I'm currently auditioning a Gryphon Diablo 300 at home with the DAC and RIIA modules. The Diablo 300 cost (without the modules) almost exactly as much as the D440 Pro.
All I can say so far is that the Gryphon Diablo 300 in many ways is a vastly superior amplifier compared to the D400. Yes, it's very big, black, bulky and even hotter than the D400 and very far from a sleek, shiny silvery pizza box. And no, it slightly lacks the same top end separation, micro dynamics and that Devialet sonical sparkle. The D440 Pro however need to offer a VERY big step up in SQ from D400 for me to even consider a hardware upgrade to Expert Pro and not opt for the Diablo 300.
I knew my TAD's were a great pair of speakers but I recently discovered just how great they really are thanks to the Diablo 300. The bass is magical (SAM, eat your heart out!), acoustic instruments and voices are incredibly natural and there's an attack and timbre in the sound that lets you really feel the music you're playing.
What Devialet need to do is to come down from their high horses, show some humility towards customers and realize their products simply won't sell themselves using the "best in the world" slogan. Instead it is time to acknowledge that there's some real competition out there, especially in the 15 000 to 20 000 EUR amplifier segment.
The latest step with the upgrade pricing has put the D400/D440 Pro amplifier smack bang in this particular segment of the amplifier market (initial cost + hardware upgrade cost). This has made me (and I'm guessing several other ex. loyal and longtime owners) look into alternatives to an upgrade and to Devialet as a brand.
Offering customers the chance of future upgrades is very much a double edged sword, especially so if not handled correctly by the manufacturer in terms of communication, pricing, availability etc., i.e. just the sort of things Devialet has mismanaged repeatedly.
I used to think I had a true top-of-the-line product in my D400 and for that I was immensely proud, so much so I had a hard time believing critics of the Devialet sound. The latest developments has put a stop to that.
Well...I think that Devialet is a great all in one system but only when we speak aboout 200 costing around 6000 Euro and 250 costing around 9000 Euro (as it was during last offer). When we treat Devialet only as integrated amp it is not such a nice offer. And in category +15000 Euro there are so many great amps.
I love my 250 in its price range but I'd love to hear more about the top $10-20K integrated. Dartzeel, Diablo 300, Avantgarde XA... How do they compare to the Expert and Pro range?
I sense that this is THE question among some of us today after Devialet's decision to make the upgrade such a significant investment.
Nope, not me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not annoyed by their humorous marketing, nor am I offended by the upgrade option, strategy or pricing. In fact, I'm even more impressed that with the Pro series they have, according to the ears of some others here, made a remarkable improvement to an already outstanding line of musical amplification products.
Best in the world? No such thing, not with amplifiers or speakers or any other component. If you have found something you like better, off you go. But it is not a cost equivalent; as you admit, you will need a (an expensive) DAC and a (an expensive) phono stage, plus cables at whatever price point seems required. Oh, and a streamer. If Gryphon is charging the equivalent of a D440 Pro, and you're not getting a DAC or streamer or phono stage, then perhaps .... unnecessary words removed.
I'm not a hi-fi hobby person- I don't play with the gear as a pastime, so I haven't been chomping at the bit over the upgrade, or been driven to shop again by the announcement. I probably don't qualify as a long time owner (Feb 2015) but I'm loyal because I love the sound my D120 makes. It is remarkable for the price. Their marketing or upgrade policy, pricing or communications have done nothing to change my opinion of the product or the company.
(29-Aug-2016, 22:45)Damon Wrote: [ -> ]Nope, not me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not annoyed by their humorous marketing, nor am I offended by the upgrade option, strategy or pricing. In fact, I'm even more impressed that with the Pro series they have, according to the ears of some others here, made a remarkable improvement to an already outstanding line of musical amplification products.
