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  1. #1
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    So, about 2 months ago I switched to new speakers, PMC Fact 8s. The PMCs are the most transparent speakers I've ever owned. In fact, they are the most transparent speakers I've ever heard. So, you might think that pairing these speakers with a Devialet which is also known for extreme clarity of sound would be a bad idea. Well there is an element of truth to that but it's definitely not cut and dried by any means. The electronics that the Devialet replaced included a PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium preamp, and a wyred 4 sound DAC and amplifier. I was using Mullards in the PrimaLuna which gave a very rich lush delivery. It was pretty much a perfect pairing with the PMCs. However, the Devialet has added noticeable clarity and transparency to my system which was already producing very satisfying sound. The Devialet / PMC pairing is not strident or hard to listen to. It is, however, immaculate, and jaw droppingly detailed. Voices and instruments are about as real as I've ever heard in my listening room. There are frequent occasions when I mute my system to try and figure out if the subtle noise I just heard was my stereo or my kids. And those moments when you whip your head around to see what just made that sound and you realize it was the song you are playing. The combination does nothing wrong. That's the first and biggest concern. There is no boomy bass or congested mids or strident highs. There is only music exiting from complete blackness.

    However, with all that said, I do suspect that the Devialet would shine even more with a naturally warmer speaker such as a Harbeth or Dynaudio. System synergy can make a huge difference and warm speakers would probably create a more profound symbiosis with the Devialet. Does that mean I am selling the PMCs or the Devialet? Nope. Because IMO, each represents a pinnacle of it's kind. Which one would I sell? Besides, I am really nit picking here. My system with the Devialet is stunning. Is it a bit on the cool side, yes, no doubt. Do I get regular goosebump moments with this system? For sure. The Devialet (and the PMC Facts for that matter) create music with amazing precision. Every instrument is cleanly and clearly depicted. There is no blurred lines between notes. In fact, I would suspect that when people first hear a Devialet they will be shocked by actually how good some of their recordings are. By the same token, the Devialet will highlight more than most when a recording has been recorded on the hot side of things. Too much energy up top is conveyed. But again, I do not want to give the impression that the Devialet is painful to listen to. It is most definitely not. The Devailet is smooth, it's just shockingly clean and clear. Highs never sound exaggerated, they just sound detailed. A system can be highly detailed and resolving and still sound smooth. In fact, I would argue that is the gold standard. What the Devailet is not, is rich, lush, and euphonic. If you want that, look elsewhere. And I'm not criticizing here at all as there's a lot to be said for rich, lush, and euphonic systems. After all, it's about enjoying the music, not examining it with a microscope.

    So far, I have not heard the Devialet 200 with SAM (Speaker Active Matching) in the signal as Devialet has not yet released the custom SAM file for my PMC Fact 8 speakers. I will however be trying the Devialet with a warmer speaker next weekend, the Dynaudio Focus 160. Additionally Devialet HAS released SAM for the Dynaudio Focus 160. So it will be interesting to see how that combination sounds. I do not expect it to make me want to throw over my PMCs as I truly love my PMC Fact 8s. Also, Devialet WILL in fact soon be adding SAM for the PMC Fact 8s. So that should add yet another facet to this evaluation.

    Am I set for life, not a chance. I'm a unrepentant box swapper and I don't see signs of a cure anytime soon. : )

    Here is a video of the Devialet 200 and the PMCs in action. This video was recorded with a high quality stereo microphone. This mic does tend to roll off low frequency a bit. I realize a video no replacement for hearing in person, but I do find it entertaining. There are 2 songs on the video. Enjoy!

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  2. #2
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Sounds great on my end. Im sure listening though a computer doesnt convey what its really like, but I can get a Idea.....lots of air and transparency.



















  3. #3
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Jax,

    Glad to hear that you like your Devialet 200.

