Has anyone heard the Devialet D-Premier Integrated Amp/DAC

[IanG-UK]

Likewise, after the Oxford show, i emailed Devialet on Thursday (using the email address i have used before, in the last two weeks) and the mail was not delivered.

So I tried again on Friday. It bounced again.

Not sure if they have shut down some of their email addresses?

Very odd.

 

[Antoine]

I think Devialet won't mind if I share the info that they are currently testing a new AIR2 and firmware release. Earlier I have written to Devialet that I would be happy to help them troubleshooting the hiccup issues (in a 'no strings attached' fashion) we are having. Yesterday I received beta software which I am currently testing as an owner of the D-Premier in my own setup. As I was asked not to share the software with anyone I won't but as I agree (and know) with some of you that knowing nothing (or little more than 'we're working on it') can be quite frustrating I'm sharing this info now, so at least you know Devialet is really working hard to offer a solution for those affected a.s.a.p. Unfortunately I can't comment on further details (like if everyone experiences these issues) as I don't know these details.

 

[Nightmare]

Likewise, after the Oxford show, i emailed Devialet on Thursday (using the email address i have used before, in the last two weeks) and the mail was not delivered.

Different to what I wrote: They got my mail and answered everytime, but ignored the question concerning the bug problem.

@Antoine
Thank you for the information. Actually I don't doubt - and never did - that Devialet is working on the problem. As mentioned before I don't see any bigger problem in having a buggy software. It can happen and no one here would bother, if they communicated it in time and a reacted in an open and fair way instead of no communication at all until today. See all the comments here and on Devialet's site. No one can tell me, they don't know how obset users are.

 

[Antoine]

I agree with you Nightmare. Actually this is a sentence out of one of my emails to Devialet: "In the end I think that when issues like these exist the most important thing to do is to keep customers informed in a transparent way so that everyone knows what’s happening and what’s being done about it."

 

[Nightmare]

+1

Did they tell you, whether the bug also effects the new Devialets or the D-Premier only?
Wonder why the first new ones are out allready while the problem is obviously unsolved!

And what does your testing of the beta Show? Still drop outs?

 

[Jmleg]

+1

Did they tell you, whether the bug also effects the new Devialets or the D-Premier only?
Wonder why the first new ones are out allready while the problem is obviously unsolved!

And what does your testing of the beta Show? Still drop outs?

Hello!

I'm a new owner of a Devialet 240. Firmware 6.06

The Air2 is still malfunctioning, with constant rupture of the flow of signal after only a few minutes. I had to disable the Wi-Fi module.
When connected to the music server with Ethernet connection, everything seems normal.

And there is an interaction between the Air module and the phono section :
music from a LP is suddenly muted and I need to cycle through all sources to hear again the music of the LP.
No such problem with the Wi-Fi module disabled.

And there is still no Configurator on the Devialet site for the new model 240. The installer had to do his magic by tweaking the "dp_cfg" file manually.

He assure me that these are normal growing pains for a complex new product.
Linn apparently also had logic problems for long time, for their Linn Majik DS-I D/A integrated.

 

[Nightmare]

I'm a new owner of a Devialet 240. Firmware 6.06

Congratulation! When did you get it?

The Air2 is still malfunctioning, with constant rupture of the flow of signal after only a few minutes.

Did you know about the bug with the buffer management before buying it? Did your dealer inform you? Have you contacted him when you became aware of it? What did he say? Or did you find the answer to the problem here in the forum?

Unbelievable, that they sell the first pieces of the new Devialets knowing they will not work well due to the buffer bug.

 

[Jmleg]

New model 240 arrived in Canada about a week ago. I got mine yesterday.

This forum alerted me about the bugs. And the dealer had contacts with Devialet.

He is confident that Devialet will soon have a solution to that software problem.

This is still a superb machine.

 

[Nightmare]

No question. Can't await mine. But not going to get it before late summer due to different other things to do.

What loudspeakers and cable do you use? What amp did you have before? Main differences?

Could you upload some pictures of it with the new surface in dark chrome, please?!

 

[Nightmare]

Statement from Devialet on the helpdesk sites. Not very helpfull so far and kind of missing the point. They do not see or will not see, what users are actually complaining about. Unfortunately no timeline so far: "We will publish an update once we can". I am still wondering why they launched the first new modells although the software has not finally fixed yet. I guess it makes no sence to ask again, why they did not communicate all that in an open way and on the right spot. We will not come to know it.

 

[IanG-UK]

Statement from Devialet on the helpdesk sites. Not very helpfull so far and kind of missing the point. They do not see or will not see, what users are actually complaining about. Unfortunately no timeline so far: "We will publish an update once we can". I am still wondering why they launched the first new modells although the software has not finally fixed yet. I guess it makes no sence to ask again, why they did not communicate all that in an open way and on the right spot. We will not come to know it.

