The Latest ACI News

Find out about new ACI offerings & other important updates:

August 1, 2008: First Customer "Quote of the Month and Picture of the Month"

We're excited to get this monthly project running. A chance for ACI customers to talk about and show off the systems they enjoy:

Quote of the month:
When I hooked up my new Titan subwoofer it kind of reminded me of when I first got a microwave oven. I remember thinking, "How in the world did I ever get along before without one of these?"
Dan L., Canton , GA

View Will L.'s ACI system Picture of the Month  (it is Beautiful:)  

To submit your quotes or pictures for future consideration, please email: pm@audioc.com

2008 Summer Sales Event Now On!

Save big on many of ACI's most popular models. Don't delay, check today, quantities are limited.

Summer Sales Event

Now Accepting Paypal!

Online orders via. our secure shopping cart may now be paid for via. your Paypal account.

Want to Win one of Five $200 ACI Gift Certificates?

We want to see what audio and video forums are most frequented. Please submit this form for each forum that you visit and or participate in.. And, you'll also be automatically entered in a very special Grand Prize drawing to be held this coming October at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest.   Enter here: http://www.audioc.com/Contests/entryform.htm

And, here's a second way to enter (you can enter multiple times for multiple chances to win both the short term contests and the Grand Prize Drawing):

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=52787.0

Last Opportunity to Purchase Inlaid Cherry

We have a very limited quantity of the beautiful Inlaid Cherry cabinets remaining. While we have quantities of Satin Black and Piano Black cabinets in stock or on - order, we have no Inlaid Cherry on the way. If Inlaid Cherry is your choice, order NOW to avoid disappointment.

January 2008:  Affordable $$ Audio Names Sapphire XL and Force as "Best of 2007"

ACI updated the looks of their Force subwoofer last year and renamed it the Force XL to match their Sapphire XL monitors. All other features, specifications and performance attributes of the previous generation. In reviewing the older Force model I found that it provided a taut, well-defined foundation that increased the sense of dynamics, fullness and space while extending my system's response down into the bottom octave. It is also able to generate incredibly thunderous and deep bass that fills the room when called into action, which was quite surprising for such a diminutive subwoofer based on 10" driver in a sealed cabinet. Additionally, the Force's dual crossovers and variable phase allow it to blend seamlessly with your main speakers. The fact that the new XL model has a much nicer appearance for about the same price ($799) makes it that much more appealing.

http://www.affordableaudio.org

"Great value and all around performance in a compact monitor"

Although Audio Concepts, Inc has offered the Sapphire XL since early 2005 -we feel that it still warrants recognition for delivering exceptional value and performance in its range. The Sapphire XL is of a rare breed of loudspeaker that can appeal to both our hard-to-please audiophile side along with the music lover within. Their sound is consistently engaging - no matter the music - no matter the electronics.

We're in the all new facility! 

Contractors still have some trim work to do. There are still doors to install and paint and stain to complete. The listening/testing room still needs a lot of work. But we're in and up and running! We've already found this new space to be so much more efficient. This will be MAJOR in allowing us to expand and keep up with your demand. Thanks again for your support over the years. You've helped us make this happen!

The ACI Move is Underway

Effective Wednesday Aug 22 through Tuesday the 28th we are moving from our La Crosse facility to our brand new West Salem headquarters.  Please note:

• We will not be available via phone during this time period
• We will try to continue to monitor Email, though the process may be slowed
• Our complete website should remain "as usual" 
• Orders may continue to be placed via. the website Secure Shopping Cart
• No orders will ship during this time
• We will again be shipping orders by Thursday the 30th, perhaps sooner
• It will likely take us at least a week to "catch up" after we begin filling orders  

 A huge thanks to all who have supported us over the years. You've made this terrific move possible!

ACI Moving "Blog"

See where were headed and how we're getting there . . . 

Affordable Audio, Sapphire XL Rave Review

This was actually out in February but we've just uploaded the full review. Yes, he liked them so much he bought the review set :)  Read the complete Review

Brand New . . .  Emerald XL, our latest gem

February 25, 2007 . . .  the new Emerald XL is now available for order. We've improved on the classic Emerald, which has been a music lover's favorite for years. 