    In my case, I have been trying a Devialet 200 in place of a Aesthetix Pandora Signature/ARC REF 75 combo powering my WA Sophia 3s. Digital sources are a networked Auraliti PK 90 with linear PSU and PS Audio PWT. I've also tried Devialet Air, but prefer the other two sources.

    I agree that "the Devailet is not, is rich, lush, and euphonic." It improved after 300+ hours, removing my networked speaker cables and running a heavy duty power cable directly to the wall outlet.

    Engaging SAM improves the lower mid-range/upper bass, but the deep bass sounds the same to me.

    Have fun.

  4. #4
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Thanks Dan.

    and I guess I should have mentioned in the original post that I am running an all digital system. I stream music from my music server via USB to the devialet.

    And you remind me of another point. The devialet has gotten a lot of over the top press. I do not think the devialet is a no brainer head and shoulders over the competition giant killer. I do think it's competitive with other top tier electronics. Just a matter of preference. It does sound superb but there are certainly many other choices that are extremely appealing. It might be the best in terms of cost to performance ratio though. It would certainly be very hard to beat with 3 separate components for the same price.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

    System 2: Matrix Element X -> Exposure 3510 -> Heco Direkt.

  5. #5
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Congrats Jax. Sounds like a fun piece. I think my review and conclusions on the Devialet still holds true.


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  6. #6
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Tom, that's awesome ! When do I get to come over and listen ??
    Mark


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  7. #7
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Congrats Jax. Sounds like a fun piece. I think my review and conclusions on the Devialet still holds true.


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    Mike,

    All I could find was your thread about the Devialet 170, have you listened to a 200, 250, 400 or 800 with a SAM enabled speaker in your listening room?

  8. #8
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Thanks for sharing that Jax. A wonderful write up and neat video - dancing whites socks and all.

    While I've not auditioned a SAM enabled Devialet system - the Devialet's I've heard have been too tonally cool for my liking and I found that fatiguing, particularly on older CD recordings which tend to be spotlit / bright in the treble. Further, my experience driving Raidho speakers has always oddly left me with the perception that the Devialet's are under-powered. One other observation in closing. I've found Devialets to be extremely sensitive to power cord changes, which does afford the opportunity to redress the character.
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  9. #9
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001 View Post
    Thanks for sharing that Jax. A wonderful write up and neat video - dancing whites socks and all.

    While I've not auditioned a SAM enabled Devialet system - the Devialet's I've heard have been too tonally cool for my liking and I found that fatiguing, particularly on older CD recordings which tend to be spotlit / bright in the treble. Further, my experience driving Raidho speakers has always oddly left me with the perception that the Devialet's are under-powered. One other observation in closing. I've found Devialets to be extremely sensitive to power cord changes, which does afford the opportunity to redress the character.
    I suggest you listen to a 400 or 800 with a SAM enabled speaker.

    The stock power cords are fine when plugged directly into a quality wall outlet.

  10. #10
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    I'm going to delete my comments- on second thought, its just too hard to judge from a YouTube video.
    Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12

  11. #11

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaxwired View Post
    Thanks Dan.

    and I guess I should have mentioned in the original post that I am running an all digital system. I stream music from my music server via USB to the devialet.

    And you remind me of another point. The devialet has gotten a lot of over the top press. I do not think the devialet is a no brainer head and shoulders over the competition giant killer. I do think it's competitive with other top tier electronics. Just a matter of preference. It does sound superb but there are certainly many other choices that are extremely appealing. It might be the best in terms of cost to performance ratio though. It would certainly be very hard to beat with 3 separate components for the same price.
    Agree with you . Fwiw it is more than 3 pieces , for instance just add the nice phono preamp and you have 4
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  12. #12

