Atlantic Technology H-PAS Bookshelf Speakers First Look

Atlantic Technology showed off a prototype compact bookshelf loudspeaker using the company's revolutionary H-PAS bass technology at the 2010 CEDIA Expo. This is the first time industry insiders were able to see a bookshelf version of the well-regarded AT-1 H-PAS floorstanding speakers. We remember the first time we got a look at the larger models - it was easy to wnder just where exactly all that bass was coming from.

Atlantic Technology's H-PAS technology produces much higher levels of deep, low distortion bass than is possible with conventional speakers of the same size.  While the AT-1's are available at retail, the new bookshelf models are still awaiting final production scheduling and tweaking. The company is also in the process of licensing H-PAS technology to a range of loudspeaker and consumer electronics manufacturers.

The prototype of the new Atlantic Technology AT-2 is less than 16 inches tall and has an interior acoustic volume of less than 2/3-cubic foot, yet it delivers full, rich bass response down to 39Hz at -3dB. This is exceptional bass performance for such a small speaker.

"The H-PAS algorithm has proven remarkably versatile as we scale it up and down. These new little bookshelf speakers are going to turn quite a few heads. We've been working both with our H-PAS licensees and our own engineers to produce a wide range of systems, from large high-end speakers to desktop models. The AT2’s will demonstrate to all what is possible in a smaller cabinet."

- Peter Tribeman, president of Atlantic Technology

H-PAS technology is the result of a collaborative effort between Atlantic Technology and Phil Clements of Solus/Clements Loudspeakers, who first recognized that there were ways to beat the old "Iron Law" of acoustics, which for over 50 years has established a fixed relationship between the cabinet size, porting, and bass response of loudspeakers. Working jointly with Clements, an engineering team at Atlantic was able to mathematically model Clements' discoveries and make it possible to apply H-PAS design parameters to a wide range of speaker designs.  

The characteristic performance of H-PAS allows exceptionally deep bass response with very low distortion relative to speaker size. The H-PAS-enabled low frequency reproduction is notable for its power, clarity and impact, with none of the often muddy, indistinct mid- and lower-bass anomalies that characterize many other designs.

The prototype version of Atlantic Technology’s upcoming AT-2 bookshelf loudspeaker uses a single 5-1/4" long-excursion woofer and the same 1-1/8" Low Resonance Tweeter (LRT) used in the AT-1. It has a crossover frequency of 2,100 Hz, which is much lower than most conventional two-way speakers, affording much wider horizontal midrange dispersion. The cabinet dimensions are just 8-3/4" wide by 15-5/8" high 12-1/4" deep (222 x 396 x 310mm).

Atlantic Technology expects to begin production early in 2011 with pricing TBA.

About Atlantic Technology
From its inception in 1989, Atlantic Technology's mission has been to produce home entertainment products that exemplify the very best in both performance and value. The company specializes in complete high-performance multi-channel speaker systems, state-of-the-art home theater electronics components, and products for custom audio/video installation. For more information on Atlantic Technology and its many fine products for home theater and custom audio/video installation, visit www.atlantictechnology.com or call 781-762-6300.

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