Tonewinner AT-2900

Tonewinner AT-2900: 9-channel home theater amplifier

Nine amplified channels, decoding up to 14 channels, 13.3 pre-out outputs and triple subwoofer output: the AT-2900 consolidates what Tonewinner has been doing for three decades as an OEM manufacturer for renowned Western brands. The Guangzhou-based manufacturer here delivers an integrated amp that can independently handle sophisticated Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups, while remaining compatible with external power amplifiers for the most ambitious installations.

OEM expertise put to good use

Tonewinner has quietly contributed to the success of numerous brands, including Advance Paris, Nuforce and Emotiva, before marketing its own products. The company, based in the Pearl River Delta, employs around thirty engineers and has a production capacity of 55,000 units per month. This history explains why the AT-2900 includes Dolby and DTS certifications, as well as an electronic design reminiscent of devices sold much more expensively under other labels.

Amplification section and real power

The AT-2900 delivers 120 W RMS per channel into 8 Ω, a value measured at less than 0.05% total harmonic distortion. Into 4 Ω, the power climbs to 200 W per channel. The signal-to-noise ratio reaches 95 dB, gain exceeds 38 dB, and frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. These nine amplified channels are enough to directly power a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 setup. To go further (7.1.4, 9.1.4 or even 9.3.4), the 13.3-channel pre-out outputs allow you to connect external power amps.

The unit offers independent volume adjustment for each channel, including the three subwoofer outputs. This level-setting granularity is useful for balancing a setup where the speakers have different sensitivities or unequal distances from the listening position.

Audio decoding: Atmos, DTS:X and upmixing

The decoding handles 14 independent channels with three subwoofer outputs, enough to achieve 7.3.6 or 9.3.4 configurations. Supported formats include Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as their earlier versions. DSP processing can spatialize non-Atmos stereo and multichannel sources to simulate a three-dimensional soundstage. The result obviously depends on the quality of the original recording, but this function breathes new life into older soundtracks.

Easy Test EQ acoustic calibration

Tonewinner has developed its own acoustic correction system called Easy Test EQ (ETQ). The supplied microphone (ETM-2 model) captures sound information to automatically equalize each channel: measuring the distance between the speakers and the listening position, adjusting delay and sound pressure level, calibrating frequency response.

Calibration can be launched in automatic or manual mode, and EQ settings are stored independently for each input. This approach avoids having to reconfigure the unit when switching from one source to another. The ETQ system does not reach the sophistication of Dirac Live or Audyssey XT32, but it does the essentials for a typical home installation.

Video section and HDMI connectivity

The AT-2900 handles 4K UHD video at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 subsampling and 18 Gbps bandwidth. Support for HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG covers the main high dynamic range image formats. Six HDMI 2.1 inputs (HDCP 2.2 compatible) and two outputs (including one eARC) allow several sources to be connected simultaneously: Blu-ray player, game console, streaming box, computer.

The eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) function retrieves lossless multichannel audio from a compatible TV, thus avoiding adding more cables or sacrificing the sound quality of the TV’s built-in apps.

Streaming and remote control

Bluetooth provides a wireless connection up to 15 meters for streaming music from a phone or tablet. The stated range assumes a clear environment; in practice, walls and interference reduce this distance. The mobile app (iOS and Android) lets you control the unit, navigate menus and adjust EQ settings without leaving the couch. An OSD (On-Screen Display) menu shows playlists and settings directly on the TV.

The unit also includes an RS232 input and a 12V trigger output for home automation, as well as a wired infrared input.

What to keep in mind

The menu interface may look dated compared with Japanese or American products in the same range. The Easy Test EQ system, while functional, does not offer customizable target curves or measurements as detailed as competing high-end solutions. Buyers seeking advanced room correction will need to consider an external processor or accept the limitations of the built-in system.

The lack of full HDMI 2.1 (no 4K/120 Hz or VRR) may be a drawback for next-gen console gamers who want to take full advantage of their hardware’s features.

Technical specifications

Audio section

• Amplified channels: 9
• Audio decoding: up to 14 channels
• Supported configurations:
  • 5.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.4
  • 7.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.4
  • Up to 9.3.4 with external amplifiers
• Power: 120 W RMS at 8 Ω per channel
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
• Harmonic distortion: < 0.05%
• Gain: > 38 dB
• Decoded audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

Video section

• Resolution: 4K UHD up to 60 Hz
• HDR compatibility: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
• 3D support
• HDMI 2.1 standard with HDCP 2.2

HDMI connectivity

• 6 HDMI inputs
• 2 HDMI outputs, including one with eARC

Audio connectivity

• 4 analog RCA inputs
• 2 optical inputs
• 2 coaxial inputs
• 13.3-channel pre-out
• 3 independent RCA subwoofer outputs

Additional connectivity

• USB-A
• micro-SD / TF card reader
• Bluetooth
• RS232
• Trigger output
• IR input

Features

• Automatic room acoustic calibration (Easy Test EQ)
• Customizable parametric equalization
• Control via iOS and Android mobile app
• Music streaming via Bluetooth
• Audio file playback: FLAC, APE, WAV, MP3
• Display of music lists on TV via OSD menu

General information

• Dimensions: 431 × 178 × 406 mm
• Weight: 15.8 kg
• Power supply: 110 – 230 V