The long awaited successor to Devialet‘s successful Expert range of amplifiers is finally here. This month the French company has announced the arrival of their latest creation, Astra.
Like the Expert range, Astra is a all-in-one integrated amplifier with in-built streaming, a DAC and a phono stage. There are two models – the Astra Solo which is a single stereo unit or Astra Dual which uses two units in a dual-mono configuration for twice the power. There is also two finishes with the standard light bronze and the upgraded gold leaf ‘Opera De Paris’ edition.
The key difference between Astra and its predecessor is the hardware. The ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) amplifier has been upgraded to give improved sound quality. The ADH technology is central to Devialet’s legacy and the driving force behind their entire range. ADH keeps the signal path on Class A amplification whilst using the Class D for the power only. This allows them to deliver a refined audiophile level sound in a compact and stylist unit. This technology has been reworked by Devialet who have been able to deliver a jump in the performance of the amp.
Astra also features a revamped software architecture which harnesses the power of the cutting-edge iMX8 processor, paired with the new version of Devialet Operating System, DOS3. This powerful combination radically improves Devialet Astra’s compatibility and allows for the seamless integration of a wide range of streaming protocols such as AirPlay, Google Cast Built-in, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, UPnP and Tidal Connect. This new range of connectivity options allows Astra to work much better with Android devices as well as Apple. This was often a complaint with the Expert range.
To help existing customers transition to Astra, Devialet are introducing the new ‘Elevate programme’. This will allow you to trade in your expert for a discount on a new Astra model. See below for the trade in prices on specific Expert models.
