By: Dipin Sehdev
At CEDIA Expo 2025, Trinnov Audio once again reminded the industry why its name is synonymous with cutting-edge home theater processing. The French company announced the AltitudeCI, a fully networked Audio-over-IP (AoIP) AV preamp/processor designed for the custom installation (CI) market. With this release, Trinnov is signaling that its reference-level performance is no longer reserved solely for six-figure private cinemas—CI professionals and enthusiasts alike can now spec Trinnov technology into a wider range of projects, from high-end media rooms to DCI-grade screening rooms.
For those who follow the high-end AV landscape, Trinnov sits at the top of the mountain alongside StormAudio. These two names have defined what “state of the art” means in immersive processing. Seeing Trinnov technology trickle down into a more accessible platform is a big deal. If pricing lands below $10,000, the AltitudeCI could ignite serious competition with heavy hitters like NAD, Anthem, McIntosh, and Marantz—brands that already dominate the “sweet spot” of enthusiast-level processors. And more competition in this space is exactly what the home theater world needs.
Why the Processor is the Beating Heart of a Home Theater
Ask any serious enthusiast what component defines their system, and you’ll hear plenty of answers—projectors, speakers, even subwoofers. But in reality, the processor (or preamp/processor) is the brain of the theater. It’s the component that:
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Decodes and renders immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D.
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Manages bass and room acoustics so that every seat hears consistent, impactful sound.
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Handles switching, signal routing, and synchronization, ensuring video and audio play perfectly in time.
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Scales with the room—from a modest 7.1 setup to a 32- or 64-channel private cinema.
Without a high-performance processor, even the best loudspeakers or amplifiers can’t deliver their full potential. That’s why the Altitude series has been the crown jewel of Trinnov’s lineup, trusted by reference-level private theaters across the globe. The new AltitudeCI promises to bring that same DNA to more projects than ever before.
The First Processor in Its Class to Natively Support Dante and Ravenna/AES67
The AltitudeCI makes a bold statement with its dual AoIP support. It’s the first processor in its category to natively support both Dante and Ravenna/AES67, bridging the gap between consumer and pro audio infrastructures.
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AES67/Ravenna integration allows direct connection to Dolby Atmos and DCI servers—a crucial feature for high-end cinema installs.
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Dante handles downstream distribution to amplifiers and speakers without requiring messy external converters.
This dual-protocol flexibility means the AltitudeCI plays nice in virtually any environment, whether you’re wiring a boutique media room or a massive commercial-grade private theater.
Scalable Channel Licensing: Pay Only for What You Need
One of the biggest innovations in the AltitudeCI is Trinnov’s modular licensing model. Instead of forcing integrators (or homeowners) to purchase more channels than they need, Trinnov lets you scale up in two-channel increments.
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Start with an 8-channel license for a compact theater.
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Expand to 16 or 24 channels as the system grows.
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Go all the way to 32 channels with standard models.
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For the truly extreme, a 64-channel custom build is slated for 2026.
Even better: these upgrades are handled remotely via Trinnov’s extranet, no site visit required. For integrators, that means fewer truck rolls. For enthusiasts, it means future-proofing without buyer’s remorse.
Proprietary Acoustics Tech Built-In
Trinnov isn’t just about decoding formats. Its reputation has been built on exclusive acoustic optimization technologies, all of which make their way into the AltitudeCI:
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Optimizer™ – Trinnov’s flagship 3D calibration system, which fine-tunes EQ, delay, level, and phase with uncanny precision.
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Remapping™ – Solves imperfect speaker placement issues by ensuring correct playback geometry for immersive formats.
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WaveForming™ – A revolutionary approach to low-frequency control that actively suppresses room modes, delivering consistent bass response across multiple seats.
These tools run on Trinnov’s software-based platform powered by 64-bit floating-point processing, which guarantees pristine fidelity today and enough processing headroom for tomorrow’s formats.
Designed with Integrators (and Enthusiasts) in Mind
While the Altitude32 and Altitude16 set the gold standard, they can be intimidating pieces of hardware for all but the most seasoned integrators. The AltitudeCI aims to simplify without dumbing down.
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Form factor: 2RU chassis—rack-friendly and efficient.
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Outputs: Eight analog outs standard, ideal for WaveForming subwoofer setups or 7.1.
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HDMI: Four inputs, two outputs—ready for matrix-based video distribution.
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Networking: Three Ethernet ports (two with SFP cages) for isolated or redundant lanes of control, audio, and service.
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User Interface: A redesigned guided calibration UI makes setup approachable, even as expert-level tweaks remain available for power users.
For installers, this means faster deployments. For enthusiasts, it means less wrestling with manuals and more time enjoying reference-grade performance.
