FAQ

• Is the D-Premier a digital amplifier or a class D amp?

  NO! The amp technology inside the D-Premier is hybrid: it works with analog and digital amplification at the same time. It is the first amplifier to feature the exclusive ADH technology developed by Devialet. What you actually hear is defined more by the Class A amp, which sets the output voltage at all times, thus shaping the musical signal.

• Are the digital inputs recommended by Devialet?

  Yes, we do recommend the use of the digital inputs – when connecting a CD player, for example. If you are using a digital source, you will benefit from the extraordinary performance of our innovative DAC (digital-to-analog converter), located at the core of the Class A amplifier, less than 5cm away from the speaker output. Thus, analog music signals are no longer carried between components over long cable stretches, which can result is signal degradation.

• Can I connect my computer to the D-Premier?

  Yes, of course, either directly using an optical Toslink cable, or via an external interface. All Apple Mac computers and some PCs have an optical output (it is located in the headphone output on the Mac), and you have two optical inputs available on the D-Premier. This is really easy to operate and offers excellent great sound quality. The sound will be even better, though, if you use a sound card or sound interface between your computer and the D-Premier. Devialet uses the WEISS INT 202 FireWire interface for its demonstrations, and the AES/EBU connection. This set up will give you fantastic results. If you don't have a FireWire port, you can also use the M2tech Hiface USB/RCA sound interface.

• Is the D-Premier suited for my loudspeakers ? What speakers are recommended for it?

  The D-Premier is incredibly versatile and will extract the best possible performance from your speakers – whatever their technology and specifications, you will experience Devialet’s unique Live & Lossless sound. There is a reason for that: the output impedance of the D-Premier is lower than that of any other amplifier (a hundred times below the market average). This means the D-Premier is almost insensitive to the speakers’ characteristics. It has total control over the speakers and plays the music exactly as it should be heard. It is also powerful enough to ensure this level of performance even with speakers reputed to be very hard to drive. The D-Premier is therefore an excellent reference amplifier with which to compare loudspeakers and see which give you the thrill you’re looking for

• How can I set the output at 240 W?

  Your D-Premier already features 2x240W RMS output power, providing that the load impedance is equal to or less than 6 ohms. The 'increased output power config', which will be made available via our website, will extend this rating to higher impedance loads (currently 'limited' to 2x190W RMS into 8 ohms). Note that if your speakers’ impedance is equal to or less than 6 ohms, there will be absolutely no difference.

  NOTE: The 165W RMS @ 8 ohms / 330W RMS @ 4 ohms / 660W RMS @ 2 ohms figures measured by Paul Miller for his extensive review in Hi-Fi News magazine were obtained from a prototype D-Premier running an early software configuration. All production units feature the specifications described above. 

• What is the maximum output current of Devialet D-Premier?

  The maximum output current is 30A peak per channel. It corresponds to a maximum peak power per channel of 1600W into a 1.8-ohm speaker load. 

• How can I play high resolution files?

  All of the D-Premier’s digital inputs accept high-resolution PCM signals (this is the standard format, the other being DSD). All digital inputs handle up to 24-bit/192kHz audio data. The choice of connection depends on the digital output available from your music server, Blu-ray player or sound interface (linked to a computer: see ‘Can I connect my computer to the D-Premier’, above).

• Why are the analog inputs converted to digital?

  We have decided to convert them using high-resolution sample rates (24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz), so all signals follow the same path and pass through the D-Premier’s internal DAC. This architecture is the result of extensive studies to achieve optimal volume control linearity and contributes greatly to the D-Premier’s unique performance and great versatility.

  NOTE: The sampling at 48kHz and subsequent frequency aliasing mentioned by Paul Miller in his extensive review in Hi-Fi News corresponds to a prototype D-Premier running an early software configuration. All production units ship with 96kHz by default and 192kHz by user configuration. 

• How do the D-premier's analog (phono) inputs compare to the digital ones?

