CEDIA 2017

Control4 is reaffirming its commitment to high-performance audio distribution by launching the new Triad Multi-Room Audio line-up at CEDIA. This new line-up features two audio matrix switches, a high-resolution multi-channel amplifier, and the new single zone Triad One, all designed from the ground up to deliver high-performance, high-resolution audio throughout the home.

According to the company, over 65 percent of system owners enjoy multi-room audio, and Control4 demonstrated its seriousness about delivering a high performance solution when the company introduced its EA series of controllers which made 192/24 high-resolution audio available to every Control4 owner and added native support for Tidal music streaming. In a further move to provide a high-performance, end-to-end audio solution from “source to speaker,” the company acquired Triad in February of this year, a company with a 30 year heritage in performance audio.

The new line will feature two new audio matrix switches, the AMS-8 and the AMS-24. The AMS-8 crams 8x8 switching into a 1 rack unit size, while the AMS-24 triples the number of ins and outs to 24x24 in just a 2 rack unit space. Multiple units can be used together to scale up to 48 zones. Recognizing that many users now distribute digital sources, such as the outputs from the company’s own EA-3 and EA-5 controllers, the matrixes include both coaxial and Toslink digital inputs. To insure the highest sound quality, both offer >105 dB dynamic range with .005% THD. The matrixes are both IP controllable, and include 12-volt triggers. For optimizing the sound in each listening zone, each output can be adjusted with independent gain, bass, treble, balance, loudness, mono-summing, and a 10-band parametric equalizer! Further, there are pre-programmed presets for Triad speakers that will allow installers to rapidly configure the unit for maximum performance.

The AMS-8 will retail for $1200 and the AMS-24 will sell for $2400. Both models are available now.

For amplification, the company launches the AMP-8, a Triad-branded 8-Zone amplifier. This amp features eight zones of high-resolution amplification with 100-watts per channel at >109 dB dynamic range and .003% THD, all packed into a chassis just 1 rack unit high. For powering difficult speakers or large zones, channels can be bridged to deliver 200-watts. The amp uses ICEpower technology, with modules designed and built to Triad’s specifications. The amp also features an ultra-fast sub-2 second wake-up time, making it perfect for use with system announcements or doorbell chime integration.

The AMP-8 retails for $1700 and is available now. To read about the Triad One Streaming Amplifier, also launched at CEDIA, click here for Darryl Wilkinson’s excellent write up.