The Unit Delivers up to Three Simultaneous Stereo Digital Audio Streams for Multiroom Audio Distribution.
April 27, 2011

Since acquiring Colorado vNet in October, 2009 Russound has sorted out the internal structure and is readying a slate of products based on streaming content.

Per CEPro, Russound is introducing several new products, including a multiroom audio streaming device, a new amplifier, speakers and a new A-Bus subzone.

Pictured above, the DMS-3.1 Digital Media Streamer ($2,100) will ship in July. It delivers up to three simultaneous stereo digital audio streams for distribution around the house. The sources for these three audio signals may be from the Internet (built-in AirPlay with Pandora app) or from music files on connected storage devices that are DLNA-enabled, as well as podcasts, Internet radio or USB playback. A fourth simultaneous signal is available from a built-in AM/FM stereo tuner.

“The new Digital Media Streamer is a perfect addition to our award-winning C-Series Multiroom audio system,” says Russound CEO Charlie Porritt . “Systems integrators can easily add streaming network content, Internet radio, to a C-Series installation and provide their customers compelling value.”

Occupying one rack unit at 17” W x 8.5”D x 1.7”H (43 x 21.7 x 4.3cm), the DMS-3.1 features rear panel stereo audio output jacks for each of the three audio streams plus another pair for the tuner, and a Source ID Switch for each stream to easily identify it within the system.

Designed to work with Russound C-Series controllers and multiroom audio systems, the DMS-3.1 connects to the controller via an Ethernet LAN (wired RJ45) home network connection. The DMS-3.1 can also play back audio files on LAN-connected DLNA devices, such as personal computers and network drives that may be located in various rooms throughout the home.

It integrates with Russound C-Series controllers using pre-configured source names and settings, and it supports intelligent user interfaces with media menus and metadata displayed on system keypads and touchscreens.

Using a home network (LAN), the DMS-3.1 can stream content from online radio stations and music services. A total of three USB ports (two on the rear panel; one on the front panel) enable streaming of digital audio files from connected storage devices. (File formats include MP3 (CBR, VBR), WAV (8, 16-bit), OGG Vorbis, FLAC [8, 16-bit], AAC and AAC+.)

The DMS-3.1 also incorporates an AM/FM Radio Tuner with RDS feedback, and corresponding rear panel FM Coax and loop antenna connections for local radio listening throughout the home. The unit uses less than 1 Watt of power in standby mode.