Put Alexa overhead with this ceiling-mounted audio amp

Posted on by

Q Acoustics’ new E300A amplifier goes over your head to deliver smarter sound and voice control too

  • If you’re planning to upgrade your home or build an extension any time soon, Q Acoustics has just the gadget for you. Its new E300A amplifier, which is designed to be installed in your ceiling, is a Wi-Fi-enabled hi-fi amplifier with built-in Alexa for smart home control, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music (including multi-room), AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth streaming too. And if you prefer old-fashioned remote control rather than voice control, Q Acoustics provides an IR remote too.
  • Once installed the E300A looks rather like a fancy downlighter. You can connect it to your home network via Wi-Fi or via an Ethernet socket that’ll live in its recess, and there’s Bluetooth 5.2 for easy connections to your phone, tablet or laptop. There are also 24-bit/96kHz digital optical inputs and a 3.5mm stereo connection, again in the part that’ll be invisible once installed.
  • Q Acoustics E300A amplifier: key specs, pricing and availability
  • As you’d expect, the E300A has been designed with Q Acoustics’ own speakers in mind – but you can drive your own preferred speakers instead. The Class D amplifier delivers 2 x 25W at 6 ohms and is rated for 2 x 50W peak, and it’s designed to power up to four speakers in the same or in multiple rooms. It’ll also drive any passive speakers including cabinet speakers between 6 and 8 ohms, although I’d imagine most people putting an amp in their ceiling will want to put their speakers up there too. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz.
  • The E300 is safety rated for 60 minute fire resistance, BS EN 1365-2 and BS EN 1363-1, and the visible bit is 125mm x 125mm. 
  • The new Q Acoustics E300A is available now from Qacoustics.co.uk and costs £599 / €749.