Astra reviews

[Redwingnine]

Fortunately, I had the chance yesterday to listen to and compare the Astra with the Expert Pro 440 at home. My music setup includes an Aurender W20SE feeding a Devialet Expert Pro 440 amplifier, paired with a set of Burmester B38 speakers. The listening area is approximately 30 square metres. As I requested a comparison, the local dealer brought a single Astra for me to test against the 440.

First, the dealer and I listened to the 440 for about 40 minutes, then switched to the Astra and listened for another hour. Here’s how I felt: I usually listen to a lot of pop vocals and jazz, and the experience was positive—definitely an improvement. The sound differences between the Astra and 440 were pretty obvious, mainly in the mid and high frequencies. To my ears, the Astra’s mids and highs were clearer and fuller. Compared to the 440, which sounded a bit tight and cool with vocals in my setup, the Astra was more powerful and robust—almost like turning up the treble volume slightly.

Before, with complex background instrumentals in my system, vocals would sometimes feel recessed, a bit muted, and even thin at times. With the Astra, vocals seemed more defined and stood out more; the sibilance (like "s" and "sh" sounds) was also more pronounced. The dealer thought the improved midrange might be what’s enhancing the perception of the highs. As for the bass, I couldn’t detect much difference—they seemed similar. Other sonic changes weren’t very noticeable—even timbre and soundstage differences were subtle, since the 440 is already excellent to begin with. I haven’t picked up on any flaws in the Astra’s sound compared to the 440 yet.

The downsides come from outside the audio performance, like the design: the lack of a rear cover makes plugging cables a hassle, especially when the device is in the mid-shelf of a cabinet—you’re basically fumbling blindly back there. And the aesthetics: while the Expert Pro had a unique, angular design with a high-gloss panel that screamed high-tech, the Astra feels more like a sleek, refined box—losing that distinct, edgy look that made the Expert Pro stand out.

Next, if I have time, I’ll bring my wife to try the Astra mono and dual version again—she has keener ears than me, so I’m curious what she’ll notice!

Appreciate the review.  Looking forward to your additional feedback. 

I have not noticed the issues you pointed out with the 1000 Pro you identify with the 440 Pro.  I do notice it with the 220 Pro on my second system.  Another thing worth pointing out is that selecting ICM on the Expert Pro provides a similar effect you noticed with the Astra.  I use ICM when watching movies, streaming media, and it does help.  It's a under used feature that is quite useful.