  ? The analog inputs are internally routed as differential signals, although received via a ‘single-ended’ RCA connector, with an insulating washer (a very important detail), which makes all the difference: it doubles the required devices in the analog chain (hence its cost) and removes all the ground noise and distortion, making the phono ground connection virtually redundant.

  ? They provide a configurable resistive (9 to 460 ohms) and a capacitive (100 to 700 pF) loading of phono MC cartridge for optimal operation.

  ? The same attention is paid to noise and distortion as with the D-Premier’s DAC and ADH amplifier.

  ? They provide the same extremely wide and ultra-flat (fig.) frequency response as the digital inputs, totally independent from speaker impedance, apart from a security sub-bass cut-off at 0.1Hz for speaker safety purposes (no cut-off in digital).

  ? They incorporate the most accurate RIAA corrector, volume control and gain stage architectures available.

  ? All of which clearly demonstrates that the analog inputs have not been designed for casual ‘legacy’ purposes, but with Devialet quality and a total lack of compromise firmly in mind.

• How can I configure or customize the D-Premier?

  Before the configurator becomes available, the link opposite provides a set of frequently requested configuration files intended to address the needs of the majority of our customers. If none of these meet your requirements, please contact us and explain clearly the configuration you need. We will send you the file, which you can upload to the SD card supplied with your D-Premier, together with the upgrade procedure.

• Which parameters can I configure myself on the D-Premier?

  Configurable features on the D-Premier include:

   

  a. Convenience features: maximum power; security volume drop (when switching sources); source naming and activation; time before stand by; remote and screen customization.

  b. RCA connector functionality: phono or line in; line in or digital S/PDIF input; digital S/PDIF or analog stereo/mono pre-out, or digital output

  c. Input/output settings: phono – input gain (MM, MC resistive and capacitive loading), RIAA correction; line input level; analog output – fixed or variable, maximum output level; digital output – fixed or variable, volume, output sample rate; loudspeaker output – custom DSP capabilities (please contact us for more information)

  d. Multi-amplification and crossover settings: to be released
  e. Domotic integration: to be released

• How to operate the HDMI input?

  The HDMI input/output is not operational yet (you should have been informed of this by your dealer before you purchased the unit). The HDMI is hardware ready but the software will be released later this year. We will inform our customers via the e-mail given during the registration process. The HDMI software will be implemented on the D-Premier via the SD card provided with the unit.

• Does the D-Premier have a home theater pass through?

  Each audio input (analog and digital) can be customized extensively depending on the content of a configuration file located on the SD card. Both input gain (in dB) and volume control mode (variable or fixed) are configurable parameters.Thus, AV pass-through mode can be easily achieved selecting fixed mode volume control and adjusting input gain level to match amplifier and loudspeakers sensitivity.For example, such a pass-through could be programmed on a single analog input with other inputs unchanged, allowing an easy swap between stereo and multichannel listening modes.

• Does the subwoofer output work with an internal (fixed) crossover, or should the crossover on the subwoofer be used?

  Both of these solutions are possible. With a single D-Premier, using the subwoofer output, you use the crossover on the subwoofer.The subwoofer output can be activated via the Devialet website, with the configuration uploaded to the D-Premier via the supplied SD card. If you have two D-Premiers, you will be able to configure a ‘multiamp’ system, with one D-Premier dedicated to bass frequencies. There is an internal and entirely customizable crossover within the D-Premier. 

• Where is the mains phase - at the left or the right pin?

  There is no phase or neutral pin on your amplifier mains socket because the D-Premier has been designed to be immune to mains phase inversion.Phase inversion differences come from asymmetrical values of parasitic capacitors found in power supply designs using conventional high-turn transformers such as EI or toroidal ones. There are two types of parasitic capacitors: those between phase-earth and neutral-earth (which will cause current noise on earth line) and those between primary and secondary windings (which will cause unwanted noise on secondary voltage rails and sometimes audio ground).Instead, the D-Premier uses a proprietary low-turn planar transformer made of two identical PCBs assembled upside-down with a high-efficiency ferrite core, achieving near-perfect primary and secondary winding symmetry. Parasitic capacitor values obtained are 20 to 50 times lower than commonly found values. In addition, an input bridge rectifier is implemented to further reduce any residual parasitic capacitor asymmetry. 

