Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 vs. Devialet Expert 220 Pro

[Damon]

Right. I think you get better sound for the money with the Hegel. And without knowing anything about the Hegel company, I dare to say, you’ll get better support than from Devialet ;-)

I don't know how you could make any judgement about support from a company that you know nothing about, or have any experience with. Hegel promises nothing in terms of upgrades of any sort and no development of any product; in that regard, you could not possibly be disappointed, because there is no commitment to any update or evolution of the product. Devialet has often overextended themselves in their advertising and often under-delivered updates and missed scheduled deliveries of software issues. But they also have set higher goals than most other companies. And yes, there have been some solid disappointments. But don't discount the solid and impressive accomplishments. That the Expert series eventually required a 'pay' upgrade is not unreasonable. Substantial hardware upgrades, renewed warranty, and dramatic improvements in sound quality and amplifier performance. And not upgrading did not leave you with a lesser amplifier. If it was good, it still is. The Hegel you may buy today will be replaced by their newer, better product in a few years and I doubt there will be any upgrade path other than selling it and buying the newer version.

I admit that I, personally, find Hegel electronics to be quite industrial sounding (I refrain from using the 'Clini...' word here, but it would be appropriate) when compared to Devialet amplifiers. But hey, whatever black box tempts you.