20-Jul-2015, 11:41
Just heard a phantom today (single silver unit). You can see by my signature what I'm using: the stradas are quite small and are located on the floor, in the near field, used with a subwoofer. The stradas have not been SAM'ed yet.
IMHO there is no possible comparison - Devialet + proper speakers is so much better! The 3D image from a properly set pair of loudspeakers with Devialet electronics cannot be matched (hearing things on top of you and in some cases, behind you) according to the shop owner. That I wasn't able to compare, since I listened to a single unit; but the shop owner confirmed to me that, while better than a single unit, still cannot compare with the expert + loudspeaker line.
It sounded to me as a machine, not the real thing: mechanical, plasticky.
It may well be the best sound center there is (and I may still buy it - I was really impressed by its lows, convenience and WAF), but it is not a replacement if you're after "the absolute sound". I can't fool myself that there is a piano there, or a real violin.
Now, let's realize how many hours are we able to sit in the sweet spot, and how much more casual listening are we able to get on a normal day off the sweet spot (and even out of the main listening room) - that may also be a decision factor.
IMHO there is no possible comparison - Devialet + proper speakers is so much better! The 3D image from a properly set pair of loudspeakers with Devialet electronics cannot be matched (hearing things on top of you and in some cases, behind you) according to the shop owner. That I wasn't able to compare, since I listened to a single unit; but the shop owner confirmed to me that, while better than a single unit, still cannot compare with the expert + loudspeaker line.
It sounded to me as a machine, not the real thing: mechanical, plasticky.
It may well be the best sound center there is (and I may still buy it - I was really impressed by its lows, convenience and WAF), but it is not a replacement if you're after "the absolute sound". I can't fool myself that there is a piano there, or a real violin.
Now, let's realize how many hours are we able to sit in the sweet spot, and how much more casual listening are we able to get on a normal day off the sweet spot (and even out of the main listening room) - that may also be a decision factor.
Oslo: sources: Mac Mini/Itunes/Audirvana, glassfiber toslink/Mapleshade clearview USB to D200;
Double helix to Gallo Strada 2 with mapleshade stands, TR3 subwoofer.
Spain: Oppo 95 vacuumstate modded, Kimber select 1021, Linn Classik Movie Di to Gallo Solos through Goertz Python cable
Double helix to Gallo Strada 2 with mapleshade stands, TR3 subwoofer.
Spain: Oppo 95 vacuumstate modded, Kimber select 1021, Linn Classik Movie Di to Gallo Solos through Goertz Python cable