Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

ATC’s New C4 Sub Mk 2 Subwoofer Has New Amp and 12-inch Driver

ATC has made substantial improvements to their middle-of-the-range subwoofer which include a new 300-watt Class A/B amplifier and custom built 12-inch Sub-bass Driver.

ATC C4 Sub Mk2 Subwoofer without grille

The subwoofer category has grown exponentially over the past decade with an extremely wide range of options from almost every high-end loudspeaker manufacturer.

One can spend anywhere from $400 to $50,000 on a single subwoofer and whist that might seem extreme for a component that has a rather limited function — it’s one that can positively or negatively impact the overall sound of your system if you select the wrong one or don’t take the time to experiment with placement.

There is also some merit to the concept of selecting one from the same brand as your primary loudspeakers because the voicing is likely to be very similar.

That is especially true for something like the new ATC C4 Sub MK 2.

Acoustic Transducer Company (ATC) has just introduced the C4 Sub Mk 2 active subwoofer system with a starting price of $5,999 USD depending on the finish. Although the price is rather steep, it’s half the cost of the model it replaces!

The new C4 Sub Mk2 follows the original C4 Sub’s design ethos to naturally enhance low-frequency response across ATC’s line of active/passive speakers (SCM19, SCM20, SCM40, SCM50 and SCM100) without masking details or changing the tonal character in the upper bass/lower mid-range.

ATC C4 Sub Mk2 Subwoofer with grille
ATC C4 Sub Mk2 Subwoofer

It also provides an upgrade path to customers owning smaller loudspeakers and lacking space for larger stereo loudspeakers whilst also strengthening ATC’s options for home theater systems.

Designed to combine the highest standards of driver and electronics engineering in a single system, the C4 Sub Mk 2 deploys the all-new proprietary 12-inch SS75-314SC sub-bass driver with a newly developed 300W class AB amplifier.

Both elements hand-built and installed within a substantial cabinet at the company’s Stroud-based production HQ.

Tip: ATC’s subwoofer line currently consists of the smaller C1 Sub Mk2 ($2,999) and larger C6 Sub ($14,999).

New ATC Sub-Bass Driver

The C4 Sub Mk 2 features the new SS75-314SC sub-bass driver, the first to be purpose-built for an ATC sub-bass system and developed by the R&D team to reproduce the lowest four octaves of the audio band.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

ATC SS75-314SC Sub-bass Driver
ATC SS75-314SC Sub-bass Driver

In order to achieve this the design exploits ATC’s signature long-gap/short-coil configuration to its natural limits with an exceptionally long 30mm magnetic gap, surrounded by a 6-inch/150mm N48M Neodymium magnet – the most powerful ever assembled by ATC and a first for the company.

In support, the wholly redesigned motor system features a new rubber roll-surround for high excursion capability, a new spider for optimized compliance geometry, and high flow motor venting for low noise and compression.

As well as minimizing distortion, this unprecedented short-coil long-gap configuration ensures the voice coil remains within the motor structure – even at high drive levels – maximizing cooling, reducing power compression, and improving reliability. Turbulent air noise within the driver is minimized by a large, flared vent running through the center of the motor structure, which has the added benefit of increasing voice coil and motor cooling.

Consequently, the C4 Sub Mk2 delivers an extended low-frequency response while avoiding electronic equalization, unlike many subwoofers available today. Instead, the more elegant combination of exceptional transducer engineering and a marginally larger cabinet volume is used. The simplicity of this approach reduces phase shift and group delay, aiding the integration of the sub with the partnering loudspeakers.

In addition, multiple subs can be employed to further elevate performance in larger rooms or when partnering larger loudspeakers. Buffered linkable inputs and outputs make connection of multiple subs easy.

ATC C4 Sub Mk2 Rear Panel

New 300W ATC Amplifier

The all-new 300W class AB design is precisely optimized to the requirements of the new driver, resulting in fast, dynamic bass with minimal coloration. Two balanced line inputs provide connectivity for stereo or AV/home cinema systems while two balanced outputs are available to feed partnering ‘main’ stereo loudspeakers or to ‘daisy-chain’ multiple subs.

Low-pass filters are analogue, 4th order Linkwitz-Riley, with filter frequency options ensuring optimal integration with partnering speakers. In addition, an industry-standard 80Hz low-pass filter and an ‘off’ option (for use with external processing) is joined by a polarity switch, variable 180° phase adjustment and a stepped attenuator over a 21 dB range for precise level matching.

Tip: The previous generation ATC C4 Sub used 450-watt Class G amplifier.

