First impressions

[f1eng]

I listened to the silver and definitely hear more dynamics and better bass. Devialet made the silver version for a reason. Can't be just for aesthetics.

Of course there is a reason, it is capable of a 6dB higher maximum loudness. That is all, everything except the maximum available power and the silver bits is the same.
Whilst 99dB is plenty for most people in a modest room, some may have a big room and sit further from their speakers, or just play louder. For them the Silver may well be worthwhile, thats why I chose silver over standard.
I have not heard standard ones but there is no mechanism whereby they could sound any different to a silver if the level being listened to requires more than 750 watts.

At the same sound level they will both use the same amount of power, so unless playing consistently above 99dB (particularly at low frequencies) they will both use the same amount of electricity.