I have owned three pairs of ATCs and suggest, for the casual listener, that you look at the 11, 19 or 20s.
The active line are a better value, since they are better balanced than passive ones, which will tend to react to the succinct sounds and tonalities of the amp in question. I prefer solid state, powerful (150 watts plus), and relatively clean and neutral. Tubes usually never work well--the warmth gets overemphasized as the speakers are very precise in their reproduction.
The 50s and above require a lot of space within the room to let the soundstage and playing levels to be properly evoked--i.e. they like to be played LOUD. They overpower most consumer home settings.
The anniversary editions always feature special cabinets (a ATC hallmark--very old world craftsman) but the electronics are always their proprietary built-in technologies. Nicely matched woods--I love the Yew finish.
The active line are a better value, since they are better balanced than passive ones, which will tend to react to the succinct sounds and tonalities of the amp in question. I prefer solid state, powerful (150 watts plus), and relatively clean and neutral. Tubes usually never work well--the warmth gets overemphasized as the speakers are very precise in their reproduction.
The 50s and above require a lot of space within the room to let the soundstage and playing levels to be properly evoked--i.e. they like to be played LOUD. They overpower most consumer home settings.
The anniversary editions always feature special cabinets (a ATC hallmark--very old world craftsman) but the electronics are always their proprietary built-in technologies. Nicely matched woods--I love the Yew finish.