Cabinet

ATC C4 Sub Mk2 Subwoofer without grille in burr poplar finish
ATC C4 Sub Mk2 in Burr Poplar Finish

Hand-built and finished at ATC’s cabinet factory and sharing styling with the brand’s ‘Classic’ and ‘Tower’ series loudspeakers, the C4 Sub Mk 2’s 70-liter cabinet employs 25mm/1-inch-thick panels and heavy bracing.

It’s available in standard Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak real-wood veneers, as well as Satin Black and Satin White finishes, or in premium Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, and Pippy Oak real-wood veneers, with the option of high gloss over veneers and black/white piano lacquers also available.

Comparison

C1 Sub Mk2C4 Sub Mk2C6 Sub
MSRP$2,999$5,999$14,999
Driver314 mm (12”)314 mm (12”)375 mm (15”)
LF Cut Off (-6dB)25Hz22Hz20Hz
Max SPL103dB110dB115dB
Amplifier output @ 8Ω200W300W450W
Amplifier typeClass A/BClass A/BClass G
User ControlsGain, Low Pass Frequency, Polarity, PhaseGain, Low Pass Frequency, Polarity, PhaseGain, Low Pass Frequency, Polarity, Phase
InputsStereo High Level Binding Posts
Stereo Line Level RCA/Phono
2 x Male XLR
Footswitch (Input & Thru)
2 x Male XLR
OutputsMono Summed Line Level RCA/Phono2 x Male XLR
Height450 mm (17.72”)568 mm (22.31”)624 mm (24.6”)
Width360 mm (14.17”)464 mm (18.25”)580 mm (22.8”)
Depth400 mm (15.75”)500 mm (19.69”)580 mm (22.8”)
Weight26.2 kg (57.64 lbs)42 kg (92.6 lbs)60 kg (132 lbs)

Pricing & Availability

The ATC C4 Sub Mk 2 subwoofer will be available immediately in standard finishes for $5,999 USD, which includes Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak real-wood veneers, as well as Satin Black and Satin White.

Premium finishes in Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, and Pippy Oak real-wood veneers are available for an extra $1,000 charge.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

A premium high gloss finish and piano black or white can be order for an extra $2,700 – $3,000 per pair over standard pricing.

For more information: lonemountainaudio.com

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Audioengine Next Gen B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver

Digital Music Systems

The Audioengine B1 has been updated with Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive, and 32-bit Audio, but still has the same $189 price tag

Valerion VisionMaster Max Lifestyle Projectors Best in Show CES 2025 Valerion VisionMaster Max Lifestyle Projectors Best in Show CES 2025

New Products

Sister Company to UST Projector Maker AWOL, Valerion has a line of standard throw projectors that might be just right for you

FiiO JM21 DAP Lifestyle FiiO JM21 DAP Lifestyle

DAPs

The FiiO JM21 portable digital audio player supports high-quality music playback at an extremely low price.

Hisense L9Q UST Projector Best in Show CES 2025 Hisense L9Q UST Projector Best in Show CES 2025

New Products

The Hisense L9Q wins eCoustics Best in Show at CES 2025 in the UST Projector category

FiiO S15 Music Streamer in Black and Silver FiiO S15 Music Streamer in Black and Silver

Digital Music Systems

At $999, the FiiO S15 Network Music Streamer offers up to 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512 via USB, with support for Optical, HDMI and Bluetooth.

Lenco Turntables 2025 Lenco Turntables 2025

New Products

Priced below $500, Lenco's 2025 turntable lineup features Bluetooth transmission, pre-installed Audio-Technica phono cartridges, and switchable phono sections.

Gift Ideas?

Christmas Gift Guide 2024 for Hi-Fi, Headphones and Home Theater

Gift Guides

From headphones to home theater, these high performance audio gifts will exceed the expectation of any movie or music lover on your list.

You May Also Like

Articles

Starting at $22,499 per pair, the ATC SCM50ASL Active Speakers take your music listening experience to a whole new level.

Articles

Improve the performance of your stereo or home theater system with our favorite subwoofers from RSL, SVS and JBL for any budget.

New Products

At $43,600, Grimani Systems' Psi v3 is four subwoofer system that goes in each corner of a home theater for generating up to 115...

Daily Deals

Our favorite subwoofers on sale for Black Friday 2024 that we would actually buy for ourselves or recommend to family and friends.

News

Customers in Australia can now purchase direct from RSL Speakers and get free shipping, faster delivery and a 30-day in-home trial.

New Products

At $35,000, the new McIntosh PS1K subwoofer combines 1,000-watts of Class D power with dual 13-inch drivers.

Ask an Expert

The ultimate guide to choosing a SVS subwoofer for home theater or high fidelity music listening? All 16 models compared!

New Products

At $699, the Acoustic Energy AE Sub is 12-inch subwoofer packing 250-watts of power with low bass extension down to 26Hz.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers