2 Unpacking the Speakers
2 Attaching the Grilles
3 What’s THX?
3 Individual Component Descriptions
3 Model 8200 LR Front Channel Speaker
4 Acoustic Controls
4 Model 8200 C Center Channel Speakers
4 Models 8200 SR Surround Speakers
4 Placement
4 Home Theater
4 Satellite Placement Using PedWoofers Under the LR Speakers
4 Surround Effects and Speaker Locations
6 6.1/7.1 Channel Systems
6 Stereo Systems
6 Connecting Your System
6 Bi-Wiring
9 System Setup
9 Bass Management
9 Operation of the Rear Panel Controls on the LCR Speakers
10 Dipole/Bipole Operation of the SR Speakers
10 Setting Levels
10 Mounting
10 Caring for Your Speakers
11 Specifications
System 8200 THX Ultra2
High Performance Loudspeaker
Components
Thank you for choosing Atlantic Technology products. Your new speaker
components are precision crafted to give you years of enjoyable, trouble free
service. This manual covers the Atlantic Technology System 8200 speaker
components. It will show you how to incorporate these components into
your present setup, as well as how to assemble a complete system from them.
These systems can be used with all current and past sound formats including Stereo, Dolby Surround®, Pro Logic®, Dolby Digital 5.1®, Dolby Digital
7.1®, Dolby Digital EX®, DTS®, DTS ES®, DTS ES Discrete®, DTS Neo:6®,
DVD-Audio and SACD Audio.
IMPORTANT:
please take a few moments to read all of this booklet. It has many
helpful tips and ideas on properly setting up and using your system.
We promise that if you take the time to read and follow these tips
you’ll get better system performance and more enjoyment.
Unpacking the Speakers
Use care when unpacking these speakers as they are large and heavy. Since
the grilles are packed off the speakers, be particularly careful of the driver
elements as you unpack and move the speakers.
Attaching the Grilles
Although it may seem like asking for driving directions,
For Future Reference
Record the serial number and date of purchase for each speaker here. The serial number
is found on the speaker terminal panel on the back of the enclosure.
Atlantic Technology and the Atlantic Technology logo are registered trademarks of Atlantic
Technology International, Corp.
Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology International,
Corp. reserves the right to change specifications or designs at any time without notice or
obligation to modify existing units.
The included metal grilles are held to the front of the enclosures with powerful Neodymium magnets. There are recesses on the back of the grille that
the magnets fit into. Once the speakers are in their final position and the
optional Accent Panel Kits have been installed remove the grille from its protective plastic bag and carefully position it over the magnets on the baffle.
Move them together slowly and when you get close enough, the magnets will
draw the grille in and hold it tight. Be careful not to get your fingers caught
between the grille and the cabinet.
Instruction Manual
Individual Component Descriptions
3
What’s THX?
THX is a series of standards and technologies originally developed by
LucasFilm Ltd. (of Star Wars fame) and now an entity unto itself. These
technologies and standards are intended to ensure that what you hear and
see on your A/V system, as closely as possible, matches what the director/
artist/engineer heard and saw during the final mixing of the source material.
THX standards are intended to enhance every type of viewing and listening
experience including the latest discrete multi-channel digital formats. Please
note however that, although there is proprietary THX electronic processing,
THX is not a surround format.
THX Ultra2 standards (System 8200e) are based on a 3000 cubic foot room
(L x W x H = cu. ft.). This does not mean Ultra2 certified components must
be used in rooms this exact size. The room sizes simply provide a frame
of reference, as the standards specify that the system must deliver certain
performance minimums (volume, frequency response, etc.) in the specified
space. For more information, see the THX website at www.thx.com.
