Devialet demo this morning

[Womaz]

I demoed the 250 this morning,...didnt even know there as one of those.
At very short notice dealer accomodated me, but a home demo is def needed. Used some Usher speakers, huge things and whilst they were good the bass was way too much for me. Started to really enjoy a track until the bass kicked in, and then it just overpowered everything. So they switched down to some Usher Diamonds?? and that improved things a lot, but still bass for me was too overpowering. I like a good tight hard bass. These sounded like a bloated bass.

Fantastic with acoutic guitar and female voocals are what I also picked out.

I think the 23s I have are exactly the type of bass I like so I am looking forward to hearing it with them.

Got home and put my set up on and it was so much better in my opinion. I think I am starting to think that the PMCs are the key. I think its their tight conrolled bass I like.

I think at £6500 i expected more, and I am alos starting to think I am expecting too much.

 

[Gazzip]

I am alos starting to think I am expecting too much

Easily done as the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

 

[DocG]

First of all, IMO the 250 is the least interesting Dev (when talking VFM). Depending on the power and features you need (and your budget), you can go for the 120 or the 200; keep in mind that the 200 can be 'expanded' to a 400 later on.

Another thought: to really appreciate what the amp does, SAM-ready speakers are the combo to go for. You should indeed hear what your 23s can do, driven by a Dev.

EDIT: you're allowed to have high expectations at this budget!

 

[Womaz]

First of all, IMO the 250 is the least interesting Dev (when talking VFM). Depending on the power and features you need (and your budget), you can go for the 120 or the 200; keep in mind that the 200 can be 'expanded' to a 400 later on.

Another thought: to really appreciate what the amp does, SAM-ready speakers are the combo to go for. You should indeed hear what your 23s can do, driven by a Dev.

EDIT: you're allowed to have high expectations at this budget!

The 200 is the one I woud go for. i though thats what I was going to demo, but when I got there they didnt have one. I cant knock them though as they did all this at an hours notice.

the 200 is 6.5K. I am very keen to hear this with my PMCs as one way or the other I think it will settle a few questions in my head. one ......that my usual dealer could be right. the source is where I should improve. One thing is for sure I will take my time with this.

The Devialet is a dream to look to mind and that remote.......WOW!!

 

[matt49]

The 200 is the one I woud go for. i though thats what I was going to demo, but when I got there they didnt have one. I cant knock them though as they did all this at an hours notice.

the 200 is 6.5K. I am very keen to hear this with my PMCs as one way or the other I think it will settle a few questions in my head. one ......that my usual dealer could be right. the source is where I should improve. One thing is for sure I will take my time with this.

The Devialet is a dream to look to mind and that remote.......WOW!!

You should be able to get the 200 for £5990. The prices were reduced in the summer due to the high value of the pound. Having said that, if you happen to be popping over to Paris or Dublin any time, you can get it even cheaper.

 

[Womaz]

The 200 is the one I woud go for. i though thats what I was going to demo, but when I got there they didnt have one. I cant knock them though as they did all this at an hours notice.

the 200 is 6.5K. I am very keen to hear this with my PMCs as one way or the other I think it will settle a few questions in my head. one ......that my usual dealer could be right. the source is where I should improve. One thing is for sure I will take my time with this.

The Devialet is a dream to look to mind and that remote.......WOW!!

You should be able to get the 200 for £5990. The prices were reduced in the summer due to the high value of the pound. Having said that, if you happen to be popping over to Paris or Dublin any time, you can get it even cheaper.

Interesting...they qouted me £6500 this morning.

 

[Womaz]

Why did they use the Ushers? Did you request them? Did they choose them for the demo? Did they ask about your speakers?

Sounds to me like the Devialet used wasn't up to the job of driving and controlling the Usher's properly - if it could, the bass would've been tight (as long as Ushers are capable of tight bass - I don't know, I've not heard them). I'd suggest you hear the Devialet with your own speakers.

I am not sure why they chose them. I just asked for something near to the PMCs I have. Maybe they dont carry much stock.