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Hi all. New here. I'm quite interested in Devialet - the initial draws for me (besides the rave reviews) being its compactness and suitability for the world of digital music. But. But I'm not sure I want to give up my my disc collection just yet. I'm on board with digitizing redbook and have heard good downloads. Having said that, I've done some critical listening to some HDTracks downloads (usb direct to oppo) and, while many are great, others are clobbered by, for example, some shm-sacd's (saxophone collossus, e.g.). Point being - I'm not ready to ditch the oppo just yet. So in Michael's review he has stated that Devialet impresses mightily for all digital, but analogue inputs are lacking sonically. Given that I'm wedded to sacd for a while (and the devialet doesn't even play nice with dsd via Eva inputs ?) would it be a mistake to get one? I'm currently using separates - accuphase c-2820 and a-45. Really want to go integrated. The candidates are the devialet, the audio research vsi75, or the ayre integrated. Speakers are Vandersteen Fives. Kind regards for any advice!

  13. #13
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Welcome maikeru !
    Mark


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  14. #14

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Thanks Mark! Also, a clarification - (I'm writing this I my iPhone) - the last part of that post should have been asking about how devialet deals with DSD from RCA cables. If I understood Michael's review correctly it drops the ball?

  15. #15
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by maikeru View Post
    Thanks Mark! Also, a clarification - (I'm writing this I my iPhone) - the last part of that post should have been asking about how devialet deals with DSD from RCA cables. If I understood Michael's review correctly it drops the ball?
    Correct. First, it can't handle DSD natively, second, if you feed it DSD via an external DAC, you will suffer major SQ degradation via the ADA conversion process.

    If you aren't prepared to live within the a Devialet ecosystem, then I recommend you look elsewhere. The Devialet is a lifestyle choice more than an audiophile choice.

    That being said, I know Devialet plans to offer DSD support in the new future, but whether this will be only DoP remains to be seen.
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  16. #16

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    "The Devialet is a lifestyle choice more than an audiophile choice"

    With respect - I'll choose to disagree . Certainly that was the perception when people first saw the piece, certainly it was mine. However, as I use my 200 more, I've grown to appreciate it's qualities and in particular the SAM feature which is not a minor or subtle feature. The phono input is very good & the onboard DAC is excellent. I could discern no differences between wireless streaming and physical USB connection. As far as the very narrow world of DSD is concerned, I'm not sure how big DSD libraries are out there - audiophile concerns are more observed in the breach than the observance I think

    I can think of a lot of audiophile systems this thing will leave in the dust but I never make the mistake of thinking that because it's pretty one-box solution, it can't possible be of audiophile quality. As always....YMMV

  17. #17
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    I have over 1000 DSD albums.

    For the same money as the Devialet, I can build a system that will leave it in the dust. I stand by my reviews. Its a nice piece and I personally WOULD own one - but it is not the panacea some in the audio world make it out to be. For one, it's power ratings are a joke. I told Devialet this at RMAF and they know it cannot handle difficult loads and when it does start to lose power, you get a hissing out of one channel and then it cuts out (this occurred repeatedly measured at 93db @ 1 meter on my Raidho D3's).

    I have reviewed the Devialet 170, 400 and 800 on multiple speakers.

    The SAM technology is terrific and although subtle, it was an improvement.

    As I also mentioned, the phonostage is excellent. I was surprised at how good it was.

    But I stand by my review and as the person above asked - DSD from an external DAC via ADA on the Devialet is not ideal.


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  18. #18

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    And how widespread do you think DSD ownership is ? I asked Chad Kassem at the NYAS how the Hi-Rez download business is going and he said...slowly climbing. The point is Mike that the system you can build for $9000 is not the system that most audiophiles can ... knowledgeable audiophiles like you neither pay $9000 for the Devialet nor for the alternative system. And as far as how many audiophiles have meaningful DSD libraries.....

    Anyway , my point is, it's not a panacea (I never said it was) but I know of nothing in the audiophile world or anywhere else for that matter , that is. It's simply one more potential solution and a rather good one at that. I had absolutely no issues with the 200 power output into my Q3's or the D1's.

