1.888.955.6000
 
 
1-888-955-6000
crutchfield.com
Crutchfield

Free Shipping on Everything

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support

Niles® Audio SI-1260

12-channel multi-room power amplifier

Zoom
  • Niles® Audio SI-1260

    Front

  • Niles® Audio SI-1260

    Back

Item# 190SI1260 offer details

Item# 190SI1260

Review Summary

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
Call   Email  
 
Original price $2,499.99
We recommend this similar item, or shop all Power Amplifiers
  • Niles SI-1650
    • Niles SI-1650
    • 16 Channel IP Config Power Amp; 16 X 50W
      • 50 watts per channel
      • 100 watts x 8 in bridged mode
      • includes a web-based configuration and setup tool using the web browser on a computer, iPad® or other tablet, or smartphone
    • $2,899.99
    • Compare discontinued and similar item
 
 
 
 

By buying this product you'll earn up to 2500 Rewards points.

When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you’ll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you’ll get credit for the points either way).

 
Niles Audio

Our take on the Niles® Audio SI-1260

by James Ralston

Niles knows the ins and outs of multi-room audio, and their highly configurable SI-1260 12-channel amplifier has the flexibility and performance you need for putting together a whole-house audio system that delivers attention-grabbing sound quality.

This amp offers unique features that solve some of the more common multi-room installation problems and make exciting new opportunities possible. For instance, you can steer mono sound to smaller rooms and hallways while maintaining stereo sound in larger listening rooms. Independently set maximum levels in each room for consistent volume control throughout your whole system. Send even higher power to specific locations, such as outdoor listening areas, by "bridging" or combining channels.

Along with system-building versatility, this amp gives you good, clean power, and lots of it. Even when driven simultaneously, each of the SI-1260's 12 channels produces 60 watts — 80 watts when pushing more demanding 4-ohm loads — all while limiting distortion to miniscule levels.

Highlights:

  • 12-channel amplifier
  • power output (20-20,000 Hz at 0.06% THD, all channels driven):
    • 60 watts RMS per channel at 8 ohms
    • 80 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms
  • adjacent channels are bridgeable to 120 watts RMS into 8 ohms
  • unique BusMatrix™ selector allows four configurable options for each channel: left bus, right bus, left plus right bus (mono), or the channel's dedicated input
  • 6 independent turn-on circuits for multi-room audio applications
  • 3 turn-on modes: automatic signal-sensing, voltage trigger, and manual
  • voltage trigger input accepts 3-30V AC/DC
  • binding posts spaced to accommodate dual banana plugs
  • independent level controls for each channel
  • cascade outputs for "daisy-chaining" additional amplifiers
  • independent protection circuits for each channel
  • removable AC power cord
  • weight: 70 lbs.
  • 17"W x 7-3/8"H x 18-1/2"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all Niles Audio Power Amplifiers
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Features and Specs

    Features and Specs
    General
    Number of Channels
    Loading...
    12
    Power Output per Channel (8 ohms)
    Loading...
    60
    Power Output per Channel (6 ohms)
    Loading...
    ---
    Power Output per Channel (4 ohms)
    Loading...
    80
    Frequency Response
    Loading...
    5-50k
    THD
    Loading...
    0.04%
    Bridged Power per Channel
    Loading...
    6 x 120 watts
    Speaker Outputs
    Loading...
    12
    THX Certification
    Loading...
    No
    Width (inches)
    Loading...
    17-1/16
    Height (inches)
    Loading...
    7-1/2
    Depth (inches)
    Loading...
    19-7/8
    Weight
    Loading...
    73 pounds
    Parts Warranty
    Loading...
    2 Years
    Labor Warranty
    Loading...
    2 Years
    Inputs & Outputs
    Number of Inputs
    Loading...
    8
    Level Controls
    Loading...
    Yes
    Speaker Connectors
    Loading...
    Post

