Is Dirac gaining mainstream adoption outside of high-end audio? Music listeners and home theater enthusiasts would be big winners if that happens. There is no question that there is a learning curve with the platform but the improvement in sound quality can be significant.
Dirac has announced that the new Sonoro MAESTRO Quantum Internet Receiver will run Dirac Live Room Correction. The Sonoro MAESTRO Quantum offers stylish design, extensive content access, multiple connectivity options, and built-in amplification providing users with an all-in-one solution for a comprehensive music listening experience
From Mathias Johansson, Dirac Co-founder, and Chief Product Officer: “Sonoro is committed to providing its customers with pristine audio however and wherever they choose to listen, and Dirac Live Room Correction will play a vital part in accomplishing that goal,…Whether listening to classical music, jazz, or rock, Dirac Live ensures MAESTRO Quantum owners will get the best out of their systems, regardless of speaker locations, room size, or furniture placement.”
What Dirac Live Is
Dirac Live is a room correction solution that is designed to automatically address common acoustic issues that hardware adjustments alone can’t address – or it takes too much time, expertise, or cost to fix.
Dirac Live software corrects both the magnitude and phase of the entire sound system including the room. This results in a more transparent, balanced sound, tighter bass, improved staging, and enhanced clarity.
The MAESTRO Quantum has built-in support for Dirac Live Room Correction Limited Bandwidth, with an option to upgrade to Full Bandwidth via Dirac’s website ($99).
The Limited Bandwidth version can perform room correction up to 500 Hz. Dirac Live Full Bandwidth is more comprehensive allowing the system to be corrected across the entire frequency range while giving users full control of the target curve. Dirac Live is managed through the Dirac Live Room Correction App for iOS and Android.
Dirac Live Room Correction for MAESTRO Quantum receiver activation page.
From Marcell Faller, sonoro founder and CEO: “With the MAESTRO Quantum, we set out to create a versatile, smart Hi-Fi solution that delivers the best possible sound quality for everything from CDs and records to the latest streaming services, movies and TV shows,…At the same time, we knew that the rooms our receiver would be placed in could have a significant impact on audio clarity. By making the MAESTRO Quantum Dirac-equipped, we’re able to offer a comprehensive and configurable feature set along with the pristine audio quality we’re known for — allowing the end-user or installer to make full use of the receiver in a way that suits their individual needs.“
MAESTRO Quantum Features
The MAESTRO Quantum supports streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Deezer, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth. Other features include access to over 25,000 internet radio stations, built-in CD player, treble, bass, loudness, and additional EQ controls via the Sonoro audio app. The receiver also features an integrated MM phono section.
Specifications
- Amplifier Type: Class-D Hypex amplifiers
- Power Output: 2 x 180 watts at 4 Ω / 2 x 110 watts at 8 Ω @ 0.1%THD
- Speaker Impedance: 4 to 16 Ω
- EQ Settings: Bass, Treble, Balance, Presets for Sonoro speakers + dynamic bass function (for optimized bass reproduction), Adaptive Loudness.
- Status Display: High Resolution 4″ TFT color display with graphical & automatic brightness adjustment
- WiFi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4/5GHz WEP, WPA2 (PSK), WPA3, WPS encryption
- An ethernet/LAN network connection is also provided.
- Control: Operation via remote control, control via the Sonoro audio app (iOS/Android), or directly on the device.
- Smart Home Ready: Busch-free@home, KNX, Gira X1
- Radio: FM & DAB+ digital radio, internet radio, podcast mode
- CD player: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3-CD, WMA with repeat and shuffle function
- Bluetooth: A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm aptX, Bidirectional Bluetooth® connection for wireless Bluetooth® headphones
- Streaming Support: Apple AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Napster, Amazon Music*, Qobuz, Deezer
- Dimensions (WDH): Approx. 452 x 279 x 120 mm (17.8 x 10.98 x 4.7-inches)
- Weight: Approx. 6.2 kg (13lbs 11oz)
Connectivity
- DLNA, UPnP
- Phono preamplifier for MM cartridges
- HDMI (eARC)
- USB-A, USB-C (charging and playback function)
- AUX in (3.5 mm jack)
- Gold-plated line-in (RCA input)
- Stereo Pre Out, line out
- Gold-plated phono input (for MM cartridges)
- Digital optical and coaxial inputs and outputs
- Headphone jack (3.5mm jack)
- Gold-plated speaker screw terminals
Exterior Design and Finish
- Hand-sanded wooden housing finished with high-quality varnish
- Laser-cut, one-piece aluminum front with a floating look and iconic design
- Full metal buttons and dials
Price & Availability
The Sonoro Maestro is available for €1,499 at Sonoro.com. US availability and pricing information were not provided.
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GM
November 15, 2023 at 11:37 pm
Nice looking package and at a reasonable price for a change.
Mike Cornell
November 16, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Hoping that will be available in Canada, though on their website, the price looks to be 1999 Euros. Still, a very stylish and comprehensive unit that would give NAD a run for its money.