Atlantic Technology Introduces THXÆ Ultra-Certified In-Wall Speaker System
Expanding on their award-winning IWTS (In-Wall Theatre Systems) product line, Atlantic Technology proudly introduces the System 20, a sophisticated music and home theatre speaker package closely based on the company's award winning THX UltraÆ-certified System 370. System 20 answers the growing need for an unobtrusive decor-friendly loudspeaker package whose performance rivals that of the finest free-standing loudspeakers available. System 20 combines the cosmetic benefits and minimal intrusiveness of in-wall design with performance capability that merits Lucasfilm THX's coveted THX Ultra certification. Thanks to a clever rotating and tilting midrange/tweeter baffle, the front satellites are even certified for both vertical and horizontal installation. System 20 comprises the System 20 LCR (front channel satellite) and the System 20 SR (switchable dipole/bipole surround speaker). In particular, the 20 SR is notable because it can be flush-mounted in a standard two-by-four studded wall with 16-inch centers, and it has earned THX Ultra certification. Currently Atlantic recommends using its 372 PBM THX Ultra-certified subwoofer to complete a fully THX-certified System 20 installation. ""Due to a number of technical issues, producing in-wall speakers that truly perform well poses unique design challenges."" said Peter Tribeman, President of Atlantic Technology. ""We spent a great deal of engineering time making sure System 20's components deliver the kind of performance and ëbang for the buckí that we've become famous for. Achieving this level of quality ëin wallí is very difficult, so System 20 evolved slowly over months of critical listening supported by meticulous measurements. System 20 is not an in-wall speaker system that happens to sound good, it is superb loudspeaker systems that happens to disappear into a wall."" System 20 LCR is a three way design with a ""D'Appolito"" (midrange/tweeter/midrange) module that can be rotated 90 degrees for horizontal installation. The mid-high baffle can also be tilted 5 degrees up or down to adjust for less than ideal placement. Front mounted High Frequency and Mid Frequency level controls allow further tailoring of the system's sonic balance. The 1-inch natural silk dome tweeter and dual 3 1/2-inch CCMG (Coated Composite Molded Graphite) midrange drivers are arranged to control vertical and enhance horizontal dispersion, thus minimizing potentially adverse effects on dialogue clarity. Bass frequencies are provided by a single long throw 8-inch CCMG woofer. This cone material is very rigid yet well damped and benefits from a molded rubber surround and large voice coil/magnet assembly for linear response. The crossover is a sophisticated ""steep slope"" third order design (18dB/octave) using heavy copper traces for maximum signal transfer, Pure Copper air-core inductors, precision resistors, and low DA capacitors for enhanced sound quality. Amplifier connections are made with heavy duty, gold plated spring-loaded connectors that accepts bare wire as heavy as 8-gauge, industry-standard banana plugs, or pin terminations. The System 20 SR THX Ultra surround speaker offers outstanding surround performance for such a compact, flush-mounted system. In terms of acoustics, it is a perfect companion to any Atlantic Technology home theatre system or even those of other manufacturers. The driver complement consists of two 5.25-inch CCMG woofers and two _-inch silk dome tweeters. The System 20 SR will normally be operated as a Frequency Enhanced Dipole creating the diffuse, non-directional soundfield dipoles are known for. Still, it maintains full range output, as only one woofer operates below 200Hz. A front-mounted switch changes System 20 SR to bipole operation (all drivers in-phase) for those few installations where speaker placement issues defeat the benefits of dipole surrounds. A major component of the System 20's appeal is its flexibility and ease of installation. Mounting is accomplished with a separate rear mounting flange that attaches directly to the wall. Included ""wings"" transform the flange into a full ""rough in"" kit when needed for new construction. An optional sealed in-wall enclosure for the LCR satellite assures ideal cavity volume (1 cubic foot) and isolates a measure of sound from adjacent rooms. Painted white metal grilles and included paint shields allow easy custom finishes. The System 20 will be available in March 2000. The estimated street prices will be about $799 each for the System 20 LCR and $1199 per pair for the System 20 SR. Atlantic Technology designs and manufactures high quality and high value loudspeaker systems for audio and home theatre applications.