It must be admitted that the Devialet Astra Hi-Fi amplifier does not lack assets. First of all, a line of excellence with the aptly named Devialet Premier unveiled in 2009 and marketed in 2010, followed by the Expert Devialet 110, 170, 240 and 500 (2013) references regularly renewed thereafter (2014 and 2018), which made the reputation of the brand (as a reminder, the first Devialet Phantom speaker appeared in stores in 2015).
Devialet Astra, new generation ADH amplification££££
The Devialet Astra also takes up the technical elements that presided over the birth of the D-Premier, namely the famous ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) process combining the sophistication of Class A amplification with the efficiency and compactness of Class D amplification. Ultimately, energy management and heat dissipation are optimized for much higher efficiency. The power delivered displays 2 x 300 (4 ohms) / 2 x 150 W (8 ohms) in stereo mode, 2 x 600 (4 ohms) / 2 x 350 W (8 ohms) in mono mode (bridged). Namely, it is possible to associate up to eight Devialet Astra in case of gargantuan need.
Devialet Astra, exclusive SAM, RAM and Magic Wire technologies££££
SAM (Speaker Active Matching) technology, which allows the signal supplied by the amplifier to the speakers to be finely optimized, is still there: regardless of their model, or almost, the Devialet library has 1,200 passive speaker profiles listed. Indeed, since all speakers on the market are different, it is crucial for ever more efficient sound reproduction to best adjust the sound signal to their qualities in order to magnify their audio rendering and exploit them fully. This is what the Sam process achieves, in real time, i.e. according to the type of signal sent, therefore the music listened to.
The RAM (Record Active Matching) process continuously optimizes the Phono stage for maximum quality via various dynamic equalizer settings based on the characteristics of each connected turntable or even vinyls. Also noteworthy, the 192 kHz/32-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is strategically placed in the center of the ADH amplifier (exclusive Magic Wire label), so the signal path in its analog form does not exceed 5 cm to minimize its degradation and perfectly control distortion and background noise. In view of these specifications, the [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification is therefore required.
Devialet Astra, new DOS3 operating system and connectivity££££
The Devialet Astra features the latest generation of the brand's operating system, Devialet DOS3. Developed to manage all current Devialet products, it will also be able to support the brand's future hardware. All the current flagship features are present, [abc]AirPlay[/abc], [abc]Chromecast (integrated)[/abc], Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, [abc]UPnP[/abc] audio gateway function ([abc]DLNA[/abc]), [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6, [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3… Of course, full control of the Devialet Astra is possible through the application of the same name. And the Advanced Configurator function available on the brand's website allows for very quick and intuitive original configuration of the amplifier (more than 20 custom settings available).
Devialet Astra, the connectivity££££
The Devialet Astra, like its connectivity, is also rich in terms of connectivity. The already mentioned Phono MM/MC input is accompanied by a [abc]RCA[/abc] line input, two [abc]coaxial[/abc] inputs, two [abc]optical[/abc] inputs, a [abc]USB[/abc]-C port (compatible with 384 kHz/32 bits), an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port plus two pairs of screw terminals.
Devialet Astraet Devialet Astra Opera de Paris££££
As usual with Devialet, thanks to the partnership between the French brand and the Paris Opera, the latest Astra is available in the Opera finish. 23-carat gold leaf is hand-finished to adorn all the contours of a limited and numbered number of Devialet Astras for a magnificent result.
Available immediately. Indicative prices: €16,000 for the Devialet Astra, €20,000 for the Devialet Astra Opéra de Paris.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Devialet Astra:
• Model: [abc]2.0[/abc]
• Power: 2 x 300 (4 ohms)/2 x 150 W (8 ohms) in stereo mode, 2 x 600 (4 ohms)/2 x 350 W (8 ohms) in mono mode (bridged)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 117 dB
• THD (total harmonic distortion): 0.001%
• Inputs: 1 (Phono MM/MC input, 1 line input [abc]RCA[/abc], 2 [abc]coaxial[/abc] inputs, 2 [abc]optical[/abc] inputs, 1 [abc]USB[/abc]-C port and 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc]
• Outputs: 2 pairs of screw terminals
• Audio Gateway functions [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])
• Spotify Connect functions
• Tidal Connect functions
• Network [abc]AirPlay[/abc]
• Network [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc]
• Network [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3
• Network [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6
• Roon Ready multimedia
• Hi-Res Audio streaming via USB/network: yes
• [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 386 x 47 x 386 mm
• Weight: 7.2 kg
