Are ATC SCM-7's equal to Dynaudio Audience 52's?


I'm buying a pair of ATC SCM-7's on the basis of several reviews. I have to buy them online because there are no dealers near me, and I'm getting a very good price.

The "What Hi Fi?" April 2003 review of moderately priced standmount speakers gave them an excellent rating and review. I have a NAD C372 integrated and I listen to a lot of opera, classical, and world music.

Does anyone have these speakers and are they satisfied with the sound? Originally I was comparing them to Dynaudio 52's. But now I'm considering some more expensive options--several models of Spendor's--S3/5e or S5e and used Dynaudio Contour 1.3se--all much more money than I had planned to spend!! Any advice?
ecce

Showing 1 response by blkadr

On the minus side the ATCs thrive on big power and are only 84db sensitive. They also have physical limitations that will show up on material with strong bass at high levels.
On the plus side, they will rival just about anything out there from midbass up. Crossed over to a subwoofer (or two) they would surely make a fine fullrange system, but this can be tricky. I run my Quad 12Ls full range with subwoofers.
The Dynaudio Audience 52, Green Mountain Europa, Von Scheikert vr1 and Quad 12L seem to be the top rated monitors in this price range right now. I like the 12Ls Im using now very much. Any of these would probably suit your needs. The above speakers may be easier to drive and have less bass limitations, but on an absolute scale I doubt any are 'better' than the SCM7s you are considering (I came very close to buying a pair of SCM7s).
And to make things more complicated, someone has listed a used pair today....hmmmm.
Anyway you go, I dont think you will go wrong...good luck.