  19. #19
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    All the audiophiles I know - all of them - have DSD albums. As I said, I would own the Devialet, but it has many many challenges. Most after market power cords won't work because they won't fit. Most speaker cables with a larger end, won't work because they won't fit. Using anything external (DAC, phonostage, tape preamp, etc.) sounds awful.

    The value of the product is reflected in its overall benefit to the end user. If living within the Devialet ecosystem is acceptable, then rock on. But for most - especially the DAC flavor of the month crowd - it's not the answer.

    I like the Devialet, but people need to understand its strengths and weaknesses as its a commitment to the Devialet way of things.

    P.S. I love that Devialet remote.


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  20. #20

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Now you made me feel bad Mike - I consider myself an Audiophile but I have very few DSD albums ......my credentials are suspect. Back to the LP's for me

  21. #21
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    Now you made me feel bad Mike - I consider myself an Audiophile but I have very few DSD albums ......my credentials are suspect. Back to the LP's for me
    Haha! I was an earliy adopter of DSD....but vinyl still rules!


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  22. #22
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    For the same money as the Devialet, I can build a system that will leave it in the dust.
    That, I highly doubt. So a Devialet 200 runs $9500 retail. You need a minimum of $2500 to get a DAC that is competitive IMO. That leaves you $7000 for a integrated or $3500 each for a preamp and amp. And I'm not even counting a phono stage if you need one.

    The S/N ratio of the D200 is 134 db. That's unheard of for an integrated amp. Some amps have ratios in the 120s if they are very good, but once you compound the noise with a preamp you are no where near 134db (or 120db for that matter)! Just to give a point of reference, the hegel h300 has a signal to noise ratio of about 100db. Plinius hiato (their top IA, $10,000 with phono) is about 90db. CJ CA200 is 102db. Esoteric I03 is 110db ($14,000 retail). McIntosh MA6600 is approx. 100db. And DBs are logarithmic. So 134db isn't just 34% quieter than 100db, every 10db means half as much noise.

    The Devialet isn't just a clever lifestyle piece IMO. It has the specs to prove it. There's not a high end integrated on the market that can compete with the specs regardless of cost. And anyone that thinks you can't hear the difference between 100db noise ratio and 134db noise ratio has likely never auditioned anything this good. The only Integrated I know of that comes close is the NAD M2 which has a S/N of 124db and I've owned the M2 and as all the reviewers have said, the pristine quality of the signal is immediately apparent. I concur.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    All the audiophiles I know - all of them - have DSD albums.
    I have none. Not a big believer in hi-res. Why? Because I've tried it. If you want to impress your friends, hi-res music can be found to do so, I agree. However, BY FAR, the biggest factor in a recordings sound quality is NOT the resolution of the recording. It's the quality of the production. And we all know this is true because it's soooo very easy to find regular CDs that sound better than 192 downloads from HDTracks. How does one explain a normal 44.1 CD sounding amazing? How can it sound amazing without more bits of resolution? Easy, it's not about resolution, it's about production. Yes, I'll concede that comparing a beautifully produced CD and the same recording in Hi-Res, the Hi-Res might sound marginally better, but it might sound the same.


    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    If living within the Devialet ecosystem is acceptable, then rock on.
    I do agree that sending analog into a Devialet is a fools errand. So I do agree you need to live in the Devialet ecosystem if you want to use a Devialet, but how freakin hard is that??? We agree it's got a good phono stage. So Vinyl..check. For CDs, you just use your digital out of your preferred CD transport. So CD....check. If you want to rip and stream, Devialet has you covered. So streaming...check. If you want to play SACDs, you've got an issue. So I agree, for the SACD fan club they should skip Devialet. They can discuss during their next phone booth meeting. IF you want to stream DSD, it's coming. But as I said, I don't need DSD. The music I buy is rarely available in a higher resolution format than CD. And when I say rarely, I mean, like 1 in 100 at best, probably less.

