(Image credit: Sonos)

It's rare that a big brand like Sonos can launch a product without numerous leaks beforehand – at least in modern times – but that's what's happened here.

The company has announced the Sonos Amp Multi – a hardcore streaming amplifier with the potential to drive up to 24 speakers across four independent zones. All of which being wlinked by the Sonos platform.

Of course, this will largely be overkill for most home entertainment needs, with the Amp Multi aimed more for professional uses and custom installs. But should you have an enormous home or fancy making use of its advanced tuning capabilities and high power output, you might be tempted.

It's certainly well-specified for multi-zone playback. The amp offers eight amplified outputs at 125 W per channel, with each of the channels capable of driving up to three Sonos Architectural speakers.

It is rack-friendly and combines GaN power architecture with Class-D post-filter feedback (PFFB), ensuring high performance with tight thermal control. This also results in very little noise coming from the unit itself – there are no fans on board.

(Image credit: Sonos)

The Amp Multi also comes with professional-grade tools, including a new ProTune feature to allow for precise, manual audio customisation.

It might seem overkill for some, but Sonos reminds that's why the Sonos Amp exists – this is an extension of that.

"Sonos Amp is the most widely used two-channel streaming amplifier in residential installation because it’s powerful, dependable, and intuitive,” said the CEO of Sonos, Tom Conrad.

"Amp Multi takes that same philosophy and applies it to larger systems. It makes ambitious designs more efficient to build and install, and easier to live with."

The Sonos Amp Multi will be available globally in the "coming months". Pricing is yet to be announced, but considering the target market, it'll more than likely cost a fair penny.