Audio Video News

Let's face it. Plenty of movie and music fans aren't gearheads. For those who aren't, audio and video equipment is simply a means toward an end. They prefer equipment that literally disappears.

Some electronics manufacturers recognize the value of the non-technophile consumer. Atlantic Technology, for example, has introduced a new series of high-performance in-wall loudspeakers called the System 5 with just this market in mind. Intended to work equally well as full-range stereo speakers, or in surround sound applications, the System 5 is designed for consumers who want speakers that integrate seamlessly with their interior decor without sacrificing sound quality.

Each System 5 speaker features a swivel-mounted 1-inch silk dome fluid cooled tweeter, which can be aimed for optimum dispersion characteristics. Atlantic Technology has provided a front-mounted high-frequency level control for room acoustic compensation, which adjusts tweeter output by a factor of 2 dB up or down. A long-throw 6.5" IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) woofer provides dynamic bass performance. The woofer includes a powerful magnetically shielded motor, high temperature voice coil, and long throw half-roll rubber surround, for powerful accurate response in a compact in-wall package.

Used as a center channel speaker, the System 5 can be mounted horizontally or vertically above or below the video monitor. System 5 speakers can be easily installed in any standard construction wall. Once the speaker is positioned in the wall cutout, rotating mounting clamps are tightened to lock the speaker tightly against the wallboard. The comprehensive instruction manual also includes directions for improving the acoustic characteristics of the wall cavity, or for building a dedicated in-wall enclosure.

Combined with Atlantic Technology's subwoofers and other in-wall speakers to create a variety of stereo and multi-channel surround sound arrangements, the System 5 is said to be "ideal for use as the front left, center, and right speakers, and when combined with the IWTS-6 CMS and 8 CMS ceiling-mount TriMode surround speakers and a subwoofer, forms an impressive 5.1-channel speaker system that consumes minimum floor space."

The System 5 can be used as a surround speaker when mounted off-axis, above and behind the listener, as any direct radiator surround should be. It can also be paired with Atlantic's flush mount Dipole/Bipole System 10e SR surround for superior film soundtrack and multi-channel music reproduction. Priced at $275 each, System 5 in-wall speakers are available from authorized Atlantic Technology dealers and custom installation specialists.