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ATC SCM 40 question

Hi,

I recently bought a pair of ATC SCM40 speakers. I have them placed in a room approx 12ft sq. They are on the back wall, seating on opposite side. I can't move the speakers into the room or move the chairs into the room as I barely got away with buying these and can't encrouch any further, the missus was not happy at the size of them!

Anyway, they sound pretty incredible a lot of the time, but I've noticed on some recordings, not necessarily bad ones, just they can come across a little shrill and sharp, like the highs are overheated somehow.

I'm driving them with a PS Audio S300 Poweramp, that is being controlled by an RME ADI 2 DAC. 

I've tried messing with the dsp settings on the RME but I just can't seem to ease the issue.

My question is, does this seem like an equipment issue? Or maybe a cable issue?

I don't want to end up spending serious cash upgrading the amp or dac if that is not the problem. But I know the SCM40's need a lot of juice and the S300 only has 140w per channel, and the recommended is 150w. Or is that just a top end volume concern? I'm already looking at the Hegel H20, I can't get the ATC poweramp as I don't have the space for it.

Also I was looking at the Anthem STR Preamp. Something that might calibrate the sound better for the room. Maybe a cable upgrade?


Anyway, these are just my rambling thoughts on an ongoing issue, any advice at all would be much appreciated. I really want to solve this as when these speakers sing, they really sing!

Thanks
M

moomalade74
soix
9,456 posts
 

Are these new or the original version?  I don’t think driving your amp with the RME DAC is doing you any favors here so you might entertain adding a good preamp, and it’d be good to know what cables/interconnects you’re using.  Do you have a carpet on the floor?  Also, you could try to tame first reflections on side walls and maybe try putting some felt around the tweeters.  Just some thoughts FWIW. 

jerrybj
862 posts
 

@moomalade74 

I know the feeling. Bought the SCM19v2, as that was all that was allowed.

You're right, they do like a bit of power to really let loose.

Were the SCM40s new? How long have you broken them in for?

moomalade74 OP
8 posts
 

Thanks for the replies everyone!

@jerrybj Yeah I was in the doghouse for a while. I went with the forgiveness over permission tactic, just about worked!

To answer the questions:

Brand new SCM40's. I've had them for about four weeks now. I listen everyday but have not done any specific 'burn in' process.

Chord Shawline X Speaker Cable

Chord Shawline Analogue XLR Cable 

Supra USB Cable

I'm sorry to hear the RME might be inadequate, I had thought it a perfect solution and would leave the PS Audio S300 to do all the work. So the preamp is still important even with a power amp in the chain? That leaves me in a quandry as I've got space constraints. The preamp can not be taller than 12 cm, and must also incorporate a high end DAC. Any recommends would be appreciated. I thought about the Anthem STR but I'm a bit put off by the dac chip apparently not being the best. 

As I say, this system is almost perfection, with the right recording that doesn't tickle the high end too much, the speakers sound unbelievable. Stick on a bit of Gordon Lightfoot, beautiful.

 

I'm steering towards the Sablon 2020 usb cable but fear it mightt be overkill.

 

 

jerrybj
862 posts
 

@moomalade74 

I love my ATCs. End game speakers for me.

I ran mine in for 150 hours when I got them. Had them on loop when I went to work, dodging people at home.

I used to have QED Silver Anniversary speakers cables. Very bright. Have you considered the silver plated Shawline could be adding that sharpness?

jerrybj
862 posts
 

I've built my system based on limited space. A cupboard 600x550x420mm with four shelves, including Blu-Ray player. System has to be hidden from sight, with no 'ugly' cables.

I use the Mad Scientist Black Magic USB cable. Very good.

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