Atlantic Technology just introduced two in-wall loudspeakers for discrete home theater installations. The new models, the IW-110LCR and IW-105LCR, are designed to be installed in the wall adjacent to flat screen TV’s or video projection screens. Their paintable grilles can be matched to the wall color for an unobtrusive presentation.
While these speakers aim to be invisible, Atlantic Technology claims the sound quality presentation is stunning. Both speakers use premium 6-1/2-inch mineral-damped polymer woofers, a 1-inch dome tweeter, and premium first-order 3500 Hz crossover network. These combine to deliver powerful sound effects, and provide a coherent flow of articulate dialog with the movie action. They deliver powerful bass and clear, airy highs for equal application as music and theater speakers. A three-step tweeter level switch allows users to tailor the high frequency sound for optimal room acoustics, and computer-designed wave-guides optimize treble distribution.
The IW-105LCR incorporates a 6.5-inch mineral damped polymer driver cone for accurate midrange/bass reproduction for minimal distortion. The 1″ dome tweeter is mounted in a shallow waveguide aperture which shapes the speakers’ radiation pattern for optimal wide-angle coverage of the listening area. A front mounted highfrequency level control allows precise adjustment of the speaker’s sound in any room.
The Atlantic Technology IW-110LCR (bigger model) uses a MTM (midrange-tweeter-midrange) driver configuration with two woofers bracketing the tweeter. When mounted vertically, this tends to create a broader soundstage ideal for left and right speakers. Mounted horizontally, it is an excellent center-channel speaker. With its added woofer, the IW-110LCR, has the highest bass performance and efficiency of the two models. With its single woofer, the Atlantic Technology IW-105LCR offers proportional performance in a lower-priced package. Both models feature magnetic mounting grilles that prevent wall damage common to pry-off grilles. The speakers include built-in mounting clamps that make for quick and easy installation.
Because of their wide-range, linear frequency response and robust construction, Atlantic says the IW-110LCR performs equally well in a variety of roles: as the LCR front channels of a home theater system, as hidden side/back surround speakers in a home theater system or as stereo music speakers in a whole-house music system. A 3-position High Frequency switch located on the front baffle lets the user tailor the speaker’s sound to the room’s acoustics or to adjust the HF balance for personal taste. For the perfect finishing touch, it incorporates a precision tweeter waveguide, which optimizes the tweeter’s dispersion and provides perfect coverage of the listening area.
Price and Availability (available February 2016)
- Atlantic Technology IW-110LCR in-wall speakers – $500
- Atlantic Technology IW-105LCR in-wall speakers – $350
Specifications: | IW-105LCR | IW110LCR |
Type | Two-way speaker | Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange |
Optimum Wall Volume | 0.5 – 1 cu ft | 0.75 – 1.5 cu ft |
Woofer | 6 1/2″ Mineral-Damped Polymer | (2) 6 1/2″ Mineral-Damped Polymer |
Tweeters | 1″ Dome | 1″ Dome |
Frequency Response | 56Hz-20kHz 3dB | 52Hz- 20kHz 3dB |
Sensitivity | 87dB | 89dB |
Recommended Power | 25-125 Watts RMS | 25-150 Watts RMS |
Crossover | 3,500Hz, 1st Order | 3,500Hz, 1st Order |
Impedance | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms |
Dimensions W/grille | 8 5/8″ x 12 5/8″ (220 x 320 mm) | 8 5/8″ x 19 5/16″ (220 x 490 mm) |
Cutout Dimensions | 7 1/4″ x 11 1/4″ (185 x285 mm) | 7 1/4″ x 17 7/8″ (185 x455 mm) |
Net Weight (ea) | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) | 7.1lbs (3.2 kg) |
New-construction kit | IN-NC-105LCR | IN-NC-110LCR |
MSRP | $350 each | $500 each |