• What is the retail price of the D-Premier ?

   The recommended retail price in Europe is 11920 € (All Taxes included).

• How can I check the software version of my D-Premier?

  From standby mode (‘DEVIALET’ displayed on the screen), press the right button (phase) of the remote for more than two seconds. If a new screen comes up, you can read the version on the last line (SW), then perform another long press to exit. If not, you are running a 4.x version. 

• I downloaded upgrade files for my D-Premier or a user configuration file, but nothing seems to happen

  A software upgrade takes about one minute and a progression wheel is displayed on the screen. A user configuration displays ‘Custom Config’ for a few seconds the first time it is applied – immediately if the amp is already running while the SD card is inserted, or the next time the amp is switched on. If you cannot see the expected message, please check the following possible reasons:

  • Your D-Premier’s software is up-to-date and does not need to be upgraded (please refer to the FAQ explaining how to check the current version)
  • You are not using the SD card that was provided with your D-Premier or have reformatted it
  • You are using a different SD or SDHC Card with a capacity of more than 2GB
  • The SD card was formatted by a Mac
  • The SD card was formatted in FAT32 instead of FAT (FAT16)
  • Files have been copied to a sub-directory of the SD card instead of to its root directory
  • Files have been renamed, or their extension has been changed: a configuration file is always dp_cfg.txt; upgrade files extension are .txt and .hex; a .php extension reveals an issue during the download: be sure to right-click (or hold Ctrl on Mac) then select ìSave target as...î to download
  • Files have been altered by opening them with a Mac: they should be directly saved from the website or the supplied ZIP file to the SD card
  • The SD card is not inserted all the way until it locks, with the golden tabs facing up
  • The power has not been switched off then on again while the SD card is inserted to trigger the upgrade (not required for a user configuration)

  NOTE: Once applied, the upgrade files should be removed from the SD card (and the remote may need to be paired again with the amplifier, please refer to dedicated FAQ). 

• Sometimes the remote doesn't work for a few seconds

  This kind of communication loss can happen once in a while – as with other Wi-Fi-like connections – and needs no fixing. It can be due to the radio environment in the room or to the nature of the material that the remote is resting on. If the problem persists, please replace the batteries of the remote device.

• The remote doesn't seem to work anymore

  Hold the remote device really close to the screen of the amplifier, then press the source selection button and move the volume control. Make sure your hand is not covering the back of the remote. If the D-Premier doesn't react, remove the batteries from the remote device, then reinsert them and follow the previous procedure (the hex key to unscrew the back panel of the remote is provided in your package). If this doesn't work, try again using new batteries. If this still doesn't work, or if you have to change the batteries more than once or twice a year, please contact your dealer or Devialet directly.

• The light below the front panel becomes red, what does this mean?

  If this happens while the music briefly stops, this indicates that a protection device has been activated. If this happens when music is playing, this means that the unit has started to activate its limiter/compressor system because the signal peaks can't be reproduced at this volume level without exceeding the maximum power available. If the light is red while there is no music, this indicates that the digital source selected is unlocked, or that the analog signal in is too high.

• Can I use my D-Premier without the remote?

  For now, the answer is ‘no’. If your remote doesn't work or if you have damaged it, please contact your dealer or contact us to obtain warranty service or to purchase a new one. In the near future, a software upgrade will allow utilization of the D-Premier’s front panel button to access main functions, as well as the use of a universal remote control.

• The D-Premier is warm after a few hours playing, is this normal?

