Devialet 200 first impressions

[Womaz]

First the SAM - I dont think there is a massive difference with it on or off if I am honest , maybe a subtle change. The bass goes deeper is what I noticed. For some dance music I prefer to sat the SAM to 50%, but I really need to stop tweaking and just enjoy

Dont forget my CLIC is connected to the line inputs and no digital connection, so it can only get better. Its also a brand new 200 so may even need some burn in, if you believe in all that stuff. I never did until I got my headphones and OMG I do now.

So here we go. First most notable difference is the bass is awesome. I mean I am no bass head and I have always felt a deeper bass means I cant hear some of the detail. Not with the 200 - the bass is simply outstanding - a massive surprise. My 23s have never given such a deep bass ever. I have always liked the bass with the MF PMC combo as it was punchy, but like I say the 200 just on a different level.

The detail is still there. I thought my MF-PMC gave great detail too, but it could sometimes get a bit bright with acoustic guitar and certain female voices. So the 200 has kept that but took away the brightness. It just sounds so musical.

The biggest surprise of all is that at low volumes its excellent, streets ahead of the MF. This is a surprise to me as I had heard this is a criticism some people level at the 200. Suppose it depends what you compare it to.

Few little niggles, like I am struggling to get my headphone amp set up and as its not my 200 yet I have to do the whole configuration from scratch every time as unable to save it yet.

What matters most is the music though - and that sounds great.

I have it for a week or so, after a few days I will put my MFM6i back in the system and see what I hear. That will determine whether it is worth the outlay.

 

[CnoEvil]

That all sounds promising

I did suggest that things usually start sorting themselves out once you start listening. It's hard to get across the extent to which a better amp can make it appear as if your speakers have also been upgraded....it's like a double upgrade.

 

[Womaz]

That all sounds promising

I did suggest that things usually start sorting themselves out once you start listening. It's hard to get across the extent to which a better amp can make it appear as if your speakers have also been upgraded....it's like a double upgrade.

Yes I have started listening......infact I may have finished too *biggrin*

 

[matt49]

Good to hear things are working out well, because I know you've been a bit unsure about whether it was worth going ahead with this demo.

For me the main impressions with Devialet are clean power and absolute control over the speakers, at all points of the FR.

It's interesting that you don't hear a great difference with SAM. Obviously you're finding that the bass with the D200 is much cleaner and deeper than with the MFs, and maybe this (surprising) improvement makes the SAM effect seem small in comparison.

*drinks*

Matt

 

[Womaz]

Good to hear things are working out well, because I know you've been a bit unsure about whether it was worth going ahead with this demo.

For me the main impressions with Devialet are clean power and absolute control over the speakers, at all points of the FR.

It's interesting that you don't hear a great difference with SAM. Obviously you're finding that the bass with the D200 is much cleaner and deeper than with the MFs, and maybe this (surprising) improvement makes the SAM effect seem small in comparison.

*drinks*

Matt

Matt i think thats spot on. I can tell the difference but its subtle. But like you say the deeper bass than I have been used to is probably taking some adjusting to. Its an amazing sound from such a small little thing *smile*

 

[Womaz]

Good to hear things are working out well, because I know you've been a bit unsure about whether it was worth going ahead with this demo.

For me the main impressions with Devialet are clean power and absolute control over the speakers, at all points of the FR.

It's interesting that you don't hear a great difference with SAM. Obviously you're finding that the bass with the D200 is much cleaner and deeper than with the MFs, and maybe this (surprising) improvement makes the SAM effect seem small in comparison.

*drinks*

Matt

The demo was always going to be done but the faffing about and wondering what worked with what was starting to get to me. Just taking up too much time. Still one or two niggles. I am looking at settiny my headphone amp through it and struggling so far. Maybe too much thinking for one morning *biggrin*.

However the sound and the music was always going to be the major factor and so far thats a massive plus!

 

[Infiniteloop]

Good to hear things are working out well, because I know you've been a bit unsure about whether it was worth going ahead with this demo.

For me the main impressions with Devialet are clean power and absolute control over the speakers, at all points of the FR.

It's interesting that you don't hear a great difference with SAM. Obviously you're finding that the bass with the D200 is much cleaner and deeper than with the MFs, and maybe this (surprising) improvement makes the SAM effect seem small in comparison.

*drinks*

Matt

The demo was always going to be done but the faffing about and wondering what worked with what was starting to get to me. Just taking up too much time. Still one or two niggles. I am looking at settiny my headphone amp through it and struggling so far. Maybe too much thinking for one morning *biggrin*.

