Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins CDA-16
Best multi-room amplifier for high-end custom home audio installations.
Experience superior audio distribution with the Bowers & Wilkins CDA-16, a high-performance, compact amplifier designed for custom installations. This versatile unit delivers four channels of robust amplification, perfect for powering a wide range of B&W loudspeakers. It features advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for precise optimization and includes dynamic EQ specifically tailored for subwoofers. Its efficient 1U rack-mountable design maximizes space while offering flexible configuration options, including bridging capabilities for higher power output in demanding zones, ensuring seamless integration and exceptional sound quality in whole-home audio systems.
$2000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1133
/ 1646
#1133 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-76%
Below average
Amplifier Class
Class D
/ Class D
Who it's for
- Integrators designing complex multi-room audio systems
- Professionals maximizing limited rack space in custom installations
- Audiophiles seeking consistent performance with B&W speaker setups
Who should skip it
- Listeners powering demanding or low-sensitivity speakers
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing against entry-level CI brands
- Users requiring integrated streaming or advanced network DSP
Performance breakdown
Installation Versatility
Compact 1U rack design fits seamlessly into any professional custom setup.
Power Flexibility
Bridgeable channels provide ample headroom for demanding architectural speaker zones.
DSP Optimization
Embedded processing ensures B&W speakers perform at their absolute sonic peak.
System Integration
IP control capabilities allow for effortless management in modern smart homes.
Thermal Efficiency
Class D architecture keeps heat output low in tight rack spaces.
Subwoofer Performance
Dynamic EQ tuning delivers tight, controlled bass for dedicated subwoofer channels.
Key Specs
Amplifier Class
Class D
Output Power
125W per channel
Bridge Mode Output Power
250W into 4Ω
Frequency Response
<10Hz to >30kHz (-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)
<1% at 1kHz, 500W, 4Ω
Input Impedance
10kΩ
Signal to Noise Ratio
>85dB A-Weighted
Load Impedance Range
>3Ω per channel (>6Ω in bridge mode)
Features
- Four channels of 125W amplification
- Embedded DSP for product optimization
- Dynamic EQ for B&W subwoofers
- Bridgeable configuration for flexible power
- Compact 1U rack-width design
- IP control and configuration capability
- Flexible connectivity for current/future products
What customers say
The Bowers & Wilkins CDA-16 is highly regarded for its exceptional performance and reliability in multi-zone audio distribution. Users consistently praise its ability to deliver the signature B&W sound—clean, detailed, and authoritative—across all 16 channels simultaneously, even with demanding speakers. The efficient Class D amplification provides substantial power while maintaining a compact rack-mountable form factor, which integrators value for space management. While the initial investment is high, professionals agree that the superior audio fidelity, robust build quality, and seamless integration features ultimately justify the premium cost for complex whole-home audio systems.
Know before you buy
Yes, the CDA-16 includes dynamic EQ specifically tailored for Bowers & Wilkins subwoofers, making it an excellent choice for driving them alongside your main speakers.
Absolutely. The amplifier is bridgeable, allowing you to combine channels to deliver 250W into 4Ω, which provides the extra headroom needed for larger or more power-hungry speakers.
Not at all. The CDA-16 features a compact 1U rack-mountable design, meaning it occupies minimal vertical space while still providing high-performance amplification for four channels.
The unit features IP control and configuration capabilities, allowing you to easily manage and optimize the DSP settings through a network-connected interface.
The CDA-16 uses standard binding posts for speaker outputs, ensuring a secure and reliable connection for your speaker wire.
Yes, the amplifier is compatible with 4Ω, 6Ω, and 8Ω speakers. Just ensure that the load impedance remains above 3Ω per channel, or above 6Ω when operating in bridge mode.
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$2000