Devialet Chat

Ok I didn't have time to catch up by reading the whole thread but if AIR is positioined as bit perfect, then how can it be bettered as is said above and another question what does RAAT offer in term of sound quality and besides multi room support many of us I suppose do not need?

I've put a post addressed to Quentin in the Devialet ‘Quentin Sannié | Core Infinity Software’ thread, but it may have been locked down. No new posts since 5am this morning, and my post has been sitting ‘Pending Approval’ for nearly 5 hours.

I then put the same post into the Devialet 'Core Infinity Log - 20th October' and it too has now also been put into 'Pending Approval'. Nothing in the post is derogatory or rude. Actually my first 2 words are "Thanking you", with my last "Your continued support is most appreciated."

Looks like the Post Police are now out in force within Devialet ?

I'll copy it here if anyone wants to have a read, and if anyone can see what's wrong with the post please let me know (I don't see what is wrong with what I've wrote):

Dear Quentin,

Thanking you for providing the update regarding current progress, and noted issues with the Core Infinity Software. Understand it's not easy for a Company to advise of delays, and noted issues, but it is refreshing for yourself / Devialet to be so open with what is happening, and the projected roadmap - Kudos for this.

Appreciate that there’s lots of priorities that Devialet are pursuing regarding current and future features of the OS, and one feature cannot take precedence. A 100% fully functioning board should be first priority, followed by Operating Software, then finally followed by features (proposed features only work, if the board works, and it's operating software is error free).

One item that seems to be apparent (especially highlighted in the comments above) is the request for Roon RAAT to be implemented with the Core Infinity. I myself have Roon lifetime membership, and from a personal perspective would appreciate if Roon RAAT (Ready) functionality were provided with the Core Infinity (be that current or future). Devialet support have indicated that they are currently keeping track of requests for Roon RAAT, only via Devialet official channels (emails, chat, phone call, Facebook, Twitter), and the person I have corresponded with indicated that only 4 requests have been made to themselves. This number seems hard to believe that it’s so low, considering the multiple requests currently noted in the above posts only since yesterdays communicate from yourself.

Would it not be more efficient (and transparent) if a Poll were set-up here in the Core Infinity Log, where customers (be that current or potential) are able to advise of the features that they feel are expected or wished for with the Core Infinity. I understand that Devialet cannot run their business solely on the wishes of their customers, but it would be valuable feedback for Devialet on the expectations for current / future needs.

The Poll can be limited to features currently proposed by Devialet for immediate implementation with the Core Infinity (e.g. UPnP, Spotify, Airplay, etc.), and also future features (e.g. Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, Roon RAAT, Room Correction, Onboard / On-the-fly Configurator, etc.).
Poll:

• UPnP
  
• Spotify
  
• Airplay
  
• Qobuz
  
• Deezer
  
• Tidal
  
• Roon RAAT (yes please)
  
• Room Correction
  
• Onboard / On-the-fly Configurator
  
• Other ........
  

 
I hope you would recognise that a Poll would not only be more efficient for Devialet in providing valuable information of customer’s expectation/requests, but would add to the welcome transparency currently being provided by yourself / Devialet within these Core Infinity updates.

Your continued support is most appreciated.

Cheers
John

PS Please can you also update the remote app, as I don't believe it has ever been revised since it's inception and is severely lacking in features and functionality (if / when it actually works, which is very intermittent)
PPS - what feature does the 3 dots represent as indicated after the Web Radio symbol???

(09-Nov-2017, 09:04)Celts88 Wrote: [ -> ]I've put a post addressed to Quentin in the Devialet ‘Quentin Sannié | Core Infinity Software’ thread, but it may have been locked down. No new posts since 5am this morning, and my post has been sitting ‘Pending Approval’ for nearly 5 hours.

I then put the same post into the Devialet 'Core Infinity Log - 20th October' and it too has now also been put into 'Pending Approval'. Nothing in the post is derogatory or rude. Actually my first 2 words are "Thanking you", with my last "Your continued support is most appreciated."

Looks like the Post Police are now out in force within Devialet ?

I'll copy it here if anyone wants to have a read, and if anyone can see what's wrong with the post please let me know (I don't see what is wrong with what I've wrote):

Dear Quentin,

Thanking you for providing the update regarding current progress, and noted issues with the Core Infinity Software. Understand it's not easy for a Company to advise of delays, and noted issues, but it is refreshing for yourself / Devialet to be so open with what is happening, and the projected roadmap - Kudos for this.

Appreciate that there’s lots of priorities that Devialet are pursuing regarding current and future features of the OS, and one feature cannot take precedence. A 100% fully functioning board should be first priority, followed by Operating Software, then finally followed by features (proposed features only work, if the board works, and it's operating software is error free).

