Firmware updates to improve streaming with UPnP and Qobuz Connect

[blair.athol]

As many of us, I am looking forward to further improved streaming capabilities and for the once promised infinite upgrades for my Expert 220 Pro CI.

Recently I tried to connect via UPnP with MConnect on my iPhone to stream from Qobuz in high quality since Qobuz Connect is not available.
Although I could connect the Expert via UPnP, I was astonished to receive an error message "The device has send a fault response" when I tried to stream a song from Qobuz. 
So, I contacted the Devialet User support asking for help.

Indeed, Giorgos answered very quickly and provided some hints to determine the cause of the rejection.
This included System Power Cycle, to uplug and plug-in the Expert, to restart the router, a test of the stream resolution (Hires, vs, CD vs. MP3/AAC) and my firmware version.
I did send my results to Giorgos, indicating that I do run the latest firmware 13.2.0 with DOS 2.2.6 and that streaming was possible with AAC but not in Hires nor in CD quality.

This is what Giorgos kindly replied:
Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply and for meticulously testing the streaming resolutions. 
Your feedback, including the fact that standard CD quality (44.1 kHz) fails while AAC streaming works, is highly valuable.
Based on this detailed testing, we can confirm that the issue is not related to your network configuration or a simple software glitch that can be solved with a power cycle. 
Instead, the persistent failure to play standard CD quality streams points to a specific protocol incompatibility or a bug within the Devialet Expert's current UPnP processing firmware (SW 13.2.0) when communicating with MConnect for Qobuz streams.
As this cannot be resolved through troubleshooting steps, I will immediately escalate your detailed report and the specific error response to our Engineering and Development Team for deeper analysis.
Your issue with the current UPnP path will be taken into consideration for a future stability patch. 
Furthermore, your suggestion regarding the introduction of native Qobuz Connect is highly appreciated and will also be forwarded to our product development roadmap for consideration.
Thank you again for your patience and for helping us identify this specific limitation. Please register to our newsletter, when an update regarding this issue is released.
Best regards,
Giorgos | Customer service & support Devialet

Now I am looking forward to further updates, Hope springs eternal 

[Ron]

If i switch to UPnP on my Devialet and use the mconnectPlayer version 3.3.120 (3.3.120.03), i can stream HiRes (24 bits) to my Devialet 440. From both my Tidal account and my local NAS-drive (sorry, i do not have a Qobuz account).
So i feel this works fine.
Both Tidal-connect en Qobuz-connect are not implemented in the Devialet. This requires a firmware update that will not be made anymore. The Expert-line is "obsolete".

[blair.athol]

If i switch to UPnP on my Devialet and use the mconnectPlayer version 3.3.120 (3.3.120.03), i can stream HiRes (24 bits) to my Devialet 440. From both my Tidal account and my local NAS-drive (sorry, i do not have a Qobuz account).
So i feel this works fine.
Both Tidal-connect en Qobuz-connect are not implemented in the Devialet. This requires a firmware update that will not be made anymore. The Expert-line is "obsolete".

Happy for you that it works with Tidal. I testest it several times with the same mConnect Player version you are using and it does not work at my end with Qobuz.
As said, Giorgos from the user support opened a ticket for a software stability patch and I am counting on him.
Also, Giorgos did not inform me that future firmware updates will not be made, in contrast he forwarded my request to the product development team for consideration.
I am an optimist and I own my Expert since 2014, never I was disappointed by Devialet so far.

[Kalahaan]

It would be great if Qobuz Connect could be implemented for Core Infinity users as part of the non-obsolescent virtue of Devialet...

[markush]

I will immediately escalate your detailed report and the specific error response to our Engineering and Development Team for deeper analysis.
Your issue with the current UPnP path will be taken into consideration for a future stability patch. 
Furthermore, your suggestion regarding the introduction of native Qobuz Connect is highly appreciated and will also be forwarded to our product development roadmap for consideration.
Thank you again for your patience and for helping us identify this specific limitation. Please register to our newsletter, when an update regarding this issue is released.
Best regards,
Giorgos | Customer service & support Devialet

Now I am looking forward to further updates, Hope springs eternal 

Any feedback so far? You might also add when communicating with them that many users highly anticipate this too.

[blair.athol]

Dear friends,

as some of you already had anticipated, today I received a very disappointing message from the Devialet customer service.
I understand that new features such as Qubuz Connect will not be introduced into the Expert line but it is unacceptable to my understanding that "errors found in older units" will not be addressed and solved. What do you think? Please send me your comments.

