AudioControl’s $6,000-suggested Concert AVR-8 combines high-end audio performance with the latest 4K Ultra HD video processing to deliver “the ultimate viewing and listening experience for movie lovers not prepared to compromise on their passion for the highest quality entertainment experience,” said CEO Alex Camara.
The AVR, available exclusively to custom installers, is one of the most powerful AVRs in its class, delivering 7×120 watts into 8 ohms or 7×200 watts into 4 ohms, all channels driven. “The only way to achieve higher power levels would be to use a separate amplifier and pre-amplifier,” the company said.
Despite its high output, the AVR runs cool, thanks to Class H amplification that reduces the need for rack fans. Class H amplifier topology drives “even the most demanding speaker systems,” the company said. The technology “is known for pristine sonics, cool operating temperatures and ultra-reliability,” the company added.
Other key features include up-scaling of video to 4K, dual HDMI outputs, Internet radio and musicstreaming services, HDMI 3D passthrough, HDMI audio return channel, ability to drive a 5.1 system and second-zone stereo speakers, and proprietary auto room set-up and room correction.
Dolby Volume technology eliminates abrupt changes in volume levels when switching among TV stations or among different sources, such as DVD, Blu-ray, digital music files, compact discs and broadcast entertainment programming.
The component’s USB port accepts audio from USB drives and digital PCM audio from iPods, iPhones and iPads.
The array of surround decoders includes Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix and DTS 5.1.
The AVR-8 also comes with Ethernet, RS232, 12-volt trigger and IR control options, and it’s compatible with home-control systems from such companies as Crestron, Control 4, Savant and RTI. The component can also be controlled from the company’s AudioControl iOS Control App available free in the iTunes Store.
