LEA Professional CS168D – 8-Channel Dante Networked Amplifier
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LEA Professional CS168D – 8-Channel Dante Networked Amplifier
Product Overview
The LEA Professional CS168D is an 8-channel, 160-watt-per-channel Dante networked amplifier designed for small to medium-scale commercial AV installations. Part of LEA's Dante Connect Series, it combines Dante audio networking at 96kHz with analog balanced inputs, onboard 96kHz DSP, HiZ/LoZ per-channel output selection, and LEA Cloud remote management in a single 1U rack-mount chassis. The CS168D is well-suited for conference rooms, training rooms, and distributed zoned systems where Dante network audio transport and IP-based amplifier control are required alongside broad third-party control system compatibility.
Product Description
The CS168D delivers eight independent amplifier channels at 160 watts each, with each channel independently switchable between low-impedance (2, 4, or 8 ohm) and high-impedance (70V or 100V) output. This per-channel HiZ/LoZ flexibility means a single CS168D can simultaneously serve a 70V ceiling speaker circuit in a corridor and low-impedance main loudspeakers in a meeting room — without any external impedance-matching transformer.
Dante audio networking at 96kHz or 48kHz provides 8x8 audio transport over standard IP infrastructure, with Multicast and Unicast support. AES67 interoperability is configurable through the Dante Controller software, enabling integration with third-party AES67-compliant DSPs and networked audio devices. The CS168D also accepts eight balanced analog inputs with user-selectable 26 dB or 34 dB sensitivity, so analog sources connect directly without signal-level adaptation.
Onboard DSP is built on the Analog Devices Sigma 96kHz platform with a 32-bit processing core. Each channel receives individual treatment: up to 48 dB/octave IIR crossover filters (Linkwitz-Riley and Butterworth), 8-band parametric EQ, 100ms output delay, real-time load monitoring with pilot tone detection, and user-adjustable Peak and RMS voltage limiting. The fully routable input matrix assigns any input to any output with primary and secondary source priority, all configurable through the browser-based web UI or LEA Cloud without proprietary software.
Three connectivity paths keep deployment straightforward: a built-in Wi-Fi access point for on-site commissioning, Wi-Fi client mode for connection to the venue network, or Fast Ethernet over Cat5/6. Control system integration is available via certified plugins for Crestron, Extron, Q-SYS, AMX, Control4, Savant, RTI, URC, Symetrix, Xilica, Utelogy, and others. An open Websocket and TCP API covers custom integrations. The external I/O port provides hardware remote on/off control and amplifier health status output.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | 8 |
| Power per Channel @ 4Ω / 8Ω | 160W / 160W |
| Power per Channel @ 2Ω | 80W |
| Power per Channel @ 70V / 100V | 160W / 160W |
| Analog Inputs | 8 Balanced, 26 dB or 34 dB selectable sensitivity |
| Dante Audio | 8x8 at 96kHz or 48kHz, Multicast or Unicast |
| AES67 | Configurable via Dante Controller |
| THD+N | 0.1% (20Hz–20kHz) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.5 dB @ 4Ω, 8Ω, 70V, 100V |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 105 dB (ref. 8Ω) |
| Crosstalk | 70 dB (20Hz–20kHz) |
| Amplifier Class | Class D with Smart Power Bridge |
| DSP | Analog Devices Sigma 96kHz, 32-bit core |
| Crossover Filters | Up to 48 dB/Oct IIR (Linkwitz-Riley & Butterworth) |
| Parametric EQ | 8 bands per channel |
| Output Delay | 100ms per channel |
| Load Monitoring | Real-time + pilot tone detection |
| AC Mains | 100VAC–240VAC ±15%, 50/60Hz |
| Power Supply | Universal SMPS |
| Rack Format | 1U rack-mount |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.25" x 19" x 1U (362mm x 482mm x 1U) |
| Weight | 13.55 lbs / 6.15 kg |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi AP, Wi-Fi Client, Fast Ethernet (Cat5/6) |
| External I/O | Remote On/Off input; Fault status output |
| Warranty (US) | Up to 6 years (with registration) |
| Warranty (International) | 5 years |
Key Features
- 8-Channel, 160W/Ch in 1U — High power density for multi-zone commercial installations in a space-efficient 1U rack footprint.
- Dante Audio Networking (8x8) — Transports audio at 96kHz or 48kHz over existing IP infrastructure; Multicast and Unicast support included.
- AES67 Interoperability — Configurable via Dante Controller for integration with AES67-compliant DSPs and networked audio devices from other manufacturers.
- HiZ / LoZ Per-Channel Selection — Each channel independently set to 70V, 100V, or low-impedance operation without external transformers.
- Onboard 96kHz Analog Devices DSP — Per-channel crossover filtering, 8-band parametric EQ, output delay, and speaker limiting with real-time load monitoring.
- LEA Cloud Remote Management — Monitor and control the amplifier from any browser worldwide; no VPN or proprietary client required.
- Smart Power Bridge Technology — Doubles output power on any single channel without losing the remaining channels.
- Fully Routable Input Matrix — Any Dante or analog input routes to any output channel with primary and secondary source priority.
- Broad Third-Party Control Support — Certified plugins for Crestron, Extron, Q-SYS, Control4, Savant, RTI, URC, Symetrix, Xilica, and more.
- Universal SMPS — Operates from 100VAC to 240VAC for domestic and international use.
