System 56
Product Introduced in 1977
System 56 was an expandable multi-zone audio-video system capable of playing up to six source components simultaneously in up to 30 zones. System 56 featured electronic volume control, input selection, room off, all off, and even a basic transport function.
System 56 had a huge impact on CEDIA members long before the formation of the association. Officially introduced as an ADA system in May of 1977, System 56 had been in the works for some time. System 56 is truly special because it featured many system functions that we take for granted today but that were cutting-edge back in 1977. These include electronic volume control, turn-on volume presets, multi-source/multi-zone capability, zone expandability, source transport-control, video-follow-audio switching, AC-power management, radio tuners with electronically controlled presets, hardwired keypads with positive feedback and even rack-mounting.
Born during the golden age of hi-fidelity, System 56 was also heralded for its incredible sound quality. And because System 56 was engineered and built to ADA’s quality standards that today are still regarded as the best in the industry, many System 56s are still fully operational.