Devialet on Sonus Faber Stradivari's (Strads)

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 09:38 PM

Finally got around to trying the Devialet 400 on the STRADS. In a word - SUPERB!

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**veindoc** · April 10, 2015, 09:45 PM

With or without SAM??

Nick

**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 09:47 PM

Cool Mike. I am sure you will want to log some hours on the D400 with the Strads before fully evaluating but a comparo against the Pass XS pre and mono amps would be interesting if you get a chance

**Alpinist** · April 10, 2015, 09:50 PM

That's great news, Mike! Does Devialet have the SAM set up for the Strad's yet?

Best,
Ken

**Paul** · April 10, 2015, 09:52 PM

Good luck with the sale on Pass Mike

**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 09:53 PM

No SAM for Strads yet, sadly.

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by Paul

Good luck with the sale on Pass Mike

LMFAO! Not happening, but damn it all. Damn, damn, double damn! How can they sound this good? They are so tiny.....when I brought them up to my main room and started listening - my appreciation for just how good the Devialet 400's are grew 10 fold.

Joe made me do it. Damn you Joe! Ignorance was bliss!

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**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by veindoc

With or without SAM??

Nick

As they say "I'd be scared to hear the D400's with SAM on the STRADS. Scared."

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**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

LMFAO! Not happening, but damn it all. Damn, damn, double damn! How can they sound this good? They are so tiny.....when I brought them up to my main room and started listening - my appreciation for just how good the Devialet 400's are grew 10 fold.

Joe made me do it. Damn you Joe! Ignorance was bliss!

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Mike is growing up, I love it.

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Mike is growing up, I love it.

Nah, nah, nah....I can't hear you. No wonder you've been so quiet over there in amp land lately.

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**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Nah, nah, nah....I can't hear you. No wonder you've been so quiet over there in amp land lately.

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Devialet and Conrad Johnson, what else do I need? Nothing.

Life is good, thanks Mike!

**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:00 PM

What does the XS pre and 150 monos list for retail? How about the Devialet D400 ($18Kish)? Not making a snide comment Mike (

), I actually don't know the list pricing and was just trying to get a sense for the price point comparison between the two sets of gear.

**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Devialet and Conrad Johnson, what else do I need? Nothing.

Life is good, thanks Mike!

Since when did "need" have anything to do with it for you Joe?

**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

Since when did "need" have anything to do with it for you Joe?

Maybe I'm growing up

I don't need, I still want, but not as much

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

What does the XS pre and 150 monos list for retail? How about the Devialet D400 ($18Kish)? Not making a snide comment Mike (

), I actually don't know the list pricing and was just trying to get a sense for the price point comparison between the two sets of gear.

I'm trying not to think about it. I absolutely love my XS gear. Best amp/preamp I've ever owned and it's going no where. It's SET like sweetness and big thunderous sound is addicting. But this D400, gosh damn is it good. Too good - if you know what I mean.

To me, the D400 sounds as good as any AB amp (I know it's AD) I've ever owned. It reminds me so much of the Soulution 501/701 amps I love, it's scary.

But the fact is, it just doesn't sound like anything else. As my good friend said who loves his D400, the Devialet is for the true music lover in us. It really oozes musicality.

That AD technology really is remarkable.

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**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Maybe I'm growing up

I don't need, I still want, but not as much

I hear you loud and clear Joe

Growing up is not that much fun...

**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I'm trying not to think about it. I absolutely love my XS gear. Best amp/preamp I've ever owned and it's going no where. It's SET like sweetness and big thunderous sound is addicting. But this D400, gosh damn is it good. Too good - if you know what I mean.

To me, the D400 sounds as good as any AB amp (I know it's AD) I've ever owned. It reminds me so much of the Soulution 501/701 amps I love, it's scary.

But the fact is, it just doesn't sound like anything else. As my good friend said who loves his D400, the Devialet is for the true music lover in us. It really oozes musicality.

That AD technology really is remarkable.

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Mike...impressive. By the way, I was not trying to get a rise out of you by asking the question on price of the Pass gear. I was truly curious and didn't know what it went for but in any case, it's not important. Glad the D400 is over-delivering. my guess is all else being equal the Pass XS gear has to have more meat on the bones, more dimensionality, and greater dynamics as compared to the D400 but I am just guessing here.

**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

I hear you loud and clear Joe

Growing up is not that much fun...

I love you Cyril. Too funny! Yes, you are 100% right.

**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I love you Cyril. Too funny! Yes, you are 100% right.

**Alpinist** · April 10, 2015, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

As they say "I'd be scared to hear the D400's with SAM on the STRADS. Scared."

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That's amazing, Mike. Exactly how close is the sound quality to the XS gear without the SAM????

