AudioControl, ACP-BIJOU-5100D, Compact 5.1 Channel High-Power Integrated Amplifier With Dante Audio Support

AudioControl's Bijou 5100D leads the Bijou Series range and features Dante audio support as its cherry on top. Five GaN semiconductor channels turbocharge the 5100D into a mini home theatre powerhouse. All Bijou Series models decode Dolby Atmos and DTS 5.1 surround modes through the HDMI eARC input, with the 5100D having onboard power for surround channels. Dante audio creates a fourth input, fetching any audio source from a Dante network, providing the Bijou 5100D with uncompressed, near-zero latency multi-room capabilities. Unlike traditional AVRs, the Bijou 5100D can be discretely installed behind large flat-panel displays.

The Bijou 5100D is comfortable as a light-duty, powered five channel home theatre surround controller in a local, stand alone four source system comprising, for example, an eARC capable video display, an analogue onboard phono preamp equipped turntable, a digital source such as a streaming music player, and streamed sources available from a connected Dante network. Digital conversion is accomplished by a high quality internal 384 kHz/ 32-bit DAC with a 106 dB signal to noise ratio and a remarkable Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) rating of 0.0025%. Add main and surround loudspeakers, a centre channel, and a powered subwoofer connected to the line level Sub Out for an easy to operate, ultra dynamic music or powerful home theatre audio playback system. The RCA single ended outputs are GUI configurable and can be assigned to playback downmixed eARC audio while the powered outputs continue reproducing the original surround format. This is perfect for private listening through a wireless headphone interface, a Bluetooth adapter, or even multizone house wide distribution. The eARC stereo downmix can also be simultaneously encoded and assigned as a Dante output for transmission to any Dante decoder on the network.

Combining advanced features like GaN semiconductor technology for energy efficiency and precise audio fidelity, the 5100D’s 65-watt output per channel (doubling to 130 watts into 4 ohms) and innovative design ensure high-quality performance. The amplifier’s superior GaN-based design offers unmatched linearity and fidelity, distinguishing it from traditional Class-D silicon MOSFET amplifiers.

Video soundtracks from connected devices or internal streaming services feature immersive codecs like Dolby Atmos, or DTS surround audio. Before HDMI 2.1b, playback of these dynamic audio formats was often riddled with discerning lip sync issues as the display was last to receive the signal. eARC simplifies this process with a single HDMI cable. Automatic lip sync is mandatory for all eARC-equipped devices. It uses a dedicated audio channel via the HDMI cable for discovery, control functions, and precise audio and video alignment. A unique eARC implementation for the Bijou Series enables GUI-assignable downmixing at the RCA outputs, enabling wireless headphone interfaces or Bluetooth adapters to provide private playback options.

Bijou 5100D’s Class-D GaN amplification runs cool to the touch, enabling installation otherwise limited by traditional amplifier designs. GaN-based amplifier topologies achieve power conversion efficiencies in the 95% to 99% range, allowing higher output power in a more compact chassis.

GaN amplification: The future of high-performance audio

GaN (Gallium Nitride) amplification uses a cutting-edge semiconductor material known for its high efficiency and superior performance. Originally developed for demanding applications like aerospace and telecommunications, GaN technology allows amplifiers to deliver potent power in a compact, thermally stable design, ensuring exceptional audio performance and reliability.

In the 1990s, GaN played a crucial role in making Blu-ray technology possible by enabling the development of blue laser diodes that produced 405 nm light directly without the aid of other optical mechanisms, a significant technological achievement.

Experience unmatched audio performance with GaN technology:

High efficiency: GaN-based amplifiers offer greater power conversion efficiency than silicon MOSFET designs with no thermal drawbacks. Four times faster turn-on switching speeds and twice as fast turn-off results in reduced switching losses that produce heat as a by-product.

Compact power: GaN’s higher switching frequency and low thermal discharge allow designs with fewer associated components. This results in less space required for the semiconductors and the elimination of thermal reduction supplements to reduce amplifier chassis sizes.
Improved thermal performance: GaN amps inherently run cooler than MOSFET-based Class-D amplifier designs, providing higher reliability for amplifier longevity and installation flexibility.

Superior audio quality: The incredible transient response of GaN semiconductors enables nearly perfect reproduction of the incoming audio waveform. Accurate tracking results in less ringing distortion that requires negative feedback to eliminate from audibility, which has always been the nemesis for audio fidelity in Class-D amplifier designs.

In GaN designs, there is virtually no turn-off overshoot of the waveform, which also masks details in the audio signal.

Higher operational switching frequencies, 800 kHz compared to 400 kHz for traditional Class-D MOSFET amplifiers, inherently reduce distortion to improve audio quality.

Dante networking: transforming residential audio installations

Dante (Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet) is a revolutionary technology that uses standard network infrastructure to transmit high-quality audio. Increasingly popular in residential installations, Dante networking simplifies setup, enhances audio performance, and provides the flexibility you need to design sophisticated, scalable multi-room audio systems.

High-performance audio: Deliver professional grade, uncompressed audio with low latency and jitter, even over long distances, ensuring pristine sound quality.
Simpler, more cost effective installations: Standard Ethernet cables reduce clutter and simplify setup, providing a cleaner, more efficient installation than bulky, expensive analogue and multicore cabling.
Reliable performance: Benefit from a robust and stable audio network, minimizing signal interference and dropouts for consistent audio delivery.
Multi-room audio: Stream high-quality audio to multiple rooms simultaneously, for elevated home entertainment experiences.
Scalable and flexible: Easily expand audio systems by adding devices without extensive rewiring, perfect for evolving needs.
Future-proof technology: Stay ahead with installations that seamlessly support next-generation audio technologies and expansions.