(March 21, 2024) Atlantic Technology has announced the all-new 8600i Series, the latest iteration of its top-line 8600 range of loudspeakers. This release is loaded with design updates and technology enhancements, reflecting the company's continuing efforts to refine its offerings and cater to performance parameters enthusiasts expect from flagship products.
The Tower 8600iLR's refreshed, internally braced, non-resonant MDF cabinet features rounded front and top edges to reduce diffraction, while painted front and rear baffles replace what was a vinyl covering. A bowed, magnetically attached, perforated metal grille also combats diffraction issues, delivering a cleaner, more precise sound. Behind the grille is a scrim for a seamless appearance and protection of the drivers, with a modest crossbar to ensure rigidity.
The speaker's modernized plinth can accommodate both feet and spikes, making it hardwood and carpet-friendly. And to complete the visual package, a beveled top plate of smoked glass is included.
Internally, Atlantic Technology's engineers have been hard at work improving the motor design of the 8600iLR's dual active 8-inch woofers, which mate with two passive woofers to deliver bass that digs down to 30Hz. The crossover design is also redesigned, benefiting from upgraded components with greater tolerances. New driver positioning also finds the 8600iLR’s tweeter and midranges seated higher than before, better aligning with the ear height of a seated listener. All three are mounted on a brushed aluminum plate baffle, available in aluminum (white cabinet) or anthracite (black cabinet).
The 8600iC center-channel speaker shares many of the 8600iLR's design features and components, ensuring a consistent sound field in a multi-speaker setup. As compared to its elder brother, the 8600iC has seen a reduction in woofer count, moving from four to two 8" drivers, which reflects an optimization in design for balanced sound output.
As a whole, retained features from the series' predecessors, such as a proprietary Low-Resonance Tweeter (LRT) and customizable output controls, like a three-position tweeter output switch and a location placement selector, allow owners to tailor the speakers' performance to specific environments; the speakers can be physically tuned to play out in a room or behind a perforated screen.
The 8600i series is available in two finishes: gloss white and black. Pricing for the 8600iLR ($6,000/pair) and 8600iC ($2,000) remains consistent with previous models.
You can buy these new speakers directly from Atlantic Technology – be sure to use the code "Nirvana" at checkout to save 15% off your entire order!
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