Key Takeaways
Juke Audio has introduced AudioMate, a new wireless transmitter designed to bring locally connected audio sources into a distributed Juke Audio system without requiring dedicated wiring back to a central rack or media closet.
According to the company, the AudioMate is intended to address a common challenge in whole-home audio installations: integrating devices such as televisions, turntables and powered subwoofers into a centralized audio system when those devices are located away from the primary amplifier.
The compact device connects to local sources via HDMI ARC/eARC or RCA and transmits audio over a local network to compatible Juke Audio amplifiers, including the Juke-6, Juke-8 and Juke+.
For television applications, AudioMate supports HDMI ARC/eARC connectivity, allowing TV audio to be distributed through speakers connected to a Juke amplifier. The device also includes an HDMI output that can pass audio through to a soundbar while simultaneously sending audio to the Juke system, enabling both architectural speakers and a soundbar to play together.
In addition to TV integration, AudioMate includes RCA analog inputs for connecting legacy audio sources such as turntables and CD players. An RCA output is also provided for connecting powered subwoofers, amplifiers or AV receivers, which can then function as additional listening zones within a Juke Audio installation.
Juke says the AudioMate supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity and is designed to minimize latency issues commonly associated with networked audio, helping maintain synchronization between video and audio sources.
“Since the beginning, our goal at Juke Audio has been to create a multi-room audio system that is uniquely simple not only to use, but also to install. And the introduction of this new product is another large leap forward in this pursuit,” said Colton Forth, president of Juke Audio, in the announcement.
The company says AudioMate is fully compatible with existing Juke systems through an over-the-air firmware update.
AudioMate is available immediately through authorized dealers and direct from Juke Audio for $249.
