Tír Na HiFi

Just thinking, my comment about the DACs in the Devialet Experts makes no sense, given that the analogue input goes through the same circuit with an extra ADC. So look elsewhere for my lack of enjoyment of digital there, I guess.

I found the B&W fronted system a bit harsh but I'm blaming the loom of Nordost cables for that. The Technics deck is superb and I think that particular system held it back a little... I thought the digital source sounded a little bit more relaxed.
As with everyone else I was very pleasantly surprised by the Devialet Phantom speakers.. I wasn't expecting that! A pure digital system with no harshness or sterility. Amazing frequencies and... this was all from ONE speaker! Very impressed by this unit, I'd love to hear them in a stereo pair.

Went yesterday and as Fran said "great to be part of the 50th celebrations, it really is quite some achievement. Well done to all!
Thanks to Cloneys for organising it all, I wish you many many more years of success!"

And so say all of us.

As has already been said, I thought the Nordost cables did not make the most of the amp & speakers in the main demo room. It must be near impossible to demo equipment in a manner that allows a large number of listeners to sit and listen. Unlike others, I was impressed with the digital input from the Bluesound kit. More so with the cheaper Bluesound Node 2 which was in use in the Cloney shop. Ivan gave me a once over and it is hard not to be impressed.

Met lots of music people there, Fran and Ivor on the Main Street with a bitterly cold wind blowing! Great to see you guys again.

Lovely to see the vintage gear in Cloney's shop. The turntable and the reel to reel deck - Wow! The Quad gear, again Wow!

always good to have a hifi show to go to

this morning i was trying to figure out reading this thread
how a single phantom could be better than the Devialet and b+w

there was nothing for it only to pop in for a short while,
didn't get to hear digital on the main system only vinyl on it,
and heard the phantom which was more impressive comparatively and much cooler
although think many forum members systems would bury it


wasnt it the same or similar Devialet amp Darius used with the project audio speakers at his demo?
was more convinced with the sound of that combo
would be interesting to try different amps and speakers with the technics TT

nige2000 wrote: would be interesting to try different amps and speakers with the technics TT

Absolutely!

Good little demo of a couple of their products. I thought the devialet B&W setup sounded fine. It really shone with the vinyl playback. Great separation and dynamics. Soundstage was also good. Not too harsh in my opinion. Still a very expensive option compared to other speakers out there!

The new nordost man was a bit disappointing compared to Lars, but he managed to convince me to try out some of their products. Will report back if/when it happens. Specifically a tonearm lead and some kones....

Had hoped to listen to some vintage equipment on demo but alas these were only on display.

I went early on Sunday and spent a bit of time with both the Devialet Phantom and the B&W/Technics/Devialet/Nordost systems. I just don't get the Phantom. To my ears it sounded hard and unconvincing. In comparison, although I only heard vinyl playback, the B&W combination had more presence and was far more involving and natural.

JAW wrote:I went early on Sunday and spent a bit of time with both the Devialet Phantom and the B&W/Technics/Devialet/Nordost systems. I just don't get the Phantom. To my ears it sounded hard and unconvincing. In comparison, although I only heard vinyl playback, the B&W combination had more presence and was far more involving and natural.

Exactly my sentiments when I first heard the Phantom a while ago.....