Atlantic Technology

TEST REPORT

DANIEL KUMIN

System 4200 Home Theater Speakers

PHOTOS BY TONY CORDOZA

igh-tech wonders like the DVD Hand Dolby Digital get much of the credit, but the home theater revolution owes just as much to a more mundane development: compact, affordable subwoofer/

satellite speaker systems. Indeed, sub/sat arrays with six, seven, and even eight speakers are now the home theater stan- dard, found in “normal” homes as often as in those of over-the-top A/V enthusiasts.

Boston’s Atlantic Technology can prob- ably take as much credit as any manufac- turer for furthering this trend. From its in- ception 15 years ago, all of its speaker sys- tems have been sub/sat arrays. As home theater sound has evolved, Atlantic Tech’s offerings have grown ever more sophisti- cated. Case in point is its new System 4200, a THX Select-certiﬁed suite of com- pact satellites and a not-so-compact sub- woofer. THX certiﬁcation is a sort of Good

Housekeeping seal that guarantees the sys- tem has dispersion characteristics consid- ered by Lucasﬁlm to be optimum for home theater playback.

The 4200 array is clearly descended from previous Atlantic Technology speak- ers, but its manufacturer claims several im- portant distinctions for it beyond the new slanted-back cabinets. First, the drivers are said to be the same ones used in Atlantic Tech’s $17,000 ﬂagship System 8200.

Second, the System 4200 features C.O.R.E. (Custom Optimized Room En- hanced) technology to make it unusually adaptable to system conditions and room acoustics. The three front speakers have both a Boundary Compensation switch (to smooth out the sound if they’re installed close to a wall or a big TV screen) and a three-position treble adjustment. The sur- round speakers can be switched between dipole and bipole operation via toggles un-

der the metal-screen grilles, which attach to curiously strong magnets in the four cor- ners. Niftoid!

The metal grilles on all the satellites are also a dramatic visual improvement over the boring black knit on many previous At- lantic Technology speakers. But the most obvious innovation is the removable deco- rative side panels, which bring cellphone fashion thinking to home theater. With the front speakers and subwoofer, you can choose between gloss black, maple, or matte silver. Snapping panels in place was a cinch, and they looked great.

I set up the system as usual: front L/R speakers on stands, the center speaker on top of my TV, and the surrounds (set in their dipole mode, initially) on high, side- wall shelves. Though the 642 SB subwoof- er has a 12-inch driver, it’s barely smaller than my everyday 15-incher. I placed it in the best location in my room, which is to

52 MAY 2004 SOUND & VISION

www.soundandvisionmag.com

System 4200 specifications

The Atlantic Technology System 4200 is a state-of-the-art home audio solution designed to deliver immersive sound quality that enriches any entertainment experience. Recognized for its user-friendly setup and remarkable performance, the System 4200 is particularly aimed at home theater enthusiasts seeking both high fidelity and dynamic audio range.

One of the main features of the System 4200 is its compact two-way satellite speakers. These speakers are engineered to provide a broad soundstage while occupying minimal space, making them ideal for smaller rooms or modern living spaces. They utilize a proprietary 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer that delivers deep bass, complemented by a 1-inch silk dome tweeter for crystal-clear highs. The result is a well-rounded sound profile that enhances movies, music, and gaming.

The system also includes a powerful 10-inch powered subwoofer that features a built-in 200-watt amplifier. This subwoofer is designed to provide thunderous bass that you can feel, adding depth and realism to your sound experience. It features adjustable crossover and volume controls, allowing users to tailor the bass response to fit their specific room acoustics and personal preferences.

In terms of connectivity, the Atlantic Technology System 4200 offers versatile options. It includes both traditional wired connections and wireless capabilities, making it compatible with a variety of devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. This flexibility ensures that users can easily integrate the system into their existing audio setup without any hassle.

Another key characteristic of the System 4200 is its advanced technology. The speakers are designed with dedicated internal bracing to minimize cabinet resonance, thereby reducing distortion and enhancing sound clarity. The system is also compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, allowing for a truly immersive surround sound experience that places you right in the middle of the action during movies or gameplay.

Lastly, the Atlantic Technology System 4200 is built with durability in mind. The cabinets are constructed from high-density MDF, which not only reduces vibration but also contributes to a sleek, modern aesthetic. Whether you're hosting a movie night or enjoying your favorite music, the System 4200 promises to provide an exceptional audio experience that meets the demands of discerning audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Atlantic Technology manual Atlantic Technology, System 4200 Home Theater Speakers

Models: System 4200

DANIEL KUMIN