- External I/O Port — Hardware remote on/off input and amplifier fault status output for integration with building management systems.
- EN54 Certified — LEA Connect Series holds EN54 certification for applicable life-safety system deployments.
Typical Applications
- Conference rooms and boardrooms with Dante-networked audio systems
- Training rooms requiring zoned, independently controlled audio
- Commercial meeting spaces with ceiling speaker distribution
- Multi-purpose rooms with mixed HiZ and LoZ speaker layouts
- House of worship overflow and ancillary rooms
- Government spaces requiring networked amplifier control and monitoring
- All-hands rooms in enterprise corporate environments
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | 8 |
| Output Power @ 2Ω | 80W per channel |
| Output Power @ 4Ω | 160W per channel |
| Output Power @ 8Ω | 160W per channel |
| Output Power @ 70V / 100V | 160W per channel |
| Analog Inputs | 8 balanced, 26 dB or 34 dB sensitivity (user selectable) |
| Dante Inputs/Outputs | 8x8 at 96kHz or 48kHz |
| AES67 | Configurable via Dante Controller Software |
| THD+N | 0.1% (20Hz–20kHz) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.5 dB @ 4Ω, 8Ω, 70V, 100V; -2.5 dB @ 20kHz @ 2Ω |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 105 dB (20Hz–20kHz, ref. 8Ω) |
| Crosstalk | 70 dB (20Hz–20kHz) |
| Amplifier Class | Class D, Smart Power Bridge |
| DSP Architecture | Analog Devices Sigma 96kHz DSP, 32-bit core with SRC |
| Input Matrix | Fully routable; any input to any output, primary/secondary priority |
| Crossover Filters | Up to 48 dB/Oct IIR (Linkwitz-Riley and Butterworth) |
| Parametric EQ | 8 bands per channel |
| Output Delay | 100ms per channel |
| Output Protection | DC, VHF, AC Mains, Over-temp, Current Limiter, Fan Fault |
| User Limiting | Peak Voltage and RMS Voltage |
| Load Monitoring | Real-time + Pilot Tone (internal or external source) |
| Control Interface | Web Browser UI, 3rd-party API (Websocket/TCP), LEA Cloud |
| External I/O | In: Remote On/Off toggle; Out: Amplifier health indicator |
| AC Mains | 100VAC–240VAC ±15%, 50/60Hz |
| Power Supply | Universal SMPS |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.25" x 19" x 1U (362mm x 482mm x 1U) |
| Weight | 13.55 lbs / 6.15 kg |
| Cooling | Front-to-rear variable fan speed; idle 50 dB @ 1m, 50% 57 dB @ 1m, full 63 dB @ 1m |
| Network Connectivity | Wi-Fi AP, Wi-Fi Client, Fast Ethernet (Cat5/6) |
| Warranty (US) | Up to 6 years with product registration |
| Warranty (International) | 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the CS168D differ from the CS168 (no D)?
The CS168D adds Dante audio networking (8x8 at 96kHz or 48kHz) and AES67 support to the standard CS168. The CS168 accepts analog inputs only. Both models share the same 8-channel, 160W/ch output stage, Class D amplifier topology, onboard DSP, HiZ/LoZ per-channel selection, and LEA Cloud connectivity. Choose the CS168D when your installation routes audio over a Dante network or requires AES67 interoperability.
Q: Can the CS168D handle both 70V and low-impedance speaker loads simultaneously?
Yes. Each of the 8 output channels is independently configured for HiZ (70V or 100V) or LoZ (2, 4, or 8 ohm) operation. A single CS168D can power a 70V ceiling speaker distribution circuit on some channels while driving 8-ohm main loudspeakers on others — with no external transformers required.
Q: What Dante channel count does the CS168D support?
The CS168D supports 8x8 Dante channels at 96kHz or 48kHz, with both Multicast and Unicast routing. AES67 interoperability is configurable via the Dante Controller application, enabling integration with AES67-compliant equipment from other manufacturers on the same network.
Q: What control systems work with the CS168D?
Certified drivers are available for Crestron, Extron, Q-SYS, AMX (Harman), Control4, Savant, RTI, URC, Nice (formerly Elan), Symetrix, Xilica, Utelogy, Atlona Velocity, and Aurora Multimedia. The open Websocket and TCP API supports custom integration with building management systems or control platforms not listed above.
Q: Does the CS168D require any software for setup and configuration?
No proprietary software is required. The CS168D is configured through a standard web browser connected to the amplifier’s built-in web UI. Dante routing is configured via the free Dante Controller application. LEA Cloud provides browser-based remote access from any internet-connected device without a VPN or client installation.
Q: What is the warranty on the CS168D?
US customers who register their product receive up to 6 years of warranty coverage. International customers receive a 5-year warranty; contact your local LEA distributor for country-specific terms.
Q: How many rack units does the CS168D occupy?
The CS168D occupies 1U of rack space. Product dimensions are 14.25" x 19" x 1U (362mm x 482mm x 1U) with a weight of 13.55 lbs (6.15 kg).
Q: Can I use free speaker tuning files with the CS168D?
Yes. LEA provides a library of over 3,000 free speaker tuning files for JBL, Bose, Sonance, Klipsch, QSC, Community, Danley, Martin Audio, Renkus-Heinz, and many other brands. Tuning files are applied directly through the web UI or LEA Cloud platform.
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