However the sound and the music was always going to be the major factor and so far thats a massive plus!

Really glad it's all finally working out for you. The Devialet really is a special machine! Before I got mine, I was a bit concerned that it might sound a bit sterile, as I'm used to Valves. - But not a bit of it. What the Devialet does, as you've clearly identified, is superb bass. - Powerful, tuneful and textured.

You can even tailor the sound a fair bit using the excellent tone controls too!

 

[Womaz]

Good to hear things are working out well, because I know you've been a bit unsure about whether it was worth going ahead with this demo.

For me the main impressions with Devialet are clean power and absolute control over the speakers, at all points of the FR.

It's interesting that you don't hear a great difference with SAM. Obviously you're finding that the bass with the D200 is much cleaner and deeper than with the MFs, and maybe this (surprising) improvement makes the SAM effect seem small in comparison.

*drinks*

Matt

The demo was always going to be done but the faffing about and wondering what worked with what was starting to get to me. Just taking up too much time. Still one or two niggles. I am looking at settiny my headphone amp through it and struggling so far. Maybe too much thinking for one morning *biggrin*.

However the sound and the music was always going to be the major factor and so far thats a massive plus!

Really glad it's all finally working out for you. The Devialet really is a special machine! Before I got mine, I was a bit concerned that it might sound a bit sterile, as I'm used to Valves. - But not a bit of it. What the Devialet does, as you've clearly identified, is superb bass. - Powerful, tuneful and textured.

You can even tailor the sound a fair bit using the excellent tone controls too!

You are right there are so many options. I was playing about with the SAM last night. I have set it to 50% for now.......and then I decided to stop the faffing and let the music play. So far more than impressed.

 

[Gazzip]

I have always found MF amplification to sacrifice true bottom end in order to expose the mids and highs. I was thinking about replacing my ARC Reference 5SE with a solid state pre-amp so that I could leave my system on. I tried the M8 Pre amongst others and frankly it was embarrassingly bad in that department. I mean truly awful.

Glad you are happy with the Devialet and looking forward to hearing your further thoughts.

 

[DocG]

... and then I decided to stop the faffing and let the music play...

That statement says it all, Womaz. If it stops your faffing and analyzing, it does something very right!

It's a good strategy btw to take a couple of days to get used to the change, and then change back to what you were using before. That might make things clearer for you.

One more thing: have you tried your CD transport as a source too? If so, any noticeable difference compared to the CLIC?

 

[Womaz]

... and then I decided to stop the faffing and let the music play...

That statement says it all, Womaz. If it stops your faffing and analyzing, it does something very right!

It's a good strategy btw to take a couple of days to get used to the change, and then change back to what you were using before. That might make things clearer for you.

One more thing: have you tried your CD transport as a source too? If so, any noticeable difference compared to the CLIC?

Yes there was a difference, the CD player had a tad more detail. For about 15 minutes I was thinking about keeping the CD player and trading the CLIC in. But I have got used to having my whole collection at mt finger tips and just could not give that up. Got the whole weekend to myself, no football, daughter off home soon and girlfriend not here either. Bliss!! Saturday night looking good.

The biggest surprose for me is how good it sounds at low volumes. This is where it is much better than my MF6i

Btw I think it was you and Matt who sterred me in the 200 direction. Way over my initial budget but so pleased you did. Thank you.

 

[Womaz]

I have always found MF amplification to sacrifice true bottom end in order to expose the mids and highs. I was thinking about replacing my ARC Reference 5SE with a solid state pre-amp so that I could leave my system on. I tried the M8 Pre amongst others and frankly it was embarrassingly bad in that department. I mean truly awful.

Glad you are happy with the Devialet and looking forward to hearing your further thoughts.

I am not really that knowledgable about hifi gear and thats why I use the various forums, but yes I now realise that the MF was certainly lacking at the lower end. I have never really liked a lot of bass so never really noticed this, but it will be interesting to see how I feel when i put it back in my system.

 

[CnoEvil]

Way over my initial budget but so pleased you did.

In this strangest of hobbies, sometimes spending less gives you more.....and sometimes (with the right bit of kit), spending more is better value. *scratch_one-s_head*

 

[Infiniteloop]

Way over my initial budget but so pleased you did.