Here the message from Devialet, January 20, 2026:

"Thank you for your patience while following up on this matter and I would like to wish you a very happy and successful New Year.
 
I want to be transparent with you regarding the future of the Expert line. At this stage, I have received the confirmation that the Expert series is considered a legacy product. Our engineering and development teams have now fully shifted their focus toward our newest amplifier, Devialet Astra.
 
Because of this transition, there are no further firmware updates planned for the Expert line. This means:
 

• The current UPnP protocol limitations you are experiencing will not be addressed via a stability patch.
  
• Qobuz Connect will not be natively introduced to this hardware.
  

 
To continue enjoying Qobuz in high resolution on your Expert system, we recommend the following alternatives:
 

• External Streamer: Using a dedicated streamer (such as a WiiM Pro, Bluesound Node, or Aurender) connected via Optical or Coaxial to your Expert. This bypasses the internal UPnP limitations and provides a stable, high-resolution interface.
  
• Connecting a computer directly via USB using the Devialet USB driver, which supports the highest possible bitrates without protocol conflicts.
  

 
We understand this may not be the news you and the Devialet Chat community were hoping for, but we want to provide you with the most accurate information regarding the lifecycle of your product.
 
As we move forward, the Devialet Astra was built specifically to solve these limitations. It features a completely new OS and modern network processing designed to handle protocols like Qobuz Connect and high-resolution UPnP without the errors found in older units. We are offering dedicated pathways for our long-term Expert owners to transition to this new technology. 
 
I'm at your disposal for any questions or concerns.
 
Kind regards,
Giorgos | Customer service & support Devialet"

[MightyMart]

I'm very sorry to hear this but not at all surprised really. I think none of us are to be honest. A shame none the less but at the same time good to have a definitive response in writing. It's time to see the Expert line for what it has been for many years now - a legacy product yes, but still a very capable amplifier.

I sold my D1000 in December 2024 when I heard the rumours about Devialet cancelling production and then went on a hunt for a replacement. I tried many different brands including Gryphon, Vitus and Pass Labs but had difficulties finding the right sound together with different DACs with/with out built in streamers. Then a few months ago i saw a secondhand D250 for sale at an established hifi dealer in Sweden. The asking price was only 50 000 SEK (about 5000 EUR) and I struggled to think of an amplifier for the same amount with equal or better specifications and sound quality. So I ended up going back to Devialet for a third time since 2013 when I bought my first D170.

At the same time I ordered the NAGRA Compact Streamer to make sure I had a reliable and high quality streamer that will be supported for a long time by a leading brand in the industry. The combination is extremely pleasant and when compared to alternatives a real bargain. The music just sounds so fluid and natural and yet with control, authority and weight. There is absolutely no boomy base or harshness, just pure music. Quite remarkable if you ask me. I'm very happy with this path and see absolutely no reason to even consider buying an ASTRA. I'm having a hard time understanding Devialet's business model since many years back but does it really matter anymore...? This thing can truly play music in a unique way.

[mdconnelly]

Given how they abandoned advancing the Expert Pro series, I'm not at all surprised by the response you got. I'm still loving the sound I get from my Expert Pro 440 CI, but I'll never buy another Devialet product. And while I've considered selling my Expert Pro, the used value is a fraction of what I paid and could hardly replace it for anywhere near the price. So I'll likely just see who lives longer - me or my Expert Pro.

[listener]

I'm not dissapointed and I don't understand these forced upgrade request of some Devialet owner.
Devialet Expert Pro is a briliant DAC and amplifier, still after so many years compared to the current market. There is no company in the world that offers lifetime software upgrades for its units, not even car manufacturer are doing that, I believe.
The streamer is a fantastic Roon Ready device, and via Roon, Qobuz plays perfect, since many, many years. UPNP with some NAS has been switched-off about many years ago at my place. With the digital inputs, every other modern streaming device is connectable. Perfect - at least for myself!

[Tregee]

Hello all Expert Pro owners.
I have been a Devialet Expert owner ever since they were introduced…..anyone know when?
First a 170 which was then repeated to 200 and 220. A number of years ago a dual mono 440 which I upgraded to Expert Pro with a promise from Devialet to future-proof…..but there was only one update. Like other Devialet owners, I am extremely disappointed and feel cheated and abandoned by Devialet.
I am still happy with the sound quality but also lack many other functionalities.
I have streamed via Roon Rock on an intel nuc both Tidal and now Qobuz. It works great but I would like to use built-in functionality in the 440 Pro.
Now I have found jPlay (upnp) and it works great and is both cheaper than Roon and sounds better so I can finally use the 440 Pro as a streamer.