07-Aug-2025, 21:04
(This post was last modified: 11-Aug-2025, 22:55 by Staradonna.)
Astra vs Expert Pro — Sound, Specs, and Real-World Value
Introduction
With the launch of the new Devialet Astra, many Expert Pro owners are wondering: is this really a step forward? On paper, Astra may seem like a spiritual successor to the Expert Pro, but a closer look reveals key technical differences and some surprising limitations. Here’s a breakdown of how the Astra compares to the Expert Pro — both technically and in terms of sound and value.
1. DAC and Internal Processing
Expert Pro:
• Internal DSP (MAT) processes PCM up to 192 kHz and converts DSD64 to 384 kHz PCM, then resamples to 192 kHz before entering ADH.
• MAT (Magic Wire) is present and active.
• Sweet Room correction is supported.
• Superior dynamic range and microdetail when fed from a high-quality external streamer.
Astra:
• MAT is also present (confirmed by Devialet Support), but:
• DSD128 via USB is downsampled to 96 kHz.
• Network and USB PCM streams are downsampled to 96 kHz before entering ADH.
• No Sweet Room functionality.
• Still limited to 24/192 PCM and DSD64 via digital input, like Expert Pro, but downsampling over network and USB is a regression.
2. Streaming Capabilities
Expert Pro:
• Both the Expert Pro and Astra are Roon Ready devices and support RAAT, Roon’s proprietary streaming protocol, which is used exclusively for streaming from Roon to these devices.
• RAAT is not supported by any other source besides Roon, so streaming via RAAT only works between Roon and the Expert Pro or Astra.
• Both devices also support AirPlay and UPnP streaming protocols.
• The Expert Pro does not support Qobuz Connect or Tidal Connect, and since Devialet no longer provides updates for the Expert Pro, these services will never be added.
• When released in 2017, Devialet promised Bluetooth support for the Expert Pro, but it has never been implemented.
• Streaming board development has stalled — no native Qobuz or Tidal Connect on the Expert Pro.
• Using an external streamer (e.g., WiiM Ultra, Eversolo DMP-A6, Lindemann Limetree, or Bluesound Node X/Icon with Dirac) remains the best way to access these services and improved performance.
Astra:
• Integrated modern streaming with Devialet OS.
• Supports Spotify Connect, AirPlay, UPnP, Roon Ready, and possibly Qobuz/Tidal Connect in the future.
• Great if you want an all-in-one solution, but you’re locked into Devialet’s ecosystem — and there’s no Dirac Live or advanced room correction available.
3. Room Correction
Expert Pro:
• Offers Sweet Room, a customizable parametric EQ system.
• Can easily be paired with external streamers that offer Dirac Live, which is superior to Sweet Room in most acoustic environments.
Astra:
• No Sweet Room or other room correction options.
• No support for Dirac or third-party EQ.
4. Upgradability & Flexibility
Expert Pro:
• Modular design allowed for CI board upgrades.
• Wide range of digital inputs: AES, optical, coax, USB, Ethernet.
• Can be matched with external DAC/streamer for better performance and flexibility.
Astra:
• Closed system.
• Fewer inputs, limited to USB-C, network, optical/coax.
• No upgrade path for internal DAC or streaming module.
• Limited customization.
5. Sound Quality
Subjectively, Astra may sound cleaner and more detailed in the midrange and highs, possibly due to newer components and better internal grounding. However:
• Using a high-end external streamer into the Expert Pro’s digital input still results in superior imaging, dynamics, and tonal realism, especially with Dirac room correction applied.
• Expert Pro’s ADH amplification remains class-leading.
• Astra’s DSP downsampling (especially to 96 kHz over network/USB) may degrade high-res content.
6. Price and Value
• Expert Pro 220 originally retailed for €8,000, but now sells for €3,500–€4,500 used.
• Add a top-tier streamer (e.g., DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node Icon) for €500–€1,000, possibly with Dirac.
• Total cost: €5,000–€6,000 for an objectively better-sounding and more flexible system.
• Astra costs around €10,000 and offers fewer options, no upgrade path, no room correction, and internal downsampling.
Conclusion
The Expert Pro remains a superior value proposition – technically, functionally, and musically – especially when paired with a modern external streamer offering full streaming support and Dirac Live.
While Astra introduces a cleaner design and new UI, it sacrifices flexibility, upgradability, and raw performance.
Many long-time owners feel Devialet has abandoned the Pro series by withholding streamer upgrades – but ironically, this opens the door to better sound with external solutions.
