As one of Canada’s leading comprehensive and research-intensive universities, the University of Guelph supports a wide range of teaching and learning environments across its campus. With a large portfolio of centrally supported spaces and increasing demand for hybrid and technology-enabled instruction, the university undertook a strategic initiative to modernize its audio infrastructure.
A key component of this transformation was standardizing on the Apex CloudPower CP704-Dante Amplifier for all large classroom environments.
Challenges
Prior to standardization, many large classrooms relied on legacy Class AB amplifiers that had been in service for over 20 years. These systems had reached the end of their useful life and were increasingly unreliable.
The university was experiencing:
- Frequent hardware failures impacting live teaching environments
- No remaining lifecycle value, with equipment well beyond expected service life
- Limited performance consistency across rooms
- No network visibility or monitoring capability
- Inefficient troubleshooting, often requiring in-room intervention
Why APEX?
The Apex CloudPower CP704D-Dante Amplifier stood out not only as a replacement for aging infrastructure, but as a step-change in capability.
- Dante-Native Architecture: Seamless integration into the university’s Dante ecosystem simplified signal flow and reduced system complexity.
- Modern Replacement for Legacy System: Updating from 20+ year-old Class AB amplifiers to a modern Class D design eliminated a major source of failure and operational risk.
- Operational Visibility: Network-based monitoring provides real-time insight into system performance, enabling proactive support and faster issue resolution.
- Consistent Performance at Scale: A single amplifier platform ensures predictable audio quality across all large classrooms, regardless of building or configuration.
Solution
The University of Guelph replaced its aging amplifier fleet with the Apex CloudPower CP704D-Dante Amplifier, aligning with a broader transition to a Dante-based AV-over-IP architecture. This was not a simple like-for-like replacement. It was a deliberate move to:
- Eliminate legacy analog amplification platforms.
- Introduce a network-based, fully monitored audio system.
- Standardize performance across all large classrooms.
- Future-proof audio infrastructure for evolving teaching needs.
Results
The transition to Apex amplification has delivered immediate and measurable improvements.
The transition to Apex amplification has eliminated legacy failure points by removing aging equipment with no remaining useful life, significantly improving overall system reliability. At the same time, enhanced audio clarity and consistent sound distribution have elevated the teaching and learning experience, particularly in large lecture environments.
Standardization and network-based monitoring via APEX’s IntelliCloud WebUI have streamlined troubleshooting processes, reducing the need for in-room interventions and lowering the overall support burden.. As a result, CTS can now support large, high-enrolment classrooms with greater confidence, backed by a robust and consistent audio infrastructure.
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" Replacing our legacy Class AB amplifiers was long overdue. They had exceeded their lifecycle and were becoming a real risk to classroom reliability. The Apex platform allowed us not only to replace that aging infrastructure but also to significantly improve performance and standardize our approach across campus.
We tested these units extensively in live environments with mono, stereo, and fill speaker configurations, and they met our requirements in every case. That gave us the confidence to move forward with full standardization."
— Chris Hewitt, Classroom Technical Infrastructure Manager, University of Guelph
About APEX:
APEX designs and manufactures high-performance professional audio amplifiers, combining innovative technology with a simplified user experience. Built and tested in Belgium, APEX solutions deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable audio for modern AV environments.
About DataVisual Marketing:
DataVisual is a leading distributor of professional audio-visual solutions for Canada. They provide their partners with access to top-tier brands, dedicated support, and a commitment to education and industry excellence.