Just Published on the Sapphire XL 

"The compact size of the Sapphire XLs end with their looks. They play with an ease and fullness that belies their sensible dimensions. The bottom end is rock solid with the kind of extension that just doesn't happen with monitors, until now. More musically relevant than its low LF reach is the sense of speed and pitch precision that the XLs achieve. . . .

All this lets the music float free, regardless of the style of music you enjoy. The sound stage is expansive without being diffuse while images are sharply focused without being etched . . .

Now, I've heard the first great speaker from a fine and solid company that has proven its dedication to its craft and art through the Sapphire XL. Though the folks at ACI are too modest to use the appelation, the Sapphire XL is a true reference speaker, and that is not a term I use lightly. Highly recommended for immediate audition."

Paul Cervantes . . .  Ultralinear Audio Journal
To subscribe: pc@ultralinear.net

Denver was a BLAST!

Those who heard the ACI room agreed it was one of the most musical out of the 100+ exhibit rooms. Those who listened Friday couldn't believe the Sapphire XLs were playing sans sub. When we engaged the Force XL on Saturday and Sunday folks were amazed at the integration and full range sound from what was one of the least costly systems playing at the show. 

Pictures can be found here: http://www.audioxsell.com/community/events/2/83/Rocky-Mountain-Audio-Fest-2006/Audio-Concepts.htm

Comments can be found on the various forums including Audioasylum . . .  just do a google search of RMAF 2006 ACI.

Also, check out the comments on our own forum: http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?board=76.0

And: 
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=32632.0

Tone Audio August 2006: Sapphire XL and Titan XL Sub Review

"The (Sapphire) XLs are very good at just disappearing into the room, with their precise imaging delivering a very big and open sound field."  TONE's Exceptional Value award for 2006
Jeff Dorgay Tone Audio

Read the complete Review in Issue 5

Positive Feedback March 2006: Sapphire XL and Force XL Subs Review

" The Dussan (an integrated amplifier) /ACI combo is a match made in heaven and you can get them BOTH for right at 2k. (actually a couple hundred more) This means a complete system for around $3500, with appropriate source, cabling, and other ancillaries, maybe even less. Wanna add some additional excitement? Add one or two of the eyebrow-raising, tres inexpensive ACI "Force" (soon appearing as XL) subs (review under way) and you have a full range, full rage, and fully satisfying audio system of extraordinary value. Price to benefit, this is about as good as it gets short of rolling your own. I am picky as hell, and I have had hours of fret-free enjoyment from this combo on both music and film.

Let me emphasize this. This is NOT a budget sounding system. This is not hair shirt compromise audio. This is real hi fi, and real fun!" Rick Gardner, Positive Feedback

Read the complete review

2/21/2006: We will soon be making a formal announcement on the XL series subs . . . the same awesome performance of our current subwoofers, in cabinets styled and finished to match the Sapphire XL.

IF you are someone who must have one of the current subwoofers, for instance to match one you already have, order ASAP . . . when current cabinet inventory is sold, it will be too late!

We are running quite low on the Titan cabinet . . . the Force and Maestro cabinets are still coming in, and timing isn't quite as critical. Call or email for availability on any of the current subwoofer cabinets.

Positive Feedback Issue 23, Sapphire XL Pre-Review

"This, my friends, is the Sapphire XL. It is this charming little speaker that will NOT back down from a fight, loves music and the cinema, and is off the scale on a price-to-performance ratio." Rick Gardner, Positive Feedback

Read the complete review

"It brings me joy to announce our Best Of 2005 Blue Note Awards."  . . . 
"It is the first time I awarded five Blue Notes, for Excellent Value!"

Enjoy the Music 2005 Blue Note Awards . . . ACI Titan Subwoofer

Sapphire Custom Stands by Sound Anchors (SCS)

The ultimate monitor stands are here! And, ACI value priced.

View the new SCS 

Doug Schneider, Soundstage Publisher, reviews the Sapphire XL

"A high-performance small speaker that can compete with the best two-way minimonitors currently available. That the Sapphire XL costs less than the competition certainly adds to its allure."

Read the complete review
 

Bob Albano weighs in on the Sapphire XL

Hint: He ordered a new pair for himself :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=547059

New! R-DES Digital EQ System: The Ultimate Subwoofer Tool

Subwoofer room correction. An 
advanced DSP based system for 
equalizing and improving virtually 
any subwoofer!