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • 12-channel power amplifier
    • 6' AC cord
    • Installation & Operation Guide
    • Important Safety Instructions
    • Warranty And Registration Card

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Features
    Controls
    Connections
    Specifications

    Features

    Microcontroller Technology: The Niles SI-1260 12-channel amplifier incorporates microcontroller technology which maximizes the amplifier's operational efficiency and enables it to deliver a solid 60 watts per channel into 8-ohms at 20 to 20,000 Hz with a 0.04% THD. Its power increases to 80 watts per channel into 4-ohms at 20 to 20,000 Hz with a 0.06% THD. The massive Multi-Tap Toroid power transformer feature 6 independent secondary windings, one for each of the six amplifier modules. This type of power supply design provides the power necessary to deliver solid, deep, controlled bass response to a house full of speakers.

    Twelve to Six channel configurable power: Each of this unit's six adjacent output pairs are bridgeable, allowing you to create up to six 120 watt channels.  This allows you to allocate more power to specific locations such as large rooms or outdoors.

    Discrete Output Transistor Design: The audio circuitry of the SI-1260 is constructed with the finest parts available including the latest in discrete output transistor design, featuring 1% metal film resistors, high quality capacitors and oversized heat sinks. All of this attention to technical detail results in a sound that is clear and uncolored.

    Protection Modes: The SI-1260 utilizes advanced microcontroller base operation circuitry that monitors all facets of the amplifier's operation and protection modes including Over/Under Line Voltage, Main Power Fuse Status, Channel Pair ON/Off Status, Thermal Protection, Short Circuit/Low Impedance Protection, and DC Output Protection. Additionally, easy to see front panel LED indicators display the operation or protection mode for each channel pair (CH1/2, CH3/4, CH5/6, CH7/8, CH9/10, CH11/12) as well as for the amplifier's main power supply, providing fast and easy troubleshooting. In the unlikely event that the a problem occurs on one channel pair, the other channels will continue play. When condition return to normal, regular operation will resume.

    Dual Input BusMatrix Selector: Nile's unique Dual Input BusMatrix Selector give you the flexibility to individually assign each amplifier channel to a BusMatrix input signal - either Left1, Right1, Left1+Right1, Left2, Right2, Left2+Right2, or to dedicated signal input. With the BusMatrix, routing surround sound to the master bedroom, stereo to the den, and mono to a bathroom is a simple as flicking a switch. The Dual Input BusMatrix makes the SI-1260 an ideal multi-room or MultiZone amplifier, offering the professional installer new features and sound system design possibilities.

    Noise Isolation: The unique design of the SI1260's Dual Input BusMatrix PC board ensures extremely high channel-to-channel isolation. Signal-to-noise ratio and cross-talk specifications are comparable to hose of mixing consoles used in professional recording studios. With the SI-1260, the music playing in the living room will not interfere with the music playing in the den.

    Independent level controls: Each channel has its own independent volume level control, enabling you to individually adjust the setting for up to twelve different speaker locations for optimum audio performance, providing uniform sound in every room.

    Three turn-on modes: The SI-1260 features three selectable turn-on modes including Audio Sensing and External Voltage Trigger modes which enable you to configure the SI-1260 to turn on automatically in any kind of system configuration.:

    • Manual: turns on via the front panel switch
    • Audio Sensing: microcontroller enhanced audio sensing which activates only appropriate amplifier channels while leaving unused channel pairs off to eliminate cross talk
    • AC/DC Voltage Trigger: 3-30 volt AC/DC voltage trigger input which enables voltage activation

    DB25 Audio/Voltage Trigger Inputs: The SI1-1260 incorporates a DB25 input connector to reduce wiring and installation time when using Niles Systems Integration Electronics. Nile Multi-Zone preamplifiers are equipped with a mating DB25 output connector. This output connector provides six zones of line-level audio signal output and a 12V Trigger Voltage for reliable amplifier activation.