I cant knock them as they did this at very short notice and were very helpful. In parts it sounded great.....untill the bass drowned everyhing else out.

Hoping to hoe demo them, but god knows how I will manege to get this SAM working on my own.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Why did they use the Ushers? Did you request them? Did they choose them for the demo? Did they ask about your speakers?

Sounds to me like the Devialet used wasn't up to the job of driving and controlling the Usher's properly - if it could, the bass would've been tight (as long as Ushers are capable of tight bass - I don't know, I've not heard them). I'd suggest you hear the Devialet with your own speakers.

The 250 is an older model along with the D-Premier.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'm sure they'll show you how to do it - it's pretty easy. They could even do it for you before you leave the store with the unit, and show you how to then disable and enable it.

 

[Womaz]

Looked on a few dealer websites now and the ones that do display a price are all at 6.5K

 

[Womaz]

I'm sure they'll show you how to do it - it's pretty easy. They could even do it for you before you leave the store with the unit, and show you how to then disable and enable it.

Ah good. if its that simple I will manage it myself I reckon.

 

[matt49]

Looked on a few dealer websites now and the ones that do display a price are all at 6.5K

They're 'avin' a larf. Try these:

Hifi Lounge

Fanthorpes

Also Audio Venue in Ealing will give you the best price, though it says POA on their website. Give them a call and ask for Saj.

And David (Frank Harvey) of this parish will also give you the proper price -- at least that's what his website says!

 

[Womaz]

Looked on a few dealer websites now and the ones that do display a price are all at 6.5K

They're 'avin' a larf. Try these:

Hifi Lounge

Fanthorpes

Also Audio Venue in Ealing will give you the best price, though it says POA on their website. Give them a call and ask for Saj.

And David (Frank Harvey) of this parish will also give you the proper price -- at least that's what his website says!

Thanks again, the big dilemma. the people I am dealing with let me demo at home and then i take my business elsewhere. i dont think i could do that. But it will certainly help me to ask for it at 6K. Thats assumming I like it.

 

[matt49]

Thanks again, the big dilemma. the people I am dealing with let me demo at home and then i take my business elsewhere. i dont think i could do that. But it will certainly help me to ask for it at 6K. Thats assumming I like it.

No, I don't like doing that either. However, if I were in your shoes, I'd make it clear that £5990 is the RRP in the UK and that's what you're prepared to pay. You could also point out that the price of £5990 is recommended by the UK distributor, Absolute Sounds. No harm in phoning around a bit first to get yourself some ammunition.

 

[Womaz]

Thanks again, the big dilemma. the people I am dealing with let me demo at home and then i take my business elsewhere. i dont think i could do that. But it will certainly help me to ask for it at 6K. Thats assumming I like it.

No, I don't like doing that either. However, if I were in your shoes, I'd make it clear that £5990 is the RRP in the UK and that's what you're prepared to pay. You could also point out that the price of £5990 is recommended by the UK distributor, Absolute Sounds. No harm in phoning around a bit first to get yourself some ammunition.

Yes I have decided that is what I will do before I arrange the home demo. They dont have the model I am after so they will have to get one from somewhere. Not sure how this works, as I might demo it and think its not for me. I cant see the point in home demoing the model they have, so this could be a stumbling block.

I HAVE to hear it with the 23s, and preferrably at home. Thanks again Matt

 

[CnoEvil]

I am alos starting to think I am expecting too much

Easily done as the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

IME. The law of deminishing returns can be significantly reduced by putting together a system with synergy sympathetic to one's own taste.

 

[Womaz]

I am alos starting to think I am expecting too much

Easily done as the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

IME. The law of deminishing returns can be significantly reduced by putting together a system with synergy sympathetic to one's own taste.

Cno that seems to be proving a rather difficult journey *biggrin*

Options now.....jeez

1 devialet 200

2 PMC 26s

3 Musical Fid M6DAC and Aurender Network player

4 CHANGE ****** ALL *dash1*

 

[Womaz]

Just like to add, in that order too.

