Peer Review: Trinnov Altitude 32 AV cinema processor

First released in 2014, the Trinnov Altitude is billed as the “only” AV preamplifier with its own implementation of the latest 3D audio decoders (Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X), and capable of delivering to as many as 32 channels. The processor offers support for any 3D speaker configuration regardless of formats and decodes up to 32 discrete channels in Dolby Atmos, and is managed via a bespoke 3D speaker configuration tool on any wireless device. Software-oriented updates for the Altitude 32 are provided over web, and it works with most major home automation systems (i.e. Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant).

Reviewed by Ronald Bout, co-owner of Netherlands-based sound insulation and acoustics specialist Mutrox Studios & Home Cinemas Projects


Where have you used this product?

Our customer came to Mutrox via a custom installer called Morelight for which we are an acoustics advisor. The customer asked us to build him the most impressive immersive audio-powered home cinema we could! So first we designed a 60 dB sound reductive “box in box” system including ventilation system to keep the enormous power inside the room. This is necessary due to the fact the cinema is built in an apartment so the client’s neighbours aren’t ever disturbed.

So, for speakers we choose the Bowers & Wilkins CT800 series. On Azimuth plain for left, centre and right we choose the bigger CT-8’s, as for the front wide’s, the four side surrounds channels, and the rear surrounds we selected the CT-8.2 doubled on top of each other.

As for the height channels, we choose six times the CI 800 series CCM 8.5 Diamond because of the shallow build in depth. For LFE we prefer two times the DB1D of Bowers & Wilkins because of its 2000 Watts of power per sub and their wide range (from 8.5 Hz!).We used a four meter wide 21:9, four-way masking screen with a water-cooled projector.

Then we tied the system together with the Trinnov Altitude combined with a Magnitude and 7 x 8 channel Amplitude to process and power all these loudspeakers.

Why did you choose it?

As an acoustics designer of home cinemas, I believe one can only deliver the real cinema experience at home when all parameters are correct. Sound isolation to achieve silence in the cinema, optimal room acoustics designed for cinema-related to the room's volume, a good screen and projector, the most realistic sounding and powerful loudspeakers and of course the best processing and amplification one can get to process al 2D and 3D sound formats.

In this particular home cinema, we were facing the problem of a considerable number of speakers to process so for us The Trinnov Altitude 32 was the only and best choice we could make for the installation.

What do you like about using the product?

The customer is very enthusiastic about the result. Even before the cinema was finished, furniture wise, he was sitting in his cinema watching his favourite movie to experience 'goosebump’ moments. Regarding power, in this cinema set up, it is almost like driving a formula one car with the finesse of an Aston Martin. When optimal room acoustics, loudspeakers, and optimal processing comes together, it works flawlessly, and that results in unknown cinematic experience.

Is there anything you would change about it, or like to see updated?

We are very happy with the Altitude 32 so far, and can’t think of anything at this moment we would change about it.

https://mutrox.com/


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