    No offense meant by this post. Just my opinion.
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  23. #23
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    The problem with the Devialet is that it cannot drive difficult loads (or even moderately difficult loads) in my testing, its power ratings are a joke (they are NOT 200 watts a channel), you can't use many after market cables and as digital technology progresses, the DAC inside, is well, the DAC inside.

    Look, I'm not bashing it - but people need to be aware of its pitfalls.

    As I said, I love its sound, remote, footprint, phonostage and the DAC is quite good and would likely own one today IF every unit I had didn't crap out when pushed.


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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    As for high res sounding better than redbook, that's a whole different discussion - but I will say - in comparing the two - I find 90% of the time the high res sounds better....especially in the lower and higher frequencies. YYMV.


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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    ..and would likely own one today IF every unit I had didn't crap out when pushed.
    That, I agree, is deal breaker. I have not experienced a problem yet. I have not read other reports of this. That's a "wait and see" issue for me I guess.

    As for the specs, they don't claim 200 watts at 8 ohms. They claim 200 at 6 which is approx. 150 at 8ohms. If it's not really doing 150 at 8, that will likely be reported by the audio press who measure these things. Haven't read that yet but will be on the look out for it. I'd be surprised if they could get away with it given the attention this product has garnered.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  26. #26

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The problem with the Devialet is that it cannot drive difficult loads (or even moderately difficult loads) in my testing, its power ratings are a joke (they are NOT 200 watts a channel), you can't use many after market cables and as digital technology progresses, the DAC inside, is well, the DAC inside.

    Look, I'm not bashing it - but people need to be aware of its pitfalls.

    As I said, I love its sound, remote, footprint, phonostage and the DAC is quite good and would likely own one today IF every unit I had didn't crap out when pushed.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Mike , your comment about the on-board DAC is true . BUT, given the move to NAS & self-contained storage ( a-la Sony HAP) - isn't that try of a lot of gear, including Lumin ?

  27. #27
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    As for high res sounding better than redbook, that's a whole different discussion - but I will say - in comparing the two - I find 90% of the time the high res sounds better....especially in the lower and higher frequencies. YYMV.
    No doubt that's true, but it misses the points. It's like saying a Buick LaSabre has more comfortable seats than a Porsche 911. I'm not buying music based on resolution, I'm buying based on song writing and production quality.

    To put it simply, a high res recording may sound 5% better than the CD resolution of that same recording. But a well produced recording will sound 1000% better than a poorly produced recording. So I focus on that.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  28. #28
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    Mike , your comment about the on-board DAC is true . BUT, given the move to NAS & self-contained storage ( a-la Sony HAP) - isn't that try of a lot of gear, including Lumin ?
    Absolutely true, but with the Lumin, I don't need to throw out my amp/preamp/phonostage when I want to replace my DAC/streamer. Yes, you can add a Lumin to the Devialet, but again, we are back to the ADA process which we all admit leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, you can run digital out of the Lumin, but then you are bypassing "DAC" and using it only as a player running into the DAC of the Devialet.....so what's the point?

    I lived with the Devialet's for several weeks/months. I really like the sound (and isn't that what is most important?). But I need to point out what I consider to be challenges for some people.

    On another topic - have you looked into/heard the Wadia Intuition 101? I'm curious as to how it compares.


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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    Mike , your comment about the on-board DAC is true . BUT, given the move to NAS & self-contained storage ( a-la Sony HAP) - isn't that try of a lot of gear, including Lumin ?
    Actually, every other DAC on the market and every other streamer with build in DAC on the market (like the Lumin) is a hardware solution with almost zero ability to change with improving technology. The Devialet is different. It's software driven which provides much greater opportunity to adapt as the technology improves.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  30. #30
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaxwired View Post
    But a well produced recording will sound 1000% better than a poorly produced recording. So I focus on that.
    No argument there.


