Amp & Audio Section

12Ch/8-Zone Power Amplifier: The Russound SMZ8 is a 12ch/8-Zone amplifier with 6 powered zones and 2 preamp output zones. The Russound SMZ8 amplifier leverages advanced amplification and power supply technologies to deliver superior sound quality and efficiency. The 12ch amplifier is rated 50 watts into 8-ohms or 100 watts into 4-ohms. With 6 zones of amplification and 4-ohm capability, you can power a single pair of 4-ohm speakers in each zone, or up to two pair of 8-ohm speakers in each zone. It also has two sets of stereo line-level outputs that can be used with external power amplifiers to create up to 8 source zones.

• Speaker Outputs: The SMZ8 offers amplified speaker outputs for zones 1-6. These speaker outputs consist of detachable 4-pin euroblock ("phoenix-style") connectors that can accept up to 12AWG wire (pin, spade, and banana type connectors are not compatible). Each speaker connection requires a minimum 4-ohm load. This means that up to 2 pairs of 8-ohm speakers can be connected to each of the 6 amplified zones.
• Line Outputs: Line level outputs are available for all 8 zones, while zones 7 and 8 can be configured for fixed or variable output. The two unpowered zones, 7 and 8, are perfect for outdoor areas or larger rooms where more audio power is required. Russound offers a variety of amplifiers that can be used for these situations, such as the eight channel D890 all the way up to the sixteen channel D1675 for extremely large outdoor areas.

Multi-Zone Configuration: The SMZ8 provides up to 8 audio zones (6 powered/2 line outputs) and can have any combination of its network, Bluetooth, analog/digital, HDMI ARC, and USB-C sources played back at any zone. If you require more than 8 zones of audio, you can connect up to six SMZ8 amplifiers in the same installation for up to 48 zones of audio playback. However, you can only have 8 sources available for playback between those 48 zones.

• Loop Outputs: A set of 8 stereo RCA buffered loop outputs (one for each input) allows you to share audio sources (including analog & digital) with multiple SMZ8 amplifiers. For example, the audio source connected to SMZ8's Source Input 4 will pass-through Loop Output 4 to the Source Input 4 of a second SMZ8 and so on.
• Streamer Output: A dedicated Streamer analog stereo RCA output allows for simple sharing of the SMZ8's built-in network streamer with multiple SMZ8 amplifiers in your system. Streamer output will connect to the Source 1 input of your second SMZ8 amp and then that amp's Streamer output will connect to the Source 1 input of your third SMZ8 amplifier, and so on.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP): The Russound SMZ8 is equipped with a DSP system featuring a 7-band graphic EQ, 24 EQ presets, customized Russound speaker profiles, and a pink noise generator, as well as settings for stereo or mono output. These DSP settings are available through the Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) or Web Config setup.

• 7-Band Graphic EQ: A 7-band graphic EQ allows you to tailer the sound of your music to your personal taste.
• 24 EQ Presets: 24 acoustic presets are also available to fit the genre of music you are listening to. Choose from Acoustic, Blues, Classical, Dance, DJ, Electronic, Flat, Folk, Hip Hop (hard or soft), Indie, Jazz, Loudness, Lounge, Metal, Movie, Oldies, Piano, Pop, R&B, Rock (hard or soft), Speech, and Trip Hop.
• Russound Speaker Profiles: A variety of customized EQ profiles are available for optimizing the sound with all of Russound’s architectural speaker models; including in-wall, in-ceiling, and outdoor speakers.
• Pink Noise Generator: A pink noise generator helps to set volume trim levels for each connected source to balance the output level of each source, so there are no dramatic changes in volume when you switch between sources.
• Stereo/Mono Mode: You can select a stereo or mono output for any zone; helpful for outdoor zones where stereo sound isn't needed.

Stereo RCA Inputs: The SMZ8 features a set of 8 of stereo RCA inputs that can be utilized as Zone Inputs. Input 8's right RCA jack can also be utilized as a paging input.

• Zone Inputs: The SMZ8 features a set of 8 of stereo RCA zone inputs, which can be used to input audio from a variety of audio playback devices. All stereo RCA zone inputs are signal sensing, which allows the corresponding zone to turn on when it senses an audio signal and then turn after there is no audio signal for a specific amount of time.
• Page Input: Input eight's right RCA jack can also be used as a paging audio input, accepting line-level audio signals. This works in conjunction with the rear-panel 3.5mm Page Trigger Input. This input can interface with the page output of a telephone system or other peripheral device. When a page event is engaged, it interrupts the audio outputs for all enabled zones. System paging can be disabled permanently in each zone or temporarily. These settings, along with Source 8 assignment are done in the Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) or Web Config setup.

Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The SMZ8 offers an assortment of digital audio inputs, including 3 optical (toslink) digital inputs and 2 coaxial (S/PDIF) digital inputs to connect up to five external digital audio source to the amplifier. The optical digital inputs support up to 2ch stereo PCM (24-bit/96kHz), while the coaxial digital inputs support up to 2ch stereo (24-bit/192kHz). The 3 optical digital inputs are set to Source 4, 5, and 6. The coaxial digital inputs are set to Source 7 and 8. The digital inputs share Source inputs 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 with the analog inputs. You must select Analog or Digital in the Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) or Web Config setup. Both cannot be active for a single Source input at a time.

HDMI ARC: The Russound SMZ8 is equipped with a HDMI ARC jack and is compatible with Audio Return Channel, allowing you to connect to your TV with just a single cable so you can enjoy your TV's audio through the SMZ8 amplifier. The HDMI ARC jack only support 2.0ch PCM, up to 24-bit/192kHz (not compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel audio formats). The HDMI ARC connection is defaulted to be Source 3.

• Lag-Free Synchronization: The HDMI ARC offers lag-free synchronization across all of the SMZ zones, so when watching the big game or movie, you can have every room in the house play the TV audio - perfectly synchronized with no lip sync issues or delays.
• HDMI-CEC: The HDMI ARC jack also allows HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronic Control), so you can control Volume of corresponding zone with your TV's remote. If set as the "Primary Zone", the SMZ8's HDMI ARC zone will automatically turn on with your TV.

USB-C Port: The Russound SMZ8 is fitted with a USB-C port that allows you to enjoy a variety of music files from a USB mass storage class memory device; such as a USB thumbdrive or portable HDD (a portable hard disk drive may require an external AC power supply).

Network & Bluetooth Integration

Wired & Wireless Network Connectivity: The Russound SMZ8 can be connected to a home network, either via a wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) connection. Wired and WiFi setup options let you select a specific type, which then disables the other option. A third Automatic setting (default) allows either type of connection to be made and will take priority over a hard-wired connection. The network connection is configured by default as Source 1. A wired Ethernet connection is always recommended for the most stable network environment.

• WiFi: The SMZ8 features built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band 802.11ac WiFi for a wireless network connection. Setup for the SMZ8 can be done using the Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS). If you prefer, you can also setup a WiFi connection via AirPlay 2 using compatible Apple iOS device's control screen or temporary direct Ethernet connection with Web Config on your computer. *Make sure the WiFi antenna is installed.
• Dual Ethernet Ports: A rear-panel RJ-45 Ethernet port (10/100) lets you make a hard-wired connection to your router via a CAT-5 connection. A second RJ-45 Ethernet port (10/100) allows you connect an addition network device.

Online Music Services & Internet Radio: The Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) provides access to select online music services and internet radio. Paid subscriptions and fees will apply.

• Tidal: Tidal is a global online music service with over 110 million songs in its library. You can choose to listen to music in Hi-Res (up to 24-bit/192khz), CD-quality (up to 16-bit/44.1khz), or standard low-res (up to 320kbps). Tidal offers a variety of subscription plans for individuals and families.
• Pandora: Pandora is one of the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming services in the U.S. Pandora provides consumers a uniquely-personalized music and podcast listening experience with Free and Paid plans.
• Deezer: Deezer is a music streaming services that gives you access to over 120 million tracks worldwide and other audio content like podcasts. You even get curated recommendations and Deezer Originals exclusives. Listen to music online, collect your favorites, create playlists, and share with friends. Deezer offers a variety of plans including premium and family.
• Napster: Napster is a subscription, add-free online music service with over 110 million songs to choose from. Individual and family plans are available.
• SiriusXM: SiriusXM is a subscription-based and add-based online entertainment service that offers listeners a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports.
• TuneIn: TuneIn is an internet radio service that brings together live sports, music, news, audiobooks, and podcasts. Free and paid subscriptions are available.
• vTuner: vTuner is a free internet radio service that offers tens of thousands of stations, millions of songs, and hundreds of thousands online shows worldwide.
• Airable: Airable is a free worldwide internet radio service that offers a variety of online radio stations and podcasts.

Spotify Connect: If you are a  Spotify Premium subscriber and have the Spotify App (for Apple iOS or Android OS) on a compatible smartphone or tablet device, you can stream Spotify to the Russound SMZ8 amplifier directly from within the Spotify app.. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.