Best in the world? No such thing, not with amplifiers or speakers or any other component. If you have found something you like better, off you go. But it is not a cost equivalent; as you admit, you will need a (an expensive) DAC and a (an expensive) phono stage, plus cables at whatever price point seems required. Oh, and a streamer. If Gryphon is charging the equivalent of a D440 Pro, and you're not getting a DAC or streamer or phono stage, then perhaps they are the arrogant company.
I'm not a hi-fi hobby person- I don't play with the gear as a pastime, so I haven't been chomping at the bit over the upgrade, or been driven to shop again by the announcement. I probably don't qualify as a long time owner (Feb 2015) but I'm loyal because I love the sound my D120 makes. It is remarkable for the price. Their marketing or upgrade policy, pricing or communications have done nothing to change my opinion of the product or the company.
Words of wisdom, Damon! Couldn't agree more
I am also D120 owner and continue to be happy with what I hear. However, I have taken the plunge and will upgrade to the 220 pro. The hi fi geeks at my local hi fi store - who are passionate about what they do - tell me that my setup will benefit. Whether, I will actually be able to hear the difference will be interesting to find out when it happens!
Me..well I bought a 2nd D premier a few weeks ago... and the difference in sound is profound in dual mono mode .. a vast improvement.
Im happy with wot i got..VERY happy .. no need for air or usb or sam etc...
If the 1000pro is deemed the bees knees in terms of SQ over lets say my 500 system..I might be tempted to shell out the Eu6k it will cost me to upgrade to the 1000pro. Another 5 yr warrantee wont hurt .. and maybe some potent DSP would swing it too.
(30-Aug-2016, 08:17)Will Wrote: [ -> ]I am also D120 owner and continue to be happy with what I hear. However, I have taken the plunge and will upgrade to the 220 pro. The hi fi geeks at my local hi fi store - who are passionate about what they do - tell me that my setup will benefit. Whether, I will actually be able to hear the difference will be interesting to find out when it happens!
I'm also a D120 owner and was wondering do I actually benefit from an upgrade. I assumed that 80% of the benefit I'd already have vs a D200. The other 20% from the upgrade over the D200. Since an upgraded model is not available yet for audition I now have a D200 on loan just to see if I hear the difference. It turned out to be a no brainer. Control, effortless, soundstage has improved alot. I'm convinced I need to upgrade now :-)
Great to hear Iamwappie and good for you. As a fellow Dutchman and D200 owner I will be interested to hear what your experience will be with upgrade process and SQ of the new D200 Pro vs your D120 when you have had your upgrade done.
I myself am still in doubt about it. Being a D200 owner I am not sure I am willing to pay the same amount as you will for a much smaller benefit at a price I could also go double mono (D400) for. I am very happy with what I am hearing right now. But I still hope to be presently surprised. Who knows that could change my kind.
Nice speakers btw ;-)
(30-Aug-2016, 16:27)kerkhoffd Wrote: [ -> ]Great to hear Iamwappie and good for you. As a fellow Dutchman and D200 owner I will be interested to hear what your experience will be with upgrade process and SQ of the new D200 Pro vs your D120 when you have had your upgrade done.
I myself am still in doubt about it. Being a D200 owner I am not sure I am willing to pay the same amount as you will for a much smaller benefit at a price I could also go double mono (D400) for. I am very happy with what I am hearing right now. But I still hope to be presently surprised. Who knows that could change my kind.
Nice speakers btw ;-)
I'll let you know on progress. As I understand the 15th of September the upgrade program is initiated for the Netherlands hoping 4 weeks later to get it back.
For me it's not only the sound quality to do the upgrade but also the ability to benefit from future upgrades. Still hoping for room correction and of course a reliable streaming solution (hopefully with Roon integration).
I can understand your consideration though. If -and that we do not know yet for sure - the upgrade program is not time limited you could do the upgrade to D400 for the biggest benefit gain and later dot the upgrade once a feature comes by that is of real benefit to you and in the meantime you've had the chance to compare with upgraded models.