220 to 440 ROI

[Bertie]

I am using a D400 with Kanta 2 with a SVS PB1000 Pro, I can tell you with the right setup, this combo's detail and transparency is not easy to match with any other system.

For two S812, it depends on your room. Is there anything in particular you are not satisfied with the sound? In most cases, two subwoofers are better than one because it helps to reduce the room mode effects. However, is there any point in the bass region you are not satisfied with now? if not, what is there to improve?

Mind you, you have to do some work with the inputs to make the Devialet sound great ...... I use computer as source and I am using a 10mhz clock connected to DDC which then links to the D400 via AES, the same 10mhz clock also clocks the network switch, the network cable also goes through FMC. As Devialet is all-in-one design, the only tweak possible is with the source. The DDC apparently passes the clock signal into the Devialet via AES, and this gives a marked improvement in the level of details Devailet can produce. With a clock, the Devialet is producing details in line with the top DAC available today, which I find quite amazing for a technology developed 10 years ago.

For tuning, Focal speakers are excellent for air, treble details and bass resolution. Devialet is also excellent in bass production. I don't think even Gryphon is able to beat the Devialet's bass resolution if Devialet is set up correctly. Gryphon however is going to produce a mid range with more texture and less 'thin' sound, because with lots of air it is easy for Focal speakers to sound 'thin' and lack of texture. If using Devialet, focus your tuning and cable matching on regaining the texture. When it is done correctly, the Focal/Devialet produces details that are even more than some Wilson Audio systems. Focal is never going to produce the texture like Wilson Audio speakers, but neither is Wilson Audio speakers able to produce as airy a soundstage as Focal. On my system, I think the texture is still acceptable with Devialet D400.

I have to agree with you 100% on what you said about your D400. I use 440-Pro (earlier D400) and also an external streamer. Devialets do require quite a bit of hard work to set them up well and in complete sync with the rest of the system. And when done well, it is indeed a tough system to overtake. I've been thinking/trying to replace my 440-Pro for the last 2 years and have tried other integrated amps/ Pre-power combos but the Devialets are always so close to their competition or even head-to-head with them, I am still continuing to have them. Once again - I do need to mention that setting them up, understanding their every weak areas and addressing them is of utmost importance. Once achieved, it's quite a "killer kit".

I think tweaking to produce my kind of ‘synergy’ is compelling bait. I loved the Cambridge Edge gear that I’m selling now and it’s sound was perhaps closer to my ideal in many respects but the 220 has given me a weird and wonderful soundstage that throws female backing vocals out into both sides of my 13’ x 15’ room. It’s also given me such bass control and power. I can’t envision anything this side of the euro lottery improving on it. I know that my system doesn’t ‘need’ to be a 440 but I’m sure the bottom end and that soundstage and magic with breathy females in the room will still be here. Who knows, maybe I’ll dip my toe into the Diablo ecosystem at some point, but I’n not done messing about just yet.