Davis Acoustics Atmosphere MK2 (pack of 2)
Overview
The Atmosphere MK2 from Davis Acoustics is a bipolar surround speaker. Its design, with drivers oriented toward different planes, allows sound to be dispersed in multiple directions. This layout alters the perception of rear effects by making it harder to pinpoint the sound source, creating a sense of immersion.
A bipolar design serving spatial diffusion
The Davis Acoustics Atmosphere MKII stands out with its bipolar architecture, featuring drivers oriented toward different planes to produce a redundant sound field. This specific layout generates multidirectional sound propagation that eliminates the acoustic hot spots typically perceived with conventional speakers.
Drivers placed on opposite sides of the cabinet create omnidirectional dispersion where both groups of drivers operate in phase, pushing air simultaneously. This perfect synchronization produces a coherent and homogeneous acoustic field that cannot be precisely localized in space. The sound seems to literally float above the listener’s head, creating the enveloping sensation characteristic of large movie theaters.
Two 13 cm mid/woofer drivers handle the rear effects, featuring fiberglass cones that combine rigidity and lightness. This specific composition offers remarkable responsiveness to transients while maintaining exemplary stability during dynamic passages. The oversized magnetic assembly ensures tight control of cone excursion, preserving clarity even during the most demanding sequences.
Two 25 mm textile dome tweeters complete the setup. These fabric high-frequency transducers provide a natural smoothness to the treble, avoiding any harshness that could cause listening fatigue during long sessions. The circular bass-reflex loading optimizes low-frequency response, reaching 55 Hz with remarkable linearity.
Perfect integration into the DMAX MK2 ecosystem
The Atmosphere MK2 shares the same tweeters as the Dhavani MK2, Mani MK2, and Stentaure C MK2 models, ensuring total sonic cohesion within the system. This timbral uniformity is a major asset in creating a perfectly homogeneous sound sphere. Transitions between different speakers become imperceptible, significantly enhancing the realism of the soundstage.
The high sensitivity of 92 dB makes pairing easy with most home theater amplifiers on the market. This efficiency allows for effortless drive from moderately powered amplifiers while maintaining substantial dynamics. The continuous power handling of 100 watts, with peaks up to 120 watts, supports significant sound levels without risk of compression or audible distortion.
The frequency response extends from 55 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB), covering the full useful spectrum for ambiance reproduction. The crossover frequency set at 3000 Hz ensures a smooth transition between ranges, preserving spectral coherence across the entire bandwidth. The nominal impedance of 4 to 8 ohms guarantees universal compatibility with current multichannel amplifiers.
Flexible installation and strategic placement
The speaker should be positioned at three-quarters of the room height, approximately 1.80 m from the floor for a standard 2.40 m ceiling. This specific height generates optimal dispersion of surround effects, creating a sound dome that literally envelops the listening area.
The integrated mounting system includes two robust wall brackets for quick, secure installation with just two screws. Symmetrical placement of the speakers—either laterally at sofa level or on the rear wall—remains essential to achieve a balanced and coherent surround field.
The compact dimensions of 29 x 35 x 18 cm simplify integration into all types of spaces, even the most constrained. Despite this compactness, the substantial weight of 11 kg per speaker reflects build quality and a no-compromise approach to internal components. The matte black finish blends discreetly into any environment, visually disappearing to let the acoustic performance take center stage.
Documentation
French
Technical specifications
Configuration and design
- Type: 2-way bipolar surround speaker
- Port: circular bass-reflex
Transducers
- Tweeter: 2 × 25 mm fabric
- Midrange: 2 × 13 cm fiberglass
- Woofer: not applicable
Acoustic performance
- Nominal power: 100 W
- Maximum power: 120 W
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Frequency response: 55 – 20000 Hz (± 3 dB)
- Crossover frequency: 3000 Hz
- Impedance: 4 – 8 Ω
Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 29 × 35 × 18 cm
- Weight: 11 kg per unit
Installation and positioning
- Mounting: wall-mounted using the 2 included brackets
- Recommended height: three-quarters of the room height (example: 1.80 m from the floor for a 2.40 m ceiling)
- Optimal placement: symmetrical to the listener, at the sides or rear of the listening area
Highlights
- Immersive ambient effect enveloping the listener
- Bipolar technology for spatial sound diffusion throughout the room
- Compatible with the MK2 range for total tonal coherence
- Simple, quick wall installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a bipolar speaker and a standard surround speaker?
A bipolar speaker has drivers on opposite faces that disperse sound in multiple directions simultaneously, creating an omnidirectional sound field that cannot be precisely localized. Unlike traditional directional speakers that create an identifiable point source, bipolars generate an enveloping ambiance where sound seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, faithfully reproducing the acoustics of large movie theaters.
Can the Atmosphere MK2 be used with speakers from other brands?
Technically possible, but not recommended. The Atmosphere MK2 uses the same tweeters as other models in the DMAX MK2 range, ensuring perfect timbral consistency. Pairing these speakers with models from other brands may create tonal disparities that harm the homogeneity of the sound field, compromising the desired immersive effect.
Which amplifier should I choose to power these speakers?
With a sensitivity of 92 dB and a power handling of 100 watts RMS, the Atmosphere MKII can be driven by most home theater amplifiers. An amplifier delivering between 50 and 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms will be perfectly suitable. The high sensitivity even allows the use of lower-powered amplifiers while maintaining satisfying dynamics for most home use.
Do the speakers have to be wall-mounted?
The speakers can be placed on a shelf or mounted on the wall depending on the room layout. Wall mounting is preferable, however, to meet the optimal three-quarters room height and to avoid any risk of falling. Symmetrical placement, whether lateral or rear, remains the determining factor for achieving a balanced surround field.
Is the Atmosphere MK2 suitable for small rooms?
The compact dimensions of 29 x 35 x 18 cm allow installation in small spaces. The bipolar design widens the sound field and creates the illusion of a larger space, making these speakers particularly suitable for modestly sized rooms where the immersive effect will be all the more impressive.
Can the Atmosphere MK2 be used in 5.1 and 7.1 setups?
The speaker is equally at home as a surround speaker in a 5.1 system and as a surround back in a 7.1 configuration. Its versatile placement and bipolar design make it suitable for both setups, creating in each case an enveloping and coherent surround field.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 3700053297774
