Tír Na HiFi

If I was to throw a few cents into the mix, I might venture a doubt as to whether its a game changer... It's certainly an option (and it appears that Wadia is now also going down this route with an all digital single box that simply needs speakers).
But there have been other such innovative approaches in hi-end over the years - e.g. active speakers, (there must be some others too!!) All perfectly valid options but not necessarily heralding a clean out of other technologies..
To be honest, I've only heard the D-premier a number of times in Blackrock. And all did indeed sound fine. Might just come in on Gerry's team wondering if all that 'digitalness' is leaning a bit too much on one side. Probably because I live in a tubed cave!!
But definitely agree that upgrade-itus will always be there...
Si, where's the fun in unearthing some rare SS chipset from the fields of France when you could be about to pounce upon the last available set of low level CCCP signal valves that accompanied Yuri in his little jaunt around the globe...

Yes, it was with the Wilsons that I heard it.


That one has a jfet preamp and digital power amp IIRC. jfet preamps, when fed with really good power source tend to sound pretty stunning IMHO. Maybe the best of solid state preamps.

Si, maybe you need to borrow that Pass preamp form me again sometime!!


Fran

I wonder about the upgrade-itis in my case, because tbh I think I've nearly had my fill of it for now. I wouldn't mind a couple of years of just listening and enjoying. And as much as I love the valves (and I really do) if I could get the same level of performance without all the heat and without the need to import leftover military stock from the Ukraine, I might be tempted.

I know I know, what have I become?

Fran wrote: Si, maybe you need to borrow that Pass preamp form me again sometime!!

I should definitely do that. The GRAAF pre is responding to valve changes, but is still very much in the "maybe" box.

Diapason wrote:I wonder about the upgrade-itis in my case, because tbh I think I've nearly had my fill of it for now. I wouldn't mind a couple of years of just listening and enjoying.

The 'all-in-oneness' of the Devialet certainly appeals to me *if* it really sounds as good as the reviews and comments say it is. If I'm getting back into hifi I'm loathe to go down the separate pre/ power/cable bollox route again and all the potential frustration that it can bring.
It's quite remarkable that this unit can pack so much under the hood and still have stellar sound, all in a classy looking case too.

Ivor wrote:

DaveF wrote:I'd be more curious about the Audioplans to be honest as I've heard good things about them. Whereas the Cremonas I had didnt do anything wrong, I just never loved them.

those speakers are great but a tad pricey. Brian O has a pair (Derek had them for a while) and I'd be a happy bunny with them in my room.

They'd look lovely in the shop mind.

Well it all hinges on the "stellar sound" part, of course. Anything less and I'm obviously out, but if the previous incarnation is anything to go by...

Steve wrote: Might just come in on Gerry's team wondering if all that 'digitalness' is leaning a bit too much on one side. Probably because I live in a tubed cave!!..

Anytime I heard the Devialet it was anything but digital. It sounded very natural and fluid.

Diapason wrote:Well it all hinges on the "stellar sound" part, of course. Anything less and I'm obviously out, but if the previous incarnation is anything to go by...

The 110 and 170 have the same motherboard as the big brother so that would seem promising. Just a few minor extras missing and no phonostage.

This is a recent review of the D-Premier.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6 ... remier.htm

No reviews of the smaller units as of yet.

Very Interesting thread , i plan to get back in to Hifi this year and this looks like a very interesting unit , i dont have the dedicated room anymore so space is a big issue . . A neat slim one box solution would fit the bill

I like the streaming option as i have a lot of Music on my PC/Ipod and listen to Linn radio quite a bit .

My only issue is speakers , i am stuck to siting whatever speakers i get on two corner shelves firing down the room (15x12)

Are there any quality speakers that would be happy to sit on shelves ? i have a decent sub with high level neutrik connection so could use that to add dept if needed ,i budget expect to be around the 1k mark .

Thanks
John