Audio purists, just turn away. Really, just skip down to the next blog post. You'll never believe this one anyway. Atlantic Technology just introduced an in-wall dipole/bipole speaker that is THX Ultra certified. The new THX IWTS-30 SR (In Wall Theater System) surround speaker is really quite impressive. You naysayers can say nay all you want, but the reality is that these speakers could rival a freestanding one, with the advantage of in-wall placement. (How can the interior decorator complain about these?) What makes the IWTS-30 SR so special?
The IWTS-30 SR was designed from the ground up to meet the tough standards required to receive THX Ultra certification. THX requires that surround speakers must be used in a dipole mode, with the front and rear drivers working out of phase with each other for a diffuse, non-localized sound. THX also prefers that back surround channels be wired for bipole operation, with more precise localization. Luckily, the IWTS-30 SR can be switched, making it ideal for either situation. The switch is conveniently placed right on the front panel.
It uses front- and rear-firing two-way speakers featuring two 5-1/4-inch woofers and two 1-inch soft dome tweeters. The frequency response is listed as 80 Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB). A pair retails for $1,350.
Say what you want about in wall speakers, but particularly in a dipole setting, it's hard to complain about them. You can't argue against THX. Well, you could, but would anyone listen?—Leslie Shapiro
