Using expert 200 with a separate DAC/preamp

[jcole05]

Hi - longtime expert 200 owner, new to the forum.  I've just purchased a rose hifi streamer and am debating going different routes with my current setup which has simply been the devialet -->  B&W 802Ds.  

One option is to sell the devialet, another is to keep using it as an integrated and the third is to use only part of its capabilities I suppose.

I don't understand devialet's technology, which I recall being quite exciting back in the mid 2010s, well enough to understand what is lost if the unit's DAC and preamplification stages are bypassed.  A better understanding would help me decide how I want to proceed.  Thanks!

[thumb5]

Hello, and welcome.

Probably the most relevant points to bear in mind in your situation are:

1: the Expert amplifiers digitise all analog inputs
2: the main DAC is an integral part of the power amp - in particular the ADH architecture - and can't be bypassed if you're using the amp to drive your speakers

If you're planning to use an analogue output from the streamer, this means there will be an "unnecessary" analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion. Depending on your point of view you might be quite happy with that - it should be completely transparent with no effect on sound quality - but nevertheless some people consider it less than ideal.

If you're using a digital output from the streamer, there's nothing to worry about.

I hope that's helpful (and I haven't misunderstood your concerns).

Ian