28-Sep-2018, 19:18
I upgraded from the D400 to D440 Pro, and now to D440 Pro Core Infinity. Each upgrade was a noticeable improvement, but the CI upgrade impressed me the most because of the improvements versus the change. I thought the CI would bring new functions but only minor, if any, improvements to sound quality. Instead the sound quality of the CI board is almost as much an improvement as the D400 to D440 upgrade. The most pleasing part of each upgrade was less glare (hardness, digital, jitter, or whatever that is). I used to ameliorate that with accessories (USB filters, cables, etc.) but now the sound of the stock D440CI is more relaxed and natural than anything I could achieve before, while retaining the precision and detail I've always enjoyed. It is a lovely listen. I am having more network issues with the CI boards, and Devialet has many problems to fix still, but the core sound is wonderful and I'm enjoying that more than ever.
