Russound MBX-AMP
Buy as a bundle and save
Complementary product
Specifications and features
Russound MBX-AMP, the connected multiroom amplifier
Bringing streaming into an audio installation spread across several rooms, without stacking boxes or running new cables, is the purpose of this compact amplifier from Russound. An American specialist in multiroom audio distribution for decades, the brand offers a compact device that powers a pair of speakers, connects to the living room TV and synchronizes with other areas of the home over the network.
A compact unit to slip into a cabinet
Russound did not try to make it a showpiece. The MBX-AMP fits into a compact footprint, 21 centimeters wide and just over 4 centimeters high, and weighs barely more than one kilogram. Its plastic finish and low profile make it easy to slip into a hi-fi cabinet or onto an audio-video rack shelf, with two units side by side if needed. On the front panel, five buttons cover the basic controls: play and pause, volume adjustment, and two favorite presets for recalling a regularly listened-to radio station or playlist with a single press. When no source is active, pressing the play button resumes the last playback. Power is supplied by an external 12-volt adapter, eliminating the need for a bulky internal transformer.
Stream music throughout the home
The MBX-AMP can operate on its own, connected to a simple pair of speakers in the living room. However, its purpose goes further. Paired with other units in the MBX series, it becomes part of an audio network that can extend to up to 32 rooms in a single home, with each one playing its own source or sharing those of the others. From the My Russound app, two or more zones can be grouped to play the same music simultaneously, then separated again with a tap. Where a Russound MCA or SMZ series multiroom controller is already installed, the MBX-AMP can be added as an extra zone, with the system then able to manage up to 8 distinct sources and 48 rooms. This compatibility with the brand’s in-house ecosystem, both wired and wireless, is one of its main advantages.
Share the speakers with the TV
Few streamers of this size can communicate with a TV. The MBX-AMP can: its TV integration function allows TV sound to be played through the speakers connected to the amplifier, and conversely sends music from the audio system to the TV speakers, without requiring a third-party box. A supplied external infrared sensor learns the volume and mute commands from the original remote control, so a single remote operates both systems. For the audio connection, the digital optical input receives the TV signal with stable quality.
Send music and control the system
Sending a track to the MBX-AMP can be done in several ways. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are built in, opening the door to sound from an iPhone, iPad, Mac or any compatible Android application, with metadata displayed on the phone screen. Bluetooth takes over for a visiting device, while a USB port plays files stored on a flash drive or external hard drive. The unit also browses UPnP and DLNA servers on the local network. On the control side, the My Russound app brings together sources, bass, treble and volume settings, as well as favorite management; Amazon Alexa and Google assistants respond to voice commands; the XTS7 wall-mounted touchscreen uses the same interface to control music from a room entrance. Playback supports high-resolution files up to 24-bit/192 kHz, including MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG Vorbis and FLAC.
Connections, amplification and subwoofer output
The transistor-based amplification delivers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, up to 70 watts into 4 ohms, enough to drive a pair of bookshelf speakers or in-wall models without weakening at normal volume. The speaker terminals accept banana plugs. A dedicated subwoofer output, filtered below 160 Hz, adds the bass sometimes lacking from small speakers and turns the system into a 2.1 configuration. For those aiming higher, the digital optical output allows connection of an external converter, while a 2-volt analog line output feeds a separate amplifier. Network connectivity is available via Ethernet through the RJ45 port or dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. A 12-volt trigger output wakes up a companion device when powered on, and the infrared input accommodates the sensor intended for the TV.
What the press says
Russound confirms its mastery of multiroom audio with this new line of effective connected products. The MBX-AMP and MBX-PRE are not only capable of creating an autonomous network for audio distribution throughout the entire house. They can also be easily integrated with and controlled by a third-party system. Or they can be combined with an existing Russound wired multiroom controller to provide it with new functionalities. The ability to control the MBX streamers from anywhere using the Russound app, Google app, wall panel, or voice commands, and to seamlessly switch between them, is a nice feature. Finally, Chromecast and AirPlay allow them to be included in multi-brand audio environments.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Technical Specifications
Audio Performance
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Speaker output:
- 50 W per channel at 8 Ω
- 70 W per channel at 4 Ω
- Low-pass filter for subwoofer: 160 Hz
Supported Audio Formats
- MP3 (constant bit rate CBR, variable bit rate VBR), WAV (8, 16-bit)
- OGG Vorbis, FLAC (8, 16-bit)
- AAC, AAC+ (support up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
Connectivity
- Audio outputs:
- Analog stereo RCA
- Digital optical
- Subwoofer output
- Line audio output: 2 V RMS
- Audio inputs:
- 3.5 mm analog stereo audio
- Digital optical
- USB 2.0 port
Network Connectivity
- Ethernet RJ45 10/100 Base-T
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, dual-band
- Bluetooth audio support
- Trigger output: 12 V DC at 100 mA
Physical Specifications
- Power supply: 12 V DC, 1.25 A
- Dimensions (W × D × H): 210 × 178 × 45 mm
- Weight: 1.16 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MBX-AMP work on its own, without the rest of a Russound system?
Yes. In standalone zone mode, it plays its own sources and manages its volume and favorites without relying on a central unit. Adding other MBX series units or a Russound central unit is only necessary if you want to extend playback to other rooms.
Can you install it yourself, or do you need a professional?
Russound distributes the MBX-AMP through certified installers and recommends using one of them. However, network setup remains accessible: the device can be configured via the Google Home app or the My Russound app, like a standard connected player.
Which online music services are supported?
The MBX-AMP supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer and Internet radio. With Chromecast and AirPlay 2 built in, it can also receive audio from most compatible apps via a smartphone, tablet or computer.
How does the MBX-AMP differ from the MBX-PRE?
Both units share the same playback electronics and network functions. The MBX-PRE is limited to a line output and requires external amplification, whereas the MBX-AMP incorporates its 2 × 50 watts and adds a subwoofer output as well as an infrared input for the television.
Does multiroom work with any source?
Grouping multiple zones applies to sources launched from the My Russound app and to physical inputs. However, a stream sent via Chromecast or AirPlay remains limited to the zone receiving it and cannot be synchronized with the other rooms.
Can the MBX-AMP be connected to an existing Russound installation?
Yes, it can be integrated as a remote zone with an MCA or SMZ series controller. This configuration has its limitations: no source sharing between the controller and the MBX-AMP, and the rooms that depend on it cannot be linked to those of the controller.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 612934537127