  Yes. The D-Premier is a closed box, and the heat naturally dissipates through the metallic casing. So it should get warm (around 40°C) even at low volume when playing for a prolonged period. Its polished surface dramatically increases the heat transfer like the reflective outer material of satellites, so you will feel it is warmer than it really is. Should an excessive temperature be reached, the D-Premier is equipped with several temperature sensors that will automatically trigger a protection mode.

• The D-Premier seems to work but there is no sound coming out

  First, check that the right source is selected, that signal is coming out of the source, that the volume level is high enough and that all cables are properly connected. If the problem persists, please switch off the unit, unplug the power cable and disconnect all sources. Then reinsert the power cable, switch on the unit and reconnect the source cables.

• •           Is the D-Premier a digital amplifier or a class D amp?

  NO! The amp technology inside the D-Premier is hybrid: it works with analog and digital amplification at the same time. It is the first amplifier to feature the exclusive ADH technology developed by Devialet. What you actually hear is defined more by the Class A amp, which sets the output voltage at all times, thus shaping the musical signal.

  •           Are the digital inputs recommended by Devialet?

  Yes, we do recommend the use of the digital inputs – when connecting a CD player, for example. If you are using a digital source, you will benefit from the extraordinary performance of our innovative DAC (digital-to-analog converter), located at the core of the Class A amplifier, less than 5cm away from the speaker output. Thus, analog music signals are no longer carried between components over long cable stretches, which can result is signal degradation.

  •           Can I connect my computer to the D-Premier?

  Yes, of course, either directly using an optical Toslink cable, or via an external interface. All Apple Mac computers and some PCs have an optical output (it is located in the headphone output on the Mac), and you have two optical inputs available on the D-Premier. This is really easy to operate and offers excellent great sound quality. The sound will be even better, though, if you use a sound card or sound interface between your computer and the D-Premier. Devialet uses the WEISS INT 202 FireWire interface for its demonstrations, and the AES/EBU connection. This set up will give you fantastic results. If you don't have a FireWire port, you can also use the M2tech Hiface USB/RCA sound interface.

  •           Is the D-Premier suitable for my loudspeakers? What speakers are recommended for it?

  The D-Premier is incredibly versatile and will extract the best possible performance from your speakers – whatever their technology and specifications, you will experience Devialet’s unique Live & Lossless sound. There is a reason for that: the output impedance of the D-Premier is lower than that of any other amplifier (a hundred times below the market average). This means the D-Premier is almost insensitive to the speakers’ characteristics. It has total control over the speakers and plays the music exactly as it should be heard. It is also powerful enough to ensure this level of performance even with speakers reputed to be very hard to drive. The D-Premier is therefore an excellent reference amplifier with which to compare loudspeakers and see which give you the thrill you’re looking for.

  •           How can I set the output at 240W?

  Your D-Premier already features 2x240W RMS output power, providing that the load impedance is equal to or less than 6 ohms. The 'increased output power config', which will be made available via our website, will extend this rating to higher impedance loads (currently 'limited' to 2x190W RMS into 8 ohms). Note that if your speakers’ impedance is equal to or less than 6 ohms, there will be absolutely no difference.

  NOTE: The 165W RMS @ 8 ohms / 330W RMS @ 4 ohms / 660W RMS @ 2 ohms figures measured by Paul Miller for his extensive review in Hi-Fi News magazine were obtained from a prototype D-Premier running an early software configuration. All production units feature the specifications described above. 

  •           What is the maximum output current of Devialet D-Premier?

  The maximum output current is 30A peak per channel.It corresponds to a maximum peak power per channel of 1600W into a 1.8-ohm speaker load. 

  •           How can I play high-resolution files?

  All of the D-Premier’s digital inputs accept high-resolution PCM signals (this is the standard format, the other being DSD). The S/PDIF RCA and AES/EBU inputs handle up to 24-bit/192kHz audio data, while the Toslink optical inputs are limited to 96kHz. The choice of connection depends on the digital output available from your music server, Blu-ray player or sound interface (linked to a computer: see ‘Can I connect my computer to the D-Premier’, above).

