I’ve had a Devialet for four years. I recently decided to go active, so will be moving the Devialet on. But if I were still using passive speakers, I’d definitely hang on to it. Or in the unlikely event that after selling it, I decided to return to passives, Devialet’s the first place I’d go for new amp.
Insofar as the Devialet might sound different from other SS amps, you may or may not like it. Those of us who do like Devialet tend to talk about transparency, clarity etc. Some people say, admiringly, that the Devialet has no sound. Make of that what you will.
As for the whole “one box that does it all” thing, there have been problems with the AIR networking protocol that should enable the Devialet to stream files from a PC/NAS/whatever wirelessly or over Ethernet. Some people say those problems have now been resolved.
The new PRO models have taken a different approach to streaming. Devialet have promised a streamer board to be released soon. Who knows how good it’ll be or what exactly it’ll do? I’d like to think that after copping so much flak over AIR, Devialet may have got their shit together this time.
There are other source options. If you’re happy to have a NAS in reasonably close proximity, you can connect the NAS direct to the Devialet via USB and use whatever music player will work on your NAS, controlled from an iThing.
The internal phono stage has been extremely well implemented. Just dial in the make and model of your cartridge, and the Devialet will make the appropriate settings. There are some folk who use this with very serious TT rigs and really like it.
The SAM system is also clever. Opinions are divided over how much difference it makes, and obviously it’ll all depend on what speakers you use.
