IF you’re a disciple of the ATC approach to hi-fi and have wondered how this UK company’s speakers would fare in a full 5.1 home theatre system, well, here are the missing links for such a set-up – two new centre-channel speakers, the C1C and C3C.
Both are designed to match, sonically and visually, ATC’s lower range (and highly acclaimed) passive speakers, the SCM7 and SCM11.
The company’s reputation for tonal accuracy is legendary (given that it also makes a range of studio monitors) and the new centre-channel units promise all-around faithfulness to the source signal.
Promised are “dynamic wide-bandwidth accuracy and outstanding vocal intelligibility” that will appeal to audiophile film and music devotees. Just add the C1 active subwoofer.
The new units feature ATC’s proprietary SH25-76 dual-suspension tweeter with a precision-machined 5.5mm rigid alloy waveguide. The two mid-bass drivers are the same as those used in the stereo speakers (or L/R in this case).
The CIC has the 125mm ATC mid/bass driver of the SCM7, featuring a 45mm soft dome while the C3C uses the SCM11’s CLD 150mm unit incorporating a 45mm soft dome.
The crossovers for both are new and developed from the SCM7 and SCM11 designs.
According to ATC, “the centre-channel systems have an impedance curve free from low values and extreme phase angles, presenting an easy load for amplifiers of 75 to 300 watts.”
The CIC and C3C are hand-finished in either real cherry-wood or black ash veneers; both speakers are made entirely in-house and come with a six-year warranty.
Prices are: C1C – £680 / C3C – £1,039 / C1 Sub – £1,312 / C1 5.1 system – £3,250 / C3 5.11 system – £3,925. The system prices are a 10% saving over the individual component prices.
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