Unless form factor and simplicity are your only priorities, and money isn’t an issue, the Expert Pro setup wins hands down.
Introduction
With the launch of the new Devialet Astra, many Expert Pro owners are wondering: is this really a step forward? On paper, Astra may seem like a spiritual successor to the Expert Pro, but a closer look reveals key technical differences and some surprising limitations. Here’s a breakdown of how the Astra compares to the Expert Pro — both technically and in terms of sound and value.
1. DAC and Internal Processing
Expert Pro:
• Internal DSP (MAT) processes PCM up to 192 kHz and converts DSD64 to 384 kHz PCM, then resamples to 192 kHz before entering ADH.
• MAT (Magic Wire) is present and active.
• Sweet Room correction is supported.
• Superior dynamic range and microdetail when fed from a high-quality external streamer.
Astra:
• MAT is also present (confirmed by Devialet Support), but:
• DSD128 via USB is downsampled to 96 kHz.
• Network and USB PCM streams are downsampled to 96 kHz before entering ADH.
• No Sweet Room functionality.
• Still limited to 24/192 PCM and DSD64 via digital input, like Expert Pro, but downsampling over network and USB is a regression.
2. Streaming Capabilities
Expert Pro:
• Both the Expert Pro and Astra are Roon Ready devices and support RAAT, Roon’s proprietary streaming protocol, which is used exclusively for streaming from Roon to these devices.
• RAAT is not supported by any other source besides Roon, so streaming via RAAT only works between Roon and the Expert Pro or Astra.
• Both devices also support AirPlay and UPnP streaming protocols.
• The Expert Pro does not support Qobuz Connect or Tidal Connect, and since Devialet no longer provides updates for the Expert Pro, these services will never be added.
• When released in 2017, Devialet promised Bluetooth support for the Expert Pro, but it has never been implemented.
• Streaming board development has stalled — no native Qobuz or Tidal Connect on the Expert Pro.
• Using an external streamer (e.g., WiiM Ultra, Eversolo DMP-A6, Lindemann Limetree, or Bluesound Node X/Icon with Dirac) remains the best way to access these services and improved performance.
Astra:
• Integrated modern streaming with Devialet OS.
• Supports Spotify Connect, AirPlay, UPnP, Roon Ready, and possibly Qobuz/Tidal Connect in the future.
• Great if you want an all-in-one solution, but you’re locked into Devialet’s ecosystem — and there’s no Dirac Live or advanced room correction available.
3. Room Correction
Expert Pro:
• Offers Sweet Room, a customizable parametric EQ system.
• Can easily be paired with external streamers that offer Dirac Live, which is superior to Sweet Room in most acoustic environments.
Astra:
• No Sweet Room or other room correction options.
• No support for Dirac or third-party EQ.
4. Upgradability & Flexibility
Expert Pro:
• Modular design allowed for CI board upgrades.
• Wide range of digital inputs: AES, optical, coax, USB, Ethernet.
• Can be matched with external DAC/streamer for better performance and flexibility.
Astra:
• Closed system.
• Fewer inputs, limited to USB-C, network, optical/coax.
• No upgrade path for internal DAC or streaming module.
• Limited customization.
5. Sound Quality
Subjectively, Astra may sound cleaner and more detailed in the midrange and highs, possibly due to newer components and better internal grounding. However:
• Using a high-end external streamer into the Expert Pro’s digital input still results in superior imaging, dynamics, and tonal realism, especially with Dirac room correction applied.
• Expert Pro’s ADH amplification remains class-leading.
• Astra’s DSP downsampling (especially to 96 kHz over network/USB) may degrade high-res content.
6. Price and Value
• Expert Pro 220 originally retailed for €8,000, but now sells for €3,500–€4,500 used.
• Add a top-tier streamer (e.g., DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node Icon) for €500–€1,000, possibly with Dirac.
• Total cost: €5,000–€6,000 for an objectively better-sounding and more flexible system.
• Astra costs around €10,000 and offers fewer options, no upgrade path, no room correction, and internal downsampling.
Conclusion
The Expert Pro remains a superior value proposition – technically, functionally, and musically – especially when paired with a modern external streamer offering full streaming support and Dirac Live.
While Astra introduces a cleaner design and new UI, it sacrifices flexibility, upgradability, and raw performance.
Many long-time owners feel Devialet has abandoned the Pro series by withholding streamer upgrades – but ironically, this opens the door to better sound with external solutions.
Unless form factor and simplicity are your only priorities, and money isn’t an issue, the Expert Pro setup wins hands down.
