Atlantic Technology’s Tantalizing ‘Gatecrasher 1’ Wireless Speaker Ships Soon
(Atlantic Technology)(July 9, 2018) Atlantic Technology is no newcomer to the world of speakers, having entered the design and manufacturing business some four decades ago. The Norwood, Massachusetts company is, however, the latest brand to turn its attention to high-quality portable wireless sound, and its all-new Gatecrasher 1 ($499) is the first in a series of multipurpose wireless speakers set to be released.
Gatecrasher 1 is billed as a “premium 2.1 table top system,” housing dual ¾” aluminum tweeters, two 2” midrange drivers, and an internal sub system comprised of a 4” driver paired with a 5” passive radiator. The entire array is powered by a punchy 60 Watt Class D amp for a compact stereo sound experience grounded by 2” diameter isolation feet and enhanced by onboard DSP that creates a sense of channel separation.
Unlike standard inexpensive Bluetooth speakers crafted solely for convenience, Atlantic Technology has forged Gatecrasher 1 to offer a high-class experience. The speaker certainly looks the part, featuring an attractive room-friendly design with quality materials such as high-density MDF, a wraparound metal speaker grill, and illuminated – color coded – top mounted control buttons and presets. And to add a touch of style, buyers can select from two topside finishes: real-wood veneer gloss Makassar ebony and piano gloss black.
Tech-wise, Gatecrasher 1 allows for wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi (dual-band 802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0 with AptX for Hi-Res audio playback, in addition to onboard compatibility with Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, and vTuner Internet Radio. And while owners can stream media via PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox One and PS4 devices, they can also connect analog sources (e.g., TVs and older media players) and voice controlled devices (Alexa and Google Home) using a 3.5mm stereo mini jack. Owners can even create a system of interconnected Gatecrashers, allowing for source playback in multiple rooms around a home, or linked pair for true left and right stereo performance.
User friendliness is enhanced by several ease of use features that revolve around the free Gatecrasher App, which remotely controls playback across an entire system. The speaker also automatically updates itself as firmware upgrades become available.
According toAndover Audio's Director of Engineering Bob Hazelwood, whose company worked in conjunction with Atlantic Technology to design Gatecrasher 1: “Atlantic Technology is adding some exciting Smart Speaker capabilities to this powerful platform that they'll announce in the near future, to greatly extend Gatecrasher abilities and integration into the Smart Home."
AV NIRVANA has two review samples en route, so stay tuned for our impression of Atlantic Technology’s latest audio offering.
