Trinnov Audio Altitude16 Surround Sound Processor Review
Table of contents
Trinnov Audio has been dedicated to producing immersive sound since its start in 2003 and has a long history in the professional audio sector as well as in commercial theaters. With the debut of its Altitude32 home cinema processor in 2014, Trinnov established a new standard for high-end home theaters with its capability of processing up to 32 Atmos channels. Trinnov has continued to evolve by adding support for new technologies such as Auro-3D and DTS:X.
In 2017, Trinnov Audio released the Altitude16. With the same technology as the Altitude32 but reduced from 32 to 16 channels, this significantly reduced the cost and provided a more affordable option for home theater enthusiasts.
Specifications
The Altitude16 is a software-based processor with an Intel Multi-Core CPU, 2GB of Flash and RAM, and a highly customized proprietary Linux operating system. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. Since the Altitude16 is built on a PC architecture, it has standard I/O choices on the lower left side of its back panel. The advantage of this architecture is that when a new processing mode or product and feature updates are introduced, the Altitude16 can be quickly updated through the Internet, eliminating the need to replace the unit every couple of years. This preamplifier features eight HDMI 2.0 HDMI inputs and two parallel HDMI outputs one of which includes eARC. The HDMI ports are all HDMI 2.0b-compliant and enable HDCP 2.2.
According to the spec sheet, the Altitude16 is a 16-channel platform, but Trinnov Audio has incorporated a comprehensive feature dubbed "+4" that adds four more channels to all current Altitude16 and Altitude32 processors. Older processors can receive this feature via a software update. By leveraging the Altitude16's Toslink and coax S/PDIF outputs and combining it with one or two external stereo D/A converters, the Altitude16 processor can decode and fully process 20 channels.
The Altitude16 supports HDMI video switching and video pass-through at 4K/60Hz resolution, BT. 2020 wide color gamut and the HDR (high dynamic range) formats Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid-Log Gamma). Trinnov intends to deliver in Q3 or Q4 an HDMI 2.1 hardware upgrade for owners that want format capabilities such as 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR (variable refresh rate), and ALLM (auto low latency mode).
Not only is the device Roon Ready, but it offers dual coaxial and optical digital inputs, and analog XLR and RCA stereo inputs. A trigger input, four trigger outputs (three of which are configurable), an RS-232 control port, and an Ethernet port for network connection and control are among the other connections.
Design
The Trinnov Altitude16 has a nice industrial look to it. There are very few controls on the brushed aluminum front panel: power, mute, volume adjustment, and source selection, as well as menu navigation buttons. A wide dimmable display provides the status of the volume, input, and audio format, as well as other information regarding incoming and outgoing A/V signals.
The 4-inch front panel display is hidden behind a sleek black panel that is slightly recessed into the faceplate and is constructed of brushed aluminum, with Trinnov Audio and Altitude16 silk-screened into the corners. The processor has a classic matte black finish and comes with rack mounts if needed. The pre-amp measures roughly 17.2-inches wide x 17.3-inches deep x 5.4-inches high and weighs about 25 lbs.
While the non-backlit remote control provided by Trinnov is somewhat basic, it is very well-made and easy to use. It’s likely that most consumers will have a custom-installed home theater that uses a control system, so the provided remote may not always be utilized. AMX, Control4, Crestron, Savant, and RTI are among the automation systems supported by the Trinnov Altitude16. Trinnov also recently published an iOS app on the Apple App Store that provides control over most day-to-day functions from your iPhone or iPad.
The unique and patented calibration microphone is also available as an optional extra. (The microphone is necessary for calibration.) Four separate microphone capsules are situated on an aluminum pedestal that is roughly 7-inches tall. Each microphone is calibrated at the factory and comes with the file on a USB flash drive.
A feature unique to Trinnov Altitude processors is the Dolby Atmos Object Viewer. It enables listeners enjoying Atmos content to see a three-dimensional real-time representation of the location of Atmos sound objects, overlaid on a graphic representation of the listener’s room. This is a great way to see how sound mixers position and move sounds when creating Atmos movies and music.
Setup
When comparing the Altitude16 inputs and outputs to those of other AV processors, there are a few differences. There are no RCA pre-out connections, nor is there support for phono inputs or FM tuners. A second zone is also not supported. While output can be routed to a second system configuration (29 presets are available), the Altitude16 lacks a separate volume control for a second zone.
The Altitude16 setup menu can be confusing at first, which is why custom installation is suggested for most users. Trinnov provides outstanding assistance for its products, beginning with a thorough user manual included in the box and available online, as well as email access to its technical support staff. Fortunately, Trinnov's Wizard includes a Quick Setup option for defining the room's speaker setup. This can range from a 2.0 system to beyond a 9.1.6 set up or anything in between.
The rear panel has numbers listed by each of the inputs and outputs, which gives an indication of the Altitude's versatility. Trinnov was kind enough to send its Amplitude16 to me to pair with the Altitude16. I connected the HDMI cable feeding my JVC NZ7 to the Altitude16 while taking note of the source and output connections for reference. I then hooked up a network cable and plugged my left and right channels into the first two XLR outputs followed by the remaining channels.
The next step is to define the speaker arrangement for the room after Trinnov's new room setup wizard has been launched. Trinnov comes with a plethora of configurations that include basic stereo and surround, Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and DTS:X. Selecting an initial arrangement and then adding or removing speakers to make any desired configuration is rather straightforward. For this review, I'll be running my 7.2.4 setup.
You then assign your speaker selection to the correct numbered output. There’s a handy button to the right of the screen for the pink noise generator. If you select the wrong speaker, simply pick the proper output number and your problem is corrected without having to go to the back of the unit and physically remove any cords.
