It was around 15 years ago that Devialet first disrupted the audiophile scene with their revolutionary D-Premier amplifier. This sleek, minimalist box promised and delivered a complete high-end system solution with a fraction of the footprint of other systems of the time. It garnered fantastic reviews and quickly became a staple of the HiFi scene. Devialet's focus shifted towards their Phantom speakers, soundbars and headphones for a few years, so it is exciting to see the introduction of their new Astra series, a return to the amplifier innovation that first defined them.
The Devialet Astra's sleek profile and stunning finishes make some believe that they are a lifestyle brand with style over substance, but this is simply not true and they are one of the few to have mastered both. Devialet offer an incredible blend of convenience, cutting-edge technology, and, most importantly, impressive sound quality.
The Devialet Astra Solo is available at £14,000, and for those seeking even greater performance, Astra Dual for £28,000. There's also a striking Gold Leaf version, identical in performance but featuring a distinctive finish, priced at £18,000 (Solo) or £36,000 (Dual). For multi-speaker or bi-amping configurations, it's possible to incorporate four or more units.
Specifications:
The Astra Solo delivers a robust 150 watts into an 8-ohm load, doubling to 300 watts into 4 ohms. Its digital capabilities are extensive, supporting Airplay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, UPnP, and full Roon Ready functionality. Machined from a single block of aluminium it measures a compact 386mm wide, 386mm deep, and just 47mm high. It weighs a manageable 7.2kg.
Setup
The circular display on the top, while visually appealing, is not touch-sensitive, making the remote control essential. Deeper configuration is done via Devialet's app which including input settings, phono stage configuration, and setting up dual-mono operation. The SAM (Speaker Active Matching) feature is definetly engaging if your speaker has been profield. Devialet have measured a vast range of speakers to provide optimal playback between the recorded signal and the acoustic pressure generated, as an example with the Sopra N2 their measurements before had their extension at 30Hz and after enabling their extension reached an impressive 15hz . Further to this they measure the speakers maximium safe excussion to protect them against being over driven and remain distortion free.
This minimalist setup highlights the Astra Solo's appeal for those seeking high-end sound without the complexity of multiple boxes and cables. While analogue inputs are limited, reflecting the shift towards digital sources, it is still more than flexible enough for the majority of users and does incorporate a configurable phono input (MM/MC) via the Devialet app.
Performance
We have the pleasure of having on demonstration both the Astra Solo and Dual configurations at our Welwyn Garden City showroom. The Astra Solo a true one-box solution, setting up a high-performance system was remarkably straightforward. The integrated streamer, DAC, and amplifier meant minimal components were required. Spending a little late night session listening the system consisted simply of Devialet Astra working as our Roon end point and a pair of Focal Sopra N2 Speakers (SAM matched).
Listening to Mahler: Symphony No2 (Resurrection) in C Minor I. Allegro Maestoso performed by Czech Philharmonic conducted by Semyon Bychkov, which traverses vast emotional and dynamic landscapes with orchestral outbursts which require great control and immediate transient attack. I was pleased that the Devialet Astra Solo and Focal No2 handled these with ease, avoiding any sense of muddiness and presenting thunderous percussion with impact and authority, there was a real sense of being at Dvořák Hall for the original performance.
The just to relax a little I put on Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb from the album The Wall (doubt I needed to mention that). Emmersed in and appreciating all the layers and textures without anything sounding forced or harsh, I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the track and sometimes thats just the best testiment to a great sounding system.
The Astra Solo presented the music with stunning clarity, openness, and dynamic range. There was distinctly a lack of colouration, a hallmark of Devialet's design philosophy, which the Astra Solo upholds and enhances from their previous expert series. Overall the performance was genuinely impressive and worth the wait.
CONCLUSION
Considering its price tag, the Devialet Astra is a relative bargain, factoring in the significant savings on additional components, as all elements incorporated are of a high standard here, meaning no real need for separate out the streamer or DAC and you can just enjoy the system.
Sonically, the Devialet Astra Solo represents a triumphant return for Devialet's amplifier line up. It delivers an open, dynamic, and engaging sound. I had found myself lost in the music for several hours and a few missed calls from the wife, so had to drag myself away from the hard days "work". The Astra Solo has a signature that will certainly please most of our HiFi aficionados especially if you cannot accomodate larger scale systems this should certainly be on your demonstration list.
Regarding the Gold Leaf version, it's important to note that the price premium is purely for the aesthetic difference. We carry both versions so you can see and justify for yourself regarding the finish.
To arrange your Demonstration on the Devialet Astra models feel free to give us a call on 01707 320 788 or drop us an email sales@nintronics.co.uk.
Adam