Google Cast: Use the Google Home App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) to enable Google Cast. Google Cast gives you access to hundreds of online music streaming services, internet radio, and podcasts. Google Cast streams audio directly from the cloud, so you get the 24-bit/96kHz sound quality and the ability to enjoy crystal clear sound exactly the way the artist intended. Simply tap the Cast button from a Google Cast compatible music app on your Apple iOS or Android OS device to start streaming to the Russound SMZ8 amplifier. You can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume directly from the music apps you know and love on your compatible smartphone or tablet. Google Cast supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music files. While you cast your music, you can still use your smartphone to answer a call, play a game, send a text, and even leave the room - all without interrupting what's playing on the Russound speaker system.

• Music, Radio, & Podcasts: Google Cast lets you play music from popular music services and search by artist, song, genre, album playlist, mood, or activity. You can also listen to your favorite internet radio stations and podcasts. Compatible music and internet radio apps include Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, YouTube Music, and more (click here for a complete list of Google Cast compatible apps).You'll also be able to stream your favorite music, playlists, podcasts, and more that are stored on your Android Os device to the SMZ8 amplifier. You cannot stream stored content on an Apple iOS device using Google Cast. If you're on your laptop or computer, you can also cast any music streaming website through the Chrome web browser to the speaker.
• Multiroom Audio: Add more Google Cast speakers throughout your home (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) to create a whole house audio experience. You can play the same Google Cast compatible music app (like Tidal, Spotify, or Pandora) on all speakers or groups of speakers in different rooms of your home. You'll be able control the multiroom audio system from the Google Home app on your Apple iOS or Android device, or using the Google Assistant and your voice on a compatible Google Home device.
• Voice Control (Optional): Purchase a Google Assistant enabled smart speaker or device (sold separately) and gain voice control of compatible Google Cast music apps. You'll be able to access a specific music app and then select a specific station or song using Google Assistant and your voice. You'll also have voice control over Play, Pause, Skip, & Volume. The SMZ8 and your Google Assistant speaker must be connected to the same wireless (WiFi) network.

AirPlay 2: AirPlay 2 is an advanced and easy-to-use wireless multiroom audio platform for iTunes, Apple Music, and other compatible Apple iOS apps. With AirPlay 2 you can play any sound from your Apple iOS device (running iOS 11.4 or later) or Mac computer (running OS X 10.13.2) through the Russound SMZ8 amplifier and other compatible AirPlay 2 speakers and devices throughout your home. You can choose to play audio in one room, play the same audio in grouped rooms, or play the same audio in every room. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can even play different music in different rooms (you can control and group directly from Apple's Music App and Home app on your Apple iOS device). You can even ask Siri-enabled devices (like your Apple iPhone, iPad, or Watch) to control playback of your Apple Music on the Russound SMZ8 amplifier. In addition, you can watch videos and movies from YouTube and Netflix on your compatible Apple iOS device or Mac computer with perfectly synced audio on the SMZ8 amplifier.

UPnP: The Russound SMZ8 is UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) compatible, allowing it to stream music from other UPnP compatible storage devices and media servers connected on the same network.

Bluetooth 5.0: With built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and support for wireless audio streaming (A2DP), you are able to wirelessly stream stored music, music apps, and other audio content from your Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer to the Russound SMZ8 amplifier. With SSP (Simple Secure Pairing), Bluetooth source devices can be paired with a single press of a button and without entering a PIN code. Multiple devices can be paired with the AMZ8 amplifier, but only one device can be connected and playing at a time. You'll still need to control music playback and view song/artist/album info from your Bluetooth source device.

• The SMZ8 has a wireless Bluetooth range of approximately 33'. Make sure the included Bluetooth antenna is installed.
• Use with the optional Russound BTC-2X (sold separately) for adding an external Bluetooth receiver up to 500’ away from the SMZ8 so that distance from the SMZ8 never stops anyone from using Bluetooth wherever or whenever they would like.

Control & Mounting Options

Front-Panel: The front-panel of the Russound SMZ8 amplifier features a Power On/Off button, Status LED Indicators (for Standby/Network/Update/Error), Zone LED Indicators (On/Off), plus IR receiver and LED indicator.

