You can configure the line inputs in "pass thru" mode. This gives a fixed input that would work with an external pre-amp.
Although as f1eng mentions above, it is not quite that simple. This does not by-pass the Devialet's volume control, which is part of ADH, it simply "fixes" the volume at a set level.
Furthermore, the Devialet's DAC is an integral part of ADH. So depending on what source you intend to use, you may end up running source to DAC to pre-amp to the Devialet, the Devialet then converts the analogue feed from the pre-amp to digital (ADC) this goes to the ADH, which is essentially pre-amp, DAC, and amp in one. So no matter how good the external pre-amp and DAC may be, you are still using the Devialet's digital volume control (albeit fixed) and the Devialet's DAC.
This will work, but from a technical perspective it does not seem a good idea. The external pre-amp and DAC may add a bit of euphonic flavour that you find pleasing, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although it is quite likely the additions will not be euphonic and it simply does not sound as good.
In a way, I do exactly as described above when I use my Devialet to power the front channels in my AV system. The Devialet is fed an analogue signal from my surround processor, which acts as DAC and pre-amp.
This sounds OK, great for movies, but does it sound as good as feeding the Devialet digitally? No, it does not.
Anyway - I wish you good luck if you decide to try it, and have fun!
Although as f1eng mentions above, it is not quite that simple. This does not by-pass the Devialet's volume control, which is part of ADH, it simply "fixes" the volume at a set level.
Furthermore, the Devialet's DAC is an integral part of ADH. So depending on what source you intend to use, you may end up running source to DAC to pre-amp to the Devialet, the Devialet then converts the analogue feed from the pre-amp to digital (ADC) this goes to the ADH, which is essentially pre-amp, DAC, and amp in one. So no matter how good the external pre-amp and DAC may be, you are still using the Devialet's digital volume control (albeit fixed) and the Devialet's DAC.
This will work, but from a technical perspective it does not seem a good idea. The external pre-amp and DAC may add a bit of euphonic flavour that you find pleasing, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although it is quite likely the additions will not be euphonic and it simply does not sound as good.
In a way, I do exactly as described above when I use my Devialet to power the front channels in my AV system. The Devialet is fed an analogue signal from my surround processor, which acts as DAC and pre-amp.
This sounds OK, great for movies, but does it sound as good as feeding the Devialet digitally? No, it does not.
Anyway - I wish you good luck if you decide to try it, and have fun!
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
