Devialet Astra: a luxurious connected amplifier with stellar sound
The last time French manufacturer Devialet was in the news, the news was not good. He requested the opening of a conciliation procedure in order to raise emergency funds to alleviate its financial difficulties.
However, the brand was preparing its return with the most high-end stereo amplifier it had ever developed. Called Astra, this product is a real return to basics. ADH amplification technology, today used by famous connected speakers Phantom I And Phantom IIwas in fact introduced for the first time in 2010 within the high-end D-Premier amplifier. Devialet has since enhanced its electronic offering with the Expert series, of which the new Astra is the worthy heir.
The combination of refined design and exceptional engineering
Although it is still aimed at wealthy music lovers, the Devialet Astra is even thinner than its predecessors. Designers and engineers also worked together to streamline it as much as possible, in order to make it more ergonomic. The physical controls are therefore limited to two side buttons and an extremely well finished brushed aluminum remote control.
A true demonstration of know-how, the Astra is much more than a simple amplifier. Its superb chassis also contains a preamplification stage, a network player, a DAC converter and a phono preamp. Designed to power the most ambitious hi-fi speakers on the market, it develops a colossal power of 2 x 300 watts at 4 Ohms. For the most demanding among them, Devialet also recommends using the Astra in pairs (in Dual configuration) in order to increase its power to 2 x 600 watts at 4 Ohms.
Proprietary digital technologies and fully modular functions
The Devialet Astra amplifier also derives its performance from the use of advanced proprietary digital technologies. SAM adapts the amp's output level in real time to the specifications of the associated speakers (1200 recorded profiles), while RAM modulates the phono stage continuously to obtain optimal performance with all types of vinyl turntables. By reducing the path of analog signals to just 5 cm, Magic Wire technology would enable digital-to-analog conversion free of any distortion.
At the heart of Devialet's strategy, the user experience is simply of a higher level. The Advanced Configurator, available online on Mac or PC, allows the listener to personalize the Astra according to their audio system. It notably offers the possibility of modifying the role of the connectors as desired (coaxial, optical, USB-C, RCA, etc.), of choosing between different power supply modes or of finely adjusting the phono stage depending on the cartridge. used. An iOS and Android app is obviously available as a backup to control the volume, select the source, access an equalizer, and much more.
An advanced network player, powered by a new software platform
Developed for fans of dematerialized music, the amplifier allows uncompressed music streaming via Wi-Fi. Devialet also took advantage of the release of the Astra to unveil the new DOS3 software platform. It was designed to control all Devialet products, current and future, solo or in a multiroom configuration. This platform also brings some new features, such as support for ChromeCast and Roon, in addition to AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, etc. A Bluetooth receiver is also available for more traditional wireless streaming.
Exemplary in terms of ergonomics and acoustic design, the Astra also perpetuates the partnership between Devialet and the Paris Opera. In addition to the Light Bronze color, it is therefore offered in a Paris Opera finish characterized by hand-applied 23-carat gold leaf. To afford the latter, you will have to pay no less than €20,000, compared to €16,000 for the classic version.
