acoustic fabric, feels solid and durable, though it could benefit from integrated handles to make moving it easier. This speaker is not meant to be portable like its smaller sibling, the Obsidian, which has a battery. The Pantheone I is wired, making it best suited for a stationary setup. Inside, the speaker houses two amplifiers for two 6.5-inch subwoofers, two more amplifiers for the 4-inch mid-range drivers, and four 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters, divided between the left and right speakers. Pantheone markets the I as offering 360° sound, but it’s worth noting that it does not support spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 audio.

The Pantheone I’s sound quality is where it truly shines. Despite having “only” 400 watts of combined Class D amplification, the speaker delivers an enormous sound that fills the room. The bass hits deep and low while remaining quick and responsive. Whether I was listening to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” or The Weeknd’s “Starboy,” the Pantheone I made me feel the music in a way few other speakers can. Even more intricate tracks like Sting’s “It’s Probably Me,” featuring Eric Clapton, were showcased with dramatic hand snaps, pulsing bass, and searing guitar licks. The Pantheone I excels in creating a full-bodied soundstage, with guitars sounding clear and life-like. Mark Knopfler’s plucking on “You and Your Friend” resonated with remarkable depth. Even during bombastic tracks like the “Gladiator II” soundtrack, the speaker maintained a good separation between instruments. This speaker makes every genre come alive, from delicate acoustics to powerful, cinematic scores.

One of the standout features of the Pantheone I is its ability to support high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Whether streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, or Amazon Music, the speaker delivers truly lossless playback. Although the addition of Bluetooth 5.0 is a welcome upgrade, its impact is minimal unless using lower-quality codecs like SBC. For the best sound quality, Wi-Fi is the preferred connection method. The Pantheone I shines when streaming from platforms like Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify. The speaker is also equipped with AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music from an iPhone. However, AirPlay 2 limits playback to 16-bit/44kHz, so if you’re looking for the best quality from Apple Music, you’ll need to use a wired DAC. The Pantheone app supports multi-room functionality, allowing users to link multiple Pantheone speakers together.

Although the Pantheone I is Alexa-compatible, there are a few minor issues with voice control. Unlike other Alexa devices, it lacks native Apple Music support, meaning you have to use AirPlay 2 for streaming from Apple’s platform. Additionally, the Tidal Alexa skill is only available in the USA, which limited my testing. However, users with Spotify or Amazon Music accounts can control the speaker with their voice. Wi-Fi connectivity can also be a bit unreliable at times. Despite being near my router, the app occasionally reported weak Wi-Fi signals, and at times the speaker disappeared from the app and AirPlay 2 lists. On my Ethernet-connected PC, the speaker worked perfectly, with no issues. While these glitches were frustrating, they didn’t detract from the overall listening experience.

Despite some minor connectivity issues, the Pantheone I is a fantastic choice for those seeking both style and sound quality in a wireless speaker. Its audio performance is exceptional, with deep bass, clear highs, and a full soundstage that’s hard to match. While some may argue that the price is steep, the Pantheone I is more than just a speaker—it’s a design masterpiece that can serve as a stunning focal point in any room. Hi-fi purists might argue that they could build a better system for the same price, especially given the narrow stereo soundstage of a single speaker. However, for those seeking a high-quality wireless speaker that combines great sound with exceptional design, the Pantheone I is a winner. It’s a speaker that not only sounds amazing but makes you want to keep listening.