Devialet as a pre-amp

[Jwg1749]

I must admit I am smitten with the Devialet and also the Montis. However I am very wary of finding them incompatible and making a big mistake. Also I will not be able to buy both at the same time; the amp must come first.

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One more question:
Is it possible to bi-amp with the D-200 by running the inboard amp into one set of speaker terminals whilst simultaneously feeding an external power amp from the line out sockets?

You could do that but not with the Montis as they only have one set of terminals (i.e. no separate LF and HF). Your best bet would be to buy a 200 Companion and go dual mono, which would give you 400W per channel.

The other thing you have to remember about the Montis is that each sub contains a 200W amp taking care of everything below 340Hz. This means that, even though the impedance of the Montis panel does crazy things, your outboard amp is being asked to supply quite a bit less grunt, so it will have more headroom to power the panel.

If you're really worried about a lack of power from the Devialet, then I suggest you avoid it altogether and get a thumping great power amp (e.g. Sanders Magtech)* and a nice pre. Much as I love my Devialet (best amp I've heard by some distance), I would have to say that my love of the Montis is greater, so I'd be more concerned to make them happy, even if that meant a divorce from Devialet. (I hope no-one else is reading, because I may be burned at the stake for heresy for that remark.)

I also think you might be better off getting the speakers first. I really do think a system should be built around speakers -- again maybe heresy in these parts.

* my understanding is that Roger Sanders does worldwide 30-day money back trials, if you pay for carriage.