Datzeel vs Asr Emitter exclusive vs Devialet

Nice joke.

While the Devialet is incredibly good with digital inputs, it's not the game changer with analogue. While its phono section is fairly good, there are plenty better ones out there.

If I was going with an analogue front end I would opt for either the Dartzeel or the ASR Emitter.

Greg

As a former NAD M2 owner I would be interested in such a product ONLY IF there were an asynchronous USB input. Many others have done the PCM--->PWM---->analog amplification.(eg. NAD, Lyngdorf) But to my knowledge, no manufacturer has done it with a SOTA input stage. S/Pdif input on any DAC is by definition synchronous and therefore prone to much greater input-related jitter than the best asynchronous USB module/driver available from the industry leaders eg. Weiss, Wavelength, Empirical Audio, Playback Designs, Ayre etc.

I think what Jonathan is saying is correct. Once you go this route, you are stuck with an outdated design that can only be fixed by replacing the entire unit; which is what I have done with my NAD M2.

"Once you go this route, you are stuck with an outdated design"

Regarding the Devialet:

"The HDMI input is not enabled on my review sample, but it should be by the time these get to dealer showrooms. EVERYTHING on the D-Premier is modular and upgradeable. That's the nice thing about this component. It is as obsolete-proof as today's technology will allow. Wireless will be via 802.11 Yes, you can use them together and they can be bridged. Unless I had a pair of incredibly power hungry speakers, I certainly wouldn't need two. And last but not least, it stays cool, even when seriously rocking out. The full review will be out in our Feb 20 issue, on the Zinio electronic newsstand. About 10 days later in our standard edition. This was a long review! I still could have written another 2000 words! Crazy. Stay tuned. The D-Premier will be on our cover, and we only put gear on the cover twice per year!"
-toneaudio / February 6th 2011, 8:48 pm

I am sorry, what were you saying Mr. Timm?

Jtinn: If I may throw in my experience with the CTH-8550, the Devialet and the Boulder 865 - which should be considered as a very nice integrated amp as well and which I currently use in my office system along with Wadia S7i, Micro Seiki SX-777FV turntable SME V arm and Lyra Delos cartridge and Consensus Audio Lightning SE speakers. Opposite to the stereophile review which claims that there is almost no difference between the Dart and the 865 I feel that there is a huge difference. The Dart is more leaning towards the warm side of neutral whereas the 865 is clearly leaning towards the cold side of neutral. Resolution, transparency and detail retrieval is slightly better with the Boulder as well as its snap and attack in the lower octaves - which is much better. The Dart offers a more lifelike and pleasing (easier to listen to) presentation with some "weaknesses" in the lower octaves and less transparency. The onboard MC stage is fine and easily matches stand a lone devices up to US $ 1.500,00. The Boulder unfortunately offers no phono section - which is a real treat. The Devialet I found to exactly bridge the gab between the sonic advantages of both products - which led to my decision to sell the Boulder and to go for the Devialet. Value wise I think that the CTH-8550 is heavily overpriced - but in real life nobody questions the Value of a Rolls Royce versus a BMW 760i ;-)