Tonewinner AT-200

Tonewinner AT-200: Home Theater Processor and Preamplifier

The AT-200 is the entry-level model in their Dolby Atmos processor range, with an uncommon feature in this segment: an integrated karaoke section. Thirteen decoding channels, customizable acoustic calibration, dual XLR and RCA outputs for each channel. The device targets 7.2.4-channel installations with an all-in-one solution.

A 13-channel processor for multiple configurations

The AT-200 decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats over 13 channels, with two independent subwoofer outputs. This capability allows you to build a 7.2.4, 9.2.2, or 5.2.6 system, for example. The flexibility goes further: the processor supports configurations as simple as 2.0 stereo up to a full 7.1.4. Whatever the room in which it is used, the AT-200 can adapt to make the most of audio and video content.

Each channel features dual preamplified outputs, in RCA and balanced XLR. A welcome option for connecting professional power amplifiers or high-end multichannel power amps that use balanced connections.

UHD and HDR video processing

Thanks to an 18 Gbps bandwidth and HDMI 2.0 connectivity compatible with HDCP 2.2, the device handles 4K UHD video streams at 60 Hz. The six HDMI inputs allow several sources to be connected simultaneously: Blu-ray player, game console, TV box, computer. The two HDMI outputs feed a TV or projector, one of them supporting eARC to retrieve sound from the TV’s built-in apps.

HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats are supported, as is HLG used by some TV broadcasters. The processor provides video pass-through without altering the signal. One point to note: the HDMI inputs are version 2.0, not 2.1. Gamers who want to take advantage of 4K at 120 Hz on recent consoles will need to look at the AD-7300HD or the AT-300.

Acoustic calibration and per-input equalization

The Tonewinner AT-200 home theater processor features an auto-calibration system. Using the Tonewinner ETM-2 microphone, the preamp can take measurements to determine the acoustic properties of the room and speakers. The microphone captures the test signals emitted by each speaker, then the device calculates the distances, levels, and spectral corrections to apply.

The parametric equalizer offers 11 bands for the front channels (left, right, center) and 5 bands for the surround channels, ceiling speakers, and subwoofers. Each group of inputs has its own independent equalizer and effects. These different parameters are stored by the device and automatically selected depending on the chosen input. In practice, you can set up a different sound profile for the Blu-ray player and for the game console.

The ETM-2 microphone is sold separately. Without it, automatic calibration is unavailable, but manual equalization still works.

Connectivity and home automation integration

Six HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs (including one eARC), two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, three stereo RCA inputs: the AT-200 can centralize a complete system. The 11.2 preamplified RCA and XLR outputs connect up to thirteen channels of amplification plus two subwoofers. The 5V trigger port allows the power amplifiers to switch on automatically when the processor is turned on.

The RS232 port enables integration into home automation systems (Crestron, Control4, RTI). The Tonewinner mobile app, available on iOS and Android, offers remote control of the main functions and provides access to audio files stored on a USB drive or microSD card. Built-in Bluetooth lets you stream music from a smartphone or tablet.

Audio formats and backward compatibility

Decoding covers the latest formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Hi-Res. Older formats are still supported (Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS ES, Dolby Pro Logic). The internal DSP can process non-Dolby Atmos and non-DTS:X content with a 3D sound effect thanks to Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X virtualization.

For streaming, the device is compatible with Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora via the control app. Local playback supports FLAC, APE, WAV, and MP3 files from a USB drive or memory card.

Technical specifications

Key features

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 7.1.4 decoding
• Dolby Surround / DTS Neural:X virtualization to reproduce a 3D effect
• Automatic calibration with ETM-2 microphone (sold separately)
• Customizable equalizer for each input, with configuration data backup
• UHD 4K HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 18 Gbit/s, HDMI 2.0 / 2.1
• Built-in karaoke function: sound effects, DSP processing, howling suppression, and mic connection
• Bluetooth streaming: compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers
• Comprehensive connectivity: HDMI, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR, USB, TF, 5 V trigger, and RS232

Audio performance

• Nominal input impedance: greater than 20 kΩ
• Nominal output impedance: 1000 Ω
• Gain: greater than or equal to 13 dB (direct analog)
• Total harmonic distortion: less than or equal to 0.02% (1 kHz, direct analog)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than or equal to 98 dB (A-weighted)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (+1 / -3 dB)
• Crosstalk: greater than 80 dB

Supported audio formats

• Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus
• DTS:X, DTS Master, DTS Hi-Res, DTS ES

Video performance

• Resolution: 4K UHD 60 Hz, 1080p60, backward compatible with 2K / earlier versions
• HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
• Supported video formats: 4K UHD 60 Hz, 3D, Dolby Vision, HDR10 / HDR10+, HLG
• HDMI: 6 inputs / 2 outputs (1 output eARC compatible)
• HDCP: 2.2
• HDMI CEC: yes

Connectivity

• HDMI inputs: 6x HDMI 2.0
• HDMI outputs: 2x HDMI 2.0
• Analog audio inputs
  • 3x RCA
  • 3x RCA karaoke
  • 3x XLR karaoke
• Digital audio inputs
  • 2x optical
  • 2x coaxial
• Pre-amplified outputs
  • 11.2 RCA
  • 11.2 XLR
• Other connections: 5 V trigger, RS232 port, Link port, USB, TF card

Features

• 13-channel home theater
• Automatic calibration (ETM-2 microphone not included)
• Custom equalizer for each input
• Karaoke mode with DSP processing and howling suppression
• Control via mobile app
• Bluetooth streaming and supported services: Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora
• OSD menu in English

Included accessories

• Remote control
• Power cable
• Quick installation guide
• 4K HDMI cable

General information

• Product type: 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos / DTS:X home theater preamplifier
• Power supply: 100 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 43.1 x 13 x 31.7 cm
• Net weight: 5.5 kg