Astra vs Expert Pro on paper

[Jau]

ada pid='110757' dateline='1729777096']Personal opinion, this is the proof of how Devialet team evolved in the opposite direction and lost the capabilities of:

1. Product design
2. Understanding their customer needs
3. Technical capabilities
4. Marketing strategy

I think this product is just showing clearly the team of 2016 was superior to today's one and the product we loved wasn't maintained for all these years because they weren't capable of doing it. My only war with Devialet will be to get the ownership of current software pieces of Expert Pro (even if that requires money)

Just check the internal pictures of the Astra, at every single extend this is trimmed down version of Expert Pro:
https://www.on-mag.fr/index.php/topaudio...t-de-gamme

I am just guessing that even if they made the price doubled they are not targeting the existing Expert customers because they have to be insane to sell this trimmed down version to an Expert owner, I wouldn't even exchange my Expert for free to this thing!

   

[Redwingnine]

This new product is a head scratcher.  Costs significantly more, specs seem to be not as good as the Expert Pro, applying the Expert Pro Speaker Active Matching to this new product does not seem to be the right approach.  

I'll stick with the 1000 Pro, thanks.  If anything, I'll get a second 220 Expert Pro for my other system to make it a 440 Pro.

[Redwingnine]

...I am sure, some can remember the discussion about the non linear power over the frequency range, which was started after measurment of an well knows asian looking guy in the HiFi scene, can't remember his name right now. Thus showing high frequencies has much less power available than low ones...

This was also confirmed by Stereophile Magazine (measurements by John Atkinson), although JA did not really emphasize it in the overall measurement results.

Interesting point.  High Frequency does not need a lot of power to be accurately reproduced.  One could read in between the lines regarding the Astra that the Devialet team made a business decision to make the unit more eco friendly (consume lees power overall).  If that is indeed the case, then there will be trade offs. 

The Expert Pro series already have some of the absolute best midrange and treble reproduction of any current amp setup on the market.  Hard to believe that Astra is going to be a step up over the Expert Pro.  Guess we will need to wait and see what happens going forward.

[ada]

Where is the white paper of ADH next gen thay they have promised 3 months ago? Devialet is pure marketing of fake future promises. I bet technically there is no way for Astra to beat Expert but I won’t bother myself and pay a car price to test something already fails on paper.

[markush]

Ya crazy they told me week by week it should be out next week
This is so strange to see, as with the new Astra line a lot of budget is involved as well as an important step to regain brand reputation. Also Astra reviews in magazines are lacking, in contrast to other new amps like Marantz model 10 etc.

[Staradonna]

Attached is the link to a review of the new Devialet Astra on the Dutch website HiFi.nl:
https://hifi.nl/artikel/34738/Review-Dev...rgave.html

Summary

The sound characteristics of this Devialet form the foundation for a realistic audio experience. The Class-D amplifier performs on par with many traditional amplifiers. The Astra fits well into today’s technological landscape, with much of its functionality accessible via an app. Additionally, it comes with a robust and beautifully designed remote control.

Pros

Integrated amplifier with streaming
Elegant design
Supports multiple streaming protocols, including Bluetooth
Dynamic, realistic, detailed, fast, pure, and well-focused sound
Phono input with pre-RIAA curves
Ideal speaker matching for optimal performance
Bi-amping, bridging, and subwoofer control options
Flexible speaker pairing for customizable sound preferences
App, remote control, and online configurator for seamless operation

Cons

Like all modern technology with built-in computer systems, its lifespan won’t be 80 years, unlike some analog equipment.

Comparison with the Devialet Expert Pro

The review also compares the Astra to the now discontinued Expert Pro but does not provide a conclusion regarding differences in sound quality.

Key differences:
• New operating system and faster processor
• Available in two colors
• USB-A replaced by USB-C
• No more AES-EBU and trigger connections
• Additional streaming protocols, including Bluetooth
• Improved Devialet App and online configurator

I understand that Tidal access is also included, alongside Spotify, which was already available on the Pro series. I hope a future software update for the Pro series will also include Tidal support. But I don’t have much faith in Devialet delivering on this.

[spater]

Received my March copy of HiFi Choice mag today. Been patiently waiting each month for a few words on Astra or, heaven forbid, a review! But nothing. Very perplexing, considering the mag covers all new hifi kit. Perhaps they have a huge backlog of kit to write about and Astra is merely in the pipeline.

[markush]

There is a review of Marantz Model 10 with Link 10n streamer vs Astra: https://youtu.be/Y2eMupVBNOk?si=qFLak1nwnqED8k91

[MightyMart]

Two days ago I heard the Astra for the first time at the high end show in Stockholm (Sweden). It was in dual configuration and the amps were driving a pair of Magnepans. The demo included both streaming and vinyl.

Short summary:

1. The Devialet sound was immediately recognizable. I could not hear any big difference compared to D1000 which I had for many years.

2. The main difference between Astra and the now obsolete Expert Pro line is purely a question of connectivity, interface and how updates are downloaded and installed.

I would find it very hard to justify the cost of an "upgrade" to Astra.

[hardcore]

According to the specs, the Astra does not support DSD input. The Expert Pro does. So if u have a DSD collection you'd be disappointed.