1000 Pro Review

[mobaer]

The speakers definitely played a part in this one.

Not sure why the input used is such an issue to some.  As long as he used the same input on both amps is all that matters.  His computer driving the amps might be well be optimized with battery power etc etc.  Calling him out for not using AIR is silly.

What I deduce from the review is:  If your speakers are easy to drive upgrading might not be that big of a change.  If you listen to red book or less mostly, upgrading might not be that big of a change.  Some of the upgrade user reviews on this site after being away from their amps for 2+ weeks, might just contain a little expectation bias.  Ducking for cover on that last comment.

I completely agree with you.
The speakers characteristics play an important role in whether you'll hear a significant increase in SQ by upgrading to a more powerful amp. I experienced this when I upgraded from my 250 to the 800. My Gauder Cassiano are not an easy load, so the effect in SQ was great. I doubt, that it's the marginally better parameters like distortion and signal-to-noise ratio of the 800 compared to the 250, which I perceived as an improvement. I guess it's just the higher damping factor due to the increased power.

Expectation bias you'll find everywhere in the hifi business. Ask people who just have spent several thousand Euros/Dollars if it's worth the improvement. Guess the answer...
Recently experienced by me when it came to upgrading my Gauder speakers (mainly the crossover). I heard praise from all users who did the upgrade and from the dealer of course, too. I took the time (half a day) to listen to the upgraded version on my own D800. Nearly no difference - and I tried hard to discover significant changes. That saved me a lot of money.
I'll do the same with the upgrade D800-D1000 as soon as I have the chance. If there's a significant improvement for me I will not hesitate. If it's only minor I will wait until some specs of the new streamer board come up. Until now the streamer board appears to be just "vaporware", since nearly no facts have been stated by Devialet. The suspense continues...