Over the past 12 months we have covered several headphone and earbud products from Atlantic Technology. However, they also make, subwoofers, soundbars, wireless smart multiroom systems, in-wall, in-ceiling, outdoor speakers, and traditional passive speakers.
On the traditional passive speaker front, the 8600e series has been a mainstay of Atlantic Technology’s loudspeaker offerings since 2020, but it’s time for an update.
As a result, Atlantic Technology has introduced the latest entries to its 8600 series. The 8600i models incorporate a new design for a sleek look and enhanced technology for optimal sound.
The first two 8600i entries (assuming there will be more on the way) are the 8600iLR tower speaker and 8600iC center channel speaker.
Overview
The 8600i models are internally braced with non-resonant MDF cabinets with rounded front and top edges. This design provides a contemporary look, while painted front and rear baffles replace the former vinyl covering, adding an elegant update and reducing unwanted resonances.
The bowed shape of the perforated metal grille eliminates diffraction issues, resulting in more precise sound. The grille is magnetically attached to the cabinet; behind the grille is a scrim for a seamless appearance and protection of the drives, with a modest crossbar to ensure rigidity.
The 8600i models retain key features from prior models, including the proprietary Low-Resonance Tweeter (LRT™), for a much smoother blend of radiation coverage angles as the signal transitions from woofer to tweeter.
A three-position High-Frequency Energy Switch is used to adjust the tweeter’s output to better match the speaker’s response in rooms of different sizes, shapes, and acoustics, from highly reflective to highly absorptive.
The Location Selector Switch increases the speaker’s upper-midrange and high-frequency outputs to compensate for placement behind perforated screens, to ensure better detail at the listening position.
The Boundary Compensation Control adjusts the lower midrange, minimizing sound colorations when speakers are placed near the rear of side walls.
8600iLR
The 8600iLR is a tower speaker that can be used for left and right channel applications (or even surround channels in a home theater setup if you want surround speakers that big).
The base has both feet and spikes to accommodate various floor surfaces. To complete the look of the 8600iLR, a beveled top plate of smoked glass is included.
Inside the 8600iLR there is an improved motor design for the woofers, which support deeper bass, increased output, and improved linearity.
The 8600iLR’s frequency response goes down to 30Hz (±3dB). The crossover design has been upgraded using components with greater tolerances. The 8600iLR’s tweeter and midrange drivers are positioned higher to better align with the ear height of a seated listener. The two midrange drivers and the tweeter are mounted on a brushed aluminum plate baffle, available in aluminum (white cabinet) or anthracite (black cabinet).
8600iC
The 8600iC center channel shares most of the design elements of the 8600iLR (except no glass top), as well as the same midrange, tweeter, and baffle design. The 8600iC incorporates dual 8-inch woofers rather than four as in the previous version. Seamless transitions and strong acoustical matching across all speakers are supported by using the same speaker driver array and baffle plate on the 8600iLR and 8600iC.
Specifications
| 8600iLR | 8600iC | |
| Price | $6,000/pair | $2,000 |
| Speaker Design | Floorstanding (Tower) | Center Channel |
| Speaker Type | Sealed Box, 3-way | Sealed-box 3-way |
| Woofer | 2 x 8-inch Glass Fiber | 2 x 8-inch Glass Fiber |
| Midrange | 2 x 3.5-inch Graphite Loaded Polymer Plastic | 2 x 3.5-inch Graphite Loaded Polymer Plastic |
| Tweeter | 1 x 1-inch Soft Dome Low Resonance | 1 x 1-inch Soft Dome Low Resonance |
| Passive Radiator | 2 x 8-inch Glass Fiber | No |
| Frequency Response (+/1 3dB) | 30Hz – 23kHz | 30Hz – 23kHz |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93dB | 93dB |
| Recommended Power (RMS) | 50-300 Watts | 50-300 Watts |
| Dimensions (WHD w/grills) | 10.6 x 51.4 x 10 inches | 29 x 11.3 x 12.8 inches |
| Weight | 88.2 lbs. | 49.6 lbs. |
Availability & Pricing
The 8600iLR and 8600iC are available in two fine-furniture finishes of high-gloss lacquer: gloss white or black. The suggested retail prices are as follows: 8600iLR ($6,000/pair), and 8600iC ($2,000/each). Both models are available now directly through Atlantic Technology.