Individual Component Descriptions
Model 8200e LR Front Channel Speaker
The Model 8200e LR Front Channel Speakers (Figure 1) are ultra-high performance three-way systems intended for use only with a quality subwoofer,
such as the Atlantic Technology Model 642e SB. Each speaker contains two
GLH (Graphite Loaded Homopolymer) 8" woofers, two GLH 5¼" midrange
drivers, and an advanced 1" Ferrofluid™ cooled, damped silk dome tweeter
with a powerful neodymium magnet structure. These components are
mounted in an acoustically inert ¾" thick internally braced MDF enclosure.
The midrange and tweeter drivers are internally isolated within their own
airtight sub-enclosure. The LR speakers are magnetically shielded so they
may be placed close to a TV set without concern.
Figure 1
8200e LR
Figure 2
8200e C
Figure 3
8200e SR
4
Placement
System 8200e High Performance Loudspeakers
Acoustic Controls
System 8200e LR speakers include unique acoustic controls to help maximize their performance in your room. These controls are explained in
greater detail on page 9.
Model 8200e C Center Channel Speaker
It is vital to the accurate reproduction of a multi-channel soundtrack that
the three front speakers have the same sonic signature. Therefore, the 8200e
C Channel Speaker contains the same driver complement as its respective matching LR speakers (see Figure 2). It is designed for use only with
a dedicated subwoofer and includes the same unique acoustic controls
mentioned above.
The 8200e C is designed to be placed horizontally, as opposed to the vertical
positioning intended for the 8200e LRs.
NOTE:
The 1" tweeter on the 8200e is mounted in a brushed aluminum plate that is visible through the metal mesh grilles. If you prefer
not to see this cosmetic addition, a black diecut foam trim piece is
included for each tweeter plate. Simply peel the paper backing and
carefully align the foam to the tweeter and press on to the aluminum plate. Please be aware that the foam piece is not intended to be
removed after attachment.
Models 8200e SR Surround Speakers
The Model 8200e SR Dipole/Bipole Surround Speakers (Figure 3) are
intended for use in multi-channel audio/video sound systems only as dedicated side or back surround channel speakers. The 8200e SR utilizes dual
5¼-inch GLH drivers and two of the same tweeters as described above.
The surround speakers can be switched between Dipole and Bipole operation. These settings are explained on page 10, “Dipole/Bipole Operation of
the SR Speakers.”
NOTE:
Although the speakers in the Atlantic Technology Systems
8200e are acoustically and cosmetically matched to each other for
ideal results, they may also be used with other Atlantic Technology
components with extremely satisfying results.
Placement
Speaker/room interactions have a huge impact on the sound of the system.
Moving the speakers just a little can make a dramatic difference in what you
hear. Remember that the best acoustic placement of the speakers will vary
from room to room. Use the following placement guidelines (see page 5) as
a starting point. But also feel free to experiment. In fact, it may be beneficial
to hook up the front LR and surround speakers with some extra wire and
to simply drape the wire across the floor before installing the speakers permanently. This will allow you the opportunity to move the speakers around
easily so you can find the best sonic and visual locations.
playing alone, but not so far apart that the sound seems to be disembodied
from the TV, distracting you from the picture. When using a center channel
speaker, a wider separation of the left and right front speakers is usually possible. You may chose to “toe” the LR speakers in, aiming them approximately
at the prime listening position. This can be particularly useful if the front LR
speakers are fairly far apart.
IMPORTANT NOTE
centered at or aimed at ear level when seated. This is because the alignment of the drivers on the front panel results in limited vertical spread of
the mid and high frequency sounds to reduce unwanted floor and ceiling
reflections. If the speakers are too high or too low however, you will miss
a significant portion of the upper middle and high range elements of the
sound. This alignment of the drivers provides enhanced horizontal spread
of the sound making for a much better sound experience for a group of
listeners and reducing the need to sit in a precise “sweet spot.”
Try to keep the LR and C tweeters approximately
The center channel speaker should be placed directly above or below your
television. It is important that the speaker is centered on the screen, not off to
the side. The pivoting design of the 8200 C allows you to tilt it up or down so
that the speaker points most directly at the listening position.