Ken

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by cmalak

Mike...impressive. By the way, I was not trying to get a rise out of you by asking the question on price of the Pass gear. I was truly curious and didn't know what it went for but in any case, it's not important. Glad the D400 is over-delivering. my guess is all else being equal the Pass XS gear has to have more meat on the bones, more dimensionality, and greater dynamics as compared to the D400 but I am just guessing here.

Oh, I know. It's all cool. My point is, I didn't expect the D400 to sound THIS good. XS, definitely sweeter and more dimensionality. But Cyril, this D400 is superb. I now totally understand Jeff Fritz's exuberance for the Devialet on Magico Q7's. Now I do. Completely.

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**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

That's amazing, Mike. Exactly how close is the sound quality to the XS gear without the SAM????

Ken

Very different. XS sounds like a world class SET amp with balls. The D400 sounds like my favorite AB amps - Soulution 501/701.

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**cmalak** · April 10, 2015, 10:22 PM

That is pretty amazing...

**Alpinist** · April 10, 2015, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Very different. XS sounds like a world class SET amp with balls. The D400 sounds like my favorite AB amps - Soulution 501/701.

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Thanks Mike,

It's great to have amps that produce a different sonic signature with your speakers. Variety is the spice of life.

If the D400 sounds like the Soulution 501's, it must sound pretty damn good!

Ken

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Thanks Mike,

It's great to have amps that produce a different sonic signature with your speakers. Variety is the spice of life.

If the D400 sounds like the Soulution 501's, it must sound pretty damn good!

Ken

It does and you know I was smitten with the 501's from the first time Jon (VTSkier) lugged them to Boston so I could hear them!

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**Alpinist** · April 10, 2015, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

It does and you know I was smitten with the 501's from the first time Jon (VTSkier) lugged them to Boston so I could hear them!

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And with the SAM technology, the D400 has that chameleon effect where it can produce excellent synergy with a great variety of speakers. Certainly takes some of the guess work out of amp/speaker matching.

Ken

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

And with the SAM technology, the D400 has that chameleon effect where it can produce excellent synergy with a great variety of speakers. Certainly takes some of the guess work out of amp/speaker matching.

Ken

Very true Ken. There isn't SAM for the Strads yet, but maybe one day. They have enough votes.

**joeinid** · April 10, 2015, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Very true Ken. There isn't SAM for the Strads yet, but maybe one day. They have enough votes.

**Dewster** · April 10, 2015, 11:24 PM

I have you to thank for my D800 Mike, guess I'm a bit luckier on having SAM for my Amati Futura

mauidan · April 10, 2015, 11:25 PM

I haven't heard the the XS150s or the Soulutions, but I prefer the D400 to the XA200.5s.

The only solid state amps that I've heard that are better were the Technical Brain monos.

**KeithR** · April 10, 2015, 11:40 PM

Technical brain amps, eh Dan? Those are rare birds- love to hear your thoughts on them.

**Mike** · April 10, 2015, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by Dewster

I have you to thank for my D800 Mike, guess I'm a bit luckier on having SAM for my Amati Futura

You're very welcome! D800.

Devialet on Sonus Faber Stradivari's (Strads)

. Don't tell Joe.

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**Dewster** · April 11, 2015, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

You're very welcome! D800.

. Don't tell Joe.

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**Bodhi** · April 11, 2015, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Very different. XS sounds like a world class SET amp with balls. The D400 sounds like my favorite AB amps - Soulution 501/701.

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Mike, you've definitely got some of the best amps. They are monsters too!

You're a lucky guy!! I don't have the room to accommodate those amps, nor the funds. So that lends itself to my current approach to system building. I've heard a simple, synergistic system blow me away. I know guys like Jeff Dorgay are amplifier guys. At this point i'd say I put a bit more emphasis on my speakers and front end, but ultimately believe in a balanced system approach.

Sorry about the slightly

comment!

**joeinid** · April 11, 2015, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

You're very welcome! D800.

. Don't tell Joe.

I heard that

mauidan · April 11, 2015, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by KeithR

Technical brain amps, eh Dan? Those are rare birds- love to hear your thoughts on them.

Yes, they are rare birds and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear them in my system.

I was offered a very attractive purchase price, but it was more than the total cost of my system.

I’m trying to be nice, but you and I have nothing in common (especially our taste in music), so I don’t think my thoughts about the TBs would be of any value to you.

**Mike** · April 13, 2015, 08:16 AM

What I found experimenting with the Devialet over the weekend was that it really shines and goes to a whole new level with the better digital source and cabling you gave it. My favorite out of the Lumin digital bnc (requiring a bnc to coax adapter), Auralic Aries (tried usb, aes/EBU and coax), MacBook Pro (usb) and T+A PDP3000HV (coax) was the T+A PDP3000HV. The differences between digital sources, cables, etc. was dramatic.

The muckety mucks over on the Devialet Chat forum (who know this product inside and out) tend to love the TotalDAC Server via AES/EBU. Would love to try that.