I am starrting to wonder though. Three years ago i changed to my current set up from an Arcam/ Quad combo , and I was blown away by the difference.

I am not sure I am going to feel that same sensation again, although I really do hope so.

The difference is this time I have a pretty decent set up that I already like. I may just get an improvement here and there rather than the blown away feeling. Its then up to me to decide if that improvment is worth the cash.

 

[SteveR750]

I think you'd find the PMC 26 a big step up from the 23 or the 24. I didn't really like the latter, a slightly smeary bass that was clouding the lower midrange.

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno that seems to be proving a rather difficult journey *biggrin*

Options now.....jeez

1 devialet 200

2 PMC 26s

3 Musical Fid M6DAC and Aurender Network player

4 CHANGE ****** ALL *dash1*

The trouble is, there is no way around the journey.....it's when you hear statements like: I never knew amps made that much difference, until I heard X; or, I thought all digital sources were much of a muchness, until I heard Y, that you know the penny is starting to drop. People only realize what can be achieved when they hear it for themselves.

I would love you to try the system I suggested in Audio T if you ever get the chance (DS/A49/Kudos), as it should give terrific insight into an alternative system, which I believe is along the lines of your taste (as well as sort out source VFM) ie Clean musical Source + Amp with a Class a sound signature + highly revealing, yet involving speakers.

Your existing system provides an excellent benchmark and is good enough to remove the need for haste.

 

[Womaz]

I think you'd find the PMC 26 a big step up from the 23 or the 24. I didn't really like the latter, a slightly smeary bass that was clouding the lower midrange.

Like a mind blowing step up though *biggrin*

Its funny though as that what I went into my dealers three weeks ago to discuss. He seemed to think the source would be better to upgrade than the speakers or amp. He has been excellent in the past so obvioulsy i took this on board. But i guess this is the first time I have questioned his verdict.

I am a novice at all of this so in the past I have sort of went for what he said, after demos of course.

I get the 2k for the DAC, but I cant seem to get my head round 2.5k for the network player. For that price surely it includes a decent DAC? If so then why do i need the stand alone DAC.

The mission continues

 

[Womaz]

Your existing system provides an excellent benchmark and is good enough to remove the need for haste.

[/quote]

This is so true. The other kit you suggest is just not possible, honestly this is taking over my life *biggrin*

The four options above are the only ones considering now or I could go on forever. Its a shame I couldnt demo the Linn though................but refer to sentence before *biggrin*

 

[davedotco]

For what it is worth, each time I have heard a Devialet I have been very impressed, only a handful of times, and never SAMed.

Bass has always been exceptional so i would strongly advise you to try again, maybe with a different dealer. I am not in favour of 'using' dealers and buying elsewhere but on the other hand you have no obligation to buy from a dealer who makes a cr@p sound with expensive equipment.

Of course if you want something different that maximises the quality of PMC speakers, then the PMC 22.5 and 22.6 models are worth a look. Combine with a modern, does everything, streamer preamp such as the Cambridge CXN and you have a complete set-up for less than the cost of an entry level Devialet.

 

[CnoEvil]

......honestly this is taking over my life *biggrin*

So the plan is working then! *diablo*

 

[Womaz]

For what it is worth, each time I have heard a Devialet I have been very impressed, only a handful of times, and never SAMed.

Bass has always been exceptional so i would strongly advise you to try again, maybe with a different dealer. I am not in favour of 'using' dealers and buying elsewhere but on the other hand you have no obligation to buy from a dealer who makes a cr@p sound with expensive equipment.

Of course if you want something different that maximises the quality of PMC speakers, then the PMC 22.5 and 22.6 models are worth a look. Combine with a modern, does everything, streamer preamp such as the Cambridge CXN and you have a complete set-up for less than the cost of an entry level Devialet.

Thanks for the input. PMC 22.5 OR 22.6?? did you get brand mixed up? Assuming thats the amp and not by PMC.

If the three options above dont float my boat it will be shelved till later on in the year when streaming and DAC solutions might have stabilised. It just seems all a little bit complex for me right now