Trinnov Altitude 16 Review (AV Processor)

[Fidji]

Buckeye 8ch ncore502 is $2500. Trinnov 8ch ncore1200 is like $10k.

You won't hear a difference - not with two clean amps. The trinnov is heavier and may have additional features or protections but they won't improve sound.

Is more about gain matching than pure module performance- going from Hypex modules with 26dB gain to Amplitude with 19dB was actually also a sonic benefit - it removed light hiss from the tweeters in my surrounds. My other alternative were Purifi modules with variable gain, but I could get good deal on Amplitude and at that time new 1ET6525 modules were in short supply and waiting times were over 2 months.

In my latest iteration [which included also moving to Amplitude amps and change of surrounds] I paid lot of attention to gain matching - now I am running “reference level” for movies at around -12dB [before it was - 20-24] and subjectively it feels more dynamic and cleaner than before. Big part will be for sure having higher quality drivers and optimised design of custom made surrounds.

FWIW - I had 2 failures on integrated Hypex Ncore modules in 2 years [not Buckeye, Audiophonics] - I do not think to put SMPS and amp module on one board is the best idea.

 

[Fidji]

I think I could just use four of these AoIP given I am getting the CI. I will be using the other 8 outputs off the DB25 for my L/C/R and subs.

Audinate Dante AVIO 2-channel Analog Output Adapter

2-channel Dante Analog Output Adapter

www.sweetwater.com

you have 32 channels of AES out - so unless you really want to go Dante route, I would stay with smth like this

Okto Research

Objective performance

www.oktoresearch.com

you get top notch 8 Ch DAC for very reasonable price.

My installer is arranging 9.7.4 Waveforming setup - and kind of “best practice” - reserve analogue out for subs, and go either Dante or MCH Dacs for the rest.

 

[Magnus]

For people that claim to believe in Science, I sure see a lot of audiophile nonsense in these forums. $10k for an amp? Wait! That's too cheap! You need one that costs as much as the processor itself! Your reputation as a snob will be in jeopardy if your amp costs less than $30k! SMH

 

[Mort]

For people that claim to believe in Science, I sure see a lot of audiophile nonsense in these forums. $10k for an amp? Wait! That's too cheap! You need one that costs as much as the processor itself! Your reputation as a snob will be in jeopardy if your amp costs less than $30k! SMH

What are you going on about?

 

[voodooless]

For people that claim to believe in Science,

Science is not a belief.

I sure see a lot of audiophile nonsense in these forums. $10k for an amp? Wait! That's too cheap! You need one that costs as much as the processor itself! Your reputation as a snob will be in jeopardy if your amp costs less than $30k! SMH

Nor does anyone that trusts the science spend $10k on an amp. And if so, it’s not because of sound quality reasons.

 

[murl]

Is more about gain matching than pure module performance- going from Hypex modules with 26dB gain to Amplitude with 19dB was actually also a sonic benefit - it removed light hiss from the tweeters in my surrounds. My other alternative were Purifi modules with variable gain, but I could get good deal on Amplitude and at that time new 1ET6525 modules were in short supply and waiting times were over 2 months.

In my latest iteration [which included also moving to Amplitude amps and change of surrounds] I paid lot of attention to gain matching - now I am running “reference level” for movies at around -12dB [before it was - 20-24] and subjectively it feels more dynamic and cleaner than before. Big part will be for sure having higher quality drivers and optimised design of custom made surrounds.

FWIW - I had 2 failures on integrated Hypex Ncore modules in 2 years [not Buckeye, Audiophonics] - I do not think to put SMPS and amp module on one board is the best idea.

I appreciate the reply. I read that gain matching could be a bit of an issue with a hiss. The AoIP modules do have some rough gain adjustments. AI says, "Options are +18 dBu, +4 dBu, 0 dBu, 0 dBV, or -10 dBV (max balanced output; corresponds to digital 0 dBFS)."

 

[murl]

you have 32 channels of AES out - so unless you really want to go Dante route, I would stay with smth like this

Okto Research

Objective performance

www.oktoresearch.com

you get top notch 8 Ch DAC for very reasonable price.

My installer is arranging 9.7.4 Waveforming setup - and kind of “best practice” - reserve analogue out for subs, and go either Dante or MCH Dacs for the rest.