  •           Why are the analog inputs converted to digital?

  We have decided to convert them using high-resolution sample rates (24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz), so all signals follow the same path and pass through the D-Premier’s internal DAC. This architecture is the result of extensive studies to achieve optimal volume control linearity and contributes greatly to the D-Premier’s unique performance and great versatility.

  NOTE: The sampling at 48kHz and subsequent frequency aliasing mentioned by Paul Miller in his extensive review in Hi-Fi News corresponds to a prototype D-Premier running an early software configuration. All production units ship with 96kHz by default and 192kHz by user configuration. 

  •           How do the D-Premier’s analog (phono) inputs compare to the digital ones?

  ? The analog inputs are internally routed as differential signals, although received via a ‘single-ended’ RCA connector, with an insulating washer (a very important detail), which makes all the difference: it doubles the required devices in the analog chain (hence its cost) and removes all the ground noise and distortion, making the phono ground connection virtually redundant.

  ? They provide a configurable resistive (9 to 460 ohms) and a capacitive (100 to 700 pF) loading of phono MC cartridge for optimal operation.

  ? The same attention is paid to noise and distortion as with the D-Premier’s DAC and ADH amplifier.

  ? They provide the same extremely wide and ultra-flat (fig.) frequency response as the digital inputs, totally independent from speaker impedance, apart from a security sub-bass cut-off at 0.1Hz for speaker safety purposes (no cut-off in digital).

  ? They incorporate the most accurate RIAA corrector, volume control and gain stage architectures available.

  ? All of which clearly demonstrates that the analog inputs have not been designed for casual ‘legacy’ purposes, but with Devialet quality and a total lack of compromise firmly in mind.

   

  •           Is it true that the analog input stage is the most expensive section of the whole product?

  It is certainly very costly to deliver Devialet’s unique implementation of analog. Some customers are using their D-Premier as the ultimate ‘RIAA-ADC’ conversion device, to rip their vinyl LP collection and build a bridge between recording technologies.However, when it comes to playing digital music sources, however meticulously designed, the analog inputs cannot rival our internal DAC for reasons of architecture – it delivers the shortest signal path. If you use the D-Premier’s analog inputs for a digital music source, what you end up hearing is the external DAC, because all the links in the chain are so transparent.

  •           How can I configure or customize the D-Premier?

  Before the configurator becomes available, the link opposite provides a set of frequently requested configuration files intended to address the needs of the majority of our customers. If none of these meet your requirements, please contact us and explain clearly the configuration you need. We will send you the file, which you can upload to the SD card supplied with your D-Premier, together with the upgrade procedure.

  •           Which parameters can I configure myself on the D-Premier?

  Configurable features on the D-Premier include:

  a. Convenience features: maximum power; security volume drop (when switching sources); source naming and activation; time before stand by; remote and screen customization.

  b. RCA connector functionality: phono or line in; line in or digital S/PDIF input; digital S/PDIF or analog stereo/mono pre-out, or digital output

  c. Input/output settings: phono – input gain (MM, MC resistive and capacitive loading), RIAA correction; line input level; analog output – fixed or variable, maximum output level; digital output – fixed or variable, volume, output sample rate; loudspeaker output – custom DSP capabilities (please contact us for more information)

  d. Multi-amplification and crossover settings: to be released
  e. Domotic integration: to be released

  •           How to operate the HDMI input?

  The HDMI input/output is not operational yet (you should have been informed of this by your dealer before you purchased the unit). The HDMI is hardware ready but the software will be released later this year. We will inform our customers via the e-mail given during the registration process. The HDMI software will be implemented on the D-Premier via the SD card provided with the unit.

  •           Does the D-Premier have a home theater pass through?

