Music fills the gaps in our lives. From walks to the station, the long road trip, and the quiet moments between conversations. Devialet understands this, delivering audio crisp enough to catch every beat, every instrument, and even a singer's breath. 

But with so many portable audio products on the market, what makes the Devialet Mania Exclusive Collection stand out? Its shape, for a start: it’s a sphere, almost like a kettlebell (if you squint).

And yes, hauling a kettlebell-shaped speaker around is a workout, not the most ideal thing to bring everywhere at 2.3kg. But the French hi-fi brand paired this collection with a nifty cocoon-style carrying case. It comes with a utility strap fitted with carabiners, so you can clip it to a bag or carry it on the go without looking like you're holding gym equipment.

Let’s talk colours. Most consumers gravitate toward monochrome as it’s easy to style against anything. The new collection, however, comes out in two striking colourways, channeling the techwear movement. Moss Green captures rugged-luxury forest vibes, while Rose Bloom's orange-red accents evoke long summer evenings. The colours might be too bold for some, but if you’re looking for a statement (or a touch of whimsy in your life), they’re a welcome addition.

Beyond the looks, the sound is where the stakes truly lie. At the heart of the Mania is Devialet’s powerful bass, built on a cross-stereo architecture of four full-range drivers and two bass drivers, stacked around the sphere so no matter where you’re standing, you hear a full, balanced "left and right" mix. Most speakers lose that stereo effect the moment you walk away, but the Mania maintains that 360-degree sound wherever you stand. 

Built-in mics read the room and adjust the sound on the fly, holding up whether you're outdoors or indoors. Thanks to Devialet's own SAM® tech, the sound stays clean even at high volume, delivering the original sound exactly as it was meant to be heard. Whether it's EDM, rock, or pop, the Mania brings out every layer, from booming basslines to intricate instrumentals. 

The Esquire Malaysia team had the chance to test the speakers in two settings: at a pilates class, and during a photo shoot. In both cases, the speakers straddled portability and sound quality with ease, filling up large spaces effortlessly to set the mood. Plus, the brand’s signature movement—the two woofers pulse with visible vibrations—is a nice touch.

Of course, all this comes with a hefty price tag, so it won’t be for everyone. But for audiophiles with a penchant for bold design and high-end tech, there’s a sphere-shaped niche in your life for this speaker.