Lewis CaliburnLithe Audio has announced a significant enhancement to its patented PoE Bolt-On platform: a modular power and networking module for the professional custom installation market.
Engineered for the Lithe Audio PRO Series ceiling speakers, the upgrade introduces combined power and Ethernet output over a single CAT cable, further reducing the cabling burden on installers working across residential, MDU, hospitality and commercial projects.
The original PoE Bolt-On delivered PoE++ input with power pass-through allowed Lithe Audio PRO Series ceiling speakers to be powered via a single CAT cable, eliminating the need for a local mains feed at the speaker position.
The enhanced module introduces an important upgrade to the design by now adding an Ethernet network output alongside the PoE++ input. In practice, this means a single PoE++ cable can simultaneously power the speaker and deliver a live network connection, reducing what was previously a two-cable run (power and network) to one.
For installers, this translates directly into reduced cable quantities, lower material costs, faster installation times and a cleaner infrastructure which is particularly valuable in retrofit scenarios, concrete construction and other low-disruption environments.
The PoE Bolt-On uses the IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ Type 3) standard, delivering up to 60W per device over a standard RJ45 CAT5e or CAT6 cable at runs of up to 100 metres. The 80mm × 80mm module clips securely onto the rear of compatible PRO Series speakers, with integrated PoE-to-DC conversion requiring no additional hardware.
A single PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) cable delivers both power and Ethernet network connectivity. Each device supports up to 60W, removing the need for a local mains supply at the speaker position.
An Ethernet output port is included to enable simplified hardwired network distribution. The system is compatible with standard CAT5e or CAT6 infrastructure, supporting cable runs of up to 100 metres.
The design features a compact 80mm × 80mm clip-on module, allowing for clean, tool-free installation. Integrated amplification and networking remove the need for an external amplifier.
Speakers are individually addressable over IP, with support for up to 10 units per system. The modular design also allows PoE capability to be added to PRO Series speakers at any stage of a project.
By eliminating the need for local mains feeds and combining power and data into a single cable run, the PoE Bolt-On opens new commercial opportunities in projects where high-voltage cabling is difficult, restricted or cost-prohibitive.
Rather than building PoE capability into every speaker and increasing unit cost accordingly, Lithe Audio’s modular approach keeps the core PRO Series platform cost-effective, while giving installers the flexibility to bolt on PoE functionality wherever a project demands it.
The result is a scalable, infrastructure-light distributed audio platform well suited to residential single rooms or whole-home systems, high-density MDU and apartment schemes, hotels, restaurants, retail and commercial spaces and retrofit projects where disruption and cabling cost must be minimised.
“The PoE Bolt-On was created to give installers the freedom to upgrade PRO Series speakers with PoE capability whenever their project demands it,” says Wesley Siu, Co-Founder, Lithe Audio.
“Rather than building PoE into every speaker and increasing cost for installations that don’t need it, we developed a modular approach that keeps the platform cost-effective while still offering full PoE deployment at any time. What really sets the solution apart is the integrated PoE-to-DC conversion, which allows PRO Series speakers to be powered directly from PoE++ infrastructure without additional hardware. Combined with the new Ethernet output, installers can now deliver both power and network connectivity with a single cable run, creating a more efficient, scalable installation.”
The enhanced PoE Bolt-On is available now through Lithe Audio’s UK trade distribution network. For pricing, availability and technical specifications, contact the Lithe Audio trade team or visit litheaudio.com.