**dlb2** · April 13, 2015, 08:24 AM

Mike, what did your Strads ever do to you to be fed digital?

Any thoughts on how your R2R sounds through the Devialet with the Strads?

**Mike** · April 13, 2015, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by dlb2

Mike, what did your Strads ever do to you to be fed digital?

Any thoughts on how your R2R sounds through the Devialet with the Strads?

Damn! I forgot to try that. Oh well...next time. The D400 is already back singing on the Focal's this morning.

The D400 on the Strads was meaty, with amazing bass definition and control. Great control of sibilance on older recordings and lots of the midrange goodness from the Class A part.

I have a dealer friend who values the total package of the Devialet at $70,000 to $100,000 based on comparing it sonically to amp/preamp/phonostage/DAC combos in his store. I would have a hard time disagreeing.

**joeinid** · April 13, 2015, 01:05 PM

I absolutely love my Devialet 400 on my Strads. It's great on my 40.1's too but for some reason I love the grills off the 40.1's with the D400.

Just wish I had gone for the 800 from the start, but I'll get over it.

Originally Posted by Mike

Damn! I forgot to try that. Oh well...next time. The D400 is already back singing on the Focal's this morning.

The D400 on the Strads was meaty, with amazing bass definition and control. Great control of sibilance on older recordings and lots of the midrange goodness from the Class A part.

I have a dealer friend who values the total package of the Devialet at $70,000 to $100,000 based on comparing it sonically to amp/preamp/phonostage/DAC combos in his store. I would have a hard time disagreeing.

**jaxwired** · April 13, 2015, 01:18 PM

Keep it up guys. Your curing my box swapping urges.

Now if I can just keep CD from tempting me with Blade IIs.

**CDLehner** · April 13, 2015, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by jaxwired

Keep it up guys. Your curing my box swapping urges.

Now if I can just keep CD from tempting me with Blade IIs.

Well lemme axe you this: is there SAM for Blade II?

**bthomas9** · April 13, 2015, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Well lemme axe you this: is there SAM for Blade II?

If only we knew a bunch of people that could help with votes

. Only 88 more

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**jaxwired** · April 13, 2015, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Well lemme axe you this: is there SAM for Blade II?

No blade IIs. Original Blades and REF 3 and REF 5 are SAMed.

**CDLehner** · April 13, 2015, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by jaxwired

No blade IIs. Original Blades and REF 3 and REF 5 are SAMed.

AND Ref 1; both short tube and long! Hmmmm

**Golucid** · April 14, 2015, 09:06 AM

If I wasn't so heavily vested with McIntosh, this would be my choice!

**nicoludio** · April 14, 2015, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

What I found experimenting with the Devialet over the weekend was that it really shines and goes to a whole new level with the better digital source and cabling you gave it. My favorite out of the Lumin digital bnc (requiring a bnc to coax adapter), Auralic Aries (tried usb, aes/EBU and coax), MacBook Pro (usb) and T+A PDP3000HV (coax) was the T+A PDP3000HV. The differences between digital sources, cables, etc. was dramatic.

The muckety mucks over on the Devialet Chat forum (who know this product inside and out) tend to love the TotalDAC Server via AES/EBU. Would love to try that.

Those same guys have compared the TotalDac D1 Server vs the Melco N1A/N1Z NAS, which can now function as a network player/streamer too but with USB output only.

Used with the Devialet, the N1Z, the top model, beats the TotalDac Server.

The N1A is comparable to the TotalDac server - probably a points decision depending on the user.

No distributor in my country yet but trying to meet the Buffalo sales guy to see if I can buy direct from Japan.

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**nicoludio** · April 14, 2015, 09:59 AM

Forgot to mention that you can install MinimServer on it and use the Lumin app too.

Simon from MinimServer is impressed by Melco but is puzzled as to why it should and does sound better.

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**Mike** · April 14, 2015, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by nfnc

Those same guys have compared the TotalDac D1 Server vs the Melco N1A/N1Z NAS, which can now function as a network player/streamer too but with USB output only.

Used with the Devialet, the N1Z, the top model, beats the TotalDac Server.

You have my attention!! Researching now.

mauidan · April 14, 2015, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

What I found experimenting with the Devialet over the weekend was that it really shines and goes to a whole new level with the better digital source and cabling you gave it. My favorite out of the Lumin digital bnc (requiring a bnc to coax adapter), Auralic Aries (tried usb, aes/EBU and coax), MacBook Pro (usb) and T+A PDP3000HV (coax) was the T+A PDP3000HV. The differences between digital sources, cables, etc. was dramatic.

The muckety mucks over on the Devialet Chat forum (who know this product inside and out) tend to love the TotalDAC Server via AES/EBU. Would love to try that.

Have you tried AIR?

It's free.

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