Devialet Owners & Discussion Thread

[Saunter]

I never had any issues with air..  a strong WiFi network is a must though.

 

Thus far i have much preferred Air to any cables connection... at least i did with the LE200

[Guest scumbag]

2 minutes ago, Nap250 said:

I never could get air to work, it was beyond my skill level. 

It's more or less an IT setup thing. I have a how-to document that I created that I can send you.

[Saunter]

I wonder how a Yamaha CD-S3000 and A-S3000 sound.......certainly love the looks in Silver.

 

[Guest scumbag]

4 minutes ago, Saunter said:

I never had any issues with air..  a strong WiFi network is a must though.

 

Thus far i have much preferred Air to any cables connection... at least i did with the LE200

AIR is certainly the best way to really hear the Devialet free of any colouration (from sources). The PUC2 does do something to the sound which some engineers might strictly consider to be an alteration or distortion of the sound (shock horror) but which, to my ears, with my speakers (detailed, not laid back), in my room (quite reflective), does something really nice.

I guess what I am trying to say is, if you could at all get a loan of a PUC2 for a few days you might find it could tip the Devialet back into something more like the Expert sound that you liked.

Edited April 29, 2017 by scumbag

[Saunter]

May try to find someone in Perth to borrow one from..

 

Thanks, it's worth a go

[rantan]

6 minutes ago, Saunter said:

I wonder how a Yamaha CD-S3000 and A-S3000 sound.......certainly love the looks in Silver.

 

 

They sound just like they look.

 

Modern, clean, tidy and crisp.

[jt301]

27 minutes ago, Saunter said:

Those are all useful comments ... but i don't know that they will create the shift in SQ i am missing.

 

Remember that with the LE200 whilst not quite as detailed and with slightly lesser bass performance i enjoyed the sound more.

 

Maybe i really do need to shift brands or change speakers..

 

I do hasve some tweaking to do when some goodies arrive... i hope there is a positive affect.

Have you tried going back to a LE 200 configuration just to see if it still sounds good to you.  At least it'd confirm that it's nothing else in the system that's causing a problem.

[PKay]

1 hour ago, scumbag said:

It's more or less an IT setup thing. I have a how-to document that I created that I can send you.

Yes please

[PKay]

1 hour ago, scumbag said:

AIR is certainly the best way to really hear the Devialet free of any colouration (from sources). The PUC2 does do something to the sound which some engineers might strictly consider to be an alteration or distortion of the sound (shock horror) but which, to my ears, with my speakers (detailed, not laid back), in my room (quite reflective), does something really nice.

I guess what I am trying to say is, if you could at all get a loan of a PUC2 for a few days you might find it could tip the Devialet back into something more like the Expert sound that you liked.

I borrowed one and was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounded. I am also very pleased with the Singxer and would highly recommend either depending on system. Yellowtec doesn't connect to Linux while the Singxer does.

[Pim]

2 hours ago, Saunter said:

I wonder how a Yamaha CD-S3000 and A-S3000 sound.......certainly love the looks in Silver.

 

 

I have heard them running Dynaudio C4's and was very  underwhelmed. I seem to have a thing for going into a dealer to listen to the C4's and finding they just don't have the right amplification available at that particular time.

[Guest scumbag]

1 hour ago, Nap250 said:

Yes please

Try this - tell me what you think:

 

This guide assumes that you’ll be using an Ethernet connection (sorry). You should be able to adapt it to set up WIFI as well. My experience with having WIFI on in the configurator is that you can hear some pulsing when the amplifier is sitting at idles – when you switch WIFI off that disappears. This may be a bug in earlier firmware and perhaps only some units. This setup requires us to modify the PC and the Devialet’s Ethernet settings.

 

THE PC:
To configure static IP addresses we need to create a new subnet on the laptop or PC. In the case of a laptop it will most likely be connected wirelessly to an access point already. We don't want to create the new configuration with the same details as that existing one otherwise it will ruin the configuration of the WIFI connection. 
You will be fairly safe to take to choose a new IP of 192.168.100.1 and then a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

On the PC you need to configure a static IP on the network interface. This explains how to do configure an IPV4 interface:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/change-tcp-ip-settings#1TC=windows-7

 

In this case I'd suggest an IP address of 192.168.100.1 (it must be on the same subnet as the Devialet so shares the 192.168.100 prefix), a network mask again of 255.255.255.0, and a default gateway of 192.168.100.1 (so your PC is effectively the default gateway too).

 

THE DEVIALET:
To configure a static IP on the Devialet, enable the Ethernet interface. Under 'Advanced Settings' for the Ethernet interface, turn off DHCP and you'll get the option to enter an IP address and a network mask.  Now  enter an IP address of '192.168.100.2' and a network mask of '255.255.255.0'. NOTE: The IP address needs to be different to the PC!

