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November, 2009 ACI President, Mike Dzurko to Retire:

It is time for me to retire from audio. There are a number of factors that contribute to this decision, but what it really comes down to are time, and people. For most of the last 32 years I have tried to balance family, teaching, and ACI. I would say the balancing act has been far less than perfect.

I could go into great detail about this, but there is no point to that. Suffice to say that approximately a year ago I made the decision that something had to change. To be the best teacher, husband and father I could be, something had to go. I love the world of audio and music, and over the last year have been in contact with a number of individuals and groups who have been interested in purchasing ACI and continuing a fine tradition. If the overall consumer economy was stronger, this would have been a done deal months ago. However, as of this date, we do not have a firm deal, and I will no longer continue working at this pace.

My accountant has advised me that we need to have this all wrapped up before year end. From this moment forward, all remaining inventory/equipment is for sale, “as is”. If there is something you are interested in, make me an offer via PM or email, I’ll say yes, no, or counter offer. I will be posting a list of equipment that is available, (non-inventory), within the next couple of days.

Now, there is a definite possibility that someone, or some group may decide to purchase ACI assets and continue. Perhaps one of you reading this will be interested. You’d have an excellent 32 year reputation, wonderful product designs, a well structured website, shopping cart, etc. You’d also have a data base of great customers who would love to continue to be able to purchase ACI products. I would be willing to assist with a transition. I might be willing to stay on in certain limited time capacities.  Frankly, you’d have to invest at least five to ten times the $$$ I’m willing to take to do this from “scratch”. If you are seriously interested, contact me directly via PM or email.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you who has supported ACI over the years. I do hope that someone will decide they want to continue the fine tradition that we have built over the last 32 years.  

For the latest on this, visit the ACI forum at www.audiocircle.com

February, 2009: Maestro XL CRAZY sale!

We've decided to discontinue the mighty Maestro XL when current quantities are sold. It is simply too heavy to fit in smoothly with our manufacturing process. This decision gives you the incredible opportunity to purchase one of the world's finest and most potent subs for as little as $1350!!!

January, 2009 TONE Audio review of the Emerald XL

Jeff Dorgay's fine review begins with:

"I have been having so much fun listening to these little speakers for the better part of the year that I got behind on the reviewing duties of my job. With more and more people asking for great compact speakers to fit on a desktop or small room, the Emerald is a hot commodity at just $800 a pair."

and ends with:

"ACI has built a tremendous reputation for more than 25 years by offering solid products with excellent customer service. The Emerald XL upholds this tradition and is an excellent value for $800 per pair, especially if you are trying to build a high quality system for a small space."

And in between, Jeff give a lot of detail that will help you get a very good feel for what these little gems can do. Read the whole review in TONE Audio Issue 19, highly recommended reading.

October 14, 2008 Important Changes at ACI

We are making major changes in the way we staff ACI. These changes will allow us to continue to offer you the exceptional product and service we are known for in today’s tough economic climate. 

We will now be built around a dedicated part-time staff. This allows us great flexibility and efficiency. The only real difference you might experience is that we will no longer have regular phone hours. The vast majority of you communicate with us via. Email already. Email is convenient and efficient, and is not restricted to an eight hour business day. As far as placing an order, our website shopping cart is extremely secure, very easy to use, and is available 24 hours a day. If you do need to talk with one of us personally, leave a message, or send an email with your questions and contact info, and we’ll reply as soon as possible. Please understand this may take longer than an email would.

Thanks for your continued support!

FREE S/H in the Continental U.S. for all DH Labs orders over $75!

* Your shopping cart invoice will show a shipping cost that we will manually remove before charging your card. On Paypal orders we will manually issue a refund to your account for the S/H charges when the order is processed.

Congratulations Paul!

In Denver, at the RMAF, at 6:01, Saturday, October 11, we pulled Paul's winning entry out of the box. He is the Grand Prize winner of a pair of Emerald XLs :)

October 1, 2008: Rocky Mountain AudioFest is only a little over a week away!

RMAF runs October 10th through the 12th in Denver. Stop in and visit us in rooms 1022 and 1024. If you've never "heard" ACI before, this is a great opportunity. Sign up for the Grand Prize drawing of a pair of Emerald XLs. Take advantage of show only specials. Have fun!  More about ACI at RMAF 2008

October 1, 2008:  Featured Customer Picture #2

T.J. submitted a nice shot of one of his Emerald XLs in Satin Black. His shot does a great job of showing just how tiny these potent gems are:  View T.J.'s Featured Picture

August 1, 2008: First  "Featured Customer System and Featured Customer Quote"

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

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

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