Thanks for bringing this up. I did not think about this approach. You are correct that it has 8 analog outs and 32 AES. Would be easy enough to buy another DAC.

 

[Magnus]

Science is not a belief.

Where did I say it was??? Reading comprehension is definitely not your strong suit. Science isn't a person. A person, however can believe/trust in anything, including science, however misguided their interpretation is.

Nor does anyone that trusts the science spend $10k on an amp. And if so, it’s not because of sound quality reasons.

Sure. That's why I see so many on here dismissing AVRs based on inaudible measurements and overpriced DACs that have NO audible effects beyond the usual golden ear claims. Oh, that AVP would be excellent if it weren't for the ultrasonic ringing of the DAC at 80kHz....

This site is really just Stereophile Mark II. They pretended to care about measurements too, but ultimately recommended overpriced equipment because that's what paid their advertising revenue. Here, if it doesn't measure into infinite perfection, it's no good. That's just as ridiculous as the other extreme. All I see is that birds of a different feather find a reason flock to the same overpriced crap when the truth is the prestige of being rich.

 

[voodooless]

Where did I say it was??? Reading comprehension is definitely not your strong suit. Science isn't a person. A person, however can believe/trust in anything, including science, however misguided their interpretation is.

The great thing about science is that you don’t have to trust it. It give you all the tools to make up your own mind.

Sure. That's why I see so many on here dismissing AVRs based on inaudible measurements and overpriced DACs that have NO audible effects beyond the usual golden ear claims. Oh, that AVP would be excellent if it weren't for the ultrasonic ringing of the DAC at 80kHz....

I highly doubt such comments can be made without pushback from members.

This site is really just Stereophile Mark II. They pretended to care about measurements too, but ultimately recommended overpriced equipment because that's what paid their advertising revenue.

Nonsense.

Here, if it doesn't measure into infinite perfection, it's no good. That's just as ridiculous as the other extreme. All I see is that birds of a different feather find a reason flock to the same overpriced crap when the truth is the prestige of being rich.

There certainly are people that want the very best measuring equipment out of engineering excellence. Meanwhile they would understand that there is no audible difference to be had.

Overpriced products are basically never recommended, especially not by regular members. And people that do are usually told they should bring receipts to warrant such a purchase.

Sure, there are exceptions. You sometimes see some abandoned thread go way too far into audiophile nonsense. But this is definitely not a general trend.

 

[Mort]

That's why I see so many on here dismissing AVRs based on inaudible measurements and overpriced DACs that have NO audible effects beyond the usual golden ear claims. Oh, that AVP would be excellent if it weren't for the ultrasonic ringing of the DAC at 80kHz....

Oh come on. This can't be taken seriously. How long have you been here?

but ultimately recommended overpriced equipment because that's what paid their advertising revenue.

I don't think you know how ASR works.

This post seems disingenuous at best, troll-like at worst.

 

[Golfx]

Where did I say it was??? Reading comprehension is definitely not your strong suit. Science isn't a person. A person, however can believe/trust in anything, including science, however misguided their interpretation is.



Sure. That's why I see so many on here dismissing AVRs based on inaudible measurements and overpriced DACs that have NO audible effects beyond the usual golden ear claims. Oh, that AVP would be excellent if it weren't for the ultrasonic ringing of the DAC at 80kHz....

This site is really just Stereophile Mark II. They pretended to care about measurements too, but ultimately recommended overpriced equipment because that's what paid their advertising revenue. Here, if it doesn't measure into infinite perfection, it's no good. That's just as ridiculous as the other extreme. All I see is that birds of a different feather find a reason flock to the same overpriced crap when the truth is the prestige of being rich.

Gosh magnus, what is the matter? Did some ole mean rich guy make you feel inadequate.

 

[murl]

I think I am going to go with one or two of the Buckeye amps. Doesn't look like there is any penalty for getting two four channel and it appears they will fit in a standard A/V rack. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether it is better to use AES3 to the Okto DAC8 to amp or Audio over IP via Dante adapter such as Audinate to the amplifier? I don't think there will be an audible difference. Just wondering what will be easier logistically. Seems the DAC8 would be very straightforward.

