Datzeel vs Asr Emitter exclusive vs Devialet

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 ;-)

Hi Frankpiet,

Can you tell us/me more about the Devialet? I'd like to read what you think about it. I've been disappointed with some of the solid state gear for long term enjoyment lately that I've jumped back into tubes and want my next SS gear to be a keeper. Thank you!

Hi Joe. So, is your Burmester 911 MK3 a "keeper"? :)

I use a Lavardin IT to drive my NS1000m's - load tolerant amp that is super smooth.
I have heard Dartzeel back to back with Lavardin Products at the previous Lavardin and Dartzeel UK importers. Both were driving Martin Coltrane speakers and I thought there was this sort of golden sheen to it that put me off them. I have heard the Dartzeelz with a few other speakers, and have heard this sheen on all occasions bar when driving some Magico speakers.
I am singularly unimpressed with the rave reviews that Dartzeel continually receive the world over!
Your thread starter is interesting, coz I was pondering on getting the Devialet 170. I have a vinyl front end, though I am told that the phono stage etc is astonishing. I am going to an open evening next week and will report back!

I love the fact that Jonathon Tinn says that:

Dartzeel is amongst the very best regardless of price. I guess Rolls Royce Silver Shadows are amongst the most luxurious cars regardless of price as well then...

likewise:
'Also, please tell us how the Devialet is a breakthrough product? Quite a bit of praise about a product you have never heard'

Not being funny, but the comment could easily have been made from an engineering perspective as opposed to a sound perspective.

Getting the best sound at a show is arguably saying best sound with loads of background noise in rooms that are not set up optimally.

I am not knocking Dartzeel, but don't go about launching into another product that you just happen not to distribute yourself.

Every importer says they sell the best stuff