Integrated amplifiers — Devialet Astra

The Astra is a streaming integrated amplifier from the French company Devialet, with a built-in DAC and an ADC that converts analogue inputs to digital. Its hybrid amplification combines Class A and Class D circuitry in a compact, slim chassis.

Key specs that matter

Output is 2 x 150W into 8 ohms and doubles to 2 x 300W into 4 ohms. The rated bandwidth reaches from DC up to 88kHz within plus or minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 117dB, THD plus noise is 0.0006% and the damping factor is 2,000. The Astra accepts analogue sources through two balanced XLR inputs and a single-ended one. The case measures 386 x 386 x 47mm and weighs 7.2kg.

Engineering and use context

In the hybrid circuit, Class A and Class D elements work together in the amplifier, keeping the power and the low distortion figure in a chassis only 47mm tall. Streaming, analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification all sit in one box.

Pairing

With two balanced XLR inputs and the built-in ADC and DAC, the Astra connects a wide range of analogue and digital sources directly, without a separate preamplifier or converter. Its doubling of power into 4 ohms means it can drive lower-impedance loudspeakers, and the slim case fits into spaces where a full-size integrated amplifier would not.

Alternatives

Within Devialet's range, the Expert 220 Pro is the other integrated amplifier.