One item that seems to be apparent (especially highlighted in the comments above) is the request for Roon RAAT to be implemented with the Core Infinity. I myself have Roon lifetime membership, and from a personal perspective would appreciate if Roon RAAT (Ready) functionality were provided with the Core Infinity (be that current or future). Devialet support have indicated that they are currently keeping track of requests for Roon RAAT, only via Devialet official channels (emails, chat, phone call, Facebook, Twitter), and the person I have corresponded with indicated that only 4 requests have been made to themselves. This number seems hard to believe that it’s so low, considering the multiple requests currently noted in the above posts only since yesterdays communicate from yourself.

Would it not be more efficient (and transparent) if a Poll were set-up here in the Core Infinity Log, where customers (be that current or potential) are able to advise of the features that they feel are expected or wished for with the Core Infinity. I understand that Devialet cannot run their business solely on the wishes of their customers, but it would be valuable feedback for Devialet on the expectations for current / future needs.

The Poll can be limited to features currently proposed by Devialet for immediate implementation with the Core Infinity (e.g. UPnP, Spotify, Airplay, etc.), and also future features (e.g. Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, Roon RAAT, Room Correction, Onboard / On-the-fly Configurator, etc.).
Poll:

• UPnP
  
• Spotify
  
• Airplay
  
• Qobuz
  
• Deezer
  
• Tidal
  
• Roon RAAT (yes please)
  
• Room Correction
  
• Onboard / On-the-fly Configurator
  
• Other ........
  

 
I hope you would recognise that a Poll would not only be more efficient for Devialet in providing valuable information of customer’s expectation/requests, but would add to the welcome transparency currently being provided by yourself / Devialet within these Core Infinity updates.

Your continued support is most appreciated.

Cheers
John

PS Please can you also update the remote app, as I don't believe it has ever been revised since it's inception and is severely lacking in features and functionality (if / when it actually works, which is very intermittent)
PPS - what feature does the 3 dots represent as indicated after the Web Radio symbol???

I just posted and it went straight through and was posted after your last post. Maybe your post is over a certain amount of characters or maybe it's because you posted a few times in a row that makes the computers put you on hold. I'm sure your post will go through.

(09-Nov-2017, 08:09)iamwappie Wrote: [ -> ]Ok I didn't have time to catch up by reading the whole thread but if AIR is positioined as bit perfect, then how can it be bettered as is said above and another question what does RAAT offer in term of sound quality and besides multi room support many of us I suppose do not need?

I believe Devialet AIR and RAAT don't have any difference in SQ. It's all about reliability whether streaming really works flawlessly or not.

It is painful to read this thread. I also don't use Roon and have no intention of ever using it. I do however use Qobuz have a subscription for sublime plus, which I find to be excellent. So it would be great to see Qobuz integration, and I can't wait. I listen to my D440 Pro everyday with an SoTM 200 Ultra + SoTM 500 and the sound quality is amazing, I doubt the Core Infinity board will even come close to it. So really my point or question is why so much of fuss is being created on this forum when people already are using alternatives, be it for Qobuz or Roon?
I have read the letter posted by Quentin and it seems that the company is having some serious issues with software integration. Issues relate to third parties like Apple and Spotify, which I am sure Devialet did not foresee when designing the initial hardware/software, but they are finding workarounds. UPnP has been tested and seems to be working fine. We just have to patiently wait this out. People who do not want to be Alpha/ Beta testers should just stand on the sidelines and watch how early adopters get along. 

And as for calling/emailing and inundating an already struggling company with requests, won't do anyone any favours. Quentin's letter was raw to read and he really laid it out bare for all the Expert Pro customers, hardly hardly do you ever see this kind of forthright information exchange. Lets give them a chance to figure this one out...

Just my 2cents..

(09-Nov-2017, 10:05)Devialetuser Wrote: [ -> ]It is painful to read this thread. I also don't use Roon and have no intention of ever using it. I do however use Qobuz have a subscription for sublime plus, which I find to be excellent. So it would be great to see Qobuz integration, and I can't wait. I listen to my D440 Pro everyday with an SoTM 200 Ultra + SoTM 500 and the sound quality is amazing, I doubt the Core Infinity board will even come close to it. So really my point or question is why so much of fuss is being created on this forum when people already are using alternatives be it for Qobuz or Roon?

Don't worry - Devialet has already said that they will add Qobuz (and Tidal) support on Q1-Q2/2018. Reality might be Q3, but anyway you know for sure that it is coming.

Fact is that Roon/AIR doesn't work reliably today. Problem is that I don't know what Devialet is going to do about it. They don't communicate anything about it. All I want is to have a reliably working Roon streaming and good SQ --> Roon RAAT.

(08-Nov-2017, 22:31)Confused Wrote: [ -> ]It's hard to say what features are most desired.  If you spend some time on this forum, it would appear that Roon RAAT is a clear number 1, but of course that says nothing for the very many Devialet users that are perhaps spending their time listening to the things rather than posting about it on the 'net (I do both ), they might desire all manner of things.  Clearly the most desirable outcome is that the new board offers a decent choice of uses, you want Qobuz, it has it.  RAAT?  Yes, it's got that too.  AirPlay?  Yes, that as well.  Everybody happy. Whatever you look at it, there is not much point fighting over it here.  Me?  I would actually like HQPlayer support.  Not much chance of that, and I am not aware of anyone else who is interested in this.  I might lobby for it one day, but not until the more popular stuff is up and running a bug free.  (it might be a long wait......) 