Using your PC you will be able to:

• Instantly control 4 bands of parametric EQ!
• Store a virtually unlimited number of settings!
• Download four separate curves to the USB controlled hardware device!

Check out the R-DES

6moons.com raves about the Sapphire XL

Find out how this little gem stacks up next to the $4,000 Krell Resolution 3 and the $3,000 Thiel PCS. This review is a must read :)

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/ACI/xl.html

ACI Titan Gets 5 Blue Notes from EnjoyTheMusic.com

The headline reads:

Five Blue Notes For
ACI's Titan Subwoofer! 

The latest ACI rave product review can be found at:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0405/acititan.htm

Thanks Colin for an informative and great review!

Multiple Grammy Award Winner Peter Nero's ACI Speaker System

He's recorded 67 albums since his first in 1961. He's won two Grammies and garnered 10 additional nominations. He is the founding Music director of the world renowned Philly Pops, one of the largest independent pops orchestras in the country. The list goes on and on...

Read why Peter chose ACI 

ACI at Las Vegas CES January 5-9

ACI introduces the next generation Sapphire, the amazing Sapphire XL. 

Read about ACI at CES here

Craig Chase Loves the MAESTRO at HT Forum

"We have had a lot of excellent designs through our listening rooms. The Maestro, however, was immediately a step above anything we have ever had. The first disc was Steely Dan, and the Maestro did more than just deliver good bass. It grabbed everything coming from the disc, and delivered performance I did not think was attainable for under $5,000, let alone $2100"

Read the whole review

Join the Fun!

ACI has opened a manufacturer’s forum on the Audiocircle website effective 
Wednesday, July 28, 2004. We urge you to join, participate, share, and have fun! Along with the ACI Confidential newsletter, this will be the official place to find the latest news, AND receive special offers not otherwise available.  Audio Circle

Another Great FORCE Review, April 21

"Switching on the Force added ‘legs’ to the presentation, and the picture was now complete. However, there was no compromise in the coherence of the sound, the instrument was firmly placed a few feet in front of me. If I closed my eyes, I was convinced that the sound was emanating from an instrument at that specific spot in front of me, and not from the two bass drivers of the Titus and the woofer of the Force spread over a 3-D triangle in the space of my listening room (quite an achievement if you think about it). . 

. . . The most concise conclusion I can pass on is that I have put my money where my pen is, and I bought the ACI Force. 

Arvind Kohli, Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity, April 2004

Maestro

Our customers have been begging for this monster for a long time . . . the wait is finally over! ACI subs are legendary for sonic excellence combined with beautiful furniture grade cabinets that beg to be seen, not hidden. The Maestro is the sub for those who want the best quality bass in large rooms, and the appetite for bass that can be downright scary :) 

Check it out!

Checkout the Latest ACI Reviews!

Force Subwoofer: 
at Home Theater Sound

"...There were times when the Force so successfully reproduced the high levels of sustained bass activity that even I had my doubts whether it would be able to jump to the transient-rich and intensely powerful explosions -- the kind that instantaneously energize the room. The Force never let me down."

John Potis for Soundstage!    Read the Complete Review

Emerald: 
at TNT-Audio

" Everything I threw at the Emeralds sounded pretty darned good. If you're a hard rock fan and can't seem to find a pair of speakers that sound "right" these may just be the ticket. Again, don't mistake what I just wrote, these do all other types of music extremely well. I just happened to find myself listening to more Rock than anything when I was listening to the Emeralds."

Scott Faller for TNT-Audio     Read the Complete Review

Titan Reviewer's Choice Award

Ho, hum, another great Titan review:).   Just in the last month, Positive Feedback said "Highly Recommended!".  Bound For Sound stated, "This is a machine that one can expect music from! A rarity these days in an affordable product. I highly recommend the Titans, and unless I find something better soon (which I doubt), I'm keeping these. Mike, you can label the Titans "Exceptional Merit" right now." 

Now, HomeTheaterSound.com has just awarded the Titan their Reviewer's Choice Award See why Hometheatersound thinks the Titan is so great!

ACI, Sound that Satisfies...Since 1977