Surround Effects and Speaker Locations
The 8200e SR’s shape allows great flexibility in placement. Due to their
switchable Dipole/Bipole design, it’s possible to place the speakers almost
anywhere within the rear third of the room and get good results. However,
the best location for surround speakers is straight out to the sides of, or
slightly behind the primary listening area, approximately 1-2 feet above
seated ear level to no less than 2 feet down from the ceiling.
As noted above, the surround speakers (as opposed to the back speaker(s)
in a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel system, see below) are primarily intended to
re-create the ambient sounds taking place in the movie scene. Therefore,
throughout most of a movie or TV program you may not be consciously
aware of output from these speakers. In other words, don’t worry if you aren’t
hearing the surround speakers. Please try to avoid the trap of turning the
surrounds up and up so that you hear them most of the time. The result will
be a much less believable surround experience.
There are dedicated LEFT and RIGHT model 8200e SR speakers. This is
clearly marked on the back of each speaker. Be sure that the Left side surround speaker is placed directly to the left side of the prime listening area
(facing the screen) and the Right speaker is directly to the right side. As an
easy reference, the Dipole/Bipole switch should always be facing the back of
the room. Should you wish to hang them on the wall, closer than 24 inches
to the ceiling, you should remove and re-install the keyhole hangers upside
down. Then turn the speakers over, hanging them upside down, and swap
them side to side for proper operation.
Home Theater
Remember that the primary goal of a good home theater is not to make you
believe that you are in a movie theater. It’s to make you believe you’re in the
movie. For a home theater system, place the LR speakers on either side of
the television. The left and right front speakers should be far enough apart
(6 to 10 feet is usually best) that you get a good stereo “image” when they are
Instruction Manual
Left
Left
Surround
Right
Surround
Back
Right
Surround
Left
Surround
Back
Center
Right
Subwoofer
Front Speaker Array should be
placed as close to ear level as
possible. Place the Left and Right
speakers about 6-8 feet apart.
Surround Speakers
should be placed
directly to the sides
of the seating area
and approximately
3 feet above the
listener’s ear level.
Subwoofer
placement is
dependent on room
size and shape.
Experiment to find a
location that
produces the
smoothest response.
Surround Back Speakers should
be placed approximately 3 feet
above the listener’s ear level. Direct
radiators may also be used here.
Speaker Placement
Speaker Placement
5
6
HF ENERGY
– REVERBERANT
+ DAMPED ROOM
0 THX / AVERAGE
LOCATION
BEHIND SCREEN
THX / NORMAL
BOUNDARY
COMPENSATION
ON
THX / NORMAL
HF
LF
Gold Jumper
Links must be
removed if you
choose to bi-wire
the front channel
speakers.
Connecting Your System
System 8200e High Performance Loudspeakers
6.1/7.1 Channel Systems
If you are setting up a system that uses back surround speaker(s) as well
as side surrounds (Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, etc.) you can choose to use
either SR model speakers in Dipole or Bipole mode or another pair of front
LR speakers in the back of the room.
If you are using a THX Ultra 2 certified controller/receiver you should place
the back surround speakers approximately 1 to 2 feet apart in the center
of the back wall. The special circuitry in the processor will help to create a
believable and effective surround field using this placement. Please read the
electronics manual to learn more about this placement option.
Stereo Systems
If you are setting up a stereo system using a pair of 8200e LRs with
subwoofer(s), begin with these general guidelines:
The distance between the speakers should be approximately one-half
their distance from the prime listening position.
If you point the front of the speakers directly towards the prime listening
position (“toe” them in), you will achieve the most precise imaging and
the most direct high frequency sound. If you have a “bright” or “hard”
sounding room, aiming the speakers straight out into the room (or just
aiming them partially towards you) may make for a more natural and
pleasing sonic balance.
The distance from each speaker to its three closest room surfaces should
be different.
In most rooms, you should not place your speakers in the corners.