Next, you proceed to the Bass Management tab which allows you to set up your crossovers for individual speakers. I chose to set my Arendal 1723 THX speakers to 80 Hz. From there, you plug in the Trinnov 3D microphone (which is available separately for $850). Each Trinnov calibration microphone comes with a compensation file particular to its serial number, which can be loaded into the Altitude16 by inserting the accompanying USB stick into any USB port on the processor. After connecting the microphone you then set the volume of each speaker until the level displays 80 dB SPL.
Lastly, you begin the Trinnov Optimizer calibration procedure which takes a few minutes to complete, after which the processor analyzes the data and applies acoustic adjustments. After completing the measurements, the user can weigh the correction to certain seating positions. For example, the primary listening position could receive a full 100% correction or be tuned for even placement across several positions.
While the Optimizer performs these procedures automatically, advanced users can adjust additional functions as needed. The ”professional's toolbox” contains a plethora of options, including the possibility to create a unique target curves. A new software update enables users to start by selecting from five predefined curves., Bass management is incredibly configurable, enabling users to, among other things, choose whether subs are designated as a single unit or separated by level and distance.
Trinnov's Optimizer software involves numerous unique features. To begin, you can save up to 29 customized Presets and if desired, assign a different Preset for each source.. If you want one for two-channel music listening and another for movies, that's very simple to do. Additionally, you can switch between Presets quickly with just a second of audio dropout when the processor shifts from one setting to the next.
Chuck from Trinnov was kind enough to hop on a call with me after the setup, to go over all the settings and make sure they were done correctly. He also went into the target curve and set a house curve according to my speaker output. When A/B testing with and without the curve, you can easily tell a big difference. This just goes to show you how detailed the Altitude16 is when it comes to settings. One can go in and adjust almost anything you would ever need to.
This new iOS App allows you to find and control all Trinnov machines on your network. It allows you to do activities such as loading presets, controlling volume, and being able to mute the unit. You can also toggle the Optimizer on and off, which makes A/B testing different settings a breeze.
Performance
I have a 7.2.4 Arendal 1723 THX speaker system with two 1723 1V subwoofers in my home theater setup. I also tested the Klipsch RP line just to experience both ends of the spectrum. My room measures 18 feet long by 16 feet wide by 8 feet tall. After spending a few weeks with the Trinnov Audio Altitude16, I can attest to the company's processor's excellence.
"Dune" is one of my favorite demo discs, so I had to start here. The atmosphere was tremendous when the Reverend Mother's spacecraft arrived to test Paul. Once the spacecraft touched down, chanting voices began to pour out of what appeared to be every speaker in my room. The Ornithopters always engage my top layer of speakers as the blades swiftly vibrate and bring out detail that’s not there on other processors.
The Altitude16 offers a massive sound field that engulfs the viewer and provides crystal clear dialogue. The performance has a cleanness and clarity that is truly unique. Without any hesitation, this was the most immersive experience I've had in my home theater and it took a great film and substantially enhanced an already excellent viewing experience.
During "The Dark Knight," a DTS:X reference title, the processor creates an immersive bat-pod chase scenario with a sense of physical power while still sounding smooth and sophisticated with its presentation of the fantastic Hans Zimmer soundtrack in the background. The total immersive experience provided by the processor during the Hong Kong sequence in the film truly takes the listener to the center of the room, with noises coming from all directions. This film also demonstrates the Altitude16’s exceptional ability to handle the film's dynamics from the quiet interrogation scene to the heavy-sounding club scene.
As I was watching "Mad Max," the processor does an excellent job of detecting specific sounds from my surrounds and my rears, as well as filling the room with ambient noises. As the 1V subwoofers hammer away with each explosion, I never feel like I’m missing any detail. Bass control was excellent, with bass equally dispersed across my room.
While listening to Adele's "Skyfall," The Altitude16 presents Adele's lovely voice with a sufficient amount of clarity as well as the gobs of detail in the piano chords. The wide acoustical area is wonderfully depicted, and all of the fine intricacies are revealed during the quiet parts of the track. The soundstage is wide and deep, with distinct instrument placement across the front of the room.
Conclusion
The Trinnov Altitude16 is an impeccably designed processor that performs brilliantly in both surround and stereo sound reproduction. Its surround performance, which includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, is first-rate and class-leading in comparison to other alternatives on the market.
The sound quality is where the processor excels. The Altitude16 stands out with incredible imagery that completely immerses the listener. What truly distinguishes it is its capacity to make the sound appear to emerge from fixed spots in space surrounding the observer rather than the speakers themselves.
It is worth mentioning the company showcased a new technology at ISE that supposedly changes the way low frequency optimization is being addressed. This could further unlock the potential of your system and shows the remarkable upgrade capabilities of Trinnov products over the long term.
The Trinnov Altitude16 is by no means cheap at $18,500, but if you have the budget, you won't be disappointed. It is one single piece of audio equipment that can meet all of your home theater demands.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Exceptional sound quality | Premium pricing |
Cutting-edge room EQ | Possible requirement for professional installation |
Versatile setup |
FAQ
What is the difference between the Trinnov Altitude32 and Altitude16?
Trinnov's Altitude16 pre-pro is a lower-cost alternative to Trinnov's Altitude32. While the Trinnov Altitude32 has up to 32 processing channels, the Altitude16 has 16 processing channels and comes equipped with Dolby Atmos, DTS X, and Auro 3D. Both can process an additional 4 channels when used with external DACs.
Where are Trinnov Audio processors made?
Trinnov processors are designed and produced in France, where the company has been established for twenty years of serving the most demanding professional audio applications.
What does a home theater processor do?
The brains of every mid to high-end home entertainment system are preamplifiers or processors. They function similarly to AV receivers in that they provide source switching, decoding of all surround sound formats, audio/video processing, and volume control.
