The LEA Professional CS168D is an eight-channel Dante-enabled amplifier designed for installations that need multiple independently powered loudspeaker zones without occupying excessive rack space. It provides 80 watts per channel at 2Ω and 160 watts per channel at 4Ω, 8Ω, 25V, and 70V/100V. Each channel supports selectable low-impedance or high-impedance operation, allowing installers to configure the amplifier for different speaker loads and distributed audio requirements within a single system.

A key advantage of the CS168D is its integration of eight balanced analog inputs with an 8 × 8 Dante audio interface. Dante supports 48kHz and 96kHz operation with multicast or unicast transmission, while AES67 configuration is available through Dante Controller software. The amplifier's 96kHz Analog Devices Sigma DSP provides flexible input routing, primary and secondary input priority, eight-band parametric EQ per channel, crossover filtering up to 48dB per octave, and 100ms of output delay per channel. User-adjustable voltage limiting and real-time load monitoring provide additional tools for managing connected loudspeakers.

The CS168D is also designed for convenient installation management. Users can connect through its built-in Wi-Fi access point, an existing Wi-Fi network, or wired Ethernet using Cat5 or Cat6 cable. Browser-based WebUI provides configuration without requiring a software download, while LEA Cloud supports remote monitoring, control, and notifications without a VPN. Third-party API control and external I/O for remote on/off operation and amplifier health indication make the CS168D suitable for permanently installed audio systems requiring centralized management.

Key Features

• Eight-channel Dante-enabled smart amplifier for multi-zone audio.
• 80W per channel at 2Ω; 160W at 4Ω, 8Ω, 25V, and 70V/100V.
• Selectable low-impedance, 70V, or 100V operation per channel.
• 8 × 8 Dante audio interface supporting 48kHz and 96kHz.
• Eight balanced analog inputs with selectable 26dB or 34dB sensitivity.
• AES67 configuration through Dante Controller software.
• 96kHz Sigma DSP with eight-band parametric EQ per channel.
• IIR crossovers up to 48dB per octave and 100ms output delay per channel.
• Three network connection methods: Wi-Fi access point, venue Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
• Compact 1U chassis with remote control and amplifier health monitoring.

Ideal For

• Multi-zone commercial audio installations.
• Corporate meeting rooms and office audio systems.
• Schools, universities, and training facilities.
• Hotels, restaurants, and retail environments.
• Houses of worship and community venues.
• Distributed 70V/100V loudspeaker installations.
• Dante-based audio systems requiring multiple amplifier channels.
• Permanent installations with limited equipment rack space.

What's in the Box

• LEA Professional CS168D 8-Channel Dante Connect Smart Amplifier.

Inputs & Outputs

• Eight balanced analog inputs with selectable 26dB or 34dB input sensitivity.
• 8 × 8 Dante audio interface with 48kHz and 96kHz support.
• Dante multicast and unicast transmission.
• AES67 configuration through Dante Controller software.
• Eight amplifier channels with selectable Lo-Z, 70V, or 100V operation.
• Ethernet connection through Cat5 or Cat6 cable.
• Built-in Wi-Fi access point and support for an existing Wi-Fi network.
• External I/O input for remote on/off control.
• External I/O output for amplifier health indication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many channels does the LEA Professional CS168D provide?

It provides eight amplifier channels, allowing multiple loudspeaker zones to be powered from a single 1U rack unit.

What are the power ratings for each channel?

The CS168D delivers 80W per channel at 2Ω and 160W per channel at 4Ω, 8Ω, 25V, and 70V/100V.

Can the channels be configured for different speaker systems?

Yes. Low-impedance and high-impedance operating modes can be selected per channel, supporting different loudspeaker configurations within the same installation.

What digital audio networking does it support?

The CS168D includes an 8 × 8 Dante interface supporting 48kHz and 96kHz audio with multicast or unicast transmission. AES67 can be configured through Dante Controller software.

How many analog inputs are available?

It has eight balanced analog inputs, with selectable 26dB or 34dB input sensitivity.

How can the amplifier be configured and monitored?

Configuration and monitoring are available through browser-based WebUI, LEA Cloud, and third-party API control. Network access is available through built-in Wi-Fi, venue Wi-Fi, or wired Ethernet.

How much rack space does the CS168D require?

The amplifier occupies 1U of rack space and measures 14.25 × 19 × 1.75 inches.

Full Technical Specifications

Amplifier and Audio Specifications

Product Series	Dante CONNECTSERIES
Amplifier Channels	8
Output Power at 2Ω	80W per channel
Output Power at 4Ω and 8Ω	160W per channel
Output Power at 25V	160W per channel
Output Power at 70V/100V	160W per channel
Amplifier Class	Class D
Output Technology	Proprietary Smart Power Bridge
Output Modes	Lo-Z, 70V, or 100V, selectable per channel
THD+N	0.1% (20Hz–20kHz)
Frequency Response	±0.5dB at 4Ω, 8Ω, 70V, and 100V; -2.5dB at 20kHz at 2Ω
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	105dB (20Hz–20kHz, referenced to 8Ω)
Crosstalk	70dB (20Hz–20kHz)

DSP & Signal Processing

DSP Architecture	Analog Devices Sigma DSP
DSP Sample Rate	96kHz
DSP Core	32-bit with sample rate converters
IIR Crossovers	Up to 48dB per octave
Crossover Types	Linkwitz-Riley and Butterworth
Parametric EQ	8 bands per channel
Output Delay	100ms per channel
User-Adjustable Limiting	Peak voltage and RMS voltage
Load Monitoring	Real-time load monitoring and pilot tone detection from internal or external sources

Network & Control

User Interface	Browser-based WebUI
Control Options	WebUI, LEA Cloud, and third-party API
Network Connection Methods	Built-in Wi-Fi access point, existing Wi-Fi, or wired LAN
Wired Ethernet	Cat5 or Cat6
Cloud Features	Remote control, monitoring, and notifications without a VPN
Dante Configuration	Dante Controller software
AES67 Configuration	Dante Controller software
External I/O Input	Remote on/off control
External I/O Output	Amplifier health indication

Power & Electrical Requirements

AC Mains	100–240VAC ±15%
Mains Frequency	50Hz or 60Hz
Power Supply	Universal switch-mode power supply with power factor correction
Output Stage	High-efficiency Class D

Connectivity & Protection Features

Output Protection	DC, VHF, and AC mains protection
Thermal Protection	Overtemperature protection
Current Protection	Current limiter
Fan Monitoring	Fan fault detection
Speaker Limiting	User-adjustable peak and RMS voltage limits
Load Monitoring	Real-time load monitoring and pilot tone detection
Cooling System	Front-to-rear airflow with variable-speed fan
Fan Noise at Idle	50dB at 1m
Fan Noise at 50% Speed	57dB at 1m
Fan Noise at Full Speed	63dB at 1m

Physical Specifications

Rack Format	1U
Product Dimensions (L × W × H)	14.25 × 19 × 1.75 inches
Product Weight	13.55 lbs
Shipping Dimensions (L × W × H)	20 × 22.75 × 3.75 inches
Shipping Weight	17.95 lbs