2. speakers
  3. 185232-142030

Active ATC vs Spendor / Pass Labs

I had a lovely demo. of a Pass INT 60/ Spendor D9.2.

Had all the musical flow, engagement at all volume levels that I could ever want. A truly impressive demo.

 

But……. I have always wanted an active ATC SCM50A is what I always dreamed of owning with say a Benchmark LA4 Pre. about the same $$$ where I am for either combo.

 

I have heard the ATC - different room and gear. But I didn’t do the all listening levels demo. like I did with the Pass / Spendor. Just at a medium / loud level and was so very impressed. I can’t demo the ATC again, my dealer only orders them as someone wants one from ATC direct due to the current economical environment.

So… will I be unimpressed ordering the ATC at all level listening levels or will it not have the Pass / Spendor engagement factor that we quite frankly very addictive ?

I am really at a crossroad as which way to go.

rfc

Showing 1 response by ddafoe

ddafoe
238 posts
 

@rfc, I've run either a Pass X250.8 or XA30.8 with D9s for ~ 5 years.   I think it is great match and sold Magico S1s for the D9s.   As already mentioned they are not overly forgiving so I found both Pass models worked great with them with the X model giving a little more detail (and dynamics) and the XA is little more relaxed  in the high frequencies with more texture/soundstage depth in the midrange.  Even with the Pass gear I found highly detailed DACs like the Topping too forward and settled with R2R NOS DACs or now the very smooth Meitner MA3.

I have no idea how the 9.2 compares but presumably is better; I've never heard the SCM50s but they are on a list of speakers I would like to hear whenever my upgrade time comes...

More to discover