Pair It with the Amplitude16 for End-to-End AoIP
Trinnov also announced an update to its Amplitude16 multichannel amplifier, now available with an optional Dante input board. Pairing the AltitudeCI with the Amplitude16 creates a fully networked AoIP signal chain—processor to amplifier—delivering audiophile performance in just 5RU of rack space.
The Amplitude16’s low-noise design outperforms most commercial AoIP amplifiers, while its shared DAC architecture ensures seamless signal integrity when paired with the AltitudeCI. Together, they form a compact but devastatingly powerful CI solution.
Smarter Design & Pricing Tools
Recognizing that specifying a Trinnov system can be complex, the company is also rolling out a new AoIP design and pricing tool. By inputting the basics—speaker count, subwoofer layout, crossover strategy, amplification bridging—the tool automatically generates:
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Recommended AltitudeCI configuration.
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Required Amplitude16 amplifier setup.
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Transparent pricing, without the dreaded spreadsheet guesswork.
For integrators, this is huge. For enthusiasts, it means less confusion and more confidence in system planning.
Pricing, Availability & Competition
The AltitudeCI will officially debut at CEDIA 2025 (Denver, September 4–6) with live demos in Trinnov’s High Performance Audio Room (HPA208). A free training session will be held on September 3. Shipments are expected to begin in Q4 2025.
Pricing remains undisclosed, but here’s where things get interesting:
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If the AltitudeCI comes in under $10,000, it enters direct competition with NAD’s M17 V2i, Anthem’s AVM 90, McIntosh’s MX series, and Marantz’s AV 10.
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Above that threshold, it competes almost exclusively with StormAudio—keeping the duel at the very top alive.
Either way, the AltitudeCI represents a new tier of competition, forcing established players to respond. That’s great news for home theater enthusiasts, who benefit from more choice, better features, and sharper pricing.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Trinnov could have rested on its laurels, catering only to the rarefied world of six-figure installs. Instead, with the AltitudeCI, they’re opening the door to a broader market. For home theater enthusiasts, this means:
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Access to state-of-the-art processing once reserved for reference-level cinemas.
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Scalability that matches real-world needs—you don’t pay for channels you don’t use.
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Future-proofing through software upgrades and modular licensing.
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True AoIP integration, aligning home systems with professional workflows.
Most importantly, it signals a shift: high-performance immersive audio is becoming more attainable. When brands like Trinnov step down into lower price tiers, the entire industry responds.
Final Thoughts
The Trinnov AltitudeCI isn’t just another black box processor—it’s a statement. It says that the best immersive audio technology is no longer reserved for only the largest, most extravagant theaters. It’s for the enthusiasts building dream rooms in their basements, for the integrators wiring luxury condos, and yes, for the clients who still demand DCI-grade private cinemas.
Competition is good. In fact, it’s vital. With StormAudio pushing from one side and companies like Anthem, Marantz, NAD, and McIntosh holding firm under $10K, the AltitudeCI has the potential to shake up the processor market in ways we haven’t seen in years.
And for home theater fans, that means one thing: better sound, better options, and more pathways to building the system you’ve always wanted.
The processor is the heart of your theater. With the AltitudeCI, Trinnov is offering a heart that beats stronger, scales smarter, and finally—might beat within reach.
AltitudeCI vs The Competition
| Processor | Approx. Price (USD) | Channels | Room Correction | Unique Features | Release/Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinnov AltitudeCI | TBD (est. <$10K if competitive) | 8–32 (expandable in 2-ch steps; 64 in 2026) | Trinnov Optimizer™, Remapping™, WaveForming™ | Dual AoIP (Dante + Ravenna/AES67), software-based platform, remote channel upgrades, guided calibration UI | Ships Q4 2025 |
| Anthem AVM 90 | $7,499 | 15.4 | ARC Genesis | 8K HDMI 2.1, Dirac-ready, designed for seamless Anthem STR/Monoblock pairing | Available now |
| Marantz AV 10 | $7,000 | 15.4 | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + optional Dirac Live | Classic Marantz analog stage, premium build, HEOS streaming integration | Available now |
| NAD M17 V2i | $6,499 | 11.2 | Dirac Live Full | Modular design (MDC slots), BluOS streaming built-in, upgradeable HDMI | Available now |
| McIntosh MX123 | $8,500 | 13.2 | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 | Iconic McIntosh styling, robust analog section, balanced outputs | Available now |
| StormAudio ISP Core 16 | ~$12,000 | 16 | Dirac Live Bass Control + Auro-3D Optimizer | Highly modular, HDMI 2.1 upgrade path, competitor at Trinnov’s level | Available now |
Takeaway:
If Trinnov hits below $10K, the AltitudeCI suddenly becomes the most advanced processor in its class—offering AoIP networking, modular scalability, and exclusive acoustic tech that NAD, Anthem, Marantz, and McIntosh can’t match. If pricing creeps higher, it’ll mainly duel with StormAudio, keeping the battle at the very top of the CI and enthusiast market.
