Sonoro Amplifier Streaming Amplifier, Matte Black

The Sonoro Amplifier is a streaming amplifier for passive hi-fi and in-ceiling speakers that combines a network player, an ESS SABRE DAC and a Class-D power amplifier with 2 × 250 W into 4 Ω in one compact enclosure.

In other words: one device, one network cable, one pair of speakers – and the whole house has music. The Amplifier is the counterpart to the Sonoro Streamer and the heart of the new wired sonoro multiroom system.

Why the Sonoro Amplifier?

Because it starts where wireless multiroom likes to misbehave. Instead of hoping for Wi-Fi, the music travels over the network cable: stable, lossless and without dropouts when someone next door is watching Netflix. Up to 32 compatible devices can be connected, depending on the network, and the music plays in sync in several rooms or something different in each room. On top of that comes streaming without detours: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast as well as internet radio and podcasts. The HDMI audio (ARC) of your TV can be integrated too.

What you hear

A power amplifier with reserves: the Class-D amplifier from Hypex drives even demanding speakers with 2 × 250 W into 4 Ω, and an ESS SABRE DAC on every analogue output provides clean resolution. According to the manufacturer, the PureGain volume control lowers the noise floor by 20 dB compared with common digital controls – quiet passages stay quiet and still full of detail. With bass, treble, balance, 7-band EQ and bass management you can adapt the sound to the room and the speakers; a subwoofer pre-out is also available.

Who is the Sonoro Amplifier suited for?

For anyone who wants to play music cleanly in several rooms, for in-ceiling speaker installations and for smart-home setups: it is smart-home ready (KNX-based systems such as Gira and Jung, Busch-Jaeger free@home) and two units fit side by side in a 2U rack tray. To be frank: if you only want to serve a single room with a single source and already use Wi-Fi multiroom, you don't need the cabling effort. And if you expect a CD player, phono input or headphone output on the unit, you are better off with the Sonoro Maestro Quantum – the Amplifier is deliberately kept slim.

Our verdict

A small black cube with big ambitions: a powerful amplifier, honest wired multiroom and plenty of streaming convenience – with no subscription required, because internet radio, local network files and the TV's HDMI audio are fun too. If you want to network your rooms without the Wi-Fi lottery, this is a solid starting point.

Technical data

• Type: streaming amplifier for passive hi-fi and in-ceiling speakers
• Power amplifier: Class-D (Hypex), 2 × 250 W into 4 Ω (speaker impedance 4–16 Ω), connection via speaker terminals (banana plugs)
• D/A converter: ESS SABRE
• Volume control: PureGain (digital, 20 dB less noise floor according to the manufacturer)
• Sound: bass, treble, balance, 7-band EQ, adaptive loudness, bass management up to 2.2
• Streaming: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, DLNA/UPnP, internet radio, podcasts
• Bluetooth: A2DP, AVRCP, bidirectional (also for wireless headphones)
• Multiroom: wired via LAN (CAT 6 recommended), up to 32 devices (depending on the network), in zones or individually; compatible with Maestro Quantum, Maestro Quantum Signature, Meisterstück Gen. 2, Atron, Streamer and others
• Inputs: HDMI ARC (with CEC), optical, USB-A (charging and playback), AUX (RCA), LAN
• Outputs: speaker terminals, subwoofer pre-out
• Headphones: wireless via bidirectional Bluetooth
• Network: LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5 GHz), WPA3
• Display: 4″ TFT colour display, device name also shown in standby
• Convenience: 99 favourite presets, sleep timer (5–120 min.), smart-home ready (KNX: Gira, Jung; Busch-Jaeger free@home)
• Control: unit, remote control, sonoro-audio app (iOS/Android)
• Power supply: built-in power supply, 100–240 V, 500 W, under 2 W in standby
• Operating temperature: 0 to +40 °C
• Installation: suitable for fixed installation, two units fit in a 2U rack tray, demand-controlled fan
• Finish: matte black, aluminium housing with metal rotary knob
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 217 × 80 × 217 mm (231 mm with volume knob)
• Weight: approx. 2.8 kg
• In the box: remote control, CR 2032 coin cell, power cable (2 m), 4 × banana plugs, quick-start guide, safety instructions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate streamer or DAC with the Sonoro Amplifier?

No. The network streamer, ESS SABRE DAC and power amplifier are built into the unit. All you need are passive speakers or in-ceiling speakers, a network cable or Wi-Fi and your music – whether streaming, internet radio or files from your network.

Which speakers suit the Amplifier?

Passive speakers with 4 to 16 Ω, so bookshelf and floorstanding speakers as well as in-ceiling speakers. With 2 × 250 W into 4 Ω it has reserves even for more demanding models. We are happy to work out with you which speakers suit your room.

Can I connect my TV to the Amplifier?

Yes. The HDMI input supports ARC with CEC, so you can control the Amplifier via the TV and its remote control. According to the manufacturer, the HDMI audio can also be distributed across the multiroom network, for example for the TV sound in the kitchen.

How does the multiroom system work?

The devices connect via network cable and play music in sync or independently in zones. Up to 32 compatible devices are possible, depending on the network. Maestro Quantum, Meisterstück Gen. 2 and Atron can be integrated as well. We advise you on cabling and setup.

Can I use the Amplifier without a streaming subscription?

Yes. Internet radio, podcasts, local network files, Bluetooth, USB sticks and your TV's sound all work without a subscription. Streaming services such as Qobuz, TIDAL or Spotify are an option, not a requirement.

Why buy the Sonoro Amplifier from HD Zürisee?

Because multiroom is more than one device: cabling, speaker selection and integration into the smart home make the difference. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil advises you with many years of experience and has its own technician for installation and service. Call us, write to us or get in touch via WhatsApp.

Goes well with

The Streamer as its counterpart can be found in the Sonoro collection, matching speakers under Bookshelf speakers. More networked devices are available among the streaming amplifiers.