Odd dilemma

Posted by: keilic on 25 August 2012

I find it odd, or think that most people would, to land in this situation at least partly circumstantial.

My experience leading to this point: (a) Owned 282/250 few years, which I've enjoyed more on than off with nDAC/SACD-player-SA7/Cremona-M; (b) Home demoed cds3/252/300 several weeks, which I found magic but somewhat fleeting and did not proceed with upgrade even tho offer excellent; (c) Home trialed Linn Klimax few hours which I enjoyed no more than nDAC; (d) Switched from cd to streaming and not gone back to cd months now (I recall cd was clearly better quality but after weeks of laziness that superiority now hazzy memory), even tho the switch (using a Synology NAS) a painful one.

Cross road is this. CD555/2x555PS/552/500 second hand. Excellent price. Or Devialet.

I have listened to Naim set (but not at home). While of course awesome, not completely bowled over otherwise it would be in home.

I will listen to Devialet most likely next week. Do not expect it to be Naim's equal. But let's say better than squeezebox/282/250.

Space and cables are importnat considerations. We're moving house. While not smaller, I would prefer not to spoil living room with stacks of boxes strewn with cables. Naim set of course more costly perhaps 3x.

If I got Naim, I would most likely replace CD555 with NDS - or just use Squeezbox until financially ready to make next move.

If I got Devialet, I would sell 282/250 and be rid of all boxes barring Devialet itself! A NAS box or router will sit nearby.

Anyone come across similar "dilemma" or willing to share thoughts?

Posted on: 25 August 2012 by james n

What a dilemma to have

I'm sure any opinion on here will be a heavily biased to the Naim solution but the Devialet (if it does it for you) looks to be a fantastic bit of kit and with the new airstream option and software upgradabiltiy is pretty future proofed. I'll be interested to hear what you find.

James

Posted on: 26 August 2012 by keilic

Thanks James. Am on way to country with dealer. Will post outcome. I've been intrigued by massive positive "professional" reviews plus support from owners on one hand, against some pretty negative comments in various forums on the other. Will see for myself why such divide. Suspect as with all things combination of preference and commercial interest.

Posted on: 01 September 2012 by keilic

Finally got chance to listen. Spent good 3-4 hours. Here's a rundown of it.

First impression using Dire Straits (So Far Away BIA) underwhelming. Partnered with PMC pbi1, I wondered where the rock had gone. Compared with 282/250 this was not very fun. Atmosphere missing. No kick. Surprising as this music almost invariably good on any system.

Then changed beat to Eva Cassidy and Celine Dion. Wow. Mesmerizing. Voices incredibly clear. Stunned. As we continued, as impressed as we were with precision of the sound a real marvel and quality that I thought I knew I adored, a sense of sterility crept in.

Listened to a few more. Of note Jason Mranz Lucky. This track was not only wonderfully detailed with equal clarity exhibited earlier with Celine and Eva, the music seemed more complete with captivating warmth and intimacy too. This relieved some concern and I jumped ahead on payment method and exchange rate issues.

Wanted to see also how well Devialet partnered other speakers. Returned couple days later hooked to some German speakers (forget model but around 20k USD). Off we went churning thru same music.

This time So Far Away much more fun. Devialet sensitive to speakers, as expected.

The more we listened (this time longer) the more I marveled at both the stunning clarity and power of this glistening slim box effortlessly hung vertical before us. I didn't realize how loud we listened until I went into Naim shop later that day. I don't think my 250 (weighing 3 times) is a match at all for brute strength.

Yet the more I comprehended Devialet's extraordinary abilities the thought that crept in earlier took greater hold - perhaps this was not my music. This amp is like a top surgeon. Precise. Clinical. Reliable. Absolute power.

Stepping into Radar Audio and meeting up with my long trusted Naim dealer Tang, I sat eagerly awaiting. I asked for ndx/xps (no nds yet here) with 552/500. Clock at 9 I thought wow this is soft. At home I rarely listen beyond 9. Nevertheless immense atmosphere, flow, intimacy, fun. Crystal clarity however not there replaced with wobbly bass! This is with ProAc carbon speakers, even more costly than the German speakers that partnered Devialet (although similar magnitude). This was music!

