Headphones and the Devialet

[Womaz]

I won't pretend to understand how Devialet has implemented the DAC, but what you get with the recommended setup using line outs for headphones did not sound nearly as good as I was expecting to would/should.   For me, separate DAC/amp sounds better.  I've been using an iFi Micro iDSD DAC/amp for portability and ease of use, and it sounds quite good.   But there are plenty of more expensive DAC/headphone amps that likely sound far better.   If/when I listen more via headphones, I'll likely go down that rabbit hole.

I tried going the pre out route to headphones from the slave on my 440 but was not happy with the sound.  There was also the fiddling around with the remote (input selection/mute). I'm now taking USB from source and feeding into the HF amp/DAC and the results are superb.  I still get to use Roon and nobody gets disturbed by my late night listening so a win for everyone.

Sorry can you clarify this. You now have a dedicated HP Amp/DAC that is connected by USB ? I take it you mean it’s not connected to the Devialet in any way ? Did you try the HP amp through the Devialet before you did this ?

I now use a dedicated HP Amp/DAC which is not connected to the Devialet in any way. I did also try the pre out from the Devialet into the RCA of the HP Amp/DAC and was still not satisfied with the sound.

Thanks for the clarification. I found the same when I used a dedicated HP amp, it was an improvement. I guess I am now considering a dedicated DAC for my headphones as it may offer improvements as I am now using my headphones more and more.