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  31. #31
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    No argument there.
    Sign of a good man right there.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  32. #32
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    And BTW, I'm a BOX SWAPPER. This thing will be gone next week!
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  33. #33
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaxwired View Post
    And BTW, I'm a BOX SWAPPER. This thing will be gone next week!
    Just keep the remote! I hated to give that thing up. Now THAT'S how you design a remote.


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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Just keep the remote! I hated to give that thing up. Now THAT'S how you design a remote.
    Agreed! Soooo very sexy!
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

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  35. #35

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    On the basis that it never hurts to beat a Topic to death , some additional points in support of jaxwired's comments:

    1. The guys at Devialet have proven themselves to be adaptable , receptive to new initiatives & inventive. Within the framework of a flexible, software-based platform , who is to say they can't improve the sound of the analog inputs?
    2. I also don't like the resolution of the album dictating my listening preferences. 98% of the music I listen to is Blues & Female vocal - there's precious little to choose from in Hi-Rez there. The quality of the original recording is everything. A glance at Marc Mickelson's post today on disk & recording quality highlights the point quite well
    Are All Discs Created Equal? - Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2014 - The Audio Beat - www.TheAudioBeat.com
    3. Good phono stage & pre-amp/amp built in with SAM - a lot of audiophiles would stop right there & jump on , they won't care about streaming or DAC-quality
    4. I have also not had any issues with power output from the 200 so Mike must be blowing the tiles off the roof. There's a reason he's been banished to the room above the garage.

  36. #36
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaxwired View Post
    And BTW, I'm a BOX SWAPPER. This thing will be gone next week!
    Well first of all, congrats on the D and second, I know you had fun with it before goes to someone else.

    So what's next? I really enjoy your "audioquest" with your videos...... and let us not forget about Joe's

  37. #37
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    From:
    http://www.stereophile.com/content/devialet-d-premier-da-integrated-amplifier-measurements
    "However, sustained high-power operation into speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or below is best avoided.— John Atkinson"

    Like Bobolaclune, I haven't had any issues with power output from the 200 I've been test, but I'd like to hear one of the dual mono versions.




  38. #38
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by mauidan View Post
    From:
    http://www.stereophile.com/content/devialet-d-premier-da-integrated-amplifier-measurements
    "However, sustained high-power operation into speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or below is best avoided.— John Atkinson"

    Like Bobolaclune, I haven't had any issues with power output from the 200 I've been test, but I'd like to hear one of the dual mono versions.


    If I stick with Devialet for awhile I hope to add a second 200.
    System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.

    System 2: Matrix Element X -> Exposure 3510 -> Heco Direkt.

  39. #39

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Very much enjoying the spirited responses. Great insight as well. Mike - did I not read a review where you put the devialet over the vsi75? The audio research is my second choice (best amp I ever owned was their vt130se). On that note -for the vsi75 - just how much physical room presence does the little beast have? What's the WAF factor ? Lastly - has anyone heard the Ayre AX-5?

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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Nice
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  41. #41

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Hi, just joined and this is my first post - I'm trailing the Devialet 200 as a replacement for Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300.

    Having now heard it in my own system I understand what all the hype is about and am very impressed on many levels. While I really enjoy my MF Tri-Vista the 200 is better in the lower register, with crystal clear music and extended notes - however I have an issue with the sound stage with the 200 lining all the instruments and vocals along the back wall, with no depth to the stage, something I having difficulty with - so far none of the reviews I've read comment on this so I'm wondering if its just me???

    Any comment will be well received, SW.

  42. #42
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Welcome to the forum Steve! Thank you for joining.
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  43. #43
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Welcome Steve!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

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  44. #44

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    It's just you Steve......LOL

    What speakers are you using & is there a SAM profile for it ? I have a D200 and to be honest , I haven't had any such issues . Are you utilizing the analog inputs ? Many on AS feel they are inferior to the digital inputs or using the Air streamer.