Russound Web Config: Web Config is a hosted webpage on the SMZ8 where all of the installation configuration and settings are maintained. It can be accessed from any browser on the same network as the SMZ8 by simply navigating to the SMZ8’s IP address on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Web Config features include -

• Setup Network and WiFi
• Adjust Zones & Source settings (including Name, Types, Volume, & Linking)
• Pair Keypads & Paging settings
• Configure Amazon Alexa integration
• Configure IR commands for sources
• Setup Macros, Time & Date
• Update Firmware & Backup/Restore Files

Russound App: The Russound App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) lets you operate the SMZ8 from your compatible smartphone or tablet device, giving you control of the amp from anywhere inside your network's range. The app provides easy control of any zone, plus access to select online music services and internet radio - such as Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn, and vTuner. From the app you can control playback and search functions, as well as view song/artist/album information (including album art). The app also offers advanced audio settings like a7-band parametric EQ, audio presets, and customized Russound speaker DSP profiles. In addition, the app allows you to create, edit, delete, and access system favorites.

Alexa Compatible: The SMZ8 supports Russound Smart and Control Skills via Alexa-enabled smart speakers and devices (sold separately) on the same network. Using Alexa, you'll be able to control key functions of the Russound SMZ8 through voice commands. Voice control functions include -

• Volume Control (Turn Volume Up, Down, Mute, or set a specific volume level directly)
• Zone On/Off
• Playback Control (Play/Pause, Next/Previous Track, Repeat/Shuffle)
• Like/Dislike Song (for compatible streaming sources)
• Adjust audio settings (Bass, Treble, Loudness)

Optional Controllers: Russound offers optional wall-mounted keypad and touchscreen controllers (sold separately) for the SMZ8. The Russound SMZ8 is also Control4, URC, and RTI certified for custom remote integration.

• XTS Controller (Optional): The Russound XTS7 touchscreen controller (sold separately) is a stylish in-wall touchscreen that runs an embedded version of the Russound App. This allows the same control that's available on your smartphone or tablet without having to use your device to change the volume or make a music selection. The XTS is an IP-based network device that gets connected to the same router the amplifier is connected to. In order to prevent unauthorized changes to configuration settings, a default password (see owner's manual) has been created that will be required to be entered prior to changing any configuration settings. The default password is user-changeable in the Web Config.
• Keypad Controllers (Optional): Each of the SMZ8's output zones can be individually controlled using optional IPK-1 keypad controllers connected to a PoE Switch (sold separately) that's on the same network as the SMZ8. The IPK-1 features push-button controls for volume, power, and source selection. It can also provide basic transport controls, like play/pause, previous and next track selection, etc. for a connected player. Unlike previous compatible model keypads, the Russound IPK-1 keypad controller does not  connect to the rear panel of the SMZ8; it must be connected to a PoE Switch on the same network as the amplifier.
• 3rd Party Controllers: The Russound SMZ8 supports 3rd party controller integration with Cntrol4, URC, and RTI certification.

RNET Link: Two rear-panel RJ-45 sockets provide RNET Link In and Link Out connections. These allow linking of up to two or more (maximum 6) SMZ8 amps using CAT-5e cables terminated in RJ-45 connectors using the T568A wiring configuration. A corresponding rear-panel Controller ID Switch allows each connected device to have its own unique ID number (1-6) to avoid command signals affecting all connected devices. Along with RNET data signals, these ports will also pass source IR signals between different RNET devices.

IR Outputs: The Russound SMZ8 amplifier features 4 independent IR outputs and 1 global (common) IR output for sending IR control signals to connected source devices. The 4 independent IR outputs are grouped for zones, 1/5, 2/6, 3/7, and 4/8. Each IR output consists of a 3.5mm mono-minjack.

12V Triggers: 12V triggers are used to keep the SMZ8 active when sharing sources among rooms or for activating other devices like additional amplifiers for larger zones or your outdoor areas. There is a 12V Trigger in, a Paging Trigger, and three 12V trigger outputs (for Zone 7, Zone 8, and Global). The trigger inputs and outputs consist of a 3.5mm mono-minijack.

Mounting Options: The Russound SMZ8 amplifier can simply be placed on a shelf of an audio stand or inside and audio cabinet. It can also be mounted a 3U rack space within in a component rack using the supplied brackets.

• The SMZ8 should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. Do not block vents above or to the sides of the unit, as it requires ventilation for proper operation. Do not expose to excessive dust, and do not allow dust to build up on the unit and block vent holes.
• Do not place the SMZ8 above or below a heat-generating component such as an audio amplifier. Be sure to leave at least 2" of space to the sides of the unit with open air flow above. A single-space rack mount vent or about 1.75" must be kept clear above and below the unit.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The included 6' detachable AC power cord (IEC 3-prong) plugs into the back of the amplifier and into an AC power wall outlet or surge protector/line-conditioner (sold separately).