Not long after, began discussing method to acquire naim set (including replacing 555 with nds). Etc. Serious financial commitment. May have difficulty but fingers crossed. Have not pulled the trigger after coming close couple of times and especially now( after outlaying for new condo) but so tempting...

Naim, watch out! Devialet on its first iteration is missing x-factor. But arguably better fidelity, power and definitely better value and "look and feel" with less boxes and clutter. Evolve quickly...

Devialet, congrats. A real technological break thru. Hang in there. Close to greatness not quite there yet.

Posted on: 01 September 2012 by Julian H

Congrats on your new rig. I suspect the DR upgrades will give you what you want. Not sure I want Naim to take any heed of what Devialet sounds like though.

Posted on: 02 September 2012 by Adam Meredith

Originally Posted by keilic:

A little like saying "Pamela Anderson has blonder hair and bigger breasts than Beatrice Dalle (circa Betty Blue) - she just needs a French accent to be more attractive".

J'en doute.

Posted on: 02 September 2012 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by Adam Meredith:

"...........Beatrice Dalle (circa Betty Blue) ....."

....equates with the finest system ever heard imho! G

Posted on: 02 September 2012 by m0omo0

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Originally Posted by Adam Meredith:

"...........Beatrice Dalle (circa Betty Blue) ....."

....equates with the finest system ever heard imho! G

Pamela Anderson as Devialet and Béatrice Dalle as Naim ?? Sure Naim is eccentric but not known to be that hazardous. I'd rather go for Catherine Deneuve and Fanny Ardant...

Thanks for the interesting review keilic.

Posted on: 02 September 2012 by Hook

Hi Keilic -

Your impressions of the Devialet match up well with mine from last year's RMAF. I heard it connected to a pair of YG Carmels, and the source was a Bryston hard disk player. In a nearby, same sized hotel room, Vitus had their entry-level integrated amp and CD player connected to these same (very revealing) speakers.

The Vitus system was engaging -- neutral to slightly warm, but natural and musical. The Devialet was cold, analytical, and at times, it sounded shrill to my ears. After reading so many positive reviews, I was looking forward to hearing the Devialet for the first time. But it was a very disappointing experience.

I asked a few others how they compared the two rooms, and heard similar descriptions. That left me thinking that, at a minimum, the Devialet would need very careful source and speaker matching to sound its best.

Hook

Posted on: 02 September 2012 by keilic

Obviously you guys have thought long and hard about your hi-fi... I have also often wondered "if only that body with this face..."

Hook, yes I left somewhat disappointed too, yet inspired. I'm prepared to shell out second hand for Naim but but Devialet surely is the way of the future. Convenience, style, power, affordability. Some people seem to romanticize cable messing/matching, multiple boxes and endless wires and stands. Those who enjoy it (I know some do and I have from time to time) are a bit masochistic. As with other new techs (e.g. LCD vs CRT, film vs digital photography, now streaming vs spinning), first iteration would unlikely match incumbent tech evolved/perfected over decades.

Having said this, I look forward to the naim sound - far superior (so it should at 6 x price new) when all considered. Paying even second hand hurts.

Julian, don't have the rig yet and not a guarantee (fingers crossed). Preparing my entertainment unit (TV on top, bottom 1.9m wide x .6m high auto sliding door cabinet 2 x granite benches spec for 552/500 + isolation feet). House comes first...

Posted on: 05 September 2012 by avidacutus

I owned a devialet for over a year now, its grate but not as good as the 500 series. its more detailed, cleaner & has more shades, but not as involving ...Im not planning to make a change only due to price size issue

Posted on: 05 September 2012 by Wugged Woy

Originally Posted by Hook:

The Devialet was cold, analytical, and at times, it sounded shrill to my ears. After reading so many positive reviews, I was looking forward to hearing the Devialet for the first time. But it was a very disappointing experience.

EXACTLY my experience too. Don't understand all the fuss being made about this product.

Posted on: 05 September 2012 by Zeplin000

Agree with these findings. I demod the Devialet as a possble upgrade to my NDX/XPS2 > MF 500i amp into PMC Fact 8s. I found the sound to be clean, sharp incredibly detailed and very impressive but it didnt get my foot tapping. The problem was exacerbated with high res material. Some may prefer the (arguably) more accurate (Hi Fi) presentation of the Devialet, but im sticking with Naim simply becasue I enjoy the music more.