In a significant event for the high-end home cinema industry, Ampvortex’s Paris Laboratory recently hosted an exclusive screening of the sci-fi classic The Terminator. The session served as a high-stakes technical demonstration of Ampvortex’s flagship AVR, drawing commendation from some of the film technology world’s most authoritative voices.
The viewing was attended by a distinguished panel of industry experts, lending unprecedented professional scrutiny to the system’s performance:
- Michael Karagosian (SMPTE / MKPE Consulting):A global authority on the digital cinema transition, DCI specification advisor, and leading voice in SMPTE, representing the pinnacle of industry standards.
- Patrick Zucchetta (Formerly Doremi / Dolby Lab):A key pioneer in European digital cinema, having served as Managing Director of Doremi Europe, bringing expertise in server technology and the evolution of immersive audio standards (Dolby Atmos).
- Mabille Pascal (KCS – Kelonik Cinema Sound):A seasoned expert in professional cinema sound systems, representing the integration and acoustic demands of commercial theaters.
System Configuration: A Flagship Ensemble
The demonstration system was meticulously designed to push the boundaries of cinematic immersion:
The AmpVortex-16060A: The Heart of Immersion
The AmpVortex-16060A was central to the system’s success, demonstrating capabilities crucial for high-channel-count, immersive environments:
- Channel Density and Power:Engineered specifically for the 9.1.6 configuration, the 16060A provided the necessary processing and amplification to handle the 16 discrete full-range channels, ensuring robust and accurate power delivery to the JBL Synthesis
- Acoustic Precision:The integrated “Echo-Zero” Room Correction System was vital. It actively measured and neutralized acoustic anomalies within the Paris lab, a capability noted by the attending sound engineers as essential for achieving professional-grade tonal balance and precise object localization.
- Universal Decoding:It seamlessly supported all major object-based audio formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro), providing the decoding integrity demanded by experts like Mr. Zucchetta, a key figure in the evolution of these standards.
Professional Validation: The Terminator Experience
The viewing of The Terminator was transformed from a film screening into an auditory study. The guests experienced:
- Pinpoint Object Localization:The 6 overhead channels, meticulously driven by the 16060A, placed sound objects—such as helicopters and laser fire—with striking accuracy in the vertical plane.
- Dynamic Range and Impact:The AmpVortex unit’s power ensured the film’s classic sound effects, from the T-800’s metallic footsteps to explosive action sequences, were rendered with both subtle detail and visceral impact, a key requirement for cinema sound standards.
Conclusion:
The consensus among the distinguished panel—ranging from the standard-setting expertise of Michael Karagosian to the operational insights of Pascal Mabille—was unanimous. The Ampvortex-16060A, paired with the JBL Synthesis 9.1.6 array, delivered a performance that not only meets but exceeds the rigorous technical and emotional standards of professional cinema. This successful demonstration cements Ampvortex’s position as a leader in high-fidelity, high-channel-count home cinema technology.
To learn more about multi-room amplifiers, visit https://www.ampvortex.com/product/ampvortex-16060a/