Power up the Devialet with the new configuration and the Ethernet cable attached and it should be able to talk to the PC.
You can double check this, again in a 'cmd' window. Open up the window and type 'ping 192.168.100.2'. You should get (by default) 4 'Replies' with no losses.

Next you will need to install AIR on the PC. The Devialet should appear as an available 'sound card'. In the windows soundcard settings, pick Devialet AIR as the default output device. 
From then on you can use your audio software to play to that sound card.

In the AIR software, go into the settings and you will now see the Devialet as an option to stream to whereas before it would have displayed as inactive.
 

WIFI has alluded me so far. Not such as issue anyway as I have found WIFI to be noisy at least in the earlier firmware so gave up on that pretty early. My setup has my amplifier quite close to my source.

[PKay]

@Saunter how did you get on?

[blybo]

I've been offered a fantastic price on a new 120 Expert which is within budget, although upgrading to pro would be prohibitive seeing as though my cat just cost us over $7k. As you may have read in my Streaming Integrateds thread, I really want a one box solution if spending this much coin but I can't demo as it's the last 1 the retailer has and still new in the box. I listened to a 220pro which I really liked but again can't demo in my room or with my speakers. My Spatial Audio M3 open baffle speakers are 4ohm nominal but 95db efficient so I assume the 120 will have no issues driving them, I demo'ed a Sim Audio Moon all in 1 amp last weekend that was only 50wpc class A/B and that more than enough grunt for me.

 

So what I would like to ask the owners here is how many of you have had issues with AIR? I think it's pretty poor form of Devialet to be calling an end to upgrades when they don't appear to revealing what this new OS Board will do. Is it to replace a defective AIR system? Also concerned the non pro models will become orphans with no ongoing support or development to correct issues.

 

Because I haven't seen AIR in operation, can I stream directly from a Tidal or Spotify app on tablet or phone without getting my desktop computer involved? I assume streaming my own files is done via UPnP/DLNA from a NAS or desktop computer? Or does the AIR app find files in a similar way to how Roon or Sonos does on a desktop but controlled via a mobile device app? I have Ethernet to my current Sonos Connect so if hard wiring gets around issues I'm happy and all my files are in an external HDD hanging off my iMac.

 

I will want to connect Foxtel (co-ax or optical) and a TT using a MM cart and perhaps a PS4, hoping I could sell off my Cullen Sonos Connect and just use AIR.

 

The whole reason for an all in one is to make use of the system easy enough for my wife and kids. Currently my wife ignores the system saying it's too complicated to have a pre/power and DAC based system.

Edited May 4, 2017 by blybo

[blybo]

Bueller? ^^^

Edited May 4, 2017 by blybo

[Guest scumbag]

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

 

AIR is available in PC or MAC and it needs a computer to work. Essentially, unless someone else can chime in and correct me, you set it up either with WIFI or Ethernet (cable) and then once the Devialet can see the PC / MAC then you activate AIR on the PC and it acts as a sound-card. So you output everything sound-wise on your PC / MAC to the Devialet. Therefore, you will still need a computer in the equation.

In terms of running AIR, I have used 2.0 and 3.0 and using Ethernet I have not had a single issue. I believe WIFI is the bit where most people have issues - the sound drops out and starts to play white noise. I think most people on 3.0 have not had an issues with some isolated cases whereas 2.0 was a train-wreck. Devialet is still working on 3.0 as far as I know so they would presumably be looking at particular computers that are experiencing drop-outs and modifying the AIR code to get around it. UPnP/DLNA is not a feature on the Expert series and I assume this will be a feature in the "PRO" series. On that note, I believe the cutoff to upgrade from Expert to PRO finishes on May 15th so if you want to do this ACT QUICK.

 

In terms of orphaned technology, it's hard to say what Devialet will do long-term with support on the "Le expert" series. The issue is, the engineers would most likely want to support the older product but at some point the bean counters might step in and draw a line. You'd need a crystal ball to know if that will happen!

Anyway, I know you're getting a good price on the Devialet but if you are in doubt or AIR does not do what you want then you might want to look at options. The issue is getting something that will integrate all the devices you have and play them to your satisfaction. 

[Saunter]

Personally as far as AIR functionality and working goes i have no issues whatsoever streaming via WiFi  from Air 2.03 forward.

 

Currently running Air 3.04 and it just works. No drop outs or white noise even with high rez stuff.

[Guest scumbag]

3 minutes ago, Saunter said:

Personally as far as AIR functionality and working goes i have no issues whatsoever streaming via WiFi  from Air 2.03 forward.

 

Currently running Air 3.04 and it just works. No drop outs or white noise even with high rez stuff.

