Прочие устройства — ToneWinner AT-500

The ToneWinner AT-500 is a surround sound processor without built-in amplification, designed to decode object-based surround formats and route 8K video before handing its line-level outputs to separate power amplifiers. Its maker, Guangzhou Tonewinner Electronics of China, develops its own home cinema firmware and calibration software.

Key specs that matter

The AT-500 decodes up to 16 channels, laid out as 9.3.4 or 7.3.6, with three subwoofer outputs controlled independently. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported along with their older Dolby and DTS formats, and Dolby Atmos upmixing is available. The HDMI board offers six inputs and a pair of outputs; HDMI 1 to 3 pass and upscale native 8K signals, and eARC is supported. HDR pass-through covers HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dynamic HDR. Tonewinner quotes 10 Hz to 65 kHz (+1/-3 dB, analog input, pure mode), an SNR of 110 dB or better (A-weighted), distortion of no more than 0.003 percent, channel separation of at least 90 dB and an output level of 4 V RMS. The unit weighs 4.4 kg and draws a maximum of 30 W. Including feet, knobs and terminals, it measures 431 x 304 x 80 mm.

Engineering and use context

Calibration uses Easy Test EQ, a fully automatic measurement system developed by Tonewinner, which needs the ETM-3 test microphone. Manual parametric EQ is also provided, with 11 bands for the front left, right and centre, and 5 bands each for surround, height and bass channels. An on-screen menu overlays the picture and draws the response curve as settings change, so adjustments can be made while watching. Supported speaker layouts run from 3.0 through 5.1.4, 7.1.6 and 9.1.4 up to 7.3.6 and 9.3.4. The processor stores independent volume memory per channel, a separate power-on volume and a maximum volume limit, and user settings can be backed up, restored and locked. Other inputs are optical and coaxial digital, PC USB audio, USB sticks and memory cards up to 128 GB, plus a wireless receiver. Control options include a mobile app, RS232, infrared input, HDMI CEC and a 5V trigger output, which suits custom installations.

Pairing

Because the AT-500 has no amplifiers, it needs multichannel power amplification, and Tonewinner lists its own AD-7300PA+ and AD-5100PA+ power amplifiers alongside it. The three subwoofer outputs can drive up to three active subwoofers.

Alternatives

The ToneWinner AT-600 is an 8K surround processor from the same maker, a step above it in the processor line.