Firmware 8.1.2 released

[salk61]

Here's an email that I sent to Devialet's support time: -

Hello Roger,

I understand what you are trying to say here, but not everybody uses the Audirvana software, some of us use music servers and disc players. In that context something needs to be done in a future firmware update of yours because it is quite unsatisfactory that one has to increase the volume by about 6 dB in order to enjoy DSD files. I would think an appropriate solution would be to have some process built in the Devialet and its firmware that every time the system detects a DSD file playing it automatically and by default increases the volume level by 6 dB. I am reasonably sure that this can be done and the reason I say that is because of experience. In my old system, which comprised of an Ayre KX-R preamplifier, an Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and a Krell 402e amplifier connected to my current music server (Aurender X100) I never had to increase the volume when switching from a PCM to a DSD. Clearly a mechanism existed in the QB-9 DAC that adjusted the output levels in such a way that I never had to change the volume when switching from a PCM to a DSD file. Whether or not DSD is better than PCM is a matter of personal preference; I find the DSD’s files have noticeably better sound quality than PCM and as such others like myself to benefit a better sound quality from the Devialet for DSD files.

The other issue is the sound quality of firmwares 8.0 or later; I am a member of the Devialet chat forum and several members and owners of Devialet are voicing this concern that I have. This concern relates to the sound quality of the Devialets which has changed altogether and most people feel that the sound quality is not good at all like it was with the  7.1.3 firmware. Myself and other members of the chat for have compared the sound quality 7.1.3 and 8.0 and a vast majority of them feel that 7.1.3 was much better.

I think the issue here is that the Devialet is as much a computer as it is a piece of audio equipment and firmware updates can significantly change sound quality. I will also admit that there are a few Devialet owners on the chat forum would like 8.0 better than 7.1.3 so essentially it does, to a degree, come down to personal preference. For this reason I have a suggestion, which has been made by other chat forum members, that two or three different kinds of firmware updates be released at the same time. All of them should have the features of 8.0 firmware but the sound quality in them should be different. I and some members feel that a new firmware update should be released which has the sound quality of 7.1.3 but the features of 8.0.

Most of us feel that this is a brand-new technology and it should be developed as much by audio engineers as by software and computer engineers. The audio engineers need to be focusing on sound quality by listening in their studios and work collaboratively with computer and software engineers advising them of the changes that need to be made to firmware updates in order to preserve good sound quality. I have actually gone back to firmware 7.1.3 because I highly disliked the sound of 8.0
I look forward to your email at your earliest convenience.
Thank you


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Devialet absolutely shouldn't be maintaining multiple versions of the firmware.  They have enough trouble getting one version out that isn't bug ridden.  Add the complication of maintaining the configuration tool for multiple features it would be a nightmare for them.

As you said, making 8+ sound like 7.1.3 won't work for the people that like 8+.  I unfortunately I think you'll be stuck on 7.1.3 for a long time which is probably just fine until something comes along and breaks things for you or you want one or more of the new features (DSD as an example).  At that point you'll have to decide to live with 8+ or sell your Devialet and move to something else.


Personally I install the new firmwares as they come out and just enjoy the music.

This is a forum where, at least I thought, people share their views and opinions to enjoy their music and learn from each other's experiences. As such one would hope that this would be done in a cordial, decent and cultured manner. To make statements like 'making no sense at all, Devialet would scream, you'll have to sell your devialet and move on' is only reflective of an individual's character, pedigree and grooming. I'm not going to sell my Devialet or move on because I bought it for a reason and will find a way to get around these minor issues.
What I will leave is this forum and move on because of the reprehensible responses I got from two members here. It's left a poor taste in my mouth and this isn't the kind of company I normally keep.
So long


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