Acurus, a brand of Indy Audio Labs based in Indianapolis, USA has been manufacturing in the US since the company was founded in 2008. Acurus and its sister brand, Aragon, were acquired by IAL in 2009. Since then, Acurus processors have been developed to the point where they are now among the most respected in the world. Indeed, we were so impressed by the Muse 16 pre and M8 power combo that it won an Applause Award and gained our Product of the Year Award for its class.

Connected Distribution has secured exclusive UK distribution rights to the Acurus range of home cinema electronics, bringing this highly respected brand to UK installers for their high-end cinema installations.

The Acurus product lineup consists of two immersive audio processors, an eight-channel power amplifier, plus a five and seven-channel power amp. The flagship Act 4 is a 20-channel immersive processor that utilises the Dolby Atmos and DST:X formats. The Muse is a compact 2U high processor with 16 channels, sufficient for all but the largest home cinema installations. Both processors can handle high-resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz, feature Parametric EQ and host of HDMI, digital and analogue audio inputs and XLR audio outputs for connection to power amplifiers. There are drivers for popular third-party control systems such as RTI, also distributed by Connected Distribution.

The matching 2U high M8 power amplifier outputs 200 watts per channel into 4-8 ohm speaker loads, with all channels driven. It can bridge any combination of channels, giving an output of 320 watts into 4-8 ohms. Configuration is done via a simple web interface and could create an 11.1-channel system where one amplifier is bridged to provide four channels of 320 watts for the LCR and subwoofer. A second M8 amplifier would power the surround and height channels.

Indy Audio Labs has also created its own room tuning system called ASPEQT (Automatic Speaker Parameter Equalisation Tool). Installers can purchase their own ASPEQT kit or use a loan kit from Connected Distribution for use during the set-up process.

Mike Bonnette, Connected Distribution's product director, told StereoNET:

Adding the Acurus products to our range of brands is the perfect companion for the recently acquired Aurea cinema brand. The combination of this class-leading and much sought-after electronics brand and Aurea's speakers enables us to offer our existing and new customers an absolute state-of-the-art cinema experience for them to specify for their clients.

Rick Santiago, Indy Audio Labs' CEO, added:

Partnering with Connected Distribution marks a huge milestone for our company and enables world-class sales and support for our rapidly-growing customer base in the UK market... Their product and project support experience is second to none.

Installers will shortly be able to bring their customers to Connected Distribution's Cheltenham offices to experience the concept in a dedicated "Cinema In The Home" demonstration facility.

Visit Acurus for more information