Introducing Amp Multi: 8 channels, 125W/ch and efficient GaN technology

I currently have 4 sonos amps, running 4 zones and 3 of those have sound bars. Can this amp be utilized to pair with sound bars with the surrounds and subs for each independent zone?

Not according to the guide: https://www.sonos.com/en-us/guides/sonosampmulti

No mention of setting up as surrounds, only as audio devices. 

There are logical reasons why companies manufacture two levels of a seemingly similar product. Here are some that come to mind:

• As a differentiator between professional and consumer grade. Price point being a factor as you notice none is provided for the Amp Multi.
• To prevent encroachment by consumers upon the professional market base which companies want to protect.
• The technology and/or features are best handled by a professional for proper installation thus mitigating technical support calls by untrained consumers.

That’s not to say that certain aspects/features of a professional grade product won’t trickle down to the consumer level in a future iteration of a similar product such as the Amp. Such can occur via a product upgrade possibly designated as the Amp II or a completely new design.

I would not be surprised to see the next generation of the amp to have consumer and installer versions for similar reasons you listed above.  There is precedent for this already with the Era 100 (consumers) and Era 100 Pro (installer).  If I were to guess, the next version of the consumer Amp will have GaN and PFFP, but not protune.

I suspect that, going forward, all new products will likely use GaN and PFFP. It depends on when design was started.

I have recently built a new home with cabling installed for ceiling speakers in each room.  Seven rooms (zones) will only have one speaker.

When I saw the new Amp Multi advertised I was very excited and thought this was the product I was waiting for, with eight independently configurable mono or stereo outputs.

However I was very disapppointed to see that Amp Multi only supports four zones.

So my question is: without going into detail of the Multi’s other features compared to the original Amp product, in my situation what is the benefit of one Amp Multi over four Amps?

Why not allow each of Amp Multi’s eight outputs to be configured as eight separate zones?

Thanks for any advice.

As the Amp Multi is only sold through Pro-Installers I would suggest contacting one in your area to get a full explanation. There is obviously a reason for the perceived limitation.

It’s disappointing that Sonos has made this a professional installer option only. Many of us have had Sonos products from 2005 onward. The main reason I selected Sonos was I could control my installation without having to hire someone who doesn’t know my homes as well as I do. Somehow I think I could manage a multi channel amp in my installation(s) without having to pay an inflated price and installation charges. I guess this marks a new era for Sonos, which is not what I would have chosen back in 2005.

I can imagine a future update that will allow creating eight mono Zones if enough pro’s ask for this. 

​@jprafter I totally agree.  I don’t need an installer to connect some cables for me.  Also I have searched for installers in my area and there aren’t any (West Highlands of Scotland).

​@buzz Fingers crossed.  I don’t know what the main focus is for installers these days. Is it whole home sound systems with ceiling speakers etc. or is it home cinema?