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The new Crestron DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 is perfect for adding an expansion amplifier to an existing system, outfitting MDUs, or smaller residential projects
March 1, 2024 - There’s been quite an evolution of distributed audio solutions for the home — and that lineage has seen Crestron offer multi-zone amps for a variety of use cases. From solutions such as the C2N-AMP-6X100 and 4X100 models came the later introduction of amplifiers with streaming abilities, such as the eight-zone DM-NAX-8ZSA.
The eight-zone solution was a hit, but dealers told us they wanted something else — something that could work for smaller residences, add a few zones to an existing system, or act as a repeatable solution in multiple-dwelling units. Something that could service four zones seemed to be in their “sweet spot.”
That solution needed to include all the features offered by its eight-zone “big brother” — built-in streaming services, a terrific onboard DSP, seamless integration with the Crestron Home OS, and much more — but in a smaller, half-rack-width 1RU package, and with that, a lower price.
It’s here, and it’s called the Crestron DM-NAX-4ZSA-50.
What Sets the DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 Apart from Other Streaming Amps on the Market?
Big Features, Small Footprint (and Price Point)
The Crestron DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 is a next-generation audio-over-IP amplifier that puts Crestron multiroom audio distribution on any DM NAX® audio distribution network. It provides four amplified stereo speaker outputs and one analog line-level stereo output for a total of five zones, or “4+1.” (And that “+1” zone isn’t amplified, making it perfect for connecting to an AVR.) A dedicated streaming service player for each of those zones enables complete freedom to stream different content in every zone. It offers all the same features and abilities as the DM-NAX-8ZSA without compromise. The only difference: Fewer zones and 50W per channel.
This smaller amp offers greater flexibility for the residential integrator tasked with adding an expansion amplifier to an existing system, outfitting MDUs, or working on smaller projects. Its small size makes it a great solution where rack space is at a premium — or there is no rack at all, since it can be mounted in a small closet or a low-voltage cabinet. By rack mounting two of these amps together, you’ve created 10 zones of audio in the space of just 1RU (that’s eight zones of amplified audio and two at line level). Simply put, it’s perfect for applications where an eight-zone amp would be overkill. It’s also passively cooled, which opens up a world of installations where silence is a must — there’s no fan noise at all.
This device also features cutting-edge GaN amp technology; all wrapped up in an elegant, passively cooled, surface-mountable half-rack box that’s a mere 1RU tall. With eight channels rated at 50W (RMS) each, this silent amp features five dedicated media players, four audio inputs (two for analog sources and one each for coax and digital), and two network ports.
The built-in DSP can really make distributed audio shine — even in homes that are full of the hard surfaces common in modern designs. Speaker profiles for first- and third-party speaker models are built in to simplify output DSP tuning.
And like all our other amps, the Crestron DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 offers native Crestron Home® OS platform integration, making setup in an existing system a snap. The solution can be run with any control device connected to a Crestron system or the Crestron Home OS, from wall-mounted keypads to remotes, touch screens, or the Crestron Home app. It can even be controlled by music apps like the Spotify® streaming service or Airplay® 2 software when playing audio in a zone.
The Services
No matter what your client listens to, it’s “in the box” — including:
By Michael Short, Senior Director of Residential and Hospitality Marketing