The goal is to reproduce accurate musical timbre and natural sound. Additionally, a well set-up stereo pair of speakers will create excellent imaging
and a cohesive representation of the soundstage. Placement in the room and
your listening position have an enormous impact on the ultimate sound you
will achieve from your system. The most important thing is to be creative!
Try placing your speakers on the long wall instead of the short one. Toe the
speakers in or point them straight ahead. Pull them away from the wall or
push them closer. Don't be timid. You’ll find that moving your speakers, even
a few inches, can dramatically change and possibly improve their sound.
high quality speaker wires between the speaker and amplifier help to maintain the amplifier’s control in the bass range (by maintaining the amplifier’s
damping factor). It also potentially allows more efficient power transfer by
keeping the total resistance of the speaker wires at a lower level.
You can Bi-Wire by connecting two sets of speaker wires from the amplifier terminals to the input terminals on the back of the speaker enclosure.
The wires should be attached to a single output terminal set on the amplifier. The other end is attached to the two sets of input terminals on the rear
panel of the loudspeaker. Some manufactured Bi-Wire cables have only a
single set of connectors at the amplifier end and two sets of connectors at
the speaker end.
You may choose to Bi-Wire the speakers or not. If you do Bi-Wire, remove
the gold jumper links that comes factory installed between the sets of input
terminals (Figure 4). See “System Wiring Using Bi-Wire Option” on the next
page for an example of Bi-Wiring.
The terminals themselves are designed to allow the use of very heavy
speaker wire or connectors. Be sure to tighten them securely, but don’t
over-tighten them.
WARNING:
equipment, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making
any system connections.
To prevent risk of electrical shock or damage to your
Figure 4
Connecting Your System
We recommend that you connect your system using high quality dual
conductor stranded wire of 16 gauge or heavier, for lengths up to 25
feet. (Remember, the lower the gauge number, the heavier the wire). Use
heavier gauge wire for longer runs. Please contact your audio/video dealer
or installer for specific cable recommendations and further information
regarding special circumstances.
Bi-Wiring
There are two identical sets of speaker wire connectors on the back of
each of the three front enclosures. They are there to provide the option of
Bi-Wiring the speakers. Bi-Wiring lets you connect two sets of input wires
(or a specially constructed Bi-Wire cable, see your dealer for further details)
between the power amplifier or receiver and the speaker. This practice has
its roots in high-end audio and it is generally agreed that using two sets of
Instruction Manual
LEFT
–+–+–+
–+–+
CENTERRIGHT
LEFT
SURROUND
RIGHT
SURROUND
LF
HF
LF
HF
LF
HF
System Wiring Without Using Bi-Wire Option
System Wiring Without Using Bi-Wire Option
7
8
LEFT
–+–+–+
–+–+
CENTERRIGHT
LEFT
SURROUND
RIGHT
SURROUND
LF
HF
LF
HF
LF
HF
System Wiring Using Bi-Wire Option
System Wiring Using Bi-Wire Option
System 8200e High Performance Loudspeakers
Instruction Manual
HF ENERGY
– REVERBERANT
+ DAMPED ROOM
0 THX / AVERAGE
HFENERGY
–REVERBERANT
+DAMPEDROOM
0THX/AVERAGE
LOCATION
BEHIND SCREEN
THX / NORMAL
HF
LF
HFENERGY
LOCATION
THX/NORMAL
BOUNDARY
COMPENSATION
ON
THX / NORMAL
HF
LF
System Setup
9
You can connect your speakers by using a variety of audio connectors such
as banana plugs (single or double), pin connectors, spade lugs, etc., or you
can:
1.
Remove ½" of insulation from each wire end.
2.
Twist the stranded wire together, keeping the two ends
separate.
3.
Place the appropriate wire through the appropriate
postholes in the connectors. These holes are revealed when
you loosen the connector’s capscrew.
4.
Screw down the capscrew tightly, but be careful not to over
tighten it.
5.
Check the tightness of the capscrews 24 hours after hookup
and occasionally after that, as they can loosen over time.
