Tonewinner AT-300
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Specifications and features
Tonewinner AT 300, 16-channel home theater processor
Behind this understated black chassis is a Chinese manufacturer that has been supplying several major Western brands for three decades. With the AT 300, Tonewinner steps out of the shadows with a THX-certified audio-video processor capable of handling Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configurations up to 9.3.4 or 7.3.6 channels. It is built around components usually reserved for much more expensive devices, including the Analog Devices ADSP-21573 DSP, which is also found in Marantz products.
Three chips dedicated to audio and video processing
Signal processing is built around three specialized circuits. The Analog Devices ADSP-21573 SHARC floating-point DSP handles decoding of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. Two Cirrus Logic CS42528 converters provide DAC, ADC, and SPDIF receiver functions, with support up to 24-bit/192 kHz. On the video side, the Panasonic MN864788 controller manages 32-bit HDMI streams in 4K at 60 Hz, with RGB 4:4:4 and YUV 4:4:4 color spaces. This chip ensures compatibility with HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Volume control uses a resistor ladder system, a more expensive but more accurate approach than conventional potentiometers. This technique allows level adjustment without degrading the signal.
Connectivity designed for complex installations
Most of the investment is found at the back of the chassis. Six HDMI 2.0 inputs and two outputs (one eARC-compatible) cover common needs. Each input group can be configured independently in a matrix, which is convenient when managing multiple zones.
The pre-out section offers 16 RCA and 14 balanced XLR outputs, the latter plated in 24K gold. The presence of XLR connections allows power amplifiers to be connected over long distances without picking up interference. Three independent subwoofer outputs (one XLR, two RCA) allow multi-sub setups with separate volume and delay settings for each output.
Analog inputs (four stereo RCA) and digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial) complete the package. An RS232 port, an infrared input, and a 5V trigger facilitate home automation integration.
Channel-by-channel calibration and equalization
The acoustic correction system is based on an ETM-2 measurement microphone (sometimes included depending on the distributor). Once connected, the device analyzes distances, sound pressure levels, and the frequency response of each speaker, including subwoofers.
The parametric equalizer offers 11 bands for the left, right, and center channels, 5 bands for the surrounds and height speakers, and 5 bands for the subwoofers. Center frequencies, gains, and Q factors are individually adjustable. Lip-sync can be delayed up to 1000 milliseconds in fine increments.
Bass management provides independent settings for crossover frequencies and filter slopes, differentiated according to speaker groups (fronts, center, surrounds, rears, height). This granularity allows you to tailor behavior to each type of subwoofer or compact speaker.
Supported audio and video formats
The AT 300 decodes all current Dolby formats (Atmos, TrueHD, Digital Plus) and DTS formats (X, Master, Hi-Res, ES, NEO:6). Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X technologies provide upmixing of stereo or 5.1/7.1 content to configurations with height speakers.
Available configurations range from simple 5.1 up to 9.3.4 or 7.3.6. The choice between Front Wides and Top Middle speakers is exclusive: you must choose one or the other depending on your room layout.
On the video side, HDMI 2.0 pass-through at 18 Gbps with HDCP 2.2 guarantees compatibility with UHD players and recent consoles. Bandwidth tops out at 4K/60 Hz, which is suitable for UHD Blu-ray content and streaming, but excludes gaming in 4K/120 Hz.
Additional features focused on practicality
The built-in Bluetooth receiver lets you stream music from a smartphone or tablet without using the HDMI inputs. An audio player reads files stored on a USB stick or SD card in FLAC, APE, WAV, and MP3 formats. Folder navigation is done via the OSD menu displayed on the connected screen.
An iOS and Android mobile app offers remote control of sources, volume, audio modes, and equalization. The on-screen menu, available in English, adopts a functional layout that contrasts with the more polished GUIs of big brands. Settings remain accessible and logically organized, even if the appearance is somewhat dated.
Firmware updates are installed via USB stick (formatted in FAT32). Tonewinner regularly publishes fixes that have resolved several issues reported by the user community, notably regarding CEC management and subwoofer levels.
Technical Specifications
Product type
- 16-channel Dolby Atmos home-cinema preamp / processor
- Supported configurations: 9.3.4 / 7.3.6
- THX certification for faithful and precise sound
Audio processing
- Audio decoding
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS:X, DTS Master, DTS Hi-Res, DTS ES, DTS NEO6
- Advanced DSP (ADSP 21573, SHARC floating point)
- Customizable equalization per channel
- Automatic room calibration
- Automatic adjustment of speaker distance and delay
- Automatic sound pressure level adjustment
- Frequency response equalization for each channel
- Compensation between full-range and subwoofers
- Audio converter: Cirrus Logic CS42528 for fine audio management and tonal consistency
Video processing
- Video decoding: UHD 4K 60 Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, 3D
- Video processing chip: Panasonic MN864788
- HDMI and 4K / 60 Hz, 32-bit video processing
- HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Audio performance
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 98 dB (A-weighted)
- Total harmonic distortion: ≤ 0.02%
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (+1 / -3 dB)
- Input impedance: 20 kΩ (analog)
- Output impedance: 1 kΩ
Connectivity
- HDMI inputs: 6x HDMI 2.0
- HDMI outputs: 2x HDMI 2.0 (including 1x eARC)
- Analog audio inputs: 4x RCA line
- Digital audio inputs: 2x optical, 2x coaxial
- Preamp outputs: 16x RCA, 14x XLR
- Other connections: 5 V trigger, RS232 port, link port, Bluetooth
Compatibility and control
- Streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora
- Control via included remote
- Control via iOS / Android mobile app
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 100 × 326 mm
- Weight: 5 kg
- Color: black
Included accessories
- Remote control
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AT 300 compatible with game consoles in 4K/120 Hz?
No. The HDMI 2.0 inputs are limited to 4K/60 Hz. Owners of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X will need to connect their console directly to the TV and retrieve audio via eARC, or settle for 4K/60 mode.
Is the ETM-2 measurement microphone included?
That depends on the distributor. Some resellers include the microphone, others offer it as an option. Check the box contents before purchasing.
Can four subwoofers be used?
The device has three independent subwoofer outputs. A fourth output would require a Y cable or splitter, with the same settings as one of the three existing outputs.
Can the AT 300 stream Spotify or Apple Music directly?
No. The device does not include a streaming client. You can connect an external streamer via HDMI, coaxial, or optical, or use Bluetooth from your phone (quality limited by the Bluetooth codec).
What is the difference between XLR and RCA outputs?
Balanced XLR outputs are more resistant to interference over long cable runs. Over distances under three meters with good cabling, the audible difference remains marginal in most home setups.
Does the processor support DTS:X Pro?
Not currently. Tonewinner is working with DTS/Xperi on this certification, but no availability date has been announced.
Which power amplifiers should be paired with the AT 300?
Tonewinner offers several compatible models (AD-7300PA+, AD-8300PA), but any multichannel amplifier with RCA or XLR inputs will work. Class A/B or D amps with standard input sensitivity (1 to 2 V) will operate without issue.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: TONAT300
- GTIN / EAN: 6942550300367
