Atacama APOLLO – PODIUM 6 – Hi-Fi-Rack – Dark Oak – Vinyl storage

From Aerospace to Audio Excellence

The story of Atacama began in 1969 as a supplier in the demanding world of aerospace. The company earned the trust of renowned clients such as Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace, perfecting its skills in high-precision metalworking.

A Passion for Sound Ignited

However, a passion for audio remained very much alive within the company. In 1987, Atacama began developing a revolutionary HiFi loudspeaker stand. Initial reactions were positive, but a focus on the core aerospace business meant the project was initially put on hold.

A Dream Comes True

In 1989, a new family member joined the company, bringing the potential of these loudspeaker stands back into the spotlight. In the early 1990s, economic challenges compelled the company to diversify its product range. Atacama reimagined the concept of the loudspeaker stand, recognizing its unique qualities: Performance-Oriented Design: Superior acoustic isolation and excellent value for money compared to industrial-looking competing products. Visual Design: A design aesthetic that perfectly complements high-end HiFi systems.

The Atacama Brand Takes Flight

In 1992, the company introduced the elegant "SE" series of loudspeaker stands under the Atacama brand. A targeted marketing campaign—along with glowing reviews from *HiFi Choice* and *What HiFi?*—helped the SE24 model earn the coveted "Best Buy" and "Hi-Fi Accessory of the Year" awards.

A Commitment to Innovation

Building on this success, Atacama expanded its product range in 2001 with the introduction of the award-winning Equinox series of HiFi racks. The company's technical expertise led to the exploration of new materials, with bamboo composites coming particularly into focus starting in 2011. This innovative approach yielded not only sonic and functional performance advantages but also offered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods.

The Apollo Brand Joins the Family

The acquisition of Apollo HiFi in 2013 enabled the company to pursue distinct developmental paths. While Atacama focuses on bamboo and performance-oriented design, Apollo caters to customers who value a traditional wood aesthetic as well as practical features, such as vinyl storage solutions.

A Tradition of Award-Winning Design

Over the years, both brands have consistently garnered acclaim. Atacama racks—such as the Eris Eco 5, the Evoque Eco 60-40 Standard SE, and the Evoque Eco 60-40 SE2 (crafted from bamboo)—were awarded the "Equipment Support of the Year" title between 2013 and 2023. The Moseco speaker stand also achieved a remarkable streak of annual awards from *What HiFi?* Apollo’s modular Storm 6 HiFi system, as well as the new Atacama Elite Eco 24 rack, recently received the prestigious 5-star rating as well.

The Future of HiFi Furniture

Atacama’s passion for innovation remains undiminished. The speaker stands in the NeXXus series impressively demonstrate this commitment, offering extensive customization options regarding height and top-plate size. Thanks to the recent acquisition of the HiFi Racks brand, the company is poised to further expand its range of HiFi furniture and finishes in the future. Atacama Audio and Apollo HiFi remain dedicated to a singular goal: not merely to meet expectations for HiFi speaker stands and AV rack systems, but to exceed them. Customers can expect further innovative products in the coming years as well.