We recommend that you check your local electrical codes to make sure that
you are not using improper connectors.
It’s important to observe polarity while making speaker connections: red
(+) terminals on the amplifier to red (+) on the speaker, black (–) on the
amplifier to black (–) on the speaker. Look carefully at the wires you are
using and note that one of the conductors of each pair will typically be
identified by color, printing on the outer jacket, ridges on the outer jacket,
or a thread intertwined with the wire strands. By convention, the marked
wire is connected to the red (+) terminal.
Whether your are connecting a complete system, or adding a single speaker
component to your present system, the wiring should look like one of the
system wiring diagrams on pages 7 and 8.
WARNING:
wire strands are touching across any terminals as this might damage
your amplifier.
Before turning on the amplifier, be certain that no stray
Finally, check the polarity of your front speakers by listening to some stereo music with good bass content. If the sound seems “hollow”, unusually
spread out, or seem to have weak mid-bass, recheck your connections for
proper polarity and correct any out of phase connections, if necessary.
System Setup
Bass Management
Some older surround sound decoders and receivers offer a choice of “Normal” or “Wide-band” modes for the center channel speaker. The Model
8200 C is designed to be used in the Normal mode. Additionally, digital
processing multi-channel systems provide a Bass Management menu,
which typically requires you to select between “Small” or “Large” speakers during system set-up. Since these systems have been designed to work
with a dedicated subwoofer, please set all the speakers in Systems 6200 and
8200 to Small.
Operation of the Rear Panel Controls
on the LCR Speakers
High Frequency Energy
changes the tilt or roll-off slope of the
tweeter. It has been designed to help compensate for different room acoustics. The
THX/ Average position is intended for
rooms with a reasonable combination of
reflective (hard) and absorptive (soft) surfaces. The Reverberant position is designed for rooms with an abundance
of reflective surfaces like hardwood or tile floors, glass walls, etc. It decreases
the high frequency output of the speaker to reduce excess HF energy that
builds up in live rooms. The Damped position brings the tweeter’s output
slightly above flat response to compensate for overly absorbent rooms with
lots of soft surfaces. Speakers in overly damped rooms can sound dead and
lifeless unless compensated.
Location
This control “shelves up” the
upper midrange and high frequency energy
from the speaker in the position marked
Behind Screen. This is to compensate for
the reduction of these frequencies when
they are partially blocked by the materials
in front of them if the speakers are located
behind a perforated video screen or curtains. Of course, if you choose to
place the speakers behind curtains it is important to choose a material
that is as acoustically transparent as possible. Looking through the material into the light can give you some indication of the material’s transparency in this regard. The more light and detail you can see, the better it will
be acoustically.
Boundary Compensation
to adjust the lower midrange output of
the speaker to compensate for the typical
sound colorations caused by placing the
speaker close to a TV screen or building it
into a wall unit or cabinet.
To set these controls, sit in the prime listening position and have someone
switch between the compensation choices, using well recorded dialogue or
musical instrument recordings. Choose whichever switch position sounds
most natural and real to you.
NOTE:
Although these controls have been designed to compensate for various acoustic room anomalies, we recommend that you
try them to hear the difference that they make in the sound of the
system. For any number of reasons, you may decide that you prefer
them set in a particular manner inconsistent with your room’s acoustics, but sounds best to you. Experiment. It will be worth it.
This control
Use this switch
10
DIPOLEBIPOLE
Mounting
System 8200e High Performance Loudspeakers
Dipole/Bipole Operation of the SR Speakers
In Dipole mode the 8200e SR
produces ambience with minimal localization (best for most
movies and video soundtracks)
and more localizable sound
in the Bipole mode (preferred
for some music recordings).
Switching between Dipole and
Bipole mode is easily accomplished using a toggle switch conveniently
located under one of the speaker’s grilles.