    Cascade Audio Outputs: The Cascade Audio Outputs enable you to connect additional amplifiers to your preamplifier's output. Connection is accomplished with standard RCA interconnect cables. The outputs are not buffered so to daisy chain more than five Niles amplifiers you will an optional Niles AVDA-3 buffered distribution amplifier, sold separately. A single AVDA-3 enables you to daisy chain five amplifiers for each of its three outputs. This allows fifteen SI-1260 power amplifiers to be fed from the same master preamplifier. If your preamplifier has a vacuum tube output stage, you must us an optional Niles AVDA-3 to drive more than one SI-1260.

    Placement: The SI-1260 should be placed on a flat, level surface like a table or shelf. The SI-1260 must be placed with its weight equally distributed on the unit's four feet. This amplifier, like any high-fidelity component, will last much longer if it is given adequate ventilation for proper cooling. The manual recommends at least 6" of free air space above the chassis and 1" on each side of the amplifier for proper ventilation. If the unit is placed inside a cabinet the rear of the cabinet should be opened. If the rear of the cabinet is closed and not open to fresh air then you should install two "boxer fans" to provide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet to keep the amplifier cool during operation.

    Controls

    Front panel:

    • Master power switch: Turns the unit on and off, including the auto turn circuitry.
    • Power LED: Illuminates in red when the unit is connected to AC and the master power switch is on. Additionally, it indicates any AC line voltage problems and main power fuse status.
    • Channel LEDs: Six Multi-color LED indicators which display channel pair on/off status and protection modes.
    Rear panel:
    • Turn-on mode switch: Allows you to select one of three modes.  Constant mode defeats the turn-on circuitry and the front panel master power switch turns the unit on and off.  Audio sense mode turns the amplifier off when no audio signal is present for two minutes and on whenever an audio signal is present (it turns on the adjacent pair of amplifier channels that have a signal present, such as 1 and 2 .  3-30 volt AC/DC Trigger mode turns the unit off when no AC or DC voltage is detected at the trigger input and turns on all adjacent channel pairs when a voltage and a line level audio signal is detected at an adjacent channel pair.  
    • Independent level adjustment rotary knobs: Allow you to preset the maximum system volume or match levels with another amplifier for each of the twelve channels.
    • Bridge switches: Six switches allow you to bridge adjacent amplifier channels to create up to 6 bridged channels.  Note that minimum speaker impedance in bridged mode is 8 ohms.
    • BusMatrix control switches: 12 7-pin DIP switches (one per channel) allows you to assign a particular source to each channel.  You can select the signal from the main Bus input and select either Left, Right or Mono (left and right) or you can select the signal going to that channel's dedicated input.  Note that only one signal source should be selected per channel.

    Connections

    3-30V AC/DC trigger input: 3.5mm female jack for voltage input.  If a unit which outputs 3-30V AC or DC voltage is connected to this input and the turn-on mode is set to Trigger mode the unit turns on when it detects the signal and turns off when the signal stops.  Voltage triggers are supplied by some Niles automated switchers, some video projectors or even a 16 volt Niles AC wall adapter (Niles XF00008).

    12 volt control output: Female 3.5mm jack.  This jack provides a 12V DC signal used for triggering Niles automated switchers, some motorized screens, curtains, etc.  When the amplifier is turn off this jack stops sending out the 12V DC signal. 

    Main Bus inputs: Two pair of Gold plated RCA stereo inputs. This signal can be routed to any of the twelve channels using the DIP switch found on each channel.

    Cascade Bus Output: Two pair of Gold plated RCA stereo outputs (marked Cascade output) which allow you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers.  This output is not buffered so if you want to chain more than 5 amplifiers a buffered distribution amplifier like the Niles AVDA-3 is needed.

    Individual input jacks: 12 gold-plated RCA jacks, one per channel.

    Speaker outputs: Left and Right Binding posts for 12 channels (not five-way due to spacing) accept up to 12 gauge bare wire or banana plugs.

