30-Oct-2024, 04:05
I came across the Astra when I tired to update my configuration of my Pro 250. I see nothing new with that configurations for Astra except the lack AES input. The primary reason I bought originally the Premier was that it had a built-in crossover function. It works somewhat but the slopes are not anything what they are supposed to be. I complain about that more than a decade ago but nothing changed so I assume the configurator is just a copy of the old one. "Updated modern design" is just more bling, more consumerism and not more music enjoyment.
I am thinking that DAC and server technology progressed a lot in the last 15 years and I see no hint that got improved with Astra. The basic concept of ADH is still valid today but both amplifier technology (especially class D) and digital design is maturing fast these days and I don't think Devialet is anymore competitive, except there are almost no choices for built in cross overs, at least not high end digital ones (Trinnov maybe but more focused on room correction and never heard it)
Maybe Astra was develop just to have a cheaper to produce case?
I am thinking that DAC and server technology progressed a lot in the last 15 years and I see no hint that got improved with Astra. The basic concept of ADH is still valid today but both amplifier technology (especially class D) and digital design is maturing fast these days and I don't think Devialet is anymore competitive, except there are almost no choices for built in cross overs, at least not high end digital ones (Trinnov maybe but more focused on room correction and never heard it)
Maybe Astra was develop just to have a cheaper to produce case?