Please note that the vast majority of the time in movies and TV broadcasts
the surround speakers are called upon to reproduce the environmental
sounds that are used as cues to help get you immersed in the scene on the
screen. We strongly recommend that (if the speakers are properly positioned
directly to the sides or rear of the listening area) you set them to Dipole
mode, as this is undoubtedly the best and most practical way to create such
an involving and believable soundfield at home.
Setting Levels
When setting up a complete home theater we strongly recommend that you
use a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter. As of this writing Radio Shack® has
one that’s affordably priced (approximately $60) that can be used effectively.
To use this meter, turn on your system, put the processor/receiver in Test
Mode and set its main volume control to 0dB (or a reasonably loud level).
Sit in the prime listening position, set the SPL meter to the 70dB scale, slow
response, and C weighting. Hold the meter with the microphone pointed up,
towards the ceiling and in front of you. Cycle the test tone from speaker to
speaker, setting each to the same level (usually75dB) using the individual
level settings available in the processor/receiver (please see the instructions
for your processor/receiver if you are unsure of how to access the test signal
or level controls).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
components assumes that you will not operate your amplifier/receiver
in a way that produces distortion. Even rugged speakers like these
can be damaged by an amplifier driven beyond its capability. The
harsh amplifier distortion (“clipping”) that occurs in this situation will
eventually cause damage to the speaker system. This type of damage may be cumulative and can build up over time, as the amplifier is
driven into overload again and again. Such damage is easily identifiable through examination of the damaged speaker’s voice coil and is
not covered by the warranty.
The power recommendation for these speaker
Mounting
System 8200e speakers can be mounted in different ways:
On Pedestals
Optionally available Atlantic Technology empty pedestals are
an attractive alternative in most rooms. They come in gloss black to match
the LR's or satin black to match the SR's.
On the Wall (8200e SR only)
To mount your speakers on a wall, we have
supplied metal key-hole brackets attached to the back of the cabinet.
These speakers are heavy and care must be used when hanging them. Be
sure to use a strong screw to drive into the wall, one whose head and shaft
will fit within properly the keyhole opening and slot. Also be sure to drive
the screw directly into a stud or to use a mounting device (such a molly-bolt)
that is capable of safely holding the speaker’s weight. Never simply drive a
nail or screw into sheet rock or other wall materials. Always follow the above
guidelines for safe speaker mounting.
Caring for Your Speakers
Clean your cabinets using a soft link-free cloth. If you wish, you can slightly
moisten the cloth with plain water. Do not use any other cleaning agents
or chemicals. Be careful not to get any water on the driver cones or tweeter
domes. After carefully removing the grilles from the speakers by pulling
them forward, gently clean them with a quick pass from a vacuum cleaner
with a brush attachment. This should remove any dust accumulation. Reattach them by lining up the magnet depressions in the back of the grilles
with the magnets on the speaker baffle and slowly moving them closer until
they connect with each other.
Avoid placing your speakers in direct sunlight or near a source of heat that
may, over time, damage the finish.
IMPORTANT: SAVE YOUR BOXES!
tons, packing pieces, and plastic bags that came with your speakers.
They will be useful in case you move or have to ship your loudspeakers for any reason. In any case, save all packing materials until you are
certain that the systems have suffered no damage in shipment. If you
find such damage, either visible or internal, contact your dealer immediately for the proper return procedure.
If you can do so, save the car-
The 8200e system will play very loudly when provided with enough undistorted power to do so. If necessary, consult your dealer or Atlantic Technology for additional information.
Instruction Manual
Specifications
System 8200e
Model 8200e LR 8200e C 8200e SR
Type Sealed-box, 3-way Sealed-box, 3-way Sealed-box, Dipole/
Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right
to change specifications or appearance at any time without notice.
THX and THX Ultra 2 are trademarks of THX Inc. Dolby Digital, 5.1, Dolby Digital, 7.1, Dolby
Stereo and Dolby Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. DTS is
a registered trademark of DTS Technology.
343 Vanderbilt Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 762-6300 www.atlantictechnology.com
015-1811-B
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