Audio Video News

Acoustic Research, one of the most well known names in American audio, is also a major player in the home theater arena. The Lake Mary, Fl-based speaker manufacturer has recently introduced the HC6 system, a six-piece surround array in glossy piano black, with a suggested price below $800.

The HC6 features four two-way satellite speakers, a center channel speaker, and a powered subwoofer with an 8" long-throw driver. Although the system is priced below many stand-alone subwoofers or center channel speakers, AR claims that it is capable of "stunning clarity, incredible voice reproduction and extraordinary flat frequency response," in keeping with AR's tradition of great sound at a reasonable price.

Intended to fit easily in to a wide variety of decors, the 8-ohm, ported HC6 satellites feature 1" tweeters and 3.5" midrange/woofers, are magnetically shielded to prevent video distortion, and are rated to play from 80Hz to 20kHz, with a sensitivity rating of 89dB. The finished enclosures measure only 8" tall x 5 3/8" wide. The center channel, measuring 6" H x 13" W x 6 3/4" D, is a sealed box with two 4" woofers and a single 1" tweeter, and is also magnetically shielded. Recommended amplifier power for the center channel and satellites is 20-100 watts.

The subwoofer is a ported, tuned enclosure with a 100-watt amplifier driving an 8" long-throw woofer. Frequency response is 28Hz-150Hz (± 3dB); a variable crossover control can be set anywhere from 50Hz to 150Hz. The subwoofer is also rather compact, measuring only 16 1/8 " H x 10 1/2" W x 14 3/8" D. Suggested retail on the HC6 system is $799, available now at Acoustic Research dealers everywhere. AR can be reached by telephone at 800-969-2748.