Stewart Audio Launches Low-Power Networked Amplifier Series

	Stewart Audio's AV25-2 NET +

The benefits of digital audio networking continue to extend past the mixing board and signal processing racks, bringing simpler connectivity, lighter infrastructure, and improved flexibility and control to the amplification stage and beyond. However, the company says many networked amplifiers today specialize in high-channel counts for large installations, with amplifiers centralized in densely populated racks to serve global PA systems.

Stewart Audio introduces a family of four low-wattage, networked amplifiers that address the need for lower-channel count support at the local amplification stage. The new series brings the benefits of power-efficient digital audio networking to an underserved customer base, where consultants, systems integrators, dealers, and end users require simple, affordable networked amplifier solutions scaled for smaller zones. According to the company, this provides an affordable and reliable option to the larger, high-wattage amplifiers for high channel counts that permeate the market.

Importantly, the compact footprint of all four products enables simple installation at endpoints, providing networked amplification to smaller zones -- whether for standalone needs in small-to-mid-sized installations; or to provide low-power amplification to smaller, distant zones in larger scale projects. Dual inputs in two models (AV25-2 NET+ CVA50-1 NET+) allow customers to serve both local and global PA systems if desired, with the option to target and prioritize pages and other audio events across many zones. This flexibility ensures that Stewart Audio customers can address larger facility needs while filling the void of local amplification requirements.

"To date, the market has lacked an affordable way to position networked amplifiers at endpoints," said Brian McCormick, chief marketing officer, Stewart Audio. "Our new family of compact amplifiers create a cost-efficient way to run Cat5 or Cat6 cable to local zones, allowing our customers to enjoy the benefits of digital audio networking beyond the central infrastructure. These products give our customers a simple and affordable way to address a broad range of low power, low channel count applications without the expense of larger networked amplifiers, or the complexity of architecting custom solutions with bridge devices and analog amplifiers."

Stewart Audio incorporates Dante media networking solution from Audinate into its product architecture to enable many operational benefits. The incorporation of Dante Ultimo technology in all four products specifically addresses the requirement of affordable networking solutions for lower channel counts and lower power consumption. Compatibility with other Dante-enabled products is also ensured for a seamless, high-performance networking architecture across installations of any size.

Installations are further simplified with the presence of Symetrix Composer 2.0 software. Composer 2.0 software natively integrates device discovery and signal routing all four new products through its unique Dante third-party programming environment. This further reduces complexity for the installer, accelerating deployment times and creating a cohesive end-to-end Dante networking solution with local amplification.

The complete range of new Stewart Audio networked amplification solutions include:
• AV25-2 NET+: A 2x25W, 4ohm or 8ohm low impedance amplifier with two analog and two Dante inputs, and remote and local volume control. Automated port switching can override audio feeds depending on which Dante or analog feed is set to priority.
• AV25-2 NET: A digital-only version of the AV25-2 NET+ with two Dante inputs.
• CVA50-1 NET+: A 50W, 70/100V mono amplifier with one analog and one Dante input, remote and local volume control, and automated priority port switching to insert local audio feeds over main programs.
• CVA50-1 NET: A digital-only version of the CVA50-1 NET+ with a single Dante input.

All four compact solutions can be pole mounted or attached to a flat surface near loudspeakers, and are plenum-rated to reduce the installation costs associated with rack-mounted systems. However, the 1/3RU design enables simple integration into central equipment racks if desired.