Devialet 170: comparison to Naim

Fascinating read!

I am surprised at how many who claim that looks aren't important discount the product based purely on its look! What matter if it's good looking? Why does something have to look 'ordinary' in order to perform properly? I don't get it it. If looks don't count, then why dismiss something out of hand based on its looks? I find this bizarre.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Unfortunately Devialet ticks all the stereotypical Hi-Fi 'can't be any good' boxes. Glossy marketing, Good looking, Switching supply, Class D (well in the ADH configuration) and just one box. Look beyond that (and actually listen to one) and you may find a real gem. 

James, so in other words, if it looks good it can't sound good? What a silly position for anyone to adopt.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Some think like that Frank - either based on preconceptions or a quick listen at a show.

I borrowed one for a while, liked what it did and bought one. The usual way i buy Hi-Fi.  

I had the feeling you were both coming from the same angle   But who am I to judge.

I just wanted to share with the group that I indeed bought the D200 and installed on Saturday evening. Given it's a massive secret from my wife (she'll learn in the next few days), I couldn't fully immerse myself yet.  But it looks incredible.  Initial reaction is that soundstage is massively improved compared to Uniti. 

Excellent - enjoy Karaca. Actually one of the advantages with Naim was that one black box looked like another so it was much easier to sneak another box on the rack 

Precisely what I'm trying to stop.  I couldn't stop adding boxes (albeit different brands) on top of each other Basically I had to stop...  I reckon, i'll stop for a year or more and only listen to music.

PS: are the same James n from devialetchat forum?

Yes i am - see you over there 

NAIM did have an aggresive policy as it was an unwritten rule if you didn't have Linn you didn't get NAIM and vice versa. I know from experience as I tried on numerous occasions including talking to NAIM direct and the first question I was asked was did I stock Linn and was promptly told I couldn't get a NAIM dealership as I didn't. In the end I got them both through a bit of skullduggery.

Hi Ewemon,

And both the dealers who i dealt with in the 80's were Linn and Naim dealers, but it was Linn they both moaned about.

Karaca,

Hope you enjoy the D200. I really wanted to get along with the D170, and there was much I liked and admired, but I ended up going in a different direction. That said, I do wonder if I could have cured the artifact that I didn't like with a judicious choice of cable.

mcjt,

I have been told by people who know a lot more than me that all active pre-amps are class A. Ultimately, as I am sure you will agree, you have to choose with your ears. I've ordered a class t amp to have a listen to, very much doubt it will replace my valve power amp, but it'll be fascinating to do the comparison.

M

I was aware that the Devialet used Class A & D. I had read that it was a Class A pre into a Class D power, or thought I had. I take it from your response that it is nothing so straight forward?

Google Devialet ADH. Some very good white papers on the ADH core of the amp.

Hi James,

Just did exactly that, and am now better informed.

This thread misses pictures.

I bought the D200 some weeks ago.  It replaced a Nac52/SC/ Phonosophie Bi-Stage and Trichord Dino/Dino PSU.  So much simpler setup.  Maybe not so groovy, but its more quiet, the lower frequences are much better than before. Im happy with the change. 

Is it better? I don't know? But its different.

System: CDS2/XPS/Devialet D200/Linn K20/SBLs

I tested a Devialet 240 (before it was updated to the 250) up against my current system comprising a NDS, 555DR, Supernait 2 and Hi-Cap DR.

With the standard mains lead plugged into the Devialet, I thought the Naim system sounded better but only slightly, was more enjoyable to listen to in true Naim fashion.

But then I plugged in a Powerline into the Devialet and i'm afraid to say the Devialet matched the NDS based system. It's cleaner, clearer, matches the same detail and resolution if not greater transparency, has PRaT like Naim didn't find it slow sounding. I found it musical. It really does replace separates costing twice as much and in this case can replace 4 Naim boxes.

Can only imagine what the Devialet 400 would sound like with SAM. 

And for those who keep saying the Devialet is class D, it's class A hybrid, Class D is there to provide the currant to power the speaker, the final output sound is delivered by the class A side, so it is an analogue sounding amplifier.

Sorry for this basic question. What do you mean by standard lead plugged in devialet vs.powerline?  Thanks in advance

@gtiboy.  My new Devialet is due to arrive next week.  I guess the Powerline won't fit under the rear cover - do you just leave it off?  I've read that Sablon Petit Coronas are the ones to go for 

The standard power lead that comes with the Devialet. Using the Powerline has the same effect on the Devialet as it does on Naim equiplement. 

Yes unfortunately you have to take the rear cover off, or in this case have it connected on with it raised up slightly resting on the connector of the Powerline if that makes sense.

Interesting about the Powerline - shame about the rear cover fit.

The Sarum TA (with slim IEC option) is supposed to be very good as well. 

£1,100 for 1m eek!

Yes. I'm worried if i try i may buy.

Best look away 

Seriously though, with Devialet there are far fewer cables to worry about than with Naim so its much easier to experiment.  My dealer has recommended ATLAS Hyper 3.5 speaker cables - does anyone have any experience of them?  £40/m so a pretty down-to-earth suggestion.

Hi Phil - If you're looking in that price range then worth a look at Tellurium Q black too.

I'm not desperate to change cables and hadn't even thought much about budget but 'Tellurium Q Black" sounds like a name that will impress my 5 year old - he's into Star Wars Lego Movie   I will see whether I can borrow some locally.  I already have some NACA and also Chord Epic which I like.  Time for a play, I think...