French luxury audio brand Devialet has launched its latest product, the Devialet Astra, a high-end audio amplifier that marks a return to the company's roots. The Astra boasts advanced proprietary technologies, sleek design, and seamless connectivity options, but comes with a hefty price tag of €16,000. This move is significant, especially considering recent reports of the company's financial struggles, including a cash shortage and debt facility negotiations.

The Devialet Astra is a sleek, brushed aluminum amplifier that packs a range of features, including a preamplifier, amplifier, DAC, streamer, and phono stage. It can drive speakers at 2 x 300W power under 4Ω and supports multiple wireless connectivity options. The amplifier also utilizes Devialet's proprietary technologies to achieve high audio volumes with low distortion and features a database of 1,200 speakers to optimize sound quality.

Despite the company's financial challenges, Devialet's CEO, Jacques Demont, remains optimistic about the Astra's potential to bring professional-grade sound quality to the home. The launch of the Astra also marks the introduction of a new software stack that will underpin future Devialet products.