Audio Cu Replaces AVR and Speaker Cables for Dolby Atmos Certified Sound

I've seen many ways of transmitting sound without using speaker cables in my 20+ years at Audioholics. Flat roofs, concrete outer walls, and super-critical customers can be an installer's nightmare when it comes to speaker cable installation. Sometimes, wireless speakers may seem like the only option. But are they? I recall seeing sound transmitted through a home's power lines years ago at an audio trade show. A quick search revealed that all of those companies are no longer in business. Now, Fasetto Inc., a company dedicated to finding new audio solutions since 2013, has come up with AUDIO Cu. AUDIO Cu is the first-ever system to deliver high-resolution Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos audio over existing power lines. The technology allows you to enjoy "premium audio experiences without the need for cumbersome speaker wires or complicated setups." AUDIO Cu utilizes the power lines already running through your home. Fasetto claims that AUDIO Cu makes it easier than ever to set up a home theater system, saving users time, money, and frustration.

At first, it sounded like the same story from years ago: "We'll miraculously deliver high-resolution music straight to your speakers through your home's power lines." I was skeptical. Now that Fasetto has earned Dolby product certification, I'm more inclined to see what they have to offer. Fasetto is the first company to achieve Dolby certification for a sound-over-power-lines product. According to Fasetto, "Dolby Laboratories rigorously tested and approved AUDIO Cu for its quality and design, ensuring that the product meets the high standards Dolby users expect."

Dolby product certification marks a major milestone for Fasetto and its AUDIO Cu solution. Users can now hear Dolby-certified, high-resolution Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos audio through speakers connected across power lines, without the hassle of dealing with cables, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth placement issues, or latency.

--Coy Christmas, founder and CEO of Fasetto

How Does AUDIO Cu Work?

AUDIO Cu’s technology completely replaces the traditional audio-video receiver (AVR) and speaker cables to provide "a seamless solution for distributing sound to speakers and subwoofers throughout the home." The system can support up to 10 different audio channels per setup, allowing for configurations ranging from basic 2.0 stereo systems to immersive 9.1 surround sound, including Dolby Atmos setups as advanced as 7.1.2.

I always appreciate when companies design versatile products that can be used with multiple systems, some of which you may already have in your audiophile arsenal. In this case, AUDIO Cu allows you to customize your home audio setup using virtually any wired speakers. As long as the speakers feature traditional positive (red) and negative (black) terminals, they can be connected to the AUDIO Cu system, so you're not locked into a specific brand.

An AUDIO Cu setup is based on a transmitter and a series of receivers that not only accept the information but also power the speaker with a 65-watt @ 4Ω amplifier. For a 5.1 setup, you would need one AUDIO Cu TX transmitter unit ($800), which plugs into your TV or streaming device, and six AUDIO Cu RX receiver units ($400 each: 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer = 6 AUDIO Cu RX units). Each AUDIO Cu RX unit has regular +/- speaker terminals and a line out for a subwoofer or external amplifier. With the TX transmitter ($800) and six RX receivers ($400 each), the price for the system comes to $3,200 plus installation, but Fasetto offers the 5.1 system for $3,000. It's certainly NOT cheap, but it's damn convenient when you absolutely can't route speaker cables from your AVR to your speaker locations in your room and you still want a truly immersive surround experience.

You can control individual speakers or entire systems using a mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices, which should allow for easy adjustments and access to a variety of audio presets and listening modes.

Dolby Certification for AUDIO Cu

The Dolby certification is what really piqued my curiosity about AUDIO Cu. Dolby Laboratories typically has a pretty rigorous certification process to ensure that featured products offer a "pristine listening experience."

With full Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos sound, the system delivers Hi-Res audio that adapts dynamically to the content being played, making users feel as though they are part of the action. Whether enjoying the subtle nuances of a quiet scene or the full impact of a dynamic soundscape, AUDIO Cu guarantees precise and immersive audio.

--Fasetto

What We Think of AUDIO Cu

We're interested to see how the specifications compare to Wi-Fi or even Bluetooth. Fasetto claims that the transmission speed is 2.3 Gb/s with zero packets lost, which would make it superior to Wi-Fi (ranges from 25–500 Mb/s depending on your internet speed). Plus, AUDIO Cu is supposed to detect noise or interference on power lines and adjust the way audio data is transmitted, ensuring no packet loss or latency.

Audioholics has recommended Dolby Atmos setups as low as $1,500, including speakers, so the $3,000 price tag for a 5.1 setup may put some people off. Besides not including speakers, the price also does not include installation. Currently, the AUDIO Cu system is only offered through local installers. The setup time is roughly 1 hour, with no speaker wires to run, so that does simplify things. The AUDIO Cu system can support up to 32 speakers and subwoofers within a single household. The system would work not only for home theater enthusiasts but also for event setups, where high-quality sound and flexibility are essential.

Beyond performance, AUDIO Cu also has a positive environmental impact by significantly reducing the need for copper wiring. This reduction in materials helps lower manufacturing waste, logistical pollution, and overall carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Is Fasetto's Audio Cu a product you would consider? Let us know in the discussion link below.