Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Storm Audio processor

I will be testing the Storm Audio Surround processor in my DSP theater later this week. This will be done without using a 271 sending the digital outputs directly to the DSP speakers. Check back here for details.

I have seen the Storm Audio at ISE 2018 connected to a 271 but not in use.

Very interesting and I am looking forward to further details.

After receiving the items needed to connect the Storm SSP to my DSP8000SE mains and DSP7200SE center I was able to test out the Storm.

Using a CAT5 to AES XLR patch box and Neutrik AES XLR to SPDIF converters, I was able to directly connect to the SPDIF inputs of the DSP's. All other speakers were analog.

My first impression is that the Storm is capable of producing enormous amounts of bass. If the loudness is engaged it is simply too much. All the setup of the Storm is easily done via the web interface where there is a remote control feature and a advanced set up button. The setup options can be quite extensive, I set the DSP speakers at 87 for my testing.

The Storm digital outputs are subject to volume control so unlike the Casablanca 4 it is a lot easier to get it going with no fussing about. Some of the setup features are quite unique. You can set up multiple presets where you can have as few or as many speaker profiles as you like. For instance, you could have a 5.1 preset, a 7.1 preset or an Atmos preset.

4 programmable triggers would allow the user to select the appropriate amplifiers to trigger based on the preset.

Channel mapping was a useful feature where if you have miswired a speaker, or are using a breakout box such as I am, the output channels can be remapped in the setup. After getting it all calibrated, I sat down to enjoy some tried and true surround demos.

Let me say that I really like the Storm. The sound quality is right up there near the best. It may not quite be a 861 on 5.1 material but it kills it with so many usable features and Dirac Live room correction. There is even equalization for each discrete channel. The newest version includes a new 4k HDR HDMI board.

I am sure there are more features that I could elaborate on but I really wanted to point out how easy it was to use the unit with DSP speakers.

Whats the price point? Is this to replace G65 or 861 level components.

Thanks
Greg

The 32 channel digital AES version that I am using is $15900.00 msrp

I would also not be suprised if the HDMI was the same as being used in the UHD722

A little higher than an 861 then, but below Trinnov?

The 32ch version of the Trinnov would in the order of twice that price

Still cheaper than a 861v8 by a few grand and half that of a 32 channel Trinnov. At its price point it is a excellent value. Storm offers versions with fewer channels at lower price points. The version I used is the only one with digital AES out for use with DSP speakers

And this version you are using will also work with the new 271 in both ways (analog and digital) ?

Yes, as I am using it with my DSP speakers, the 271 is not required.

I would also have a look at the Trinnov Altitude 16 channnel unit... ($16k)
The room correction is vastly superior to DIRAC ...
I’m using their 4 channel unit and very very impressed.