Devialet D-Premier D/A integrated amplifier (Black)
R68,000.00
Specifications:
Please note, this unit is black
Description: Remote-controlled, solid-state integrated amplifier with software-assignable inputs, LCD screen, switch-mode power supply, and high-efficiency (85%) output stage.
Inputs: 2 S/PDIF on TosLink; 1 pair RCA jacks assignable to phono or line; 1 pair RCA jacks assignable to phono, line, or two S/PDIF digital inputs; 1 AES/EBU digital input on XLR; 1 pair RCA jacks assignable to 2 S/PDIF digital inputs, analog preamplifier output, or subwoofer output and S/PDIF digital output.
Main outputs: 2 pairs of binding posts.
Other inputs/outputs: HDMI (not yet implemented), WiFi, trigger, RS-232, SD card (for firmware).
Maximum output power: 240Wpc into 6 ohms (22dBW).
Recommended speaker impedance range: 2–8 ohms.
Frequency response: not specified, depends on selected A/D-converter sample rate (96 or 192kHz).
THD+noise at full power: 0.001%. IMD (SMPTE): 0.001%.
Thermal distortion: unmeasurable.
Input impedance: not specified.
Output impedance: <0.001 ohm.
Signal/noise (unweighted, no reference level specified): 130dB.
Standby power consumption: <5W.
Maximum power consumption: 600W.
Dimensions: 15.75″ (400mm) W by 1.75″ (44.5mm) H by 15.75″ (400mm) D. Weight: 15.2 lbs (6.9kg) net.
Finishes: Black or mirror chrome.
Serial number of units reviewed: 00061 (listening), 00965 (listening, measuring); firmware version 5.6.0, Devialet AIR version 1.4.0.
Price: $15,995. Approximate number of dealers: 12.
Manufacturer: Devialet SAS, Paris, France. Web: www.devialet.com. US distributor: Audio Plus Services, 156 Lawrence Paquette Industrial Drive, Champlain, NY 12919. Tel: (800) 663-9352. Web: www.audioplusservices.com.
Description
Summing up
Yes, at $15,995, the Devialet D-Premier seems expensive. But when you consider that in my system it replaced a combination of a D/A preamp and similarly rated power amplifier costing a smidgen short of $29,000 without cables, and in some ways sounded better, that price starts to look more competitive. And that’s without considering the additional cost of a high-quality D/A converter for those with a conventional preamplifier. Then there’s the fact that the D-Premier’s hardware platform has been designed for easy upgradeability via firmware upgrades. The D-Premier you’ll be using next year will be able to do more than the D-Premier you bought this year, without you having to spend a single dollar more.
Devialet’s D-Premier amplifier is the most extraordinary product I have reviewed for Stereophile. Superb sound quality, future-proof design, everything you need in one box—it is the epitome of what a high-end audio product should be. Wow!
Stereophile article: https://www.stereophile.com/content/devialet-d-premier-da-integrated-amplifier
