AudioControl debuts latest 8K home theater preamps and receivers

AudioControl has announced the introduction of a new line of 8K home theater processors and receivers at CEDIA this week in Dallas. The company is showcasing new versions of the X-Series processors and receivers, all of which include HDMI 2.1 with HDCP2.3 support and accept 8K signals. Each model also carries 16-channel immersive audio processing and will allow consumers or integrators a chance to hear or deliver “new levels of precision, power, and control.”

The selection of preamps and receivers naturally support 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D and DTS:X, and also offer IMAX Enhanced certification. With 16 channels of balanced and unbalanced outputs, these 8K home theater products offer Dirac Live room correction with bass management and ESS Sabre DACs for “unprecedented levels of detail and clarity along with earth-shaking, authoritative bass response.”

Onboard are Google Cast, Airplay 2, aptX Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming connectivity options, and integrators will have access to web-based configuration tools along with control drivers for smart home platforms. AudioControl recommends pairing its preamp/processors with the company’s own G4 Series and RS Series amplifiers, such as the 7-channel Savoy G4, 5-channel Pantages G4 and versatile 4/3/2-channel fully bridgeable Avalon G4 to achieve the best results. AC’s RS Series mono amplifiers can also be used for subwoofer channels.

All the X-Series processors and receivers are made in the Pacific Northwest. The company says it offers superior customer service, as well as a 5-year warranty extended to integrators, and presumably end users. For more information, visit AudioControl.

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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Dave Upton

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It's nice seeing the latest batch of these starting to come out. I'm getting antsy to upgrade my pre/pro, and this latest batch seems to finally have what i'm looking for (solid HDMI 2.1 support, future proofing).
 

DaveF

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I’m interested in replacing my Marantz 7702mkII in the next year or two…

Do they not have pricing for their product? Neither press release nor website says. No direct-to-consumer sales and their “dealers“ in my area appear to be primarily rando’s selling by cellphone from their home. I’m confused by this company.
 

JohnRice

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I’m interested in replacing my Marantz 7702mkII in the next year or two…

Do they not have pricing for their product? Neither press release nor website says. No direct-to-consumer sales and their “dealers“ in my area appear to be primarily rando’s selling by cellphone from their home. I’m confused by this company.
The X7 preamp is $6,900. (ouch)
 

John Dirk

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I’m interested in replacing my Marantz 7702mkII in the next year or two…

Do they not have pricing for their product? Neither press release nor website says. No direct-to-consumer sales and their “dealers“ in my area appear to be primarily rando’s selling by cellphone from their home. I’m confused by this company.
Looks like they only work through integrators, which is a pain, but I found this over at Audio Science.

X9:
ES9038PRO SABRE audiophile DACs (140 dB of dynamic range)
• 16 channel XLR outputs with OPA1612 HiFi Audio op-amps
• Price: $9,600

X7:
ES9026PRO SABRE DACs (124 dB of dynamic range)
• 16 channel XLR outputs
• Price: $6,600
 

JohnRice

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Oops. I posted that from memory.

Unfortunately, my memory never was what it used to be.
 

DaveF

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I figured it was, “If you have to ask…” :)

They’re more expensive than Anthem, I think. Having Dirac integrated I’m sure contributes to that.
 
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