    DB-25 Input: DB-25 input connector for simplified dedicated audio and voltage trigger connection using Niles Multi-Zone audio equipment

    AC jack: For the supplied AC line cord.

    Specifications

    Continuous Power Output (FTC Rated): 60 watts x 12-channel at 8-ohms or 80 watts x 12-channel at 4-ohms (unbridged, all channels driven).

    Bridged Power Output: 120 watts x 6-channel at 8-ohms (adjacent channels bridged, all channels driven)

    Input Impedance: 47k ohms

    Input sensitivity: .77Volts for 8-ohms at rated output

    Overall voltage gain: 32 dB

    Frequency response: Bandwidth limited from 5 Hz to 50 kHz

    Total Harmonic Distortion:

    • 8 Ohms: .04% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz all channels driven (unbridged)
    • 4 Ohms: .06% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz all channels driven (unbridged)
    • 8 Ohms: .06% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz all channels driven (bridged)

    Weight: 73 lbs.

     

    Product Reviews

    Review this product
    Great Gear Giveaway rewards card

    Submit a review and you will be entered to win a $150 gift card

    Crutchfield Great Gear Giveaway Official Sweepstakes Rules

    Reviews for the Niles® Audio SI-1260

    Average Customer Review:

    1 people say:

    Review this product:

    Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

    Your email won't be visible. Please use the email address that is associated with your order.
    (e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
    (e.g., Charlottesville, VA)

    Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
    1500 characters left
    Attach a YouTube Review
    Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
    • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
    • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
    • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
    500 characters left
    500 characters left
    Filter by rating:
    Sort by:
    Showing: 1-1 of 1
    View page: 1
    5 out of 5

    Whole House Workhorse

    Written By Santino, Rocky Mtns, CO on Monday, April 30, 2007
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Considering that my whole house audio system was wired using Niles speaker volume controls, this seemed the obvious choice for my amp. My system is quite large, (total of 24 channels) so I figured I'd start with one amp and see if I liked it. I did. It was a breeze to install, however, it's very, very HEAVY! The sound is outstanding and it packs more power than I feel I'll ever need for the channels it's pushing. There is absolutely no speaker "pop" upon turning on the volume controls in any of the rooms....it's very "clean". One of the biggest upsides to this amp is that it doesn't run as hot as I had expected. Nothing like the old tube amps on which you could fry an egg. I enjoy this daily and will for years to come. You can't go wrong with this amplifier.
    69 out of 75 people found this helpful
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    1-1 of 1

    Accessories

    Add accessories for the Niles® Audio SI-1260

    You'll need speaker wire to get the signal from your new amplifier to your speakers. UL-listed wire is specifically designed for in-wall installation. See all categories & accessories

    AudioQuest FLX-16/2 16-Gauge 2-Conductor In-Wall Speaker Cable UL-approved for in-wall use; direct-burial rated (125 feet)
    10 people say 
    Your Price: $89.99
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest FLX-16/4 16-Gauge 4-Conductor In-Wall Speaker Cable UL-approved for in-wall use; direct-burial rated (125 feet)
    6 people say 
    Your Price: $129.99
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest FLX-14/2 14-Gauge 2-Conductor In-Wall Speaker Cable UL-approved for in-wall use; direct-burial rated (125 feet)
    29 people say 
    Your Price: $99.99
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest FLX-14/4 14-Gauge 4-Conductor In-Wall Speaker Cable UL-approved for in-wall use; direct-burial rated (125 feet)
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $149.99
    Add to Cart
    Panamax M4300-PM Power line conditioner and surge protector
    59 people say 
    Your Price: $199.99

