Era Design 4 Speaker System, AudioControl Maestro M2 Pre/Pro, and AudioControl Savoy Amplifier At A Glance: AudioControl

At A Glance: AudioControl Maestro M2 Pre/Pro

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Connections
Inputs:
Video: HDMI (2), component video (3), S-video (5), composite video (5)
Audio: Coaxial digital (3), optical digital (3), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (7), AM/FM
Outputs:
Video: HDMI (1), component video (1), S-video (3), composite video (3)
Audio: Coaxial digital (1), optical digital (1), stereo analog (4), 7.1-channel XLR preamp (1), 7.1-channel RCA preamp (1)
Additional: RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (3), IR jack (3)

Features
Processing Modes: Dolby: Digital 5.1, EX, Pro Logic IIx
DTS: DTS, ES Matrix, ES Discrete, Neo:6
Proprietary: 6 DSP modes, mono
THX Certification: No
Audio D/A Converter: 24-bit/192-kilohertz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.25 x 17 x 15.5
Weight (pounds): 30
Price: $2,399

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

At A Glance: AudioControl Savoy Amplifier

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Features
Number of Channels: 7
Power Rating (watts per channel): 150, into 8 ohms
Frequency Response: –0.2 dB from 2 Hz– 50 kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 5.75 x 17 x 15.75
Weight (pounds): 41
Price: $2,499

Connections
Inputs: XLR (7), RCA (7)
Outputs: Five-way binding posts (7)
Additional: None

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Ratings: AudioControl Maestro M2 Pre/Pro and Savoy Amplifier

Build Quality: 89
• Class H circuitry makes the powerful amp less weighty
• Casual, utilitarian look

Value: 95
• Moderately priced versus other competing separates
• Factor in potential energy savings, and you've got a nice deal

Features: 90
• Innovative amplification design
• It has the flexibility your installer (and you) need in high-end home theater

Performance: 92
• Amp has gumption, as well as efficiency
• The pair delivers crisp midrange, extended detail

Ergonomics: 85
• Interfaces designed for installers and maybe savvy consumers
• Plain menu graphics

Overall Rating: 91
AudioControl's Savoy and Maestro M2 combine high performance with the increasingly significant advantage of energy efficiency. The days when it was OK for an amp to double as a space heater are behind us. This is what home theater's future looks (and sounds) like.

General Information
Maestro M2 Pre/Pro, $2,399
Savoy Amplifier, $2,499
AudioControl,
(425) 775-8461
www.audiocontrol.com
Dealer Locator Code ACT

COMMENTS
Mocha6ft3's picture

I remember reading about this fine power amp in one of your issues i bought in a convience store a few years ago. After looking at the review i was sure i would go with seperates. Reading about the class H amp plus there's very little heat, peeked my interest. Plus, the Savoy looks very cool with it's LED lights on the front.

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