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 erik_squires

I like active speakers as well as passives.  I think if I were to go with active I'd want a really smooth or colorful preamp to go with it.  I've done direct from DAC to amps before and it left me feeling like it was all too analytical.

But then, I love Conrad Johnson PV preamps too, so my tastes may not be yours.