    After $140.00 Savings

    Add to Cart
    Monster Power® HDP 1800 Power line conditioner and surge suppressor
    3 people say 
    Your Price: $299.95
    Add to Cart
    Monster Power® HDP 1850G Power line conditioner and surge suppressor
    1 person says 
    Your Price: $349.95
    Add to Cart
    Monster Power® HDP 2500 Power line conditioner and surge suppressor
    1 person says 
    Your Price: $399.95
    Add to Cart
    Panamax M5300-PM Power line conditioner and surge protector
    9 people say 
    Your Price: $539.99
    Add to Cart
    Furman Elite-15 PFi Power line conditioner and surge protector
    6 people say 
    Your Price: $699.00
    Add to Cart
    Panamax M5400-PM Power line regulator and surge protector
    5 people say 
    Your Price: $739.99
    Add to Cart
    Furman Elite-20 PFi Power line conditioner and surge protector
     
    Your Price: $1,199.00
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Evergreen Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
    11 people say 
    Your Price: $26.00
    Add to Cart
    Monster Cable Stereo Audio 400i Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (1 meter/3.3 ft.)
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $39.95
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Golden Gate Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
    5 people say 
    Your Price: $56.00
    Add to Cart
    Monster Cable Stereo Audio 200i Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (1 meter/3.3 ft.)
    7 people say 
    Your Price: $19.95
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest G-Snake Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2 meters/6.6 feet)
    22 people say 
    Your Price: $29.99

    After $20.00 Savings

    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Big Sur Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
     
    Your Price: $89.00
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Diamondback Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2-meter/6.6 feet)
    1 person says 
    Your Price: $229.00
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Sydney Stereo interconnect cable with RCA plugs (0.6 meter/2 feet)
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $149.00
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest King Cobra Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2-meter/6.6 feet)
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $349.00
    Add to Cart
    AudioQuest Columbia Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2-meter/6.6 feet)
     
    Your Price: $645.00
    Add to Cart
    Niles SVC100K Sliding stereo volume control with impedance magnification
     
    Your Price: $129.99
    Add to Cart
    Niles VCS100K Stereo volume control with impedance magnification
    1 person says 
    Your Price: $99.99
    Add to Cart
    Niles WVC100E Weatherproof stereo volume control with impedance magnification
    12 people say 
    Your Price: $124.99
    Add to Cart
    Russound WALTX-2 Weatherproof stereo volume control with impedance magnification
     
    Your Price: $134.99
    Add to Cart
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $14.95
    Add to Cart
    8 people say 
    Your Price: $19.95
    Add to Cart
    35 people say 
    Your Price: $19.95
    Add to Cart
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $5.95
    Add to Cart
    1 person says 
    Your Price: $5.95
    Add to Cart
    7 people say 
    Your Price: $11.95
    Add to Cart
    4 people say 
    Your Price: $15.95
    Add to Cart
    7 people say 
    Your Price: $13.95
    Add to Cart
    Monster XP Mini Twist-on Pin Connectors 4 pair, 16-gauge (4 pair)
    10 people say 
    Your Price: $11.95
    Add to Cart
    2 people say 
    Your Price: $9.99
    Add to Cart
    Niles® Audio FM-1 Audio/video system cooling module
    6 people say 
    Your Price: $399.99
    Add to Cart

    Smart people protect with SquareTrade- The best warranty at the best price

    SquareTrade Warranty
    SquareTrade Warranty 3 Year Warranty
    Your Price: $219.99
    Add to Cart
    SquareTrade Warranty
    SquareTrade Warranty 4 Year Warranty
    Your Price: $329.99
    Add to Cart

    In business since 1999, SquareTrade is the largest independent warranty provider in the U.S.

    100% parts and labor - no deductibles

    All mechanical and electrical failures covered, includes normal wear and tear.

    Your item's repaired or the full item price returned withing 5 days

    Runs concurrent with manufacturer's warranty

    Rated 5-stars by consumers

    For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Niles® Audio SI-1260, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-GfmE7Fix4me/p_190SI1260/Niles-Audio-SI-1260.html ).

    Sorry, the Niles® Audio SI-1260 is no longer available for purchase.

    • Front

      Niles® Audio SI-1260
    • Back

      Niles® Audio SI-1260