ELAN S1616A 16-channel Multi-zone Amplifier/Controller Preview

ELAN was at the Hilton today, unveiling its new S1616A, a 16-channel multi-zone amplifier/controller that combines the functionality of the ELAN D16 amplifier and S128P multi-zone controller into one new component. It's pretty cool and should simplify installations and lower the total cost for dealers and their clients. The new ELAN S1616A Amplifier/Controller, which is designed to integrate exclusively with the ELAN g! System, will be available for delivery in the United States this month (January 2012) for $3600. The new ELAN S1616A is available in single- and dual-chassis versions, both of which include high-pass and low-pass crossovers, RCA inputs, speaker level and banana plug outputs, and feature level, bass and treble adjustment for each output channel.

"With the S1616A, we’ve taken our popular D16 amplifier and upgraded it to include the multi-zone controller capabilities previously available in our S128P controller, giving our dealers the simplest, most profitable solution for distributing whole-house audio with the ELAN g! Entertainment and Control System. The S1616A is a 16-channel multi-zone amplifier with nearly unlimited configuration options—supporting eight stereo or 16 mono inputs and outputs, or any combination thereof. With the ability to use the dual chassis model as a 16x16 matrix, this amplifier is perfect for any size residential installation, from small homes to mega-mansions. And because dealers can stack up to 15 chassis to provide up to 120 stereo or 240 mono outputs and it seamlessly integrates with the ELAN C2 Communications Controller, it is an ideal solution for any installation that requires high quality sound and ultimate flexibility in configuration no matter how large the project. The S1616A’s unique combination of a high power, high quality digital amplifier and up to sixteen stereo inputs takes ELAN multi-room audio systems to a whole new level."

- ELAN Product Manager Robert Ridenour

The ELAN g! Control System provides users with a uniform and intuitive icon-based control from their favorite devices including TVs, touchscreens, touchpads, PCs, iPhones and iPads. The standardized interface works across platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works similarly on ELAN touchscreens, valets and handheld remotes as well as users' televisions and mobile devices. And the system's IP backbone makes it just as easy to control the system from across the room - or from another location for that matter.

Individual "apps" for each subsystem allow the user to control security, climate, lighting, media, irrigation, video and more. Access is fast and secure through any ELAN home interface or globally with mobile Internet enabled devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Netbooks and PC Tablets. Since the intuitive interface empowers users with personalized scheduling and detailed history views, high consumption subsystems like lighting and climate can be closely monitored and managed for a greener lifestyle - and substantial energy savings.

The ELAN S1616A Amplifier/Controller is looking like a pretty good addition to ELAN's line and it's certainly meeting the need for more integrated products.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.