16 channels AVC/AVRs coming?

[PENG]

https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio/high-fidelity-speakers/audio-video-processor-and-amplifier/astral-16

For AVR, or AVC (no tuner), is this first? I know TLSGuy won't, but who would buy such a thing anyway?

 

[ryanosaur]

Probably not from Focal, but I am interested if the right technology and price come together.
In my mind, it needs Dirac and their Bass Management option included, with flexible channel placement options. I think the most interesting unit right now will be the mono htp-1, but there are a slew in the works at varying prices from emo at 3k to the ati version at 10k(?)... and maybe more!
I think there is potential value in these for the more serious hobbyist.
But cost will be the determining factor, probably more so than ease of implementation.

 

[PENG]

Probably not from Focal, but I am interested if the right technology and price come together.
In my mind, it needs Dirac and their Bass Management option included, with flexible channel placement options. I think the most interesting unit right now will be the mono htp-1, but there are a slew in the works at varying prices from emo at 3k to the ati version at 10k(?)... and maybe more!
I think there is potential value in these for the more serious hobbyist.
But cost will be the determining factor, probably more so than ease of implementation.

You need a large room to get the effects imo. At least Focal is smart to include Dirac, and use class D amps, one that is probably the most powerful for AVRs at this point in time.

300 Watts, 12 channels driven simultaneously into 4 Ohms
650 Watts, 3 channels driven simultaneously into 2.7 Ohms

That's continuously rated, (unlike NAD and Yamaha's IHF dynamic ratings) at 0.1% THD, insanely powerful, if verified on the bench!!

 

[ryanosaur]

You need a large room to get the effects imo. At least Focal is smart to include Dirac, and use class D amps, one that is probably the most powerful for AVRs at this point in time.

I’m traveling and can’t do a deep dive. Any clue who is building this? Is it Focal themselves?

 

[Leemix]

I’m traveling and can’t do a deep dive. Any clue who is building this? Is it Focal themselves?

StormAudio it says on the back of the unit on the picture from the link.

 

[PENG]

StormAudio it says on the back of the unit on the picture from the link.

Yeah, just like Bryston's I guess, there must be others rebadging StormAudio's AVP but I think for AVR, this is the only one so far. It only has 4 channel pre outs. 20,000 Euro for an AVR that doesn't have the upcoming HDMI/8K feature.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think 16CH AVR is really crossing the line. I thought they already crossed the line with 13Ch.

AVR has no business with 16CH of amps. Now it might be okay if the AVR has 9CH amps + 16Ch Processing.

 

[TankTop5]

I think 16CH AVR is really crossing the line. I thought they already crossed the line with 13Ch.

AVR has no business with 16CH of amps. Now it might be okay if the AVR has 9CH amps + 16Ch Processing.

It has 12 amps and 4 XLR outputs, possibly specifically designed for 4 subs?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It has 12 amps and 4 XLR outputs, possibly specifically designed for 4 subs?

IMO 12 amp is better than 16 amps. But I still think they should not put more than 9 amps inside the AVR.

 

[Verdinut]

IMO, it's getting ridiculous. How are the popular brand manufacturers going to put 12 amps in currently sized AVR chassis? They will have to contain Class D power amps and a switching power supply to save space.
It will get to a point where no technician will accept to repair them because of the limited space between components, and the ridiculous time spent in displacing components to get to the defective ones etc. That situation happened with the NAD receivers of the early 2000's.

 

[TankTop5]

IMO 12 amp is better than 16 amps. But I still think they should not put more than 9 amps inside the AVR.

Why, is 9 one of your lotto numbers?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Why, is 9 one of your lotto numbers?

Everyone knows "9" is a LUCKY number. Duh!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

IMO, it's getting ridiculous. How are the popular brand manufacturers going to put 12 amps in currently sized AVR chassis? They will have to contain Class D power amps and a switching power supply to save space.
It will get to a point where no technician will accept to repair them because of the limited space between components, and the ridiculous time spent in displacing components to get to the defective ones etc. That situation happened with the NAD receivers of the early 2000's.

Like M Code says, these AVRs are made to be discarded-after-use anyway, not repaired. But now instead of being discarded after 8 years, it will be 4 years.

Will see how long the Denon X8500 lasts with 13 amps inside the chassis.

 

[PENG]

Like M Code says, these AVRs are made to be discarded-after-use anyway, not repaired. But now instead of being discarded after 8 years, it will be 4 years.

Will see how long the Denon X8500 lasts with 13 amps inside the chassis.

You just reminded me that the Denon still ranks top in terms of number of amp channels, the Focal/StormAudio ranks higher only in terms of 16 channel processing, and price, for a mere AVC.

 

[Jon AA]

The JBL and AudioControl 16 ch AVRs have 7 channels of amplification. So far it looks to me like the AudioControl at $4600 is the cheapest way to get 16 channels. Many upgrading to that will already have an AVR with multichannel inputs they could in turn use as a 7 channel amplifier for the height channels. That gives a guy 14 amplified channels with two independent sub outputs. Not a bad bang for the buck.

 

[lovinthehd]

AVRs are currently significantly repairable without the stock of boards on hand?

 

[lovinthehd]

It does make me wonder just how many theaters there are with these kind of speaker setups....

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio/high-fidelity-speakers/audio-video-processor-and-amplifier/astral-16

For AVR, or AVC (no tuner),is this first? I know TLSGuy won't, but who would buy such a thing anyway?

I can't believe that Focal is selling a 16Ch AVR.

What's next? Bryston, Krell, and Mark Levinson selling 16Ch AVRs too?

@TLS Guy ears must be absolutely itching right now.

 

[PENG]

AVRs are currently significantly repairable without the stock of boards on hand?

Good question, they do claim the following:

"The StormAudio product range has been designed to be fully modular and upgradable depending on current and future needs."

Does that mean they are highly/practically repairable? I don't think we know for sure, but to me that's would be nice for someone who is willing to spend $20,000 Euro on one.

 

[lovinthehd]

Good question, they do claim the following:

"The StormAudio product range has been designed to be fully modular and upgradable depending on current and future needs."

Does that mean they are highly/practically repairable? I don't think we know for sure, but to me that's would be nice for someone who is willing to spend $20,000 Euro on one.

Might have more to do with the viability of Storm as a company to an extent, or their service network on this side of the pond, too