19-Sep-2015, 01:14
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.
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.
Damon
Powernode, NAD M32, Cambridge CD transport, Analysis Plus, Nordost, iFi Nova, CSS Criton 1TDX, KEF C62
Vancouver, Canada
