Sonos, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO) introduced on Tuesday the launch of a new model called the Amp Multi, its first such launch in more than a year. Targeted for the professional integrator channel, Amp Multi is, as the name suggests, a multi-channel streaming amplifier that appears to be designed to encourage integrators to incorporate more Sonos products in larger, more sophisticated residential installations.
But will integrators go along with this scheme?
See all about the new Sonos Amp Multi…
I find two things that are interesting about this announcement from Sonos. First, with the timing of this launch, the company has broken its frequently repeated promise to the investment community that it would introduce at least two new products every year. Second, this launch is not targeted at Sonos’ largest channel, the consumer market, but rather the professional integration community, which is a smaller channel for them.
Very Few Clues as to Why This Path
It’s hard to decipher the meaning of this development. Is the company changing its strategy and focusing more of its time, energy, and innovation on raising its success in custom integration? Or is it a knee-jerk reaction to the very public and troubled launch of Ace and the horribly bungled Sonos app update? There are very few clues in their formal announcement.
Sometimes I think Sonos is a company that can’t decide what it wants to be when it grows up. Do they want to be the choice of professional integrators/installers addressing the luxury residential market with powerful behind-the-scenes gear that makes users’ lives more enjoyable? Or would they rather be a big consumer brand with as many devices as possible sold through every commercial means possible in order to ensure Sonos products end up in every home? They are two entirely different visions addressing two entirely different markets. Somehow, Sonos doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind.
Amp Multi – A Closer Look
In any event, let’s take a closer look at Amp Multi. While the company contemplates that consumers may want to purchase an Amp Multi for themselves, it is almost assuredly designed to be installed by a professional integration specialist. The company says the Amp Multi was developed, “…in close collaboration with integrators.”
<<Attention any integrator reading this: If you participated with Sonos in developing the Amp Multi, please reach out to me to discuss the process (off the record or anonymously if you prefer). Reach me via either the Strata-gee “Contact Us” page, or at info@strata-gee.com.>>
8 Channels, 4 Zones
Amp Multi is a class D amplifier with 8 channels of 125 watts of power (8Ω, all channels driven), driving four zones. The amplifier utilizes Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology with post-filter feedback (PFFB). Each channel can drive up to three “Sonos Architectural speakers” for a total of 24 speakers across the 8 channels.
The company notes that the unit is a fanless design for cool, quiet operation. Amp Multi also comes with Sonos ProTune, “a new manual sound optimization tool that gives integrators granular control of each output, including a 10-band parametric EQ, gain, width control and delay offset.” Also included are DSP tools such as Optimize Sonos Speakers, which deliver detailed DSP profiles for Sonos Architectural speakers.
Sonos Thinks: Amp Multi Offers A Powerful Combination of Capabilities
Sonos believes that the combination of its renowned streaming platform, its intuitive control solution, and a product architecture optimized for the integrator community will make Amp Multi extremely popular in the integration community.
We created Amp Multi with integrators at the heart of every decision, drawing on their deep understanding of real-world installation challenges to design a product around how they actually work. The goal was to reduce friction at every stage of a project, from installation and setup to system tuning. This is about giving professionals more control while keeping the system approachable for the people who live with it every day.
Chris Heintzman, Sonos VP of Product
More Features of Amp Multi
An app-based setup process speeds the installation with a robust but efficient set of tools to provide, for example, quick and easy management of zones, sources, and outputs. And, as you would expect, Amp Multi fully integrates with top brands, such as Control4, Nice, Crestron, URC, and RTI.
Rack-ready, the Amp Multi is a 2U design (rack mount sold separately). Even the rack mount is smart – it automatically provides for ventilation space, obviating the need for any additional vent panels.
Need even more than a single Amp Multi can address? No problem, the company says you can simply add more Amp Multis to further scale the system to any size installation.
Availability…
The company says that the Amp Multi will be available “in the coming months.” I am not sure just exactly what that hazy estimate means. Previously, the company had announced that there would be no new hardware products until the second half of Fiscal 2026. If that remains the timetable, then Amp Multi won’t be available until some time in June 2026 or later.
SEE AMP MULTI AT ISE – For those attending ISE in Barcelona next month, Sonos says attendees can experience Amp Multi in person by visiting Stand 1E500 in Hall 1. The company will be holding demonstrations of the Amp Multi every 15 minutes in its stand.
To learn more about Sonos and its products, visit: sonos.com.
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