70W Class D Audio Amplifier with Dante® and Line/Mic Inputs

What are the power requirements and does the VLDT-A2AM70 support PoE++?

The VLDT-A2AM70 supports both PoE++ Type 4 Class 8 (IEEE 802.3bt) and local DC power (36V/2.5A). When using PoE++, the amplifier can deliver its full 70W power output (2×35W stereo or 1×70W bridged mono), as PoE++ provides up to 90W of power over the network cable. This makes it suitable for installations requiring full amplifier performance while maintaining the convenience of network-powered operation. The dedicated 36V DC power supply is provided for installations where PoE++ switches are not available. Note that standard PoE+ (25.5W) is insufficient for the VLDT-A2AM70's power requirements, and PoE++ Type 4 Class 8 infrastructure is required for PoE operation.

How does the 70W model compare to the 30W VLDT-A2AM30?

The VLDT-A2AM70 delivers more than double the power output of the VLDT-A2AM30, providing 2×35W stereo or 1×70W bridged mono compared to the VLDT-A2AM30's 2×15W stereo or 1×30W bridged mono. This additional power makes the VLDT-A2AM70 better suited for larger spaces, higher speaker counts, longer cable runs, or applications requiring higher sound pressure levels. Both models share identical DSP processing, control interfaces, and connectivity options, but the A2AM70 requires PoE++ instead of PoE+ and consumes 94.6W maximum compared to the VLDT-A2AM30's 39W. The VLDT-A2AM70 is also slightly taller (28mm vs 23mm) and lighter (670g vs 713g). Choose the VLDT-A2AM70 for larger rooms, auditoriums, or applications where additional headroom is necessary.

Can I use the VLDT-A2AM70 to drive 70V/100V distributed speaker systems?

Yes, the VLDT-A2AM70 can drive 70V or 100V distributed speaker systems when used with appropriate matching transformers. In bridged mono mode, the amplifier delivers 70W into 4Ω or 8Ω loads. When connected to a 70V transformer, calculate the total speaker load to ensure it doesn't exceed the amplifier's capacity. For example, at 70V with 70W available, you can connect multiple speakers with transformers totaling up to 70W combined tap settings. The amplifier's Class D topology maintains high efficiency even with transformer-coupled loads, reducing heat generation in distributed systems. Use the DSP delay settings to compensate for acoustic timing differences between speaker zones, and configure the parametric EQ to optimize system response for the specific speaker models and room acoustics.

What's the maximum number of VLDT-A2AM70 units I can cascade in a single system?

There is no specific limit to the number of VLDT-A2AM70 units that can be cascaded via analog outputs, but practical considerations include signal degradation, cumulative noise floor, and latency accumulation. For best results, limit cascading to 3-5 units in series via analog connections. For larger systems requiring more amplifiers, use Dante networking instead of analog cascading. All VLDT-A2AM70 units can connect to the same Dante network and receive independent audio streams without signal degradation or cumulative latency issues. The network control function allows a master unit to control all slave devices on the same network segment, providing centralized management. When analog cascading is necessary, use the LINE OUT balanced connections and maintain proper gain staging to preserve signal quality throughout the chain.

Does the higher power output affect the DSP processing capabilities?

No, the VLDT-A2AM70 features identical DSP processing capabilities as the lower-power A2AM30 model. Both units include the same 8-band parametric equalizer with ±15dB gain adjustment per band, configurable delay up to 50ms, gain control, mixing, matrixing, ducking, and volume adjustment. The DSP processing is independent of the amplifier power stage, so the A2AM70 provides the same sophisticated audio processing while delivering higher power output. All DSP configurations are accessible through the web GUI or Dante Controller software. The higher power output affects only the amplifier section, not the digital signal processing, control interfaces, or audio quality specifications. Both models maintain >100dB signal-to-noise ratio and <0.01% THD+N regardless of power output level.

How do I configure bridged mono mode for 70W output?

