Sonos AMP Multi: CI Amplifier for Multi-Zone Systems
Trade shows are where hype meets proof, and few moments feel better for a custom installer than seeing a product built specifically for your pain points. At ISE 2026, we sat down with Stephen Reed to unpack AMP Multi, a CI‑only amplifier designed to scale from a single room to sprawling multi‑zone systems without the duct tape of legacy stacks. The concept is simple but powerful: assign any speaker port to any room in the setup app, let the client see only clear room names in the Sonos app, and keep the complex topology hidden. That shift respects how real homes and venues grow over time. Instead of locking into fixed channel pairs or kludgy daisy chains, AMP Multi treats outputs as flexible resources. The result is a leaner rack, cleaner service visits, and far more options when projects expand.
The installer experience was clearly the brief. A secure online portal unlocks deep EQ and tuning, allowing pros to dial rooms remotely and standardise profiles across properties. Reed stressed how much research went into this hardware, tracing demand back to the 2018 AMP launch and the constant request for a true multi‑room engine that streams across many zones. But Sonos didn’t just multiply channels; they refined efficiency and thermals with GaN technology, which keeps the chassis cool, light, and whisper‑quiet—no internal fans. Idle draw drops to about 7.5 watts with Wi‑Fi off, a meaningful win where dozens of amplifiers sit in standby. For integrators, that translates to lower running costs and fewer heat‑related headaches in dense racks.
Power and flexibility still matter most on install day. AMP Multi delivers 125 watts per channel at 8 ohms, scaling to 225, with dynamic 2‑ohm capability when paired with Sonos by Sonamps in‑ceiling speakers. A single assignable sub‑out lets you support a room with external bass, whether via a third‑party amp or Sonos Sub Four in each room for tight, matched low‑end. The assign‑by‑port model clears the usual roadblocks: you can name a living room, send it exactly the outputs it needs, and let the client ignore the wiring math. And because the portal centralises control, an integrator can fine‑tune bass management or tweak EQ curves long after handover without a truck roll.
Beyond raw specs, the product embraces practical realities. Rack mounting is nearly one‑handed thanks to the lighter chassis and a straightforward accessory: four screws into the base, and you’re secure. No flimsy ears, no bent brackets. That speeds staging in the workshop and shaves minutes per unit on site, which adds up when you’re outfitting hospitality floors or large homes. Sonos also leaned into sustainability: around 35–45 per cent of the chassis is made from reused plastics, and the packaging is fully recyclable and flat-packable, including bags on other product lines. For clients with ESG mandates—or simply good sense—those details strengthen the case for a modern refresh.
Sound remains the make‑or‑break. Reed was confident: AMP Multi carries the familiar Sonos signature with a richer presentation than AMP. The on‑floor demo underscored that claim, especially in distributed audio where intelligibility and warmth can get lost across rooms. And there’s a timely path to market: a GA announcement is slated within weeks, pending final tests, with availability following in the coming months. That gives integrators a planning window for spring and summer projects, and a clear upgrade path from those beloved ZP‑era racks to a single, elegant unit that consolidates four boxes into one.
We also previewed the junction box for Eero 100 Pro, built for the same pro audience. It’s a multi‑country back box compatible with APAC, the Americas, and the UK, addressing the constant frustration of mismatched fits. Sonos will publish CAD drawings for precise coordination, and if you don’t have portal access, distributors can provide them. The faceplate ships white but is paintable to match wall colour, black speakers, or any designer palette—small details that protect the aesthetic intent of a space. Availability lands in early summer, which aligns well with AMP Multi’s rollout and lets teams spec both into a single bill of materials.
The larger story is straightforward: Sonos is designing with pros, not just for them. These tools streamline racks, cut power waste, simplify remote service, and preserve design vision without clunky compromises. Clients get rooms that just work; installers get control, scale, and fewer callbacks. That’s the kind of progress you can hear and measure.
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