StormAudio ISP Evo immersive sound preamp/processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Network-connected, multichannel home theater preamp/processor. Post-processed outputs: Up to 32 channels, 48kHz. HDMI video inputs/outputs: 6/2. Audio inputs: 1 stereo XLR analog, 4 stereo RCA analog, 3 S/PDIF (RCA), 3 S/PDIF (Optical TosLink). Audio output: one S/PDIF (Optical TosLink) for Zone 2. Network Audio I/O: Ravenna/AES67 via 2 RJ45. 12V trigger I/O: 2/4.1 LAN (RJ45) connector for 100Mbps Ethernet network communications and two USB for USB microphone or for service. Voltage (AC): 100V–240V.
Dimensions: (with rack ears) 18.86" (479mm) W × 5.91" (150mm) H × 16.53" (420mm) D. Weight: 17.6lb (8kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: ISP/S 230300032. Designed and manufactured in France.
Price: $21,999 as tested, $17,999–$21,999 depending on channel count (20 or 32) and digital format (AES3 or AES67). Warranty: Five years from the date of purchase to the original purchaser, limited to defects in materials and workmanship.
Manufacturer: StormAudio, 8 Rue del la Rabotiere, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France. Tel: +33 2 49 62 30 49. Email: info@stormaudio.com. Web: stormaudio.com.

COMPANY INFO
StormAudio
8 Rue del la Rabotiere
44800 Saint-Herblain
France
info@stormaudio.com
+33 2 49 62 30 49
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Glotz's picture

I want this Storm and a full array of Genelec powered speakers. I hope the Storm will be at a show this year.

The DL-Art circuit alone reads like restoration technology from a nearby galaxy. I also like the statement about envelopment vs. immersion. Visual.

His insights into Dolby Atmos' various configurations lend a needed perspective to the discussion from a few months ago. Another killer review and I always feel Kal is always one step ahead of the rest of us luddites.

thethanimal's picture

Kal, can you clarify what benefit the ISP Evo brings over the ISP Core 16, beyond the ability to choose your own DAC? As I type, I realize now the Evo has 32 channels of processing, but of course that's far beyond what even most "power users" would utilize. The Core 16 looks like it could do all your Arvus/Evo/Hapi chain can do, with what I imagine is only a small delta of the built-in DACs vs. the Hapi.

To Glotz's point above, all you'd need is some XLR cables to some Genelec 8040s, and you're in the high-end Atmos game for the same price as just the ISP Evo. Or is there another key differentiator I'm missing?

Kal Rubinson's picture

Sure, the Core 16 would probably have worked. The EVO was chosen for this review because I wanted to experience a full implementation of DIRAC-ART and Storm Audio suggested the EVO. That fit well with my system because it could easily connect with my HAPI via Ravenna.

I love the prospect of network-based connectivity and am working to implement it in my system now. Discrete wiring of multiple components becomes daunting as the channel count rises.

thethanimal's picture

This article has ignited my tech nerd side. Looks like with the PoE/AoIP options a full "rack" for streaming would consist of nothing more than an Apple TV, this ISP Evo, and a network switch -- then just Cat 6 cables to suitable powered speakers.

In your Ravenna system, it looks like the Trinnov Amplitude16 would be a good fit. ICEpower similar to your NAD C 298 for 16 channels with DB25 connectors or optional AoIP. Could one box replace your Benchmark/NAD stack? The Class AB vs Class D purists would say no...

All a mental exercise for me right now, as space and funds don't allow a multichannel set-up for now. My only experience with Atmos vs. stereo is on my in-laws' mid-fi Sony/Klipsch theater set-up, where the difference was marginal. I'd love to hear something like that Genelec demo.

Kal Rubinson's picture

I am thinking that way, too, and have distributed CAT6 to all my speaker locations. However, I have not yet found compatible speakers to my taste and a multichannel amp, like the Trinnov, is an inefficient way to distribute to widely distributed speakers.

Quote:

Could one box replace your Benchmark/NAD stack?

Possibly but why? Is there a comparable MCH amp that is smaller/lighter? Besides, I can run 4 channels of line output over a single CAT6. ;-)

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