I haven't done much to my system for awhile - maybe a good sign. I am an inveterate tinkering bloke who has a few projects on the go at any time - in particular my EMT 950 that I am yet to hear - when funds allow I will get it fully refurbished. I have to say that improving the sound is difficult given that the sytem synergises so well and gives what I want from it. I guess I will revisit upgrades once I have my dedicated entertainment room after our home is extended - at that stage I intend to get active digital subwoofers, and I will also treat the room fully. I have considered either getting a Devialet, and need to test it back to back against the Lavardin. I have a design in my head for what I think is the ultimate 'realistic' turntable - in that I mean it's not gonna be in the Caliburn/Rockport Stratosphere - it will be based around a direct drive motor system - but I will say no more than that as I am still sourcing parts for it.
System edited: Just ordered and have in the post a Sony TTS 8000 Direct Drive. Cannot wait for it to get here. Am currently trying to cook up a plinth design - any suggestions welcome
The Lavardin IT is very load tolerant, a bit like a valve amp in that regard. I use fairly sensitive speakers at present - namely YAMAHA NS1000m's but the lure of dac/network/amplifier/phone stage - all in one is just so so tempting. I have to say that people often spend a lot of money on expensive upgrades before sorting out equalisation, energy and resonance control of their systems. I was gonna explore active subs at some point, but I am gonna have to hold off on any plans until I get my business up and running - priorities and all that...
I see. Output on the Lavardin is lower than even the entry level Devialet, so if it's watts you need, then it's a no brainer in that aspect. Speaking of vinyl, the first of the four rooms had a VPI Scout as a source while using the Devialet's phono stage. WOW! Every cut was incredible. Surprisingly with no "digital" sound. Speakers were Devialet's mini monitors. VERY pleasing system.
Hi Devliboy - in all honesty I wanted to dislike the Devialet - but hooked up to some vivid audio loudspeakers they were sensational. I haven't got a gargantuan living space and am of the belief that as technology improves it ought to get smaller and more multifunctional. The Devialet can drive a much larger range of speakers than the Lavardin - that iss perhaps the main reason I will consider the switch. I need to do a back to back comparison - in particular the phono stage - yes I know many think it will be heresy to put analogue via digital - but I have heard great things about the devialet phono stage - not only that but I can really do with a good digital front end.
Hello. A couple of weeks ago I heard four different Devialet amps in four different systems and they were all remarkable. I am not one to praise a product just for it's great reviews (doesn't everything get one anymore?), or it's price tag but I must admit, I was EXTREMELY impressed. Each system featured the SAM technology, so keep that in mind. If funds allowed and I could purchase anything I wanted, I would probably go with a Devialet with SAM. Problem is, your speakers need to be in the "database". I've never heard a Lavardin. I'm only familiar with it by reputation, but like I said, I would go Devialtet. Just my 2 cents.
