02-Apr-2021, 17:00
Hi @Cadguy and welcome,
Another Canadian here. I'd offer a couple of ideas to help you. The first is to look for posts by a former DC member, @Wdw. He is now on a Pass system but I did hear his 440 Pro / Magico set up a few years ago, and it was stunning. He and I upgraded from the Expert to the ProCI series at the same time, and posted our thoughts about the sound in some threads with titles like, 'Pro CI upgrade impressions' or things like that. Fall 2016 into early 2017.
Like most here, I would also encourage you to go the Pro CI route, but that is because I personally prefer the Pro CI sound. Also the other features the upgrade brings are valuable. To me. I went from a 120 Expert to a 220 Pro, then to the Pro CI (just because the early updates occurred in two steps)
However two things about the SQ difference, and then I'll stop. I felt the Expert series (400 Exp in your case) tended, in comparison with the ProCI, so present things in a bigger 'ball' of sound, with the midrange a bit forward, spatially. The Pro / Pro CI pulled the sounds apart, so the soundstage was much bigger, with the elements more distinct and separate. But some felt it was less ... cohesive? Not me, but some said so. The ProCI also improved on tone and detail and bass clarity. Stunning, really.
A couple of other things about the sound. The Devialet will give you a wide and tall soundstage but it is affected by the quality of cables and the source. I just experienced that with recent changes to my system. So, don't skimp on the front end.
Secondly, the Devialet is not 'warm' like a tube amp, so depending on where you sit on that fence, be open to the way Devialet reproduces music without the sonic equivalent of a cosy fireside. I say that after having had tube systems for years, then Naim.
Finally, and this is just what my ears say, is that Hegel sounds more 'industrial' to me than the Devialet. I've had probably 5 hours of attentive listening to Hegel, and I just couldn't take one home. Many regard them as fine amplifiers, and I'm certain they are, but they do not give the finesse or.... well, lets call it 'emotion' for lack of a legitimate term.
Anyhow, I've gone on too long again. I should learn to answer posts with a few emoticons and be done in one line.
Cheers.
Another Canadian here. I'd offer a couple of ideas to help you. The first is to look for posts by a former DC member, @Wdw. He is now on a Pass system but I did hear his 440 Pro / Magico set up a few years ago, and it was stunning. He and I upgraded from the Expert to the ProCI series at the same time, and posted our thoughts about the sound in some threads with titles like, 'Pro CI upgrade impressions' or things like that. Fall 2016 into early 2017.
Like most here, I would also encourage you to go the Pro CI route, but that is because I personally prefer the Pro CI sound. Also the other features the upgrade brings are valuable. To me. I went from a 120 Expert to a 220 Pro, then to the Pro CI (just because the early updates occurred in two steps)
However two things about the SQ difference, and then I'll stop. I felt the Expert series (400 Exp in your case) tended, in comparison with the ProCI, so present things in a bigger 'ball' of sound, with the midrange a bit forward, spatially. The Pro / Pro CI pulled the sounds apart, so the soundstage was much bigger, with the elements more distinct and separate. But some felt it was less ... cohesive? Not me, but some said so. The ProCI also improved on tone and detail and bass clarity. Stunning, really.
A couple of other things about the sound. The Devialet will give you a wide and tall soundstage but it is affected by the quality of cables and the source. I just experienced that with recent changes to my system. So, don't skimp on the front end.
Secondly, the Devialet is not 'warm' like a tube amp, so depending on where you sit on that fence, be open to the way Devialet reproduces music without the sonic equivalent of a cosy fireside. I say that after having had tube systems for years, then Naim.
Finally, and this is just what my ears say, is that Hegel sounds more 'industrial' to me than the Devialet. I've had probably 5 hours of attentive listening to Hegel, and I just couldn't take one home. Many regard them as fine amplifiers, and I'm certain they are, but they do not give the finesse or.... well, lets call it 'emotion' for lack of a legitimate term.
Anyhow, I've gone on too long again. I should learn to answer posts with a few emoticons and be done in one line.
Cheers.
Damon
Powernode, NAD M32, Cambridge CD transport, Analysis Plus, Nordost, iFi Nova, CSS Criton 1TDX, KEF C62
Vancouver, Canada