In this strangest of hobbies, sometimes spending less gives you more.....and sometimes (with the right bit of kit), spending more is better value. *scratch_one-s_head*

So true. - I'm at the end of Amp upgrades for the forseeable future.

(However, I wonder what going dual mono with the Devialet 200 would do........? - I could just slip another unit under the one I've got and Mrs loop might never notice......*kiss3*)

 

[Womaz]

Well if I go for it I need a new network player sooner rather than later...................then its on to the Speaker. Very initial start I have been considering the PMC 26s for obvious reasons. B&W CM10S, and some Sonus Fabers, but no cash for this for another year.

 

[DocG]

Btw I think it was you and Matt who sterred me in the 200 direction. Way over my initial budget but so pleased you did. Thank you.

The credit goes to Matt entirely. I just helped to push you to demo the Dev with the CLIC*good*.

If you conclude the Devialet tickles your fancy but spending £6000 could get you into trouble, it might be worth comparing it to the 120 (120 vs 200 W into 6 Ohm; less choice in inputs, no pre-amp out/sub out -- that's about it, I think), which would save you some £1800. Soundwise they are identical, it's the power on tap (and the extra inputs/outputs) that sets them apart. If you can do with 75 W/8 Ohm - 150 W/4 Ohm a 120 is worth considering. If you prefer concert levels, it won't do, mind.

 

[Infiniteloop]

Btw I think it was you and Matt who sterred me in the 200 direction. Way over my initial budget but so pleased you did. Thank you.

The credit goes to Matt entirely. I just helped to push you to demo the Dev with the CLIC*good*.

If you conclude the Devialet tickles your fancy but spending £6000 could get you into trouble, it might be worth comparing it to the 120 (120 vs 200 W into 6 Ohm; less choice in inputs, no pre-amp out/sub out -- that's about it, I think), which would save you some £1800. Soundwise they are identical, it's the power on tap (and the extra inputs/outputs) that sets them apart. If you can do with 75 W/8 Ohm - 150 W/4 Ohm a 120 is worth considering. If you prefer concert levels, it won't do, mind.

The 200 has a very good phono stage too (one of Devialet's founders is a Vinyl addict) - You can also go dual mono mode by adding another 200 later as funds allow, otherwise I agree - the 120 could work just as well.

 

[matt49]

My feeling is the 200 really is worth the extra expense.

As DocG says, it’ll sound pretty much the same as the 120. But …

The difference isn’t just the power output (120 vs 200). The 200 has a bigger engine and a bigger power supply than the 120. This may make a difference with your current speakers. With a bigger pair of speakers -- well, who knows? Given that you probably won’t be buying another amp for at least 5 years and you may be upgrading your speakers in a year or two, a bit of future-proofing would be a good idea. The 200 is likely to be the last amp you'll ever buy.

The 200’s phono stage is legend. Ask Frank (F1eng) on the Devialet Chat forum.

And finally there’s the possibility of upgrading to a dual mono 400. If you decided to buy a pair of big Wilsons or some B&W 800 Diamonds, that might be quite handy.

Matt

 

[Womaz]

My feeling is the 200 really is worth the extra expense.

As DocG says, it’ll sound pretty much the same as the 120. But …

The difference isn’t just the power output (120 vs 200). The 200 has a bigger engine and a bigger power supply than the 120. This may make a difference with your current speakers. With a bigger pair of speakers -- well, who knows? Given that you probably won’t be buying another amp for at least 5 years and you may be upgrading your speakers in a year or two, a bit of future-proofing would be a good idea. The 200 is likely to be the last amp you'll ever buy.

The 200’s phono stage is legend. Ask Frank (F1eng) on the Devialet Chat forum.

And finally there’s the possibility of upgrading to a dual mono 400. If you decided to buy a pair of big Wilsons or some B&W 800 Diamonds, that might be quite handy.

Matt

Yes if I go for it then the 200 will be my choice. £1800 not a lot more to pay once the decision is made.

 

[Womaz]

My only criticism is the lack of manual. Lack of decent guidance on the website.

Wasted about 3 hours trying to set my headphone amp up with the 200 today. If there is a guide I can follow then I am sure its easy.........but there is not.

Mind the music is on in the background so its not too bad. I just hate feeling so bloody incompetent *biggrin*

 

[Om]

Since last week I have a Devialet 200 driving a pair of Harbeth Super HL5 speakers.

Now I know what the word "musical" means.

There is a tiny problem as well ...... I can no longer "see" my system when the music is playing - the speakers and the rest disappear.