Like you, I have been critical. However I think Yaohan's two statements from Devialet on https://help.devialet.com/entries/24093291 go a long way towards acknowledging that they did not get 6.0.6 and/or 2.0 right and they should have acknowledged that earlier. Don't be too critical about the wording he uses as I doubt English is Yaohan's first language.

What appears to change between 1.5 and 2.0 seems very fundamental (and I had no idea about this) with more reliance on realtime and less on buffering. So I guess they cannot review these developments by looking back and moving to how they did it before; nor can they look at competitors because no one else does it this way (as far as I know).

I know from direct correspondence with Devialet that they know they got it wrong - probably through lack of time - in relation to 6.0.6 and/or 2.0; in relation to the new website; and in relation to not acknowledging the dropout problem earlier. I guess the timing of Munich was not ideal and they would have had to take a decision whether or not to launch there - at what is the most important non-USA show and arguably the most important show for them in the world.

Let's remember that they have got lots of things right: the most innovative product for a generation; fantastic sound quality; great flexibility and tailoring for inputs and outputs; free future firmwares; well positioned new models; and what looks like a fantastic offer if you want to move from D-Premier to 240 (which you don't have to do, of course).

As an earlier poster explained, there is a beta version of a revised 6.0.6 and a revised 2.0, now at beta2 stage I understand; and i bet Devialet teams are working all hours to get this right. It would be unreasonable to expect them to put a precise delivery time on this and better for them to say "as soon as possible". Similarly, updates in relation to progress on beta testing have questionable value since customers will only be interested when it is fully fixed.

I don't criticise them for releasing the new models - these will work with all conventional inputs and with a computer via digital outputs or with ethernet or USB.

An important redeeming issue is that the people I have met at Devialet seem straightforward, committed and expert in what they do so I think existing and potential customers can be reassured.

 

[Nightmare]

I don't doubt that they will fix it. As you say they made everything right so far. Every update was one step further and sound quality improved also with every release. And - as Bernie wrote before - it did again with the 6.0.6. As you did I think it was to much pressure with the presentation in Munich of course. They should have taken themselves some more weeks after that to get everything right instead of bringing the new AIR so early.

 

[gatomusik]

Like you, I have been critical. However I think Yaohan's two statements from Devialet on https://help.devialet.com/entries/24093291 go a long way towards acknowledging that they did not get 6.0.6 and/or 2.0 right and they should have acknowledged that earlier. Don't be too critical about the wording he uses as I doubt English is Yaohan's first language.

What appears to change between 1.5 and 2.0 seems very fundamental (and I had no idea about this) with more reliance on realtime and less on buffering. So I guess they cannot review these developments by looking back and moving to how they did it before; nor can they look at competitors because no one else does it this way (as far as I know).

I know from direct correspondence with Devialet that they know they got it wrong - probably through lack of time - in relation to 6.0.6 and/or 2.0; in relation to the new website; and in relation to not acknowledging the dropout problem earlier. I guess the timing of Munich was not ideal and they would have had to take a decision whether or not to launch there - at what is the most important non-USA show and arguably the most important show for them in the world.

Let's remember that they have got lots of things right: the most innovative product for a generation; fantastic sound quality; great flexibility and tailoring for inputs and outputs; free future firmwares; well positioned new models; and what looks like a fantastic offer if you want to move from D-Premier to 240 (which you don't have to do, of course).

As an earlier poster explained, there is a beta version of a revised 6.0.6 and a revised 2.0, now at beta2 stage I understand; and i bet Devialet teams are working all hours to get this right. It would be unreasonable to expect them to put a precise delivery time on this and better for them to say "as soon as possible". Similarly, updates in relation to progress on beta testing have questionable value since customers will only be interested when it is fully fixed.

I don't criticise them for releasing the new models - these will work with all conventional inputs and with a computer via digital outputs or with ethernet or USB.

An important redeeming issue is that the people I have met at Devialet seem straightforward, committed and expert in what they do so I think existing and potential customers can be reassured.

I come at this from the opposite direction of most people upset by Air2 problems. I never found Air1.5 anything but matter-of-fact dull, so I stayed with wired connections and players that used iTunes--Audirvana or Pure Music. Occasionally I gave Air 1.5 another try, but always felt a divide twixt me and the music.

When Air2 appeared, that dullness fell away. The music had life. I was excited at the prospect, but soon disappointed with the dropouts. However, I was not in the predicament of people who had a pure Air 1.5 setup--for convenience and style, perhaps--who had to move a computer and appropriate wiring next to their installation if they wanted music. They have a right to be more than annoyed.

I’m sure Devialet appreciates your moderation, though I think your understanding borders on advocacy. The Devialet is a product, not an institution, and we are customers who have paid heaps for dissatisfaction. Looking at the posts about Air2, I see that the tone moved from inquiry to anger through the weeks, and justifiably.

