Today, 04:34
(This post was last modified: 1 hour ago by Damon.
Edit Reason: Last part souned rude, and I didn't mean it to. Hope it is better now.
)
Hello All,
I'm checking in with a request for suggestions or advice from this community. Here's the deal:
I'm looking for a new/ replacement amplifier. I have a NAD M32. It followed my 220 Pro CI. The NAD is good, but it never really felt or sounded engaging.
For speakers I have Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2M stand-mounts. 87.5 db and 4 ohms. They are clear and precise with excellent bass, and a ribbon tweeter. More 'Magico' than 'Harbeth'. If you look at the review on the Audiophillia website, Anthony Kershaw has a review, and I have this exact pair- his review pair. You may have seen reviews of the smaller Alissa speakers from Alta. A British Audiophile and Jay's Iyagi both reviewed those speakers, in case some other opinions are helpful. I do also use a KEF 62 sub for just a bit of extra.... support.
The NAD is fine, but does run out of oomf, and does not have the 'midrange sweetness' lets call it, of the Devialet amp, and so I'm looking to change the amp. I actually do want a bit more character this time, so another' remarkably neutral, just-gets-out-of-the-way' amp is not what I'm after. A tube preamp section is OK, but I'm not after a fully tube/ valve integrated. And I do want an integrated, BTW.
One other note is that we have in-wall speakers in the kitchen, running on a Bluesound PowerNode and the NAD M32 has the BluOS board in it, so we can use the two systems together or separately. That is a spouse-driven imperative, so no debates there, please. And I do understand that the Bluesound source imposes some SQ limitations in comparison to more exotic and expensive streamers. I anticipate that I'd get a Bluesound Node ICON as the next source for the new amp.
To the point:
I'd like to get opinions from the Devialet crowd about amp alternatives. Budget matters, and so does size and weight. I don't have a great space for gear, so something small and compact like the Devialet is really appealing. I'll almost certainly buy used, but sometimes good deals come along.
There is a recently recapped D-Premier available near me in Canada. I'd welcome your thoughts about this idea. Or any other brand people feel I should consider. I can also look for a 140 or something like that.
One other request: Edit: I'm not concerned about upgrades for software or new features: I never felt abandoned in that regard. I also don't think I'll do a ProCI upgrade if I do get a used Expert amp. Just more money than hifi is worth to me at this point.
Otherwise, thanks in advance to everyone for their thoughts.
I'm checking in with a request for suggestions or advice from this community. Here's the deal:
I'm looking for a new/ replacement amplifier. I have a NAD M32. It followed my 220 Pro CI. The NAD is good, but it never really felt or sounded engaging.
For speakers I have Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2M stand-mounts. 87.5 db and 4 ohms. They are clear and precise with excellent bass, and a ribbon tweeter. More 'Magico' than 'Harbeth'. If you look at the review on the Audiophillia website, Anthony Kershaw has a review, and I have this exact pair- his review pair. You may have seen reviews of the smaller Alissa speakers from Alta. A British Audiophile and Jay's Iyagi both reviewed those speakers, in case some other opinions are helpful. I do also use a KEF 62 sub for just a bit of extra.... support.
The NAD is fine, but does run out of oomf, and does not have the 'midrange sweetness' lets call it, of the Devialet amp, and so I'm looking to change the amp. I actually do want a bit more character this time, so another' remarkably neutral, just-gets-out-of-the-way' amp is not what I'm after. A tube preamp section is OK, but I'm not after a fully tube/ valve integrated. And I do want an integrated, BTW.
One other note is that we have in-wall speakers in the kitchen, running on a Bluesound PowerNode and the NAD M32 has the BluOS board in it, so we can use the two systems together or separately. That is a spouse-driven imperative, so no debates there, please. And I do understand that the Bluesound source imposes some SQ limitations in comparison to more exotic and expensive streamers. I anticipate that I'd get a Bluesound Node ICON as the next source for the new amp.
To the point:
I'd like to get opinions from the Devialet crowd about amp alternatives. Budget matters, and so does size and weight. I don't have a great space for gear, so something small and compact like the Devialet is really appealing. I'll almost certainly buy used, but sometimes good deals come along.
There is a recently recapped D-Premier available near me in Canada. I'd welcome your thoughts about this idea. Or any other brand people feel I should consider. I can also look for a 140 or something like that.
One other request: Edit: I'm not concerned about upgrades for software or new features: I never felt abandoned in that regard. I also don't think I'll do a ProCI upgrade if I do get a used Expert amp. Just more money than hifi is worth to me at this point.
Otherwise, thanks in advance to everyone for their thoughts.
Damon
Powernode, NAD M32, Cambridge CD transport, Analysis Plus, Nordost, iFi Nova, CSS Criton 1TDX, Alta Audio Celesta FRM-2M, KEF C62
Vancouver, Canada
05 July 2025
