Air 3.0.4 Officially Released

[Hifi_swlon]

I would like to clarify my point. I did not mean to imply that the USB cards are different. However, I feel the implementation of the USB input is different with the 220 pro. I bought the Audioquest diamond USB cable but never used the USB input that much with my D200 as i always found the sound to be lackluster. But when I plugged the same cable into the 220pro it was an instant realization that something was different. I used the same source my Melco. I cant elaborate with audiophile terms because my vocabulary is limited when it comes to that. But we all know the moment when the magic happens during changing of equipment or accessories, you instantly realize wow this change is for the better. I agree with Confused that its because the Expert Pro is a better amplifier, with better power filtration. But Devialet must have put some thought into improving the USB chain inside the Expert Pro, I dont believe it is just by chance. As for the exact technical details only Devialet can elaborate.

Since we're using the card from the non-pro series, my guess is it performs more or less the same, but just sounds better because it's a different amp. I guess if they've improved the power supply in the pro, the card may be getting cleaner power, so could technically sound better. How would we know though?

Would be very tricky to compare the two. I guess someone would have to take the power lines from a pro motherboard over to a non-pro streamerboard, and see if the non-pro's sound improved.

As for hacking the board, I guess it depends how many generic systems they add. If it's all proprietary it would be a lot of work even to just get an OS on it, let alone reverse engineer all the Devialet specific stuff. That said I'm sure it could be done, but who would have the resources? It's such a small user base it would probably have to be a group of very technical and motivated owners. Since the Phantoms have yet to be cracked/hacked, I'm guessing it's pretty unlikely.

But of course we won't need to. Because who would design a streamerboard that none of their customers actually wanted?

Oh.......yeah... a name just came to mind.....