Devialet, SAM, and the Changing of the High-End Guard ....

amirm

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Apr 2, 2010
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Good read. You all may remember my review of the amp commenting on the excellent bass of these switchmode amplifiers. Same is observed here:

"The Q7s’ bass was now superior to anything I’d previously heard from those speakers, in my or any other room."

On SAM, when I was at Microsoft, we specifically bought Pacific Microsonics, maker of HDCD, because of their speaker profiling/correction. It worked at high level exactly the same as what they describe. The inventor by the way was the famous "Professor" Keith Johnson. Microsoft has a patent on that technology although I am confident no one will try to prosecute that in this case.
 

FrantzM

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Apr 20, 2010
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I have heard the Devialet all models many times with a few different speakers. It is very good gear good looking compact a lot of pluses but I do not feel it is better to the best gear out there. Just my opinion to me good but not the best.

In this hobby (most any hobbies actually) is there ever a "best"? Still for $6500 this appliance is shredding the "Class Price" myth. I like that and a lot...
 

joeinid

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Mar 14, 2011
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+1

Absolutely agree.

In this hobby (most any hobbies actually) is there ever a "best"? Still for $6500 this appliance is shredding the "Class Price" myth. I like that and a lot...
 

Mike Lavigne

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Apr 25, 2010
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it also might be an amp-speaker synergy thing. or maybe even a class d amp-speaker thing.

or maybe the dsp profile uniquely fixes some specific thing in these 2 speakers? (and it's possible it fixes things in all speakers)

one would need to try the Devialet 120/SAM with other speakers with profiles on file to draw broad based conclusions. but I've had those epiphany moments myself before and I'm sure something special is happening. sounds promising especially considering the price.

I've only had the briefest of exposure to the Devialet and I did like what heard, but I cannot even recall the speakers it was paired with.

at the Newport Show I spent a few days listening the new darTZeel LHC-208 "Danalog" streaming dac with integrated amplifier and was blown away at it's performance for the price (around $15k). it's over 200 watts into 8 ohms sounded great on the 86db EA Minitwo's. I expect it would compete head to head with almost any separate dac-pre-amp too. of course; it's a conventional topography amp and without any DSP......for those of us who want to stay analog in our pre and amplifier for whatever reason (that system at Newport used the new 'big' dart pre separate as the phono stage to great effect).

sounds like there are some excellent solutions for high performance without limitations at modest prices and small packages.....and hopefully there will be a Devialet with SAM at RMAF I can listen to.
 

microstrip

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I listened to the Devialet in dual mono mode driving the Wilson Audio XLFs two days ago. Big sound, with plenty of definition and powerful bass. However when we swapped the Devialets for the d'Agostino preamplifier and stereo power, keeping the Odin cabling and source (Metronome top digital units), it was IMHO a night and day difference :) - air, layering and the feeling of being there were greatly increased.

I feel that Devialet's represent great value for money, and may be many people will find that their type of sound really matches their preferences, but for me they are not the ultimate electronics.
 

joeinid

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Mar 14, 2011
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Thank you for your opinion. I enjoyed my Dagostino combo and still think about it. I absolutely loved the sound of the preamp more than the amp but in hindsight it was great. I found out that some of the quirks that drove me nuts on the preamp have been fixed so I am willing to give it another try.
 

Elberoth

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Dec 15, 2012
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Anyone had a chance to compare the original D-Premier with the new models, specifically 120 and 200 ?

I have once had the D-Premier at home for audition, but the darTZeel / Scarlatti combo I was using at the time blow it away for the very same reasons Microstrip mentioned.

I'm thinking about getting one for my livingroom though, for causual listening, and pairing it with SF Olimpica II speakers (hopefully soon SAM enabled).
 

Barry2013

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Oct 12, 2013
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Anyone had a chance to compare the original D-Premier with the new models, specifically 120 and 200 ?

I have once had the D-Premier at home for audition, but the darTZeel / Scarlatti combo I was using at the time blow it away for the very same reasons Microstrip mentioned.

I'm thinking about getting one for my livingroom though, for causual listening, and pairing it with SF Olimpica II speakers (hopefully soon SAM enabled).

I heard the new ones at Munich and found them souless and rather clinical.
I have heard they need expensive cabling to sound good and there may be more on other forums. You'd be wise to do some pretty thorough research before committing IMOH
 

Elberoth

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Dec 15, 2012
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Definately very careful system matching is a must with those amps. Since you are replacing so many components with one, your possibilities of fine tuning the system become very limited.

I have already burried into my walls vdH The Wind cables (those are the cables that were intrnally used in the original SF Amati Homage speakers; they are definately on the warm side of things) and I also expect the SF Olimpica II speakers to complement Devialet's presentation somehow.

But as I said - my livingroom system is mostly for causual listening. Plus, it is used whenever I watch TV.
 

microstrip

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Thank you for your opinion. I enjoyed my Dagostino combo and still think about it. I absolutely loved the sound of the preamp more than the amp but in hindsight it was great. I found out that some of the quirks that drove me nuts on the preamp have been fixed so I am willing to give it another try.

IMHO you should listen to the combo - I did not like the power amplifier until I listened to it with the matching preamplifier. But if I was not happy with my setup and had the funds it would be hard to resist - and remember I am a tube man!
 

joeinid

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I had both the amp and preamp at the same time. I may try them again but definitely love the preamp more. I immediately bought the Conrad Johnson combo as soon as I sold the Dagostino gear and have never been happier. The only problem is that I feel guilty running the ART monos for more casual listening and want a solid state alternative.





IMHO you should listen to the combo - I did not like the power amplifier until I listened to it with the matching preamplifier. But if I was not happy with my setup and had the funds it would be hard to resist - and remember I am a tube man!
 

KeithR

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May 7, 2010
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I found it a really poor review compared with Jeff's high quality work previously.

Just because it has super human bass impact doesn't say much. High negative feedback digital amps will do that in the first place- ask me what the texture of a kettle drum is like instead. Noise is nice, but not terribly important at the listening position as most room have noise floors in the 40s. Not one discussion of midrange, texture, air, decay, 3D soundstage, etc. He also lost me saying Halcro was one of the best ever (really?).

Just my opinion, but my guess is he changes his tune once he gets the Ayre monoblocks in for review.
 

Jeff Fritz

[Industry Expert]
Jun 7, 2010
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I found it a really poor review compared with Jeff's high quality work previously.

It's not a review -- you'll note the article is an Opinion/Editorial.

I have the Devialet 400s coming for a full review.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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Jeff,

It appears there is no Q7 SAM file yet. Did you use the processing file meant for the S1 on the Q7s :confused::confused::confused:

Jack
 

XV-1

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May 24, 2010
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Thank you for your opinion. I enjoyed my Dagostino combo and still think about it. I absolutely loved the sound of the preamp more than the amp but in hindsight it was great. I found out that some of the quirks that drove me nuts on the preamp have been fixed so I am willing to give it another try.

Hi Joe

you mean Dan has listened and now has a zero on the tone controls ;)
 

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