Quite disappointed and sad that they've abandoned the Expert line. Other than gimmicky repackaging, gaudy gold finish, App and software updates, the Astra's feature set and performance are inferior to the Expert Pro, and costs relatively more.
I understand Devialet is in financial trouble and looking to improve margins. It looks like they're giving their Amplifier line a last ditch effort and hope some of their customers will take the bait and "upgrade". The last Export CI upgrade was supposed to be "future proof". I'm not sure any current Expert customers will find the Astra offerings attractive. I got burn badly when Meridian abandoned their Sooloos product line, looks like the same is happening with Devialet. It's the beginning of the End. I'm keeping my 250 Pro as long as it's working, maybe look for a spare one while they're still available.
It seems digital gears have a limited shelf life. They become e-waste when the company stopped supporting them or went out of business. I guess that's why many audiophiles are going back to good old analog!
I understand Devialet is in financial trouble and looking to improve margins. It looks like they're giving their Amplifier line a last ditch effort and hope some of their customers will take the bait and "upgrade". The last Export CI upgrade was supposed to be "future proof". I'm not sure any current Expert customers will find the Astra offerings attractive. I got burn badly when Meridian abandoned their Sooloos product line, looks like the same is happening with Devialet. It's the beginning of the End. I'm keeping my 250 Pro as long as it's working, maybe look for a spare one while they're still available.
It seems digital gears have a limited shelf life. They become e-waste when the company stopped supporting them or went out of business. I guess that's why many audiophiles are going back to good old analog!
Devialet Pro 250 Core Infinity; Meridian: Control15, MS600 and 218 (3), Sooloos Core on QNAP, Roon Core on Nucleus+ 4TB SSD
Technics SL1200GAE, Audio Technica AT33PTG; Focal Utopia Scala; Transparent Reference cables; PS Audio P12 Regenerator (3), MIT in-wall conditioner
Technics SL1200GAE, Audio Technica AT33PTG; Focal Utopia Scala; Transparent Reference cables; PS Audio P12 Regenerator (3), MIT in-wall conditioner
