09-May-2020, 12:50
Dear Devialet Users!
I bought a Devialet Expert 120 almost two years ago. During that time, my audio chain changed a lot. At the moment, I have a SonicTransport i5 housing my library and running Roon Server. The SonicTransporter is connected via Ethernet to a USBridge Signature fed by the Shanti LPS. The USBridge Signature feeds into the Devialet Expert 120 via USB, while the Devialet powers my ATC SCM19 speakers.
I do love the dynamic, neutral, powerful sound of the Devialet. No discussion about that! It's totally quiet, the music just flows out of a dark background with perfect smoothness. I do enjoy my system.
When I bought the used unit from a local dealer, he immediately pointed towards upgrading to the Expert Pro 220. I first wanted to see how the Expert 120 sounded without immediately committing to the upgrade. Now, after almost two years, I am considering upgrading. BUT ...
First of all, the upgrade will be a hefty 4,500 Euros! In terms of functionality. Of course, I'd get 220W per channel and a better amplifier. But with regard to Roon, would I get anything?. I have read long discussions about Devialet's problems implementing the RAAT protocol with the CI board. I don't even know if those issues have been solved in the meantime. My system runs RAAT perfectly via the USBridge Sig setup. So RAAT would not be such an issue for me.
Besides upgrading to the Expert Pro 220 (I definitely am tempted), I could also switch entirely to a new system.
A major hurdle holding me back is Devialet's DAC. It's an all-in-one system, I understand this, but seeing the developments of those great DACs going on, I ask myself if one isn't just too limited with the Devialet system. To me it seems that Devialet tweaks so many things in their amps, but (as far as I understand), the DAC remains untouched.
So what I am saying is that flexibility is an important aspect for me.
If not upgrading to the Expert Pro 220, my decision would be towards the Benchmark DAC3 HGC/AHB2 power amp. Easy to use, and upgradable system.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Best regards to all!
I bought a Devialet Expert 120 almost two years ago. During that time, my audio chain changed a lot. At the moment, I have a SonicTransport i5 housing my library and running Roon Server. The SonicTransporter is connected via Ethernet to a USBridge Signature fed by the Shanti LPS. The USBridge Signature feeds into the Devialet Expert 120 via USB, while the Devialet powers my ATC SCM19 speakers.
I do love the dynamic, neutral, powerful sound of the Devialet. No discussion about that! It's totally quiet, the music just flows out of a dark background with perfect smoothness. I do enjoy my system.
When I bought the used unit from a local dealer, he immediately pointed towards upgrading to the Expert Pro 220. I first wanted to see how the Expert 120 sounded without immediately committing to the upgrade. Now, after almost two years, I am considering upgrading. BUT ...
First of all, the upgrade will be a hefty 4,500 Euros! In terms of functionality. Of course, I'd get 220W per channel and a better amplifier. But with regard to Roon, would I get anything?. I have read long discussions about Devialet's problems implementing the RAAT protocol with the CI board. I don't even know if those issues have been solved in the meantime. My system runs RAAT perfectly via the USBridge Sig setup. So RAAT would not be such an issue for me.
Besides upgrading to the Expert Pro 220 (I definitely am tempted), I could also switch entirely to a new system.
A major hurdle holding me back is Devialet's DAC. It's an all-in-one system, I understand this, but seeing the developments of those great DACs going on, I ask myself if one isn't just too limited with the Devialet system. To me it seems that Devialet tweaks so many things in their amps, but (as far as I understand), the DAC remains untouched.
So what I am saying is that flexibility is an important aspect for me.
If not upgrading to the Expert Pro 220, my decision would be towards the Benchmark DAC3 HGC/AHB2 power amp. Easy to use, and upgradable system.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Best regards to all!
SonicTransporter i5 - AirPort Extreme - Devialet Expert 120 - ATC SCM 19 v1
