AudioControl Rialto 400 Amp Improves Digital Music Systems

AudioControl is releasing a new compact Amp/DAC designed to work perfectly with digital sources so streaming audio channels or MP3s can sound as good as possible, but still not take up a lot of space.

The system is called the Rialto 400. AudioControl describes it as a high-powered amplifier with a built-in audiophile-grade DAC. The amp side packs 100 watts per channel (two channels/8 ohms) or users can bridge two of them to use as mono-blocks.  Inside is a Wolfson DAC designed to outperform the DACs often built into streaming devices. It features AudioControl’s patent-pending AccuBASS circuitry, which improves bass response lost in most digital compression schemes.

The Rialto 400, which will be at CES 2013 in booth 2409 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, looks ideal for homes that use Sonos Connect Amps to power their multi-room audio system. The amp is small, only 8.5 inches wide and 2.9 inches tall, so it’s as easy to conceal as a Sonos Connect. You can connect the system to a your audio source with digital or analog inputs. A 12v trigger for control systems is also provided.  There’s also a subwoofer output and a headphone jack for private listening.

A SMART Signal Sensing feature allows the user to prioritize which input to use based on personal preference. When the system is turned on, it is configured to automatically search for the preferred active signal and decipher the appropriate processor needed in communication with one of the system’s digital or analog inputs.

The Rialto 400 will be available in February for $799