Has anyone compared these two models? I've heard SCM40 and I've been imporessed! So I'm interested in the bigger ones because they are in my budget for spekers. They cost much more and they are from the Tower series which is the highest line of ATC spekers so they must be even better than the wonderful SCM40. Any opinions? :)
If you go ATC then you really should consider their active speakers. The difference between passive and active crossover will make an audible difference in clarity and effortless sound.
Since you really liked the 40 then you will also like any of the larger ATC's as the voicing, design and timbre is almost all the same (probably unique in the speaker industry is the way that ATC sticks to a design for decades and that all ATC's, from the 20 on up, sound nearly identical). Larger models just increase slightly the clarity, dynamic range, max SPL and bass extension.
The ATC 50 and 100 are available as kits from Wilmslow audio in England. They use to offer the active versions as kits also but they are no longer in the catalog. I have been thinking about getting some built myself. You can buy the whole package but it would probably be more practical to get the cabinet made here. If you are handy or have a good woodworking shop nearby this might be the way to go.
i have the 20's, i heard the 35's and 40's, and they lack a bit of extra details due to the change in tweeters, but still sound freakishly amazing. I believe that 50 and up will be the REAL DEAL. The details and clarity of the 20's plus an even more pronounced midrange, and a huge bass driver for amazing bass impact and superb dynamics!
I prefer the passive. I won't miss the pleasure of trying different amps. :)
No problem - but consider that you can still play with your source and preamps (tubes etc). ATC built in power amps run class A to two-thirds power - three amps per speaker - something you will find hard to achieve in a powerful but separate class A power amp.
Shadorne, I hadn't thought about the amps in ATCs that much. If they run Class A... does the speaker enclosure throw off a lot of heat?
A fair amount (as much when they are idle as when you run them hard) but remember that the amplifier does not have to power a lossy passive crossover or handle large impedance swings - since it is band limited to only the frequencies necessary for the particular driver. This allows for much greater efficiency and optimization.
Cost no object, ATC SCM 50 is the choice. This is because SCM 50 uses the audio grade dome midrange (part number SM75-150s) while SCM 40 uses the public address grade dome midrange (part number SM75-150). That's explained the difference in price and sound quality.
Man I wish my room could support the 40's...just got a pair of 19's...what a great stand mount...nice speaker shadorne (your system)...cant imagine what the 50 would be like...by the way i just hooked the main speaker cable to high terminals and i think thats were they will stay...fwiw.
Thanks shadorne...not sure how to do that on this...they look badarse on the sound anchor stands though...in 10 by 12 room the look pretty imposing...somewhat.
Anyone compared the current spec. ATC SCM40A vs the ATC SCM50ASL Classic ? On paper pretty similar, not sure that is the case on a side by side comparison.
Cost no object, ATC SCM 50 is the choice. This is because SCM 50 uses the audio grade dome midrange (part number SM75-150s) while SCM 40 uses the public address grade dome midrange (part number SM75-150). That's explained the difference in price and sound quality.
The SM75-150 used in the SCM40 has a less powerful magnet system than the 'S' version used in the bigger classic/tower and pro series monitors. This would mean less efficiency and output capability, but I doubt SQ has been seriously compromised since that isn't the ATC way. More likely the lower efficiency mid dome was appropriate for the lower efficiency sealed '40.
I think the fact that SQ is pretty consistent across models is evidence of this lack of compromise.
The Wilmslow kits were really not the same as SCM 50 or 100 ,I understand the midrange crossover was quite different and not very well done.Regardless of that ATC no longer sell the sell the drivers to anyone.Wilmslow now use Volt drivers.
A question @ the powered ATC's... with three amps in a speaker (6 total for a pair) what are the power requirements to operate all of those amps . For instance , I have dedicated 20 amp circuits for my audio pieces . But the speaker placement would not allow the use of these circuits . They would have to use standard home 15/20 amp circuits that are being used by other household items as well .
Hi guys, i'm considering SCM 50 passive as a second pair of speakers to have something with different qualities than the other speakers i'm considering the Borresen 03s.I need an amp that will drive both to their max.Would the Audionet Humboldt be awsome on the SCM 50 ?
I run the ATC SCM 40 active tower and they are formidable in respect to slam, resolution, soundstage and attack. This a speaker that lives on immediacy. Surprising bass and dynamics for a 6.5” bass driver in a sealed cabinet. Very controlled.
I would pass on the passive ATC models. Not because they are bad, it’s just that the investment in quality frontend and high current amplification becomes enormous when all of the amplification work has been done properly by ATC.
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