Remember audio company B&K? They were one of primary audio brands found at Tweeter, before that retailer’s downfall. B&K, originally of Buffalo, NY, has always been known for tank-solid products with an emphasis on high quality audio and more recently, the company had placed special emphasis on the custom installation and multiroom audio market. Over the years I’ve reviewed several B&K products, and found them all to be excellent systems.

Well, they’re back, but slightly changed. In late 2010 B&K was acquired by the California company Amplifier Technologies Inc. (ATI) which makes components for a number of audio companies. Finally, we’re seeing the fruits of the deal with the launch of a multi-zone receiver.

The new CT-6001.1 multi-zone receiver is, as the model number suggests, a 6 zone (not 600, though that would be amazing) receiver with 55 watts per channel. It’s fully custom-installer friendly with control options including IR, Ethernet and RS-232. There are 9 buffered audio and video inputs, gold-plated connectors, limited short circuit protection, plus independent zone control of bass, treble and EQ.

This is the first B&K product to come from ATI’s California manufacturing facility. ATI also owns Theta Digital, BGW, and Audioaccess.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.