Gene DellaSala (from Audioholics) just posted the review of the StormAudio ISP MK2 24-ch processor:
Retails for US$24,000.
Specs (taken from audioholics):
Full measurements are on the website.
Gene's Conclusion:
Discuss!
StormAudio ISP MK2 24CH AV Processor Review
The StormAudio ISP MK2 24CH Atmos/DTS:X/Auro 3D AV processor has the most advanced bass management & connectivity features. Our review bench tests and listening impressions reveal why it’s our 2021 POY.
www.audioholics.com
Retails for US$24,000.
Specs (taken from audioholics):
HDMI IN / OUT
AUDIO OUTPUTS
- 7 IN / 2 OUT (ARC/eARC)
- HDMI2.0b/HDCP2.2
- 4K UHD 18 Gbps on all ports
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
AUDIO INPUTS
- 16ch, 24ch or 32ch analog (XLR) - optional
- 32ch digital (AES/EBU or AES67) - optional
- 1x XLR Analog (Stereo downmix)
DECODING
- 16ch digital (AES/EBU) - optional
- 4x RCA analog (7.1 or stereo)
- 1x XLR analog (stereo)
- 3x Coaxial SPDIF
- 3x Optical Toslink
PROCESSING
- 24 decoding/upmixing channels
- Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D
- DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced Ready
- All legacy codecs up to 192 kHz
- Up to 32ch
- Multi-theater & multi-room
- Multi-way speakers
- Multi-subwoofer
- 20 PEQ per channel
ROOM CORRECTION
STREAMING
- Dirac Live with Bass Control module
- REW plugin
CONTROL
- ROON Ready
- TCP/IP (ETHERNET), IR
- StormRemote iOS/Android Tablet and Smartphone Applications
- Web based configuration
- Control4, Crestron, RTI, Savant, ELAN drivers
Full measurements are on the website.
Gene's Conclusion:
The StormAudio ISP MK2 is a technological marvel for cost-no-object AV processor. I am still in awe at the sophistication of its bass management system that can handle any type of speaker and subwoofer combination you could ever think to conceive. The speaker configurability ranges from modest all the way to SOTA 24-channel native immersive speaker layouts and up to 32 processed channels to build the very best large scale home theaters. The digital outputs allow the end user to integrate the bleeding edge in active speaker technology with a straight digital path to external processing with no analog to digital conversion like you would have with conventional processors. This is such a big deal that I can’t overstate it. The end result is sonic perfection that enables you to build the system on your dreams rivaling the best cineplexes while also treating music with equal veracity. I like the fact that StormAudio builds this processor with upgradeability in mind (ie. HDMI 2.1, DTS Pro, etc). This ensures obsolescence won’t be an issue the way it is with most AV products that are not modular based like the ISP MK2. As much as I loved experiencing Dolby Atmos movies processed by the ISP MK2, the real treat for me was listening to Atmos music through Apple Music and Tidal. I felt that the ISP MK2 really let me dial in the “audiophile” in my system with all of the infinite adjustability that you just don’t get in a mass produced AV processor. Because of the level of configurability and associated performance I was able to achieve in my theater room, the StormAudio ISP MK2 is our 2021 Product of the Year Award winner in the AV Processor category. I am looking forward to the future upgrades that will enhance the performance and features of this product and plan to continue on my home theater journey in the AH SmartHome with StormAudio at the helm.
Discuss!