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Autonomic MMS-5A is ‘Most Complete Cloud-Based Media Server’
MMS-5A Mirage Media Server has a "sexy" new 1U chassis and features audiophile-grade 192kHz/24 playback of Autonomic's full slate of cloud-based content.
Mirage Media Server MMS-5A has a “sexy” new 1U chassis and features audiophile-grade 192kHz/24 playback.
As if the original Autonomic MMS-5 Mirage Media Server wasn’t popular enough with CE pros, the company is now unveiling the new MMS-5A, featuring audiophile-grade playback.
Autonomic Controls announced last year during CEDIA Expo that it was adding video streaming to its cloud-enabled MMS-5, then tacking on the letter “A” to the audio-only server.
We now have the first look at the MMS-5A, offering features not available in the original.
This model “has a re-designed ultra-quiet and sexy chassis and a handful of new features, including 192kHz/24–bit digital USB audio,” says Autonomic CEO Michael De Nigris.
The MMS-5A also features a new on-screen navigation user interface, which is a necessity given the amount of content that can be aggregated from the home network and cloud-based streaming services – currently Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Spotify and TuneIn.
Gapless playback eliminates intervening silence at the point of track change for consecutive songs on an album, and AirPlay enables guests to contribute content to the MMS-5A using Wi-Fi.
Local music syncs to the MMS-5A from a Mac, PC or NAS, then uploads to the cloud for automatic library synchronization with other Mirage Media Servers at a different location, offsite backup, and remote library access from anywhere in the world.
RELATED: Electronic House Reviews Autonomic MMS-5 Mirage Music Server
“The MMS-5A combines audiophile playback capabilities with the most complete cloud-based media server functionality available on the market today,” De Nigris says.
Compared to the earlier model, the MMS-5A is “nearly silent,” thanks to an external power supply that eliminates the need for loud cooling fans.
The new product also features more connections compared to its predecessor, including USB digital outputs and RCA jacks for analog out.
The MMS-5A supports six independent audio streams with digital outputs (including USB) and four stereo pair of analog RCA outputs for distribution to any number of zones. Compatible with standard A/V racks (1RU), the new chassis includes rack ears, optional feet for shelf top display and a defeatable blue light on the front panel.
The MMS-5A also includes an IR receiver and remote for browsing media with the on-screen navigation feature, demonstrated last year at CEDIA.
Available only to professional integrators (indeed, it integrates with Crestron, AMX and URC home automation systems), the MMS-5A will be available beginning June 25 at a retail price of $4,250.
RELATED:
Movies Come to Autonomic Media Servers
Uber Music Server from Autonomic, S1Digital: 1TB, Cloud Storage, Sync, Home Control
Autonomic MMS Adds Rhapsody: Why it’s a Big Deal
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Autonomic Controls announced last year during CEDIA Expo that it was adding video streaming to its cloud-enabled MMS-5, then tacking on the letter “A” to the audio-only server.
We now have the first look at the MMS-5A, offering features not available in the original.
This model “has a re-designed ultra-quiet and sexy chassis and a handful of new features, including 192kHz/24–bit digital USB audio,” says Autonomic CEO Michael De Nigris.
The MMS-5A also features a new on-screen navigation user interface, which is a necessity given the amount of content that can be aggregated from the home network and cloud-based streaming services – currently Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Spotify and TuneIn.
Gapless playback eliminates intervening silence at the point of track change for consecutive songs on an album, and AirPlay enables guests to contribute content to the MMS-5A using Wi-Fi.
Local music syncs to the MMS-5A from a Mac, PC or NAS, then uploads to the cloud for automatic library synchronization with other Mirage Media Servers at a different location, offsite backup, and remote library access from anywhere in the world.
RELATED: Electronic House Reviews Autonomic MMS-5 Mirage Music Server
“The MMS-5A combines audiophile playback capabilities with the most complete cloud-based media server functionality available on the market today,” De Nigris says.
Compared to the earlier model, the MMS-5A is “nearly silent,” thanks to an external power supply that eliminates the need for loud cooling fans.
The new product also features more connections compared to its predecessor, including USB digital outputs and RCA jacks for analog out.
The MMS-5A supports six independent audio streams with digital outputs (including USB) and four stereo pair of analog RCA outputs for distribution to any number of zones. Compatible with standard A/V racks (1RU), the new chassis includes rack ears, optional feet for shelf top display and a defeatable blue light on the front panel.
The MMS-5A also includes an IR receiver and remote for browsing media with the on-screen navigation feature, demonstrated last year at CEDIA.
Available only to professional integrators (indeed, it integrates with Crestron, AMX and URC home automation systems), the MMS-5A will be available beginning June 25 at a retail price of $4,250.
RELATED:
Movies Come to Autonomic Media Servers
Uber Music Server from Autonomic, S1Digital: 1TB, Cloud Storage, Sync, Home Control
Autonomic MMS Adds Rhapsody: Why it’s a Big Deal
------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter!
@juliejacobson
@ce_pro
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Article Topics
News · Product News · Audio · Distributed Audio · Video · Digital Media · Media Servers · Autonomic · Mirage ·About the Author
Julie Jacobson is co-founder of EH Publishing and currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro, mostly in the areas of home automation, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration. She majored in Economics at the University of Michigan, earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and has never taken a journalism class in her life. Julie is a washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player with the scars to prove it. Follow her on Twitter @juliejacobson.
6 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
We did that too! 
I wonder, will the AirPlay show up as 6 different selections or does it only belong to certain zone(s)?
The rack ears on the MMS-5A will install flush with the rack. We’ve removed the pull out handles based on dealer feedback much like yours.
It supports one Airplay stream, and you can configure which output is used.
I believe they also play nicely with Control4.
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Good while your at it make sure to use flush rack ears with the unit. Not those ugly ones with the handles. I’m tired of cutting them off and painting the rack ears so it doesn’t look ridiculous.