It seems to be isolated to certain OS configurations. What are you running, MAC or WIN?

 

[Guest scumbag]

No one got my Ferris Bueller reference? Anyone? Anyone?

[PKay]

7 hours ago, blybo said:

I've been offered a fantastic price on a new 120 Expert which is within budget, although upgrading to pro would be prohibitive seeing as though my cat just cost us over $7k. As you may have read in my Streaming Integrateds thread, I really want a one box solution if spending this much coin but I can't demo as it's the last 1 the retailer has and still new in the box. I listened to a 220pro which I really liked but again can't demo in my room or with my speakers. My Spatial Audio M3 open baffle speakers are 4ohm nominal but 95db efficient so I assume the 120 will have no issues driving them, I demo'ed a Sim Audio Moon all in 1 amp last weekend that was only 50wpc class A/B and that more than enough grunt for me.

 

So what I would like to ask the owners here is how many of you have had issues with AIR? I think it's pretty poor form of Devialet to be calling an end to upgrades when they don't appear to revealing what this new OS Board will do. Is it to replace a defective AIR system? Also concerned the non pro models will become orphans with no ongoing support or development to correct issues.

 

Because I haven't seen AIR in operation, can I stream directly from a Tidal or Spotify app on tablet or phone without getting my desktop computer involved? I assume streaming my own files is done via UPnP/DLNA from a NAS or desktop computer? Or does the AIR app find files in a similar way to how Roon or Sonos does on a desktop but controlled via a mobile device app? I have Ethernet to my current Sonos Connect so if hard wiring gets around issues I'm happy and all my files are in an external HDD hanging off my iMac.

 

I will want to connect Foxtel (co-ax or optical) and a TT using a MM cart and perhaps a PS4, hoping I could sell off my Cullen Sonos Connect and just use AIR.

 

The whole reason for an all in one is to make use of the system easy enough for my wife and kids. Currently my wife ignores the system saying it's too complicated to have a pre/power and DAC based system.

There was a 200 for sale in the 5k range not that long ago. It may be well worth a search on the for sales. Still under warranty and apparently not used very much as a second system - and the guy was in Victoria. 

 

I couldn't get  air to work although I have yet to try @scumbaginstructions in an earlier post. 

 

My system is pretty foolproof using an Antipodes server (there are cheaper alternatives) with a app to drive the album choice. You could look at other server alternatives. I have been very impressed with the 200 bearing in mind that you only get 2 analog inputs unless you get the slave unit. Speaking of which @Saunterdid you get yours working better?

[jt301]

Hey Blybo, as far as I know devialet Air software is only available on PC and Mac. I haven't found anyway of controlling it via a tablet or phone. I'd very interested if other people had. I've got my devialet wired into my network and when I installed the software, it just worked. It replaced the sound output to the PC speakers. A bit of mucking around to get it back again but maybe I was doing it wrong. The last time I looked they hadn't released software compatible with windows 10.  Basically whatever you play on your PC or MAC with the devialet AIR installed will be sent to the devialet.

 

 

Edited May 4, 2017 by jt301

[PKay]

7 minutes ago, jt301 said:

The last time I looked they hadn't released software compatible with windows 10.  Basically whatever you play on your PC or MAC with the devialet AIR installed will be sent to the devialet.

 

Now that might be my problem, I am running windows 10

[Guest scumbag]

6 minutes ago, Nap250 said:

Now that might be my problem, I am running windows 10

 

 

[Bunno77]

Hey Blybo, as far as I know devialet Air software is only available on PC and Mac. I haven't found anyway of controlling it via a tablet or phone. I'd very interested if other people had. I've got my devialet wired into my network and when I installed the software, it just worked. It replaced the sound output to the PC speakers. A bit of mucking around to get it back again but maybe I was doing it wrong. The last time I looked they hadn't released software compatible with windows 10.  Basically whatever you play on your PC or MAC with the devialet AIR installed will be sent to the devialet.
 
 

I used a Microsoft surface pro 3 tablet with Windows 8.1. Worked perfectly from any audio played on it via web browsers or tidal app etc

Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk

[Saunter]

I am using a windows 10 laptop..

 

Air works perfectly...

 

You can control the devialet from any Android or Apple phone. Just download the Devialet remote app from the app store and away you go.

 

Since a am running ROON i can use my phone to control that as well. It's pretty great being able to have a lap top in the office and fire up my Dev from the phone  and play music.

 

Also, it is well known that Devialet Air is better on a Windows machine. Through all the iterations of Air, Mac users have had the most problems.

[jt301]

Okay, I can see Devialet AIR version 3.0.4 was released back in March. Although it doesn't seem to say what version of windows it's compatible with, I assume it works with windows 10. I must give it a try.

Edited May 4, 2017 by jt301