  Each audio input (analog and digital) can be customized extensively depending on the content of a configuration file located on the SD card. Both input gain (in dB) and volume control mode (variable or fixed) are configurable parameters.Thus, AV pass-through mode can be easily achieved selecting fixed mode volume control and adjusting input gain level to match amplifier and loudspeakers sensitivity.For example, such a pass-through could be programmed on a single analog input with other inputs unchanged, allowing an easy swap between stereo and multichannel listening modes.

  •           Does the subwoofer output work with an internal (fixed) crossover, or should the crossover on the subwoofer be used?

  Both of these solutions are possible. With a single D-Premier, using the subwoofer output, you use the crossover on the subwoofer.The subwoofer output can be activated via the Devialet website, with the configuration uploaded to the D-Premier via the supplied SD card. If you have two D-Premiers, you will be able to configure a ‘multiamp’ system, with one D-Premier dedicated to bass frequencies. There is an internal and entirely customizable crossover within the D-Premier. 

  •           Where is the mains phase – at the left or the right pin?

  There is no phase or neutral pin on your amplifier mains socket because the D-Premier has been designed to be immune to mains phase inversion.Phase inversion differences come from asymmetrical values of parasitic capacitors found in power supply designs using conventional high-turn transformers such as EI or toroidal ones. There are two types of parasitic capacitors: those between phase-earth and neutral-earth (which will cause current noise on earth line) and those between primary and secondary windings (which will cause unwanted noise on secondary voltage rails and sometimes audio ground).Instead, the D-Premier uses a proprietary low-turn planar transformer made of two identical PCBs assembled upside-down with a high-efficiency ferrite core, achieving near-perfect primary and secondary winding symmetry. Parasitic capacitor values obtained are 20 to 50 times lower than commonly found values. In addition, an input bridge rectifier is implemented to further reduce any residual parasitic capacitor asymmetry. 

  •           What is the retail price of the D-Premier?

  The recommended retail price in Europe is 11920 € (all taxes included).

  •           How can I check the software version of my D-Premier?

  •From standby mode (‘DEVIALET’ displayed on the screen), press the right button (phase) of the remote for more than two seconds.If a new screen comes up, you can read the version on the last line (SW), then perform another long press to exit.

  If not, you are running a 4.x version. 

  •           I downloaded upgrade files for my D-Premier or a user configuration file, but nothing seems to happen

  A software upgrade takes about one minute and a progression wheel is displayed on the screen.A user configuration displays ‘Custom Config’ for a few seconds the first time it is applied – immediately if the amp is already running while the SD card is inserted, or the next time the amp is switched on.If you cannot see the expected message, please check the following possible reasons:

  ?           Your D-Premier’s software is up-to-date and does not need to be upgraded (please refer to the FAQ explaining how to check the current version)

  ?           You are not using the SD card that was provided with your D-Premier or have reformatted it

  ?           You are using a different SD or SDHC Card with a capacity of more than 2GB

  ?           The SD card was formatted by a Mac

  ?           The SD card was formatted in FAT32 instead of FAT (FAT16)

  ?           Files have been copied to a sub-directory of the SD card instead of to its root directory

  ?           Files have been renamed, or their extension has been changed: a configuration file is always dp_cfg.txt; upgrade files extension are .txt and .hex; a .php extension reveals an issue during the download: be sure to right-click (or hold Ctrl on Mac) then select ìSave target as...î to download

  ?           Files have been altered by opening them with a Mac: they should be directly saved from the website or the supplied ZIP file to the SD card

  ?           The SD card is not inserted all the way until it locks, with the golden tabs facing up

  ?           The power has not been switched off then on again while the SD card is inserted to trigger the upgrade (not required for a user configuration)

   

  NOTE: Once applied, the upgrade files should be removed from the SD card (and the remote may need to be paired again with the amplifier, please refer to dedicated FAQ). 

   

  •           Sometimes the remote doesn't work for a few seconds

  This kind of communication loss can happen once in a while – as with other Wi-Fi-like connections – and needs no fixing. It can be due to the radio environment in the room or to the nature of the material that the remote is resting on. If the problem persists, please replace the batteries of the remote device.

