Focal debuts Astral 16 Dolby Atmos multiroom AV receiver with Dirac Live

Audio specialist Focal has unveiled its first high-end AV receiver, the Astral 16, a collaboration with Immersive Audio Technologies.

Integrating a Class D Pascal Audio amplifier, Astral 16 has 16 channels, of which 12 are amplified and 4 are pre-amplified (via balanced XLR outputs). It's Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled, and offers room calibration through Dirac Live, courtesy of a supplied calibrated measurement microphone.

Compatible with Control4, Crestron, Savant and RTI, the AVR supports high-res audio up to 192 kHz, and is multiroom capable. Owners can play a movie, in one room while playing high-res music in another. Set-up is fully customisable, and comes with an iOS app which can drive the system room by room. Integrators can also offer remote monitoring technical support.

The Focal Astral 16 retails for £19,999.