Here's some information about the investors who provided the money to make the new introductions possible:

“French internet and luxury royalty invest 15 million € in hi-fi startup Devialet”

“Look at the names investing in this French hifi startup: Xavier Niel (Kima Ventures, Iliad), Jacques-Antoine Granjon (the founder of Vente Privée who looks like he’s in a hard rock band), Marc Simoncini*(Meetic) and Bernard Arnault (mister LVMH himself) pumped 15 million € into hifi startup Devialet....”

I suspect that Devialet is listening more closely to these chaps than to the complaints of the average customer. We’ll have to settle for pats on the head. There there....

 

[gtiboy]

Hi guys, have been following this thread with interest, so I went down to a Devialet dealer to hear the new 170. Coming from a Naim system, there is greater transparency. Maybe certain sounds within a track are not as forward when accustomed to the typical Naim sound but no doubt cleaner and clearer.

Then out of interest we tried the D-Premier back to back and with out doubt the 170 sounded better, there is better decay on vocals, and overall better detail. The differences wasn't big, but the subtleties made the sound more real. The D-Premier in-comparison sounds abit flatter. So the 170 at half the price is a bargain in the hifi world - if you prefer the Devialet sound.

My dealer told me the 110, 170 and 240 should all sound the same.

 

[IanG-UK]

...
I’m sure Devialet appreciates your moderation, though I think your understanding borders on advocacy.
...
Here's some information about the investors who provided the money to make the new introductions possible:

“French internet and luxury royalty invest 15 million € in hi-fi startup Devialet”

“Look at the names investing in this French hifi startup: Xavier Niel (Kima Ventures, Iliad), Jacques-Antoine Granjon (the founder of Vente Privée who looks like he’s in a hard rock band), Marc Simoncini*(Meetic) and Bernard Arnault (mister LVMH himself) pumped 15 million € into hifi startup Devialet....”

I suspect that Devialet is listening more closely to these chaps than to the complaints of the average customer. We’ll have to settle for pats on the head. There there....

I am an advocate but only because it is a great product which currently has a fault which will be fixed, I think, pretty soon.

As for the investors, look at some of their records. My bet is that if they are expressing any opinion it will be to fix the issues fast. At an investment of Euro 3m each, surely they will be looking for a strong sustained investment return - which relies on happy current and prospective customers. And they know you don't get that by patting customers on the head.

 

[microstrip]

(...) Then out of interest we tried the D-Premier back to back and with out doubt the 170 sounded better, there is better decay on vocals, and overall better detail. The differences wasn't big, but the subtleties made the sound more real. The D-Premier in-comparison sounds abit flatter. (...)

These are really good news. The decays on vocals were part of my main criticism in in my appreciation of the D-Premier -the Buena Vista Social Clube did not sound involving, as it sounded too "sharp" for my taste. I should re-listen to the new versions.

 

[Nightmare]

My dealer told me the 110, 170 and 240 should all sound the same.

We will see. All sounding the same would be bad to sell the bigger ones.

What speakers did you listen to?

 

[gatomusik]

Hi guys, have been following this thread with interest, so I went down to a Devialet dealer to hear the new 170. Coming from a Naim system, there is greater transparency. Maybe certain sounds within a track are not as forward when accustomed to the typical Naim sound but no doubt cleaner and clearer.

Then out of interest we tried the D-Premier back to back and with out doubt the 170 sounded better, there is better decay on vocals, and overall better detail. The differences wasn't big, but the subtleties made the sound more real. The D-Premier in-comparison sounds abit flatter. So the 170 at half the price is a bargain in the hifi world - if you prefer the Devialet sound.

My dealer told me the 110, 170 and 240 should all sound the same.

Were you listening with wired connections, or with Air2?

 

[IanG-UK]

Previously quoted changes:

"Now to the Devialet 240 vs. D-Premier. The Devialet 240 specifications are identical to your D-Premier: same extremely low output impedance (less than 1 mili ohms) same THD less than 0.001% etc. .. We have simply removed the HDMI input to add a USB and an Ethernet connector. We have added a turbo DSP usefull to pave the way for future applications, room correction etc. .."

"The most important parts: the ADH Core, the D/A converter, the clock generator are exactly the same. The higher power DSP is about to make some more power available for room correction. The potentially better power supply can make a difference or not, it is largely depending on what kind of speaker one uses."

One would expect differences between the 110, the 170, the 240 and the 500 depending on the speaker used. There may be minor differences between the D-Premier and the 240 and if one prefers the latter you can make the change foe c.3,500 Euro.

 

[Nightmare]

These are really good news. The decays on vocals were part of my main criticism in in my appreciation of the D-Premier -the Buena Vista Social Clube did not sound involving, as it sounded too "sharp" for my taste. I should re-listen to the new versions.

Can not confirm that decay for the D-Premier at all. Listened to it with a pair of Gauder Cassiano Diamant and it was superb without any flaw. That is why I always ask for the speakers. Some harmonise very well. Others do not have the potential to perform with it. I also listened to combinations that did not impress me much. So the speakers are very important to get full benefit from the Devialets.