200 review in february TAS

[NickB]

No problem

Conclusion

The Devialet 200 is one remarkable component; its hybrid Class A/D amplifier,  innovative  software-controlled architecture, advanced features, and genre-bending shape and operation are unique. But the 200 is more than a just technological wonder—its sound quality is in many ways superb. The 200’s bass authority, dynamic impact, soundstage transparency and dimensionality, and transient speed far exceed expectations for an under-$10k integrated amplifier/wireless  streaming  DAC.

The upper-mids and treble are a bit on the incisive side, a character that can be tamed with the 200’s tone controls or ideal loudspeaker matching.

This outstanding performance was catapulted into another realm by running a pair of 200s in mono. The monoblock 200s not only improved upon the best qualities heard in stereo operation,  but  more  significantly, ameliorated my reservations about the treble. Surprisingly, mono operation  rendered  a  more  refined presentation by virtue of the greater midrange liquidity and a significantly smoother and more relaxed high end.The Devialet 200/400 is, by a wide margin, the most advanced, flexible, and technically sophisticated audio product I’ve reviewed. It may look like a lifestyle product, but underneath the 200/400 is a serious piece of audiophile hardware. It’s a compelling package that just happens to sound great, too.