Hi All,
I've done a search for this in the forum but found no results, so have joined up so that I can ask!
I'm in the market for Devialet amp; currently driving my B&W 805S speakers (and subwoofer) from a Lavardin IT; and I'm trying to decide between an ex demo D200 and a used D-Premier -- they are approaching the same price these days at around €5,000.
What are the general thoughts on which would be the better option? Obviously the big thing is giving up SAM with the D-Premier but from what I can gather online the D-Premier is a good step up in every other regard?
(Just to add that I couldn't afford to upgrade the D-Premier to D250, just too much money for me I'm afraid).
Thanks for any advice, hugely appreciated!
Plainview.
What features does the D200 have that the D-Premier doesn't? Can you be happy without them?
I woud go for the model that offers you the connnections you need now or in the future.
USB, ethernet > 200
HDMI > D-Premier
for the rest they are almost identical when it comes to connections.
I woud never swap my D200 for a D-Premier. D-Premier looks really cool though if it has the right color.
D200 is tonally and technically much better than Premier
Hi Plainview, and Welcome!
I have no relevant experience to draw upon, however that does not need to keep me from offering an opinion!
I would suggest you go for the D200. It is a current model, and 'more current', possibly, in terms of its design and hardware. It is possible that future updates from Devialet will work only with the 120 - 800 models, and not the D Premier; this is pure speculation but in general, software updates eventually leave older hardware behind.
Adding another 200 to make a D400 is not something that would seem to be a future possibility, but, if your opinion of the Devialet changes or if you need to sell in the future I would expect the D200 to be a more marketable model down the road. USB and ethernet would be prudent to have, I suspect. I think D Prem. owners have considered those connection options worthwhile. And although Devialet is still upgrading D Premiers, they may not do so forever. If they stop that upgrade option, that would reduce the future value of the Premier.
I doubt there is an audible difference based on power or any substantive difference in their ability to drive a difficult speaker load, and I couldn't comment on the tonal differences based on the hardware development from the early Premier to the 120 - 800 expert series.
But let us know which way you go, then come back and jump in on other threads.
Many thanks for the fast and helpful responses.
I think the connections are really key and would likely find USB and Ethernet more useful for my setup than HDMI.
Again, thanks for the help.
Plainview.
FWIW, I thought the upgrade from d-Premier to D250 was a pretty noticeable one, even without SAM, presenting a less fatiguing sound. But, of course, these things are highly subjective and system dependent. I'd guess that d-Premier prices will keep falling, since the upgrade just doesn't make sense now that D200 prices have fallen somewhat.
I was faced with the same quandry.. to UG my D prem is $5000, an extra D prem to make a 500 system is the same.
Considering my speakers aren't sammed and sam wont possibly benefit them , and the usb interface is irelevant to me.. I chose not to uG
I have a pal that had 2 D prems running giya G1 speakers (same as mine) and he UGed both to an 800 system,... he recons it wasnt worth the $10 000.
As to firmware..I seem to have everything that later firmware provides other than SAM stuff...
I have carefully compared the D-Premier and D 200. The same CD, vinyl and internet radio - clearly audible speech is better for me to D-Premier.
D 200 also had my speakers in SAM was still better D-Premier.
D-Premier, I bought a month ago and uprade the latest software without any problems.
You tried to play SACD via HDMI? I do - cool thing.
So for me the clear choice D-Premier!
Translator = google :-)