Origin Acoustics just launched the four-zone system Valet amplifier designed to integrate with an Amazon Echo Dot. Featuring eight 50-watt channels, the Valet amp can be connected to a broad range of speakers and provide the power necessary to drive them to substantial volume levels. The Valet is now available and shipping.

Each of the four stereo zones sports an RJ45 connection that sends power to the Dot over a standard CAT5/6 cable and also returns the audio signal to the amplifier via a proprietary balun. Taking advantage of the Dot’s audio output allows both music and Alexa’s voice to play through the room’s loudspeakers. This is a huge upgrade in audio quality from the Dot’s internal speaker or even the original Echo’s larger transducer.

Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and SiriusXM libraries can all be accessed and played through the system directly from the Dot. External sources can also be played through the system and the Valet’s Patent Pending muting circuit will mute the external source when Alexa is addressed and unmute when the appropriate action is completed. There is also a twelve-volt trigger for each zone that will allow for additional activation of third party devices upon Alexa being addressed.

The Dot can be ceiling mounted behind a perforated speaker grille identical to the Director 5, 6/8 or 10-inch models, making it virtually invisible in the room but easily voice activated. Up to four Dot’s can be incorporated and since the Dots communicate with each other the entire home becomes an interactive playground.

The Valet amplifier will retail for $1,500 (US) and will include the baluns necessary to integrate with the Echo Dot. Here are all the specs.