New product launch?

[MightyMart]

Constellation Audio has released an integrated amp in the Inspiration Series. According to my hifi dealer the differences between this amp and the pre+power amp combination is far less than expected. And the price? 12 500 USD, compared to 17 495 USD for the D400 in the US. If I had lived in the US this would have been a no-brainer, mildly put...

http://www.constellationaudio.com/ca/ins.../index.php

http://hometheaterreview.com/constellati...amplifier/

You need to get a decent DAC to go with it though since it's not built into the amp (they offer that option for the more expensive Argo integrated, so I think it's just a matter of time before it's available for the Inspiration version too).

I've heard the Inspiration pre+power combination (paired up with Magico S3) and it is a LOT better than Devialet 400, hands down. That much I can tell you. Constellation Audio is however very expensive here in Sweden. This is the only reason I haven't made to move so far, but with the new integrated now might be the time (it's 179 000 SEK or approx. 20 900 USD). I hope to audition it in September/October.

And next week I will hopefully be auditioning the Gryphon Diablo 300 (including the DAC module) at home, which I think could also be a good candidate to replace my D400.

http://www.gryphon-audio.dk/products/int...o-300.aspx

Yes, I'm very disappointed in Devialets inability to handle communication, pricing, marketing, delivering on promises and dates etc., and to do this without any amount of tact and finesse. They have once more shown how far they have drifted away from the most important group of end users and the prime ambassadors of the brand, namely the audiophiles.

I am very sorry, I've been trying to look at the latest development in a positive way but it's getting increasingly harder. Sure, I might reconsider after auditioning other gear and looking into my wallet but right now I all of a sudden find myself very tired and simply fed up. High end audio is not only about sound quality and how much this or that costs. It is also about the trust that a customer shows the manufacturer when purchasing very expensive gear. And when I read what many members of this forum have written for the last week or so, it really strikes me that many of us simply do not trust Devialet any more.