  •           The remote doesn't seem to work anymore

  Hold the remote device really close to the screen of the amplifier, then press the source selection button and move the volume control. Make sure your hand is not covering the back of the remote. If the D-Premier doesn't react, remove the batteries from the remote device, then reinsert them and follow the previous procedure (the hex key to unscrew the back panel of the remote is provided in your package). If this doesn't work, try again using new batteries. If this still doesn't work, or if you have to change the batteries more than once or twice a year, please contact your dealer or Devialet directly.

  •           The light below the front panel turns red – what does this mean?

  If this happens while the music briefly stops, this indicates that a protection device has been activated. If this happens when music is playing, this means that the unit has started to activate its limiter/compressor system because the signal peaks can't be reproduced at this volume level without exceeding the maximum power available.If the light is red while there is no music, this indicates that the digital source selected is unlocked, or that the analog signal in is too high.

  •           Can I use my D-Premier without the remote device?

  For now, the answer is ‘no’. If your remote doesn't work or if you have damaged it, please contact your dealer or contact us to obtain warranty service or to purchase a new one. In the near future, a software upgrade will allow utilization of the D-Premier’s front panel button to access main functions, as well as the use of a universal remote control.

  •           The D-Premier is warm after a few hours playing, is this normal?

  Yes. The D-Premier is a closed box, and the heat naturally dissipates through the metallic casing. So it should get warm (around 40°C) even at low volume when playing for a prolonged period. Its polished surface dramatically increases the heat transfer like the reflective outer material of satellites, so you will feel it is warmer than it really is. Should an excessive temperature be reached, the D-Premier is equipped with several temperature sensors that will automatically trigger a protection mode.

  •           The D-Premier seems to work but there is no sound coming out?

  First, check that the right source is selected, that signal is coming out of the source, that the volume level is high enough and that all cables are properly connected. If the problem persists, please switch off the unit, unplug the power cable and disconnect all sources. Then reinsert the power cable, switch on the unit and reconnect the source cables.

• Is it true that the analog input stage is the most expensive section of the whole product?

  It is certainly very costly to deliver Devialet’s unique implementation of analog. Some customers are using their D-Premier as the ultimate ‘RIAA-ADC’ conversion device, to rip their vinyl LP collection and build a bridge between recording technologies.However, when it comes to playing digital music sources, however meticulously designed, the analog inputs cannot rival our internal DAC for reasons of architecture – it delivers the shortest signal path. If you use the D-Premier’s analog inputs for a digital music source, what you end up hearing is the external DAC, because all the links in the chain are so transparent.

• What is the best configuration for a D-Premier when used with a multichannel A\V receiver?

  The best way to insert a D-Premier into a 5.1/7.1 system is to make it in charge of the front channels and the A/V receiver in charge of the other channels, including the subwoofer. Connect all your stereo sources (CD/SACD player, soundcard, Tuner, Phono) to the D-Premier and all your multichannel sources (Blu-Ray, Set-top boxes...) to the A/V receiver. Connect the front-channels analog preamplified output of the A/V receiver to the line input of the D-Premier. On this specific line input, volume control is turned off thanks to a dedicated configuration file. Thus, the A/V receiver will control the volume of all channels. On every other input of the D-Premier, volume control of front channels is performed thanks to the radio remote control.

  Enclosed is a custom configuration file, with 4 coaxial digital inputs (named Digital 1, Digital 2, Digital 3 and Digital 4) and 1 line input (instead of phono) featuring volume control bypass. In bypass mode, D-Premier can be considered as a fixed gain voltage amplifier. Default setting is +26dB, we can modifiy this parameter from +20dB to +40dB, in order to match A/V receiver sensitivity as well as loudspeaker efficiency compensation.

  Make sure you have the latest software version of the D-Premier (v5.3). Check by a long press on the phase invert button of the remote when the unit is in sleep mode (showing only DEVIALET on the display): FW 5.3.