Imagine a world where you can place your speakers anywhere in your home with a power outlet, eliminating the need to run speaker cables through walls or under carpets. This dream is now a reality thanks to Audio Cu, a revolutionary technology developed by Fasetto, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company.
Audio Cu leverages the existing power lines in your home to transmit up to 10 channels of lossless, high-resolution audio at a remarkable 24-bit/192 kHz from a single transmitter to multiple receivers. This technology recently achieved Dolby Atmos certification from Dolby Labs, marking Fasetto as the first audio-over-power-line manufacturer to receive this prestigious recognition. The name “Cu” itself is a nod to copper (Cu), the element commonly used in both speaker and power cables due to its exceptional conductivity.
Using power lines for data transmission isn’t a new concept. Several networking companies, including TP-Link, offer power line networking products as alternatives to Ethernet and Wi-Fi. However, solutions specifically designed for multichannel, multiroom audio haven’t yet gained mainstream popularity. The reason? The inherent challenges of establishing fast and robust connections over wiring not originally intended for this purpose. Latency or packet loss from the transmitter to the receivers, while manageable with other data types, can severely compromise audio quality in home theaters.
Fasetto claims to be the only company to have overcome these obstacles, enabling data to flow “cleanly over power lines in all environments.” If true, this accomplishment is truly impressive. Consider the example of a power line networking setup connecting a home office to a garage. While it often works flawlessly, turning on a ceiling fan in the office can disrupt the power line network connection. Audio Cu tackles these issues head-on.
“Users can now experience high fidelity Dolby-certified Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos audio through speakers or subwoofers connected across power lines with minimal latency and exceptional sound performance,” stated Coy Christmas, founder and CEO of Fasetto, in a press release. “This enables users to place and connect their home audio system through power lines wherever they wish without the hassle of cumbersome speaker wires or worrying about structural and RF interference. It’s extremely superior to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WiSA based audio solutions that are currently available.”
Overcoming latency and interference is a significant achievement, but the true allure for audiophiles lies in the ability to utilize their beloved wired (passive) speakers. All competing wireless solutions typically require purchasing new powered speakers or involve add-ons for existing powered speakers. However, a crucial specification that enthusiasts will eagerly seek is the amplification power of each Audio Cu receiver. Fasetto has yet to disclose this information.
Audio Cu components are straightforward. A transmitter plugs into a power outlet and connects to a TV or any device with an HDMI output. The receivers also plug into power outlets and feature standard positive/negative red and black speaker cable terminals for speaker wiring. Fasetto asserts that users can bypass an AV receiver entirely by utilizing its mobile app to customize sound preferences. However, with only a single HDMI ARC/eARC input and no support for AirPlay, Google Cast, or Bluetooth, an Audio Cu transmitter lacks the flexibility of a true AV receiver.
The company also claims that multiple transmitters can be deployed within a single home—up to 32 channels in total—each with its own audio source and receiver complement, without causing interference. Interestingly, Fasetto isn’t solely targeting average consumers with Audio Cu as a convenient speaker cable alternative. The company has developed software enabling professional installers to remotely monitor their customers’ Audio Cu component performance, facilitating troubleshooting.
Currently, Fasetto is focused on bringing its Audio Cu transmitters and receivers to market, but the availability date and pricing remain unknown. There’s a possibility that the company might license its technology to TV and speaker manufacturers. As active loudspeakers require a wall outlet for power, integrating Audio Cu technology is an intriguing prospect. WiSA has already ventured into this domain with companies like LG, Bang & Olufsen, and Klipsch.
Audio Cu holds the potential to revolutionize home audio, offering a wire-free, flexible, and high-quality solution for multi-room audio setups. As more information emerges regarding pricing and availability, the future of audio seems to be heading toward a more convenient and power-line-driven experience.
