Atlantic Technology In-Wall THX Ultra Subwoofers Deliver Big Bass Without Big Boxes

2-Jan-02

Atlantic Technology has introduced the world's first in-wall subwoofer system that meets stringent THXÆ Ultra requirements and fits into a 2 x 4 studded wall cavity. Painstaking acoustic design and the use of sophisticated electronic processing make this possibly the most flexible subwoofer on the market. Its feature set allows for both correction of room acoustic anomalies, and variations in the bass response of different program materials, yet it consumes zero floor space. Each Atlantic Technology Sub 8 in-wall enclosure is 84 inches tall, 14 inches wide and 3-1/2 inches deep, with a 17-13/16 x 9-3/8 inch cut-out dimension for the woofer module. Designed for installation before the sheetrock goes on, only a discrete grille is visible at knee-level in the room. While the grill extends 1-1/2 inches into the room to accommodate the high excursion of the woofers, its smoothly-radiused compound curves make it very inconspicuous. Each braced MDF enclosure accommodates a dual 8-inch long-throw woofer assembly, providing roughly the same cone area as a single 12-inch woofer, but with better control and lower distortion. These unique drivers sport a stiff and well-damped Coated Composite Molded Graphite cone, with an unusually strong cone-reinforcing concave dust cap. The vented eight-pound motor and 1.5-inch vented multi-layer voice coil are more typical of those found on a 15-inch driver.The dual woofer system is THX Ultra-certified, and includes the SA 700 THX Ultra servo-controlled amplifier/parametric equalizer, which delivers 350 watts RMS to each of the two channels. A single woofer system is also available with a dedicated single-channel SA 350 unit, rated at 350 watts RMS. These are used not only to power and control the woofers but also to adjust for room acoustics and tailor the sound to the listener's taste.Each channel of the discrete Class G SA 350 and SA 700 is capable of delivering IHF peak output in excess of 550 watts. Each channel also includes a single-band parametric equalizer that can be set to attenuate any problem frequency between 25 Hz and 125 Hz to reduce the negative effects that standing waves create in the vast majority of rooms. A four-position phase control (0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees) is remarkably effective in dealing with interactions between the subwoofer(s), the satellites, and the room. The built-in, low-pass adjustable crossovers have a THX/Bypass setting, while the main level controls have a fixed THX position as well. Each channel of these systems has a RCA line-level input and line-level throughput, and a speaker level input.These amplifier/equalizers also offer five preset EQ curves that are carefully designed to enhance the sound of both music and movies. One is a Reset (EQ5) that resets the woofer to the THX/flat response curve, while at the same time restoring the Remote Level Trim to the fixed/THX position. Another improves ""late night"" listening by gently boosting the mid bass to compensate for our ear's lack of bass sensitivity at lower volume levels (EQ4). The system includes a Test and Information CD, co-produced by Atlantic Technology and Sencore, which holds a wealth of information about sound, room acoustics, and home theatre setup. Also included are several room mode calculators and a complete training section for using Sencore's precision audio test meter, the SP 295. This disc alone normally retails for $395 as a training adjunct for Sencore's test equipment, but is included free with the Atlantic Technology woofer system.An infrared remote control allows the user to select among the EQ settings (with direct access) and trim the subwoofer's volume +/-10 dB in 1 dB steps. All remote control functions can also be accessed through a hardwire connector on the back panel, making hookup with relay-driven, whole-house control systems (Crestron, AMX, etc.) a simple task.The Atlantic Technology In-Wall Subwoofer System is currently available from Atlantic Technology dealers. A single Sub 8 and SA 350 has an estimated street price of $2,200. The THX Ultra, dual Sub 8 and SA 700 combination will be $3,600. For more information about Atlantic Technology visit www.atlantictechnology.com.

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