Bridged mono mode is configured through the web GUI interface or Dante Controller software. Access the amplifier's configuration page, navigate to the amplifier settings section, and select "Bridged Mono" operating mode. In bridged mode, the two amplifier channels work together to produce a single 70W output. Connect your speaker across the positive terminals of both channels (Channel 1+ and Channel 2+), leaving the negative terminals unconnected. Ensure your speaker impedance is 4Ω or 8Ω, as bridged operation effectively halves the amplifier's load impedance capability. When in bridged mode, both input channels are summed before amplification, allowing you to feed the same mono signal to either input. Bridged mode is ideal for applications requiring higher power to a single speaker or zone, such as driving subwoofers or covering large single spaces.

What cable specifications are required for the amplifier outputs?

For the speaker outputs (AMP OUT), use high-quality speaker cable rated for the power level and distance. For short runs under 50 feet with 4Ω or 8Ω speakers, 16AWG or 14AWG speaker cable is recommended. For longer runs or lower impedance loads, use 12AWG cable to minimize voltage drop and maintain power delivery. The 4-pin 5.08mm locking phoenix connector accepts wire gauges from 26AWG to 12AWG. For the balanced line outputs (LINE OUT), use standard balanced audio cable (microphone cable) with appropriate shielding. The phoenix connectors accept 26AWG to 16AWG wire for line-level connections. Always observe proper polarity when connecting speakers, and ensure all screw terminals are tightly secured to prevent intermittent connections or increased resistance that could affect performance or trigger protection circuits.

Can the amplifier be rack-mounted, and are mounting accessories included?

While the VLDT-A2AM70 is compact and designed for flexible installation, it does not include rack mounting ears or brackets in the standard package. The unit measures 180mm × 118mm × 28mm (approximately 7.1" × 4.6" × 1.1"), making it smaller than a standard 19" rack width. For rack installation, the amplifier can be mounted on a shelf, placed in a rack drawer, or secured using aftermarket mounting solutions. The compact footprint is advantageous for installations in tight spaces, wall-mounted equipment enclosures, above ceiling locations, or integrated within furniture. Many integrators mount multiple units side-by-side on a single rack shelf for multi-zone systems. The lightweight 670g design allows for various mounting orientations without structural concerns.

What Dante audio channels does the VLDT-A2AM70 support?

The VLDT-A2AM70 supports 2 Dante® audio receive channels (inputs) and 2 Dante® transmit channels (outputs), referred to as 2x2 Dante® capability. The unit receives stereo audio from the Dante® network to feed its internal DSP and amplifier, and can simultaneously transmit processed audio back to the network for recording, monitoring, or cascading to additional zones. These channels operate at your choice of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz sampling rates at 16 or 24-bit depth, configured through Dante® Controller software.

What is the difference between the VLDT-A2AM70 and the VLDT-A2AM30?

The primary differences are power output and PoE requirements. The VLDT-A2AM70 delivers 2×35W (stereo) or 1×70W (bridged mono) with more than double the power of the VLDT-A2AM30's 2×15W (stereo) or 1×30W (bridged mono). The A2AM70 requires PoE++ Type 4 Class 8 (up to 90W) to deliver full power via network cable, while the A2AM30 uses standard PoE+ (up to 25.5W). Both models share identical features: Dante® 2x2 audio, balanced mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power, comprehensive DSP processing, and web GUI control. Choose the A2AM30 for small meeting rooms and low-power applications; choose the A2AM70 for larger conference rooms, auditoriums, entertainment venues, or installations requiring higher SPL and additional power headroom.

Why Choose Dante® Networking for Professional AV?

Dante® has become the de facto standard for professional networked audio because it runs on standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure that most facilities already have in place. Where traditional analog audio distribution requires dedicated point-to-point wiring for every connection, a single Cat6 cable running to a network switch can carry hundreds of Dante® audio channels simultaneously, dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost.

For AV integrators and system designers, Dante® delivers key practical advantages: any Dante® device on the network can send audio to any other Dante® device without physical rewiring; routing changes are made entirely in software using the free Dante® Controller application; and the open ecosystem of over 600 manufacturers means mixing console, DSP, amplifier, and source products from different brands interoperate seamlessly. The VLDT-A2AM70 integrates into this ecosystem as a network-connected amplifier — receiving audio from any Dante® source, processing it with integrated DSP, and delivering 70W of amplified output to local speakers while simultaneously transmitting processed audio back to the network for monitoring or cascading to additional zones.