(28-Sep-2014, 13:30)ZincAlloy Wrote: [ -> ]Hi Guillaume and others .... Of course, full report on the way 
Initial views are very positive, but I've only listened to it for a few hours. Anyway, here's my current thinking:
1. Bass response is much improved - tighter and more present than non-SAM. The Akurates aren't the most impressive speakers for bass (I bought them for their amazing midrange -they sound really breathtaking with female vocals). SAM has now inserted what was effectively non-existent bass.
2. More surprising is just how much better the midrange sounds also - some recordings (Doris Day, Donovan) had sounded slightly sibilant at fairly hugh volume - this has now been more or less eradicated. As a result, the music sounds more 'relaxed", whilst not losing any detail.
3. Overall, the soundstage seems to have expanded in all directions, and placement of vocalists and musicians seems more focused.
For a free upgrade, it's astounding. I really feel that I don't need to spend any more money on hi-fi unti something (or me) breaks down ....
For any prospective Devialet purchasers, buying a non-SAM speaker should be approached very cautiously.
ATB, Ken
Wonderful Ken! Have you posted your findings on the Linn forum yet?
I wonder what Philbo would make of this...
Guillaume
ken - Interesting stuff, With KEF Blades I noticed much the same thing with soundstage, which surprised me because this is hardly a weak point with the Blades. I can also agree with your comments re bass and mid range, although to a lesser extent in my case. And yes, the best value upgrade ever!
Looks like SF Amati Futura, Olympica III and PMC Fact 8 are next.....
(04-Oct-2014, 20:46)Neffa Wrote: [ -> ]Looks like SF Amati Futura, Olympica III and PMC Fact 8 are next.....
Nice, especially the SFs.
I've heard the PMC Fact 8s with a Dev 200, and they were just about OK. Maybe SAM will transform them.
(04-Oct-2014, 21:21)Jwg1749 Wrote: [ -> ] (04-Oct-2014, 20:46)Neffa Wrote: [ -> ]Looks like SF Amati Futura, Olympica III and PMC Fact 8 are next.....
Nice, especially the SFs.
I've heard the PMC Fact 8s with a Dev 200, and they were just about OK. Maybe SAM will transform them.
IIRC, you did try the SF Olympica - is that right - what were your thoughts? Did you try the Proac D30R or B&W CM10 or 804?
(05-Oct-2014, 10:46)Neffa Wrote: [ -> ] (04-Oct-2014, 21:21)Jwg1749 Wrote: [ -> ] (04-Oct-2014, 20:46)Neffa Wrote: [ -> ]Looks like SF Amati Futura, Olympica III and PMC Fact 8 are next.....
Nice, especially the SFs.
I've heard the PMC Fact 8s with a Dev 200, and they were just about OK. Maybe SAM will transform them.
IIRC, you did try the SF Olympica - is that right - what were your thoughts? Did you try the Proac D30R or B&W CM10 or 804?
Yes, you remember correctly.
I've heard the Olympica Is, IIs and IIIs. For me the IIs were the pick of the range. I found the IIIs to be a just a little bit "baggy" and slow, whereas the IIs are lovely and crisp, whilst retaining some of the traditional SF mellowness. Having said that, I did audition the IIIs alongside some Martin Logans, which make most dynamic speakers sound wrong.
I heard the PMC Fact 8s, Proac D30Rs and B&W 804Ds in a single sitting. I'm not really a fan of B&W diamond tweeters. Otherwise I thought they were pretty good, and with considerably more bass slam that either the Proacs or the PMCs. The speaker I enjoyed least at that demo was the Fact 8. They're very nimble but the sound is overly clinical and lacks bass richness. If I'd had to have one of the three it would have been the Proacs. They're a bit coloured, but in an attractive way.
Great, thanks! Should be able to hear some Olympica II soon!!
(06-Oct-2014, 16:39)Neffa Wrote: [ -> ]Great, thanks! Should be able to hear some Olympica II soon!!
Nice! I'd strongly recommend hearing the Martin Logan Theos: around the same price, wonderful ESL panel, and SAM-ready.
Matt
I see they plan to have the Sonos Faber Olyimpica's at the Guilford Audio event? Maybe with SAM? I did hear a pair a while ago without SAM, plenty of bass I thought, with SAM providing better bass definition they could be quite special I think.
(06-Oct-2014, 20:38)Confused Wrote: [ -> ]I see they plan to have the Sonos Faber Olyimpica's at the Guilford Audio event? Maybe with SAM? I did hear a pair a while ago without SAM, plenty of bass I thought, with SAM providing better bass definition they could be quite special I think.
I heard the Olympica ii a while back being powered by a 200 I think. This was before SAM and I thought it was a lovely combo. With SAM it's bound to be impressive.
I've always thought there was a great synergy between Devialet and SF. They kinda complement one another.
Guillaume