Tonewinner AT-500

Tonewinner AT-500: 16-channel home theater processor

Sixteen channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, native 8K video passthrough, and digital-to-analog conversion handled by a Cirrus Logic codec: the AT-500 succeeds the AT-300 with an upgrade focused on HDMI 2.1 connectivity and improved audio measurements. The Chinese manufacturer, active in the audio sector for over thirty years, keeps the formula that made its predecessor successful while adapting it to the demands of current video sources.

A video section designed for 8K

The AT-500 adopts the HDMI 2.1 standard with HDCP 2.3 certification. Of the six HDMI inputs, three accept a native 8K signal up to 60 Hz with a bandwidth of 40 Gbps and 4:4:4 chroma sampling. HDR formats pass through without conversion: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. The main output includes the eARC protocol to retrieve uncompressed audio from a compatible TV, simplifying cabling when the source is built into the TV (streaming apps, tuner).

The video signal passes through the processor without image processing. The AT-500 behaves like a passive switch in this respect, which avoids adding latency but means all upscaling is handled by the TV or projector.

Conversion and audio performance

Audio processing is based on a Cirrus Logic CS42528 codec, a 24-bit chip capable of sampling up to 192 kHz with a stated dynamic range of 114 dB on the DAC side. Tonewinner specifies a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 110 dB and total harmonic distortion less than or equal to 0.003% across the entire signal path. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 65 kHz. These measurements represent an improvement over the AT-300, with better channel separation.

The sixteen channels allow setups up to 9.3.4 or 7.3.6 depending on the outputs used. The fourteen balanced XLR outputs cover a 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 configuration, while the sixteen unbalanced RCA outputs add two extra channels and three dedicated subwoofer outputs. Each subwoofer can be adjusted independently in level, delay, and crossover frequency.

Calibration and EQ: two complementary approaches

The ETQ (Easy Test EQ) system developed by Tonewinner performs automatic room measurement via the supplied ETM-3 microphone. The processor then calculates distances, delays, and levels for each channel. This procedure is suitable for quick setup, but users familiar with third-party measurement software (REW, for example) may prefer to enter their corrections manually.

The parametric equalizer offers finer control than many AV receivers on the market. The left, right, and center channels each have eleven bands adjustable in center frequency, gain, and Q factor. The surround and height channels share five bands, as does the low-frequency channel dedicated to the subwoofers. The OSD interface displays EQ curves in real time during adjustment, making it easier to visualize changes.

Connectivity and home automation integration

Beyond HDMI inputs, the AT-500 accepts analog sources via three RCA line inputs and digital sources via two optical and two coaxial inputs. A USB-A port (128 GB maximum) and a micro SD card reader allow direct playback of lossless (FLAC, APE, WAV) or compressed (MP3) audio files. The built-in Bluetooth receiver enables streaming from a smartphone or tablet.

Integration into a home automation system is handled via an RS232 port and an infrared input. Five 5 V trigger outputs can switch on power amplifiers or other equipment. CEC control works on the main HDMI output.

The Tonewinner mobile app (iOS and Android) provides access to common functions: source selection, volume adjustment, audio mode selection, and browsing files stored on a USB drive or SD card. It does not replace the OSD interface for advanced EQ settings, but avoids having to turn on the TV for a simple source change.

Technical specifications

Model

• ToneWinner AT-500
• Type: 16-channel home theater preamplifier / processor
• Color: black

Audio processing

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive decoding
  • Supported configurations up to 9.3.4 / 7.3.6
  • Backward compatibility with all Dolby and DTS formats: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Master
• Independent management of 3 subwoofers for deep and balanced bass reproduction
• Support for lossless audio formats

Calibration and equalization

• Easy Test EQ (ETQ) automatic calibration system with supplied measurement microphone
  • Acoustic analysis of the room
  • Automatic adjustment of frequency response, delay, and level for each channel
• Customizable multiband parametric equalizer per channel
  • Up to 11 bands for the front channels
  • 5 bands for the surround and overhead channels
  • 5 bands for the bass channel
  • Real-time dynamic visualization on the OSD screen
• Saving and restoring user settings
• Management of multiple speaker configurations for different rooms

Video processing

• 4K and 8K UHD decoding
• HDR compatibility: HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG

HDMI connectivity

• 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs
  • 3 inputs compatible with 8K
• 2 HDMI 2.1 outputs
  • 1 output compatible with eARC

Analog and digital audio inputs

• 3 RCA line analog inputs
• 2 optical inputs
• 2 coaxial inputs

Preamplified outputs

• 16 RCA pre-out outputs
• 14 XLR pre-out outputs

Connectivity and control

• High-quality Bluetooth transmission for direct streaming from smartphone / tablet
• USB playback (capacity up to 128 GB) and micro SD card with support for lossless audio formats
• RS232 port for centralized control
• IR input for home automation integration
• 5 V trigger output
• Control via supplied remote control
• Full control via ToneWinner mobile app (iOS / Android)

Performance

• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 110 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): less than or equal to 0.003%
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 65 kHz

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 431 × 80 × 304 mm
• Weight: 4.3 kg

Included accessories

• Remote control
• Power cable
• Calibration microphone
• Quick installation guide