The new Streamer Board - What is the 'must have' feature

[Confused]

Your post made me realise that I'd missed DLNA from the options list!  Oh well, I guess this is not the end of the world because as you mention UPnP/DLNA are protocols that Devialet have already advised are supported.

I would suggest that my UPnP option is simply extended to be UPnP/DLNA.  Ironically sometimes I use DLNA myself, via JRiver and the microRendu, so I should have known better!

As to the 'more brain power' that Devialet refer to, this could of course mean many things.  As an example I am sure that a few folk would like the addition of room correction, but who knows what Devialet might have in mind.

As for your thought that a $1800 product should have decent capability and sound quality, I think you might have a point.  Time will tell, but I am actually quite optimistic that the sound quality will be excellent.  There are a few reasons for this.  One thing I know is that a large proportion of the cost of many hifi components is actually taken by the design and production of the case.  In the case of the Devialet streamer, this cost is zero, so the entire cost should refer to R&D and the actual electronics.  (assuming the figure was not simply made up by the marketing team).  The other reason I am optimistic relate to past conversations that I have has with Devialet's chief design engineer Mathieu Pernod.  I think I have met him three times now, and on each occasion it has been clear to me that his primary interest is sound quality.  Oddly enough, he has never appeared that keen on things like Roon & MQA, that is locking Devialet into anything that requires licensing, subscriptions from customers and similar.  But he does appear to be very driven with respect to things that matter to sound quality.  We will find out in due course, but there is reason to be optimistic I think.   (Unless your primary interest is Roon & MQA)

Glad to know that Mr. Mathieu Pernod is most concerned in SQ. More functions are bonus but SQ is the king IMHO.

Erm... I hate to disappoint folks!

Mathieu Pernod told me in no uncertain terms that there was NO WAY a fancy streamer could make any difference to the SQ of the Devialet. Admittedly this was a couple of years ago but it is clear that he doesn't believe that reclocking etc will have any effect. After all he has been quite happy conducting demos using a MacBook connected via USB. 

Guillaume

Guillaume - I recall that you posted that Devialet were planning (or at least 'hinting' at planning) something 'quite ambitious' for the OS board.  So I'm guessing you think this hint was aimed more at functionality rather than sound quality? 

Plus, if they hit the Q2 promise, we only have 5 more months of speculation to go!   Oh the joy!