    Shodhan

  45. #45
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Steve,

    Here's a recent Devialet 200 review:

    The Devialet 200 Review. HiFi at its finest. | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS

  46. #46

    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobolaclune View Post
    It's just you Steve......LOL

    What speakers are you using & is there a SAM profile for it ? I have a D200 and to be honest , I haven't had any such issues . Are you utilizing the analog inputs ? Many on AS feel they are inferior to the digital inputs or using the Air streamer.

    Shodhan
    Wow, thanks for the responses - running USER CP-8571 and as I understand it no SAM file available at present.

    Re inputs using USB from a MacBook Pro running Amarra player (latest version 3.0.1?).

    Thanks, Steve.

  47. #47
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post

    For the same money as the Devialet, I can build a system that will leave it in the dust.

    Maybe YOU could, Mike, but perhaps to do it you might need to omit some of the functionality of the D200 and incorporate some secondhand or DIY components. If you were thinking of secondhand prices of components, then to be fair your budget should be based on the secondhand price of a D200.
    For most of us, myself included, any such attempt would leave the dust magnet exterior of the D200 fairly dust free.





  48. #48
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    Devialet 200...my impressions.

    As I've said before, its a great piece IF you agree to live within the Devialet ecosystem and IF your speakers are not terribly demanding and IF you don't worry about obsolesces in the DAC and IF your cables will plug into the back!

    It a revolutionary piece and the SAM technology is brilliant...perhaps even game changing.

    My biggest beef with ALL the Devialet units I had was that they all sputtered and hissed and cut out at 93db+ levels on various speakers.

    Unlike some reviewers, rather than say every speaker is the greatest on the planet and every piece of gear is my next reference piece, I prefer to point out the good and the bad - even with my own personal gear. The Devialet is not perfect, but it is damn good if you're willing to accept its shortcomings mentioned above. I was not.






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  49. #49
    mauidan
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Another take on the Devialet verses separate components:

    SoundStage! Ultra | SoundStageUltra.com (UltraAudio.com) | Devialet vs. Benchmark/Parasound/Pass Labs

    BTW, according to their Facebook page, Devialet will be announcingsome new technology soon.

  50. #50
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    Re: Devialet 200...my impressions.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    As I've said before, its a great piece IF you agree to live within the Devialet ecosystem and IF your speakers are not terribly demanding and IF you don't worry about obsolesces in the DAC and IF your cables will plug into the back!

    It a revolutionary piece and the SAM technology is brilliant...perhaps even game changing.

    My biggest beef with ALL the Devialet units I had was that they all sputtered and hissed and cut out at 93db+ levels on various speakers.

    Unlike some reviewers, rather than say every speaker is the greatest on the planet and every piece of gear is my next reference piece, I prefer to point out the good and the bad - even with my own personal gear. The Devialet is not perfect, but it is damn good if you're willing to accept its shortcomings mentioned above. I was not.






    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Largely agree with you, Mike. Love to hear good balanced critical appraisals of audio gear. Nothing is perfect.
    Compromises have to be made. I have to run D200 without the back cover to fit my power cable. Yet to find an audiophile IEC plug that will fit under the cover. Bananas rather than spades suit the cramped quarters. Happy to compromise here as I love the slim profile and exquisite form factor.

    BUT, those terribly demanding speakers that you refer to would surely challenge most amps out there. The D's have a reputation of being fairly load tolerant and able to drive most speakers. Of course, amps must be matched with suitable speakers.

    The Devialet ecosystem is not such a bad place to live in.... UNLESS you want to incorporate something like a Lumin that already has it's own DAC. Maybe one day Lumin will introduce a DAC-less server, then Lumin owners wouldn't have to worry about obsolescences in the DAC

    I run D200 with Magico S1 speakers. Moderately demanding speakers - they present an under 4 ohm impedance from around 6.5 KHz upwards dipping down to 3 ohm from 11 kHz upwards. No hissing or spluttering yet encountered. However, if I wanted to drive speakers that were significantly more demanding than S1's, I think that I would be considering dual mono D400.

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