In fact, even support of HQPlayer is a long way from my main interest in the new board.  In some audiophile circles the concept of Ethernet direct to DAC is some kind of modern day digital audio holy grail, and this is what the new board offers.  OK, in theory AIR offered that too.  AIR does sound good, but it can be bettered.  So my interest is in how the sound quality aspects have been optimised.  Just how good (or bad) will it prove to be with respect to sound quality performance.  In terms of the communications from Devialet I have seen nothing that gives me any insight into this aspect, sound quality does not get a mention, neither is anything from a technical perspective that might influence sound quality mentioned, nothing.  I am genuinely looking forward to hearing what it can do.  If it ever works bug free with anything, of course.

I shall sign off with a question that was niggling me, I know DLNA as used by JRiver and others is a kind of sub-set of UPnP.  Assuming the advertised UPnP side of things works, does this mean that JRIver / DLNA streaming should work OK?  There might be some subtleties that I am missing re DLNA compatibility.

Did you let Devialet know about the survey result regarding the most important feature the Core Infinity board should have? As initiator of the survey in the most important and largest Devialet user forum this could give them at least a few more data points in their market picture what Devialet interested people might want. The poll reached more than 100 and almost 50% of the voters selected RAAT as the number1 feature on their wish list.
I’m a Phantom user and would be extremely glad if Devialet would include RAAT to the Phantoms. But I’m a bit desperate when Devialet does not even consider, i.e. recognize such a demand in the PRO fraction.

The most frustrating thing about lack of Roon RAAT support is that it's so easy to implement.

Devialet has said that the Core Insanity board has a Linux OS. There is already existing *free* software that can run in Linux to create a Roon Endpoint.

If I can do it at home from scratch, I don't see what Devialet's issue is, unless the the Core Insanity board has all sorts of other issues that make it buggy (heat, overtaxed CPU, etc).

(09-Nov-2017, 10:05)Devialetuser Wrote: [ -> ]an already struggling company

This is my biggest concern. If Devialet can't pull this off, it makes me think they're understaffed and underesourced, which makes me wonder about their financial health.

Which brings up the liability of the current online configurator...if the company goes bankrupt, the software configurability goes away (until they put an on-board web server in place).

Well, if 50 people have signed a petition for Roon RAAT, that must be at least 0.5% of Devialet customers.

I do wonder with all this moaning and complaining why most people here haven't sold their Devialet unit and purchased something else. Can I recommend Pioneer? AVM? I love mine, so does my family who use it, and it will be even better when my kids can use their various sources like spotify and airplay when they have friends round and have parties. My younger son loves a £30 Chromecast I bought the other day as he and his mates can cast youtube videos to the TV. Spotify and airplay are important because Devialet is a lifestyle product like Bose and B&O as well as being high-end audio, and that is why it is likely to be successful.

For my part, if Core Infinity was a total dud I would still love my Devialet and continue with my Aries streamer.

The key thing does seem to be to get Devialet Air working properly for the simple reason that these days people simply want to pick up their phone and play music, whether on headphones, Sonos or their main audio system. I do all three, I have a little Mojo DAC that is just brilliant, we use a Sonos Soundbar for TV and radio, it is only the Devialet that still need an external streamer.

The idea that Devialet will give up on its wireless protocol, let alone become reliant on a third party protocol, is just plain madness. By all means have 100 third party protocols, just make sure their own one works as a priority.

I would hope Devialet are thinking of something like a Mini-Expert, say half the size, that you just plug in, connect to your network, streams just about anything and could also stream to wireless speakers. Who knows what they are planning. Whatever it is, like Sonos, it needs a 100% Devialet wireless protocol.

As far as Devialet going bust, see:
https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/28/high-e...-and-more/

Devialet has a lot of money and some important strategic investors. It also has the most successful European businessman on the Board of Directors. I have a Sonos Soundbar for the simple reason you can't get half-decent sound out of a flat screen TV. It is clear that SAM is the basic IP value in the company and they have a pretty good strategy to exploit it.

Compare that to Tidal. JZ is trying to off-load it, had been for a long time, he has no strategy and is looking for a buyer with one. Sprint's strategy seems pretty shaky and it seems to be no more than a punt. They may just write off their $200m and forget about it. It doesn't bode well for MQA either. If Tidal ends up owned by a phone company, how many customers are going to pay for HD music or take contracts with sufficient data allowances. So Sprint could buy Tidal and dump MQA.

MQA has a disruptive strategy. The majority investor is a Luxembourg fund, but the record company majors (UMG, WMG, Sony) have shareholdings. They see possible revenue streams, but I don't think they have any interest in sound quality. They never have, so why now? MQA has only a fraction of the cash available to Devialet.

I find it far more informative to look at these things from the perspective of the business strategy of the investors, you will probably learn more about Devialet from reading the Financial Times than What HiFi.