30-Aug-2024, 06:05
I've been running dual mono now for so long, I can't even remember. I have always preferred the USB over Ethernet input and recently bought a Holo Audio RED to try the AES/EBU input. The RED did sound just a tad better but it took a 13k investment in power conditioner and cords to hear that improvement. So if you're worried about streaming, a simple RED will help you out there. It's a very solid piece of equipment.
The dealer of the RED had a setup at home with Wilson Sabrinas run by the Benchmark amps you're talking about. They sound nothing like a Devialet amp. Not even close. They sounded open, but bland, shrill and downright boring. When I visited the same dealer a few months later he had some AGD amps. They sounded significantly better enough so I could make the judgement from memory on the difference between the Benchmark and AGD. Because these aren't my speakers in my room, I can't say that the AGD sound better or worse that Devialet, but I reckon I would probably still prefer the Devialet sound. Devialet amps seems to be one of the few amps that can give you all the detail but still have that little bit of warmth that makes listening to music enjoyable.
I disagree with @daniel.avasilichioaei idea that the DAC not being upgradable is an issue. It sounds great and it's the implementation that makes it sound great. So there's no need for an upgrade. I still haven't had any dramas with the configurator but then again, everyone's config is different.
Looking at your new speakers, they would definitely benefit from a dual mono setup. You can pick up a second hand 220 Pro quite easily and try it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed and if you are, you won't lose much if you sell them on.
One thing I would like to make clear. Stay way from Benchmark unless you only care about how your music measures.
The dealer of the RED had a setup at home with Wilson Sabrinas run by the Benchmark amps you're talking about. They sound nothing like a Devialet amp. Not even close. They sounded open, but bland, shrill and downright boring. When I visited the same dealer a few months later he had some AGD amps. They sounded significantly better enough so I could make the judgement from memory on the difference between the Benchmark and AGD. Because these aren't my speakers in my room, I can't say that the AGD sound better or worse that Devialet, but I reckon I would probably still prefer the Devialet sound. Devialet amps seems to be one of the few amps that can give you all the detail but still have that little bit of warmth that makes listening to music enjoyable.
I disagree with @daniel.avasilichioaei idea that the DAC not being upgradable is an issue. It sounds great and it's the implementation that makes it sound great. So there's no need for an upgrade. I still haven't had any dramas with the configurator but then again, everyone's config is different.
Looking at your new speakers, they would definitely benefit from a dual mono setup. You can pick up a second hand 220 Pro quite easily and try it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed and if you are, you won't lose much if you sell them on.
One thing I would like to make clear. Stay way from Benchmark unless you only care about how your music measures.
Lifetime Roon, Mac mini, int. SSD, ext. HDD, tv as monitor, key board and track pad on bean bag as remote,Devialet 200, Od'A #097, Blue jeans speaker cable,
Dynaudio C1 MkII.
Jim Smith's GBS.
Northern NSW Australia.
Dynaudio C1 MkII.
Jim Smith's GBS.
Northern NSW Australia.
