02-Apr-2021, 08:24
(This post was last modified: 02-Apr-2021, 08:27 by pvanosta.
Edit Reason: update
)
You'll get varied answers to that question. It depends also on how you intend to use the amps. The 440pro has updated electronics and better streaming capabilities (including Roon Ready if that matters to you - it did to me).
ALSO: 8750 USD for a 440 pro is an excellent deal (assuming it has the Core Infinity update as well). In Europe you won't find them at that price point (I paid 8500 Euro or 9950 USD and I shopped around).
I was looking for an amp that intersected on the following parameters:
- it had to be a top-shelf all-in-one (pre, power, phono, dac, streamer)
- it had to reproduce digital at least up to DSD64
- it had to be Roon Ready (i am a lifetime subscriber)
- I had to be able to afford it
I tried the Hegel, after hearing it at an audio show (remember when we could attend those?) and based on the promise that Roon Ready status was coming in a couple of months.
After 9 months of waiting, I sold the Hegel and found a Devialet 220 (expert pro, Core Infinity). Never looked back after that. Patiently waited until a deal for a second 220 came around and bought that as well.
In the meantime, the newer firmware was released, which fixed a bunch of stability issues around Roon streaming. Happy as can be.
If your budget stretches to the 440, I would not buy the 400. Also: look on the Devialet website for the upgrade cost of a 400 to a 440 (4000 euro). The price differential between the used 440 and used 400 should reflect that more or less.
If you don't need streaming etc., and budget is a major consideration, you coud consider the 400. For me there is no comparison. YMMV
ALSO: 8750 USD for a 440 pro is an excellent deal (assuming it has the Core Infinity update as well). In Europe you won't find them at that price point (I paid 8500 Euro or 9950 USD and I shopped around).
I was looking for an amp that intersected on the following parameters:
- it had to be a top-shelf all-in-one (pre, power, phono, dac, streamer)
- it had to reproduce digital at least up to DSD64
- it had to be Roon Ready (i am a lifetime subscriber)
- I had to be able to afford it
I tried the Hegel, after hearing it at an audio show (remember when we could attend those?) and based on the promise that Roon Ready status was coming in a couple of months.
After 9 months of waiting, I sold the Hegel and found a Devialet 220 (expert pro, Core Infinity). Never looked back after that. Patiently waited until a deal for a second 220 came around and bought that as well.
In the meantime, the newer firmware was released, which fixed a bunch of stability issues around Roon streaming. Happy as can be.
If your budget stretches to the 440, I would not buy the 400. Also: look on the Devialet website for the upgrade cost of a 400 to a 440 (4000 euro). The price differential between the used 440 and used 400 should reflect that more or less.
If you don't need streaming etc., and budget is a major consideration, you coud consider the 400. For me there is no comparison. YMMV
System: Roon on NUC, music library on Synology NAS, all connected via ethernet. Thorens TD-160 super (revised and restored) with SME 3009-III, Devialet Expert pro 440 CI, Marten Django XL