 

[Andysu]

For people that claim to believe in Science, I sure see a lot of audiophile nonsense in these forums. $10k for an amp? Wait! That's too cheap! You need one that costs as much as the processor itself! Your reputation as a snob will be in jeopardy if your amp costs less than $30k! SMH

i agree

 

[Oddball]

Honestly, the stack of T processor and amp looks even cheaper than if one opts for Marantz stack. Not sure why people with means need to go down that route at all though. Even if I eventually go for T processor would for sure not pair it with the matching amp. IMO you need to make a statement what your system is all about. But that could just be me wanting to show off, while all the good T owners are happy to have their systems sound great but look, well, like there is nothing special going on.

Understand that in lower grade people need to save space, but in T grade would hope people would like to make a bigger statement. Also, if you amp gets confused, you are down for 8 or 16 ch which is disaster. Slice it in 2 ch increments and any disaster is limited and you just keep on going with the rest of the channels.

Sorry to intrude, but just my 2 c...

 

[Andysu]

up to around 76 amplifiers , JBL professional cinema around 156 speakers and a lot more besides all that

 

[Fidji]

Honestly, the stack of T processor and amp looks even cheaper than if one opts for Marantz stack. Not sure why people with means need to go down that route at all though. Even if I eventually go for T processor would for sure not pair it with the matching amp. IMO you need to make a statement what your system is all about. But that could just be me wanting to show off, while all the good T owners are happy to have their systems sound great but look, well, like there is nothing special going on.
View attachment 496615

The show-off of the system are faces of the people that hear the end result.

If "trinnov people" [whatever it might mean] want to really show-off. it usually looks smth like this and of course they will never fail to mention "down to 5Hz at 120dB in my 15.16.10 HT" ;-) or smth similar

But it is very refreshing - after all those years of being bashed "why do you buy Trinnov, when Denon has higher SINAD" or "you are idiot to buy Trinnov amp, you can have it for 25% price if you do DIY" to get feedback like yours ;-).

Seriously - probably like most of the hobbyist I do like to "show-off" - in terms that I do feel this slight bit of pride, when each visits that has a chance to get demo of my HT says basically "we have seen this movie in theater, but yours sounds much better". For me - any gear, including Trinnov itself is just a tool to get the best experience for my family and myself. Amps, DACs etc - this are just boxes with defined sets of parameters that need to meet my requirements.
Amplitudes work in nice synergy with Altitude - gain structure, engineered for 0 noise, 2xlinear power supply to have enough headroom, triggers for automation, DB25 connector. This is what I need from MCH amp.

My show-off is the system performance. Trinnov amps help me to achieve it.

 

[Oddball]

Both of those theaters are amazing and really much better than mine which is not even in a dedicated room. Lifestyle decision - always wanted a space where I can do all I need to do.

Trinnov might be (probably is) the endgame, but again, I just like big racks. I am sure they could come up with monoblocks and stereo amps for the most demanding either on visual or audio side. Also really happy with Marantz though, especially after ART upgrade. Might or might not go Trinnov. Time will tell.

For now buying Gold as a proper Goblin.

 

[Keith_W]

I just like big racks.

Hey, this is a family friendly forum!

 

[-Matt-]

Starting to see more Altitudes on the secondary market now. Wondering what has prompted people to sell them?

Has something else taken over the top processor crown?

Is there a new model or competitor about to launch?

Has there maybe been a change in the firmware or software that some users don't like?

 

[Zooqu1ko]

The new model is the Altitude CI, and its software is still in Beta. The new GUI and AES67 will be available on the Altitude 16+32 in Q1 2026 or so. Prices for an Altitude CI will start at ~ $10000 for an 8 channel model, so that may cause a further drop in second hand prices of the "older" models (which will continue to be available). I suspect some dealers may want to sell their demo Altitudes some time after the CI becomes available to the public.

You can up- and downgrade to any release of the software, as far as I'm aware, but no features have been removed so far, and as far as I remember, there has only been 1 software release that was retracted after release due to a bug (that didn't affect common setups).

The question you should ask is whether you should look for specific Mainboard/CPU versions, DACs and HDMI boards. Imho, Mainboards don't matter, the CYP HDMI boards (2.0 and 2.1) have some advantages, and all the DAC boards are OK, but newer revisions are better.