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Overview

Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4d 4-Channel Amplified Loudspeaker Controller


The Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4d combines four channels of high-performance amplification, advanced DSP processing and Dante/AES67 network audio connectivity in a compact half-rack chassis. Engineered for luxury residential audio, distributed sound systems and commercial installations, this amplified loudspeaker controller delivers substantial output with flexible signal routing and comprehensive system control.

Capable of delivering 250 watts per channel using power sharing between neighboring channels, or 125 watts per channel with all four channels driven, the DLC-250.4d supports 4-, 8- and 16-ohm loudspeakers as well as direct 70V/100V operation. Its compact design makes it particularly suitable for installations where rack space is limited without sacrificing amplification capability.

Theory Professional

 

Dante and AES67 Network Audio

Integrated Dante and AES67 audio-over-IP connectivity allows the DLC-250.4d to transmit and receive four channels of digital audio over a standard Ethernet network. This eliminates the need for extensive analog cabling in larger distributed audio systems while simplifying installation and system expansion.

Four balanced analog inputs, four unbalanced RCA inputs and stereo S/PDIF digital connectivity provide additional flexibility for integrating traditional audio sources with networked equipment.

Four-Channel Amplification with Power Sharing

The DLC-250.4d features intelligent power sharing between neighboring amplifier channels, allowing available power to be allocated according to system requirements.

Its ability to drive both conventional low-impedance speakers and 70V/100V distributed loudspeakers without internal transformers makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural audio applications.

A single controller can power up to 16 Theory 16-ohm loudspeakers in low-impedance mode or up to 64 compatible loudspeakers in high-impedance mode, depending on system configuration and power requirements.

Theory Professional

 

Advanced DSP and Loudspeaker Optimization

Integrated 32-bit DSP provides model-specific processing for Theory loudspeakers alongside a comprehensive collection of audio management tools.

The onboard processing platform includes input matrix mixing, parametric equalization, crossovers, delay, gain adjustment, polarity control and peak and RMS limiting. Priority-based signal routing and automatic audio ducking make the controller particularly useful in commercial installations requiring announcements or multiple audio sources.

Configuration is handled through an onboard web interface accessible via wired Ethernet or the controller's built-in Wi-Fi access point.

Smart Home and Professional Control Integration

The DLC-250.4d is designed for integration with residential automation and professional control systems. Its published API and available third-party control modules support platforms including Control4, Crestron, Crestron Home, AMX, ELAN, Q-SYS, RTI and Symetrix.

For local zone control, the optional Theory DLC-CTRL wall controller provides PoE-powered source selection and volume adjustment.

Technical Specifications

Specification

Details

Product type

4-channel amplified loudspeaker controller

Amplifier output

250W per channel with power sharing

All channels driven

125W per channel

Supported impedances

4, 8 and 16 ohms

High-impedance operation

70V/100V

Balanced analog inputs

4

Unbalanced RCA inputs

4

Digital inputs

Stereo S/PDIF

Network audio inputs

4-channel Dante/AES67

Speaker outputs

4

Digital outputs

Stereo S/PDIF

Network audio outputs

4-channel Dante/AES67

Audio processing

48 kHz / 32-bit DSP

Audio operation

48 kHz / 24-bit

Frequency response

20 Hz–20 kHz, ±0.25 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio

Greater than 106 dB

Distortion

Less than 0.02%

Input EQ

5 parametric filters

Output EQ

10 parametric filters

Control

Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, third-party API

Trigger

12V DC

AC power

100–240V, 50/60 Hz

Dimensions

1.75" H × 8.7" W × 11.7" D

Weight

6.5 lbs

Finish

Matte black

Installation

Indoor use only

Theory Professional

Key Features

  • Four channels of amplification in a half-rack enclosure

  • Up to 250 watts per channel with adjacent-channel power sharing

  • 125 watts per channel with all four channels driven

  • Direct 70V/100V operation without internal transformers

  • Four-channel Dante and AES67 digital audio input and output

  • Balanced analog, RCA and S/PDIF connectivity

  • Integrated 32-bit DSP with Theory loudspeaker processing

  • Input matrix mixing and priority-based audio routing

  • Automatic audio ducking for multi-source installations

  • Parametric EQ, crossover, delay and limiter processing

  • Built-in Wi-Fi access point and Ethernet configuration

  • Control4, Crestron and other third-party control integration

  • Compact, half-rack chassis

  • Included single- and dual-unit rack-mount kit

Designed for Architectural and Distributed Audio

The DLC-250.4d is suited to premium architectural speaker installations, multizone residential audio, restaurants, hospitality spaces and commercial distributed sound systems. Its combination of network audio, onboard DSP and flexible amplification allows installers to manage complex speaker layouts from a compact, centralized platform.

Professional Audio System Design at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas, provides complete Theory Audio Design solutions for luxury homes and commercial environments. Our team handles architectural speaker selection, amplifier configuration, Dante network integration, DSP calibration and Control4 automation to create cohesive, professionally engineered audio systems.

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you price match?

Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.

Where is your showroom?

We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.

Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?

Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.

Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?

Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.

Do you provide support after installation?

Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.