ATC has developed two new centre channel speakers for multi-channel system applications. Available in two sizes and emulating their SCM7 and SCM11 loudspeaker counterparts, the new C1C and C3C designs “will deliver dynamic wide-bandwidth accuracy and outstanding vocal intelligibility” at the centre of compact 5.1 channel ATC systems for audiophile film and music devotees.

Matching the monitors, the C1C and C3C driver systems feature ATC’s SH25-76 dual-suspension tweeter that’s designed and built in-house. The tweeter’s 15,000 gauss (1.5 tesla) neodymium magnet has a black heat-treated top plate, which dissipates heat away from the voice coil to maintain high power handling and low power compression. A precision-machined 5.5mm rigid alloy waveguide provides optimum dispersion, a flat on-axis frequency response and resonance-free operation.

In each centre-channel system the tweeter sits between two mid-bass drivers identical in design to those employed by the corresponding L/R main loudspeaker. The CIC utilises the 125mm ATC mid/bass driver of the SCM7, featuring a 45mm soft dome and a huge 3.5kg high-energy magnet system, which includes a 45mm ribbon wire voice coil, milled and formed by ATC. The new C3C design uses the SCM11’s CLD 150mm mid-bass driver incorporating a 45mm soft dome. Exclusive to ATC, Constrained Layer Damping offers reduced harmonic distortion between 300Hz and 3 kHz, an extended frequency response and improved off-axis performance.

The new C1C and C3C systems incorporate new crossovers developed from the SCM7 and SCM11 designs, involving metallised polypropylene capacitors, large air cored inductors and ceramic wire-round resistors. Consequently, and in common with the SCM7 and SCM11, the centre-channel systems exhibit an impedance curve free from low values and extreme phase angles, presenting an easy load for amplifiers of 75 to 300 watts.

ATC’s new 5.1 channel systems

Two new compact ATC 5.1 channel speaker systems combine the C1C and C3C with the SCM7, SCM11 and ATC ‘C1 sub’ active subwoofer to energise multichannel applications. Deploying identical high performance, low distortion acoustic design throughout, the C1 System comprises four SCM7s, the C1C, and the C1 Sub. The C3 system unites the C3C with matching SCM11s in the front, and for ‘family-friendly’ installation, the SCM7s in the surround positions.

ATC’s C1 Sub active subwoofer is a compact, substantially braced design, incorporating a hand-built 12” (314mm) ATC bass driver and a fully discrete ATC 200W MOSFET power amplifier. Supplied with full remote and fascia mounted control over crossover frequency, gain and phase, its response may be calibrated for customised music and home theatre modes. Line and speaker level inputs are supplied together with a 12V trigger jack.

All system components are hand-finished in either real cherry-wood or black ash veneers.

Manufactured entirely in-house, ATC’s C1C and C3C centre-channel designs offer the ownership of hand-built, finely-engineered speaker systems, world renowned for audio accuracy. Like all ATC products, the new centre and 5.1 channel systems are backed by a six-year warranty. 

Specifications

C1C:

Drivers: HF ATC 25mm Neodymium, Mid/LF 125mm/5”

Matched Response: +/- 0.5dB; Frequency Response (-6dB): 57Hz–22kHz; Max SPL: 103dB Sensitivity: 86dB/W @ 1metre

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohm

Recommended Power Amplifier: 75 to 300 watts

Crossover Frequency: 2.5kHz

Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 161x410x280mm (grill adds 28mm depth)

Weight: 12kg

C3C:

Drivers: HF ATC 25mm Neodymium, Mid/LF 150mm/6” CLD

Matched Response: +/- 0.5dB

Frequency Response (-6dB): 54Hz–22kHz

Max SPL: 108dB

Sensitivity: 88dB /W @ 1metre

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohm;

Recommended Power Amplifier: 75 to 300 watts

Crossover Frequency: 2.2kHz

Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 230x500x303mm (grill adds 28mm depth); Weight: 18kgs.

C1 Sub:

Driver: 314mm/12”

Frequency response (-6dB): 20Hz-250Hz

Max SPL: 103dB

Amplifier output: 200 watts;

Dimensions (HxWxD) 450x358x358mm

Weight: 24kg

UK retail price (inc VAT) each: C1C £680; C3C £1039; C1 Sub £1312

C1 System (4 x SCM7, 1 x C1C, 1 x C1 Sub) £3250

C3 System (2 x SCM11, 1 x C3C, 2 x SCM7, 1 x C1 Sub) £3925 

System prices present a 10% saving over the individual component prices, when purchased separately. 

Availability: September 2016