Devialet in Australia

[gray]

It seems that Devialet now has a distributer in Australia. Avation based in Arundel, QLD.

Also the D-Premier has now been reworked significantly and has become the 1000 Euro more expensive "240". Out with HDMI, in with Ethernet and USB.

Joining the 240 are two more affordable models, the "110" (4990 Euro) and the "170" (6990 Euro). Streamer is a 1000 Euro option on these models but comes included for free as an introductory offer till Sept 2013. The model names refer to their output into 6 ohms.

I would be interested to hear the views of some of the QLD SNA members who get the chance to hear these interesting amps

Gray

[Young Skywalker]

For those who can make it to the Australian Hi-Fi Show in Melbourne later this year you can hear the Devialet partnered with Vivid Audio speakers in one of three Audio Fidelity rooms. A great sonic match and a really strong architectural/interior design statement.

[Briz Vegas]

Errrrr. Is it a great match? ( genuine puzzled question, not trying to be smart Alec hiding behind a forum cats face)

As much as I like the Vivids ( I have B1 and enjoy them a great deal). I heard the current model Dev. with the G3 in an audiophiles home and no one was impressed.

We were all left wondering if the G3 was in need of serious run in. I wondered if it was an amp/system speaker synergy mismatch. I was hearing some potential here and there but much preferred what at had at home and had heard elsewhere.

I heard the same speakers a few weeks earlier on Luxman. No issues with that but not blown away either for good reason, the system was hamstrung by a hurriedly sourced second hand Rotel CD player ( I came at a bad time late in the day and unannounced)

If this Devialet has been matched successfully one way or another it would be interesting to hear. The designer of Vivids uses his own solid state amp with a big toroidal power supply and leaves the choice of amp up to the purchaser rather than recommending a solution. I started with a 300 watt a/ b amp but ended up with tubes ( Conrad Johnson CT5/ LP70s). What I notice is that my system sounds nothing like the Vivids with Luxman. My strongest impression is that the speakers take on the character of whatever gear you are driving them with.

With the Luxman B1 was uber detailed and even handed. With CT5/CA200 it has more tonal colour and did not have the same hifi to the max sound. I added a SSD drive to my source computer and detail went up but some of my pop/ rock stuff lost too much body. Slotting in a tube amp gave back that body and over driven electric guitars were sublime. I could once again enjoy my fun B52s, White Stripes and Jimi Hendrix and the more serious stuff was better again.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Briz Vegas

[Willco]

I saw a Prototype Devialet 3years ago at CES--since then have listened to the Unit in various setups--the latest at RMAF with Focal Speakers-whilst the convenience/and lack of cable snarls/etc is a plus I found the sound uninspiring and pertaining to the Digital aspect

 

---rather than Analogue feel. I recall this giving the listener -well in my case and the well heeled audiophile i was with the impression of an overly detailed approach

 

Something I for one do not accord to.

 

However my friend bought the unit--as his wife did not want lead/wires/etc cluttering up the lounge!

 

The Unit is innovative and I believe is proving it's place in the Hi-end --just not for me but I'd certainly recommend an audition -I'm sure the Local Agents will provide ample choice for ones appraisal-go with open mind .

 

Willco

[Young Skywalker]

I listened to the combination of Devialet D-Premier and Vivid Giya G3 speakers for several hours yesterday and I do not find any of the objections stated above. In fact, I would rate the sonics in the top tier. I can see how this sound would appeal to many listeners and I could equally see it turning off those who prefer to wear rose coloured glasses (not knocking those who do). I find the presentation to be incredibly resolving, with possibly the lowest noise floor around, but not at the expense of the complete musical picture. Transient performance on a live piano recital are as good as I have ever heard with lifelike tonality. I will continue listening today with different amplification and source but based on early impressions I can see that the Giya G3 loudspeakers are very good at getting out of the way.

[kramered]

Heard the Devialet briefly via Crystal Cable standmounts. A neutral sound that was fast and dynamic. A good amp/speaker match there.

 

Re the Giya G3, I have one word at this stage (review in the upcoming issue of Audio Esoterica): Superb.

 

Cheers,

EK