SPHERE AV 120 S

The Sphere AV series introduces a completely new dimension in home theatre flexibility and performance from Thule Audio.

The AV120S integrated surround amplifier feature both a ten-channel processor as well as six speaker outputs and contains all the latest decoding formats: DTS ES 6.1, DTS 24/96, Dolby EX 6.1 and Dolby ProLogic IIx.

This makes it easy to build your own 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround system with just one amplifier. In a 7.1 system, the two rear centre channels are both connected to the 'surround centre' speaker output, hereby fulfilling the requirements for rear 'dual mono' signals to two dipole speakers, specified by the THX 7.1 standard. By adding an external two-channel power amplifier for side channels, you can even implement up to 9.1 systems due to the extremely advanced surround processor.

Decoding is based on the latest Motorola DSP56367 chip with 150MIPS and 48-bit internal processing. The DSP is upgradable, so you don't end up with useless hardware when new sound formats are released in the future. Also featured are Burr Brown PCM1738 high-end 24bit/192kHz D/A converters.

Many new DTS DVD-releases are recorded with 24-bit resolution, like "Gladiator", "Jurassic Park III", "Pearl Harbor", "Lord of the rings, SE" and "Moulin Rouge". Due to its amazing processing power, the Sphere amplifiers can decode DTS 24-bit stream to give virtually the same sound quality and dynamic range as DVD-Audio. The encoded DTS bit-resolution is shown in the display when locked on a DTS stream.

The power amplifier technology includes Thule Audio's Virtual Class A that in practice eliminates the crossover distortion found in normal class AB amplifiers. Also, the individual music layers become clearer and far more transparent, and micro-details are completely audible.

As with all our Virtual Class A amplifiers, the Sphere AV120S model has separate power supplies for left and right channels, which also improves the channel separation. The charge capacity is a thundering 100,000uF, ensuring a massively muscular reserve for reproducing transients. The transformers are a reassuringly huge 2x 500VA.

The power supply also features Thule Audio's High Efficiency circuitry, which reduces heat generation by approximately 60% compared to other class AB amplifiers. Seen in relation to class D (digital) amplifiers, the AV120S only generate slightly more heat.

The combination of High Efficiency and Virtual Class A therefore almost produces the thermal efficiency of a digital amplifier without the acoustic drawbacks; especially the treble and higher mid-range are reproduced by the Sphere amplifiers in a far more vivid and realistic manner. This also makes it possible to use an extremely compact and interior-friendly design. Similar performance normally dictates using a much larger box.

The AV120S is also a high-end integrated amplifier. By using the Pure Audio input, all analogue signals bypass the DSP directly to the volume control for a short untainted signal path. It has a 6-channel Pure Audio input e.g. for connection to an SACD or DVD-Audio player.

Easy usability is ensured through the enclosed standard remote control. AV120S can also be integrated into a home automation system via its RS232 connection. It also has Zone 2 outputs, which can control audio equipment in other rooms.

The AV120S is further equipped with the video switching board V350. V350 offers progressive video pass-through and can switch and upconvert composite and S-video signals into RGB or component video, meaning just one single video-cable is required to connect everything to your TV or projector. Due to the highly advanced digital separation filters in V350, you will typically obtain S-video quality from your composite source, even from a normal TV signal.