2. amps-preamps
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ATC SCM150 Amp and Preamp recommendations

Just received my ATC SCM150 passive speakers last week and looking for amplifier suggestions.

I have a large, well-treated room (45' x 16' x 8') and primarily listen to large-scale classical music — symphonies, piano concertos, cello works, etc.
For me, dynamics are critical, but so are tone, instrumental timbre, and harmonic richness.

Front-end setup:

  • Technics 1200G with Umami Red cartridge

  • Luxman EQ-500 phono stage

  • Aurender A100 streamer/DAC

So far, I’ve tried the following amplifiers:

  • Classe Delta Stereo + matching preamp: very polite sound, but too soft on top, poor bass control, slow and muddy low end, recessed midrange — overall unable to properly control the speakers.

  • Luxman L-595A SE: gorgeous microdynamics and a liquid, beautiful midrange; however, limited in dynamics and authority due to power constraints. No brightness !

  • Auris Fortissimo (tube amp): outstanding midrange and highs with a very holographic presentation, but again lacks bass energy and authority due to lower power output.

  • Luxman 507Z - way too bright for ATC, so assuming Luxman M10 will be just as bright 

Given these impressions, I'm now looking for a serious amp/preamp combination that can bring out the full potential of the SCM150s — maintaining musicality and tonal beauty but with the dynamic slam and control these speakers demand. 

Budget: ~$20-30k for amplification, ~$10-15k for a preamp (open to used market gear)
I'm also open to bi-amping if someone has successfully done it with the SCM150s.

Amplifiers I'm considering:

  • Electrocompaniet AW800

  • Simaudio Moon 861 monoblocks

  • Hegel H30 monoblocks

I'm also looking for preamp recommendations to pair with the above amps — ideally something that adds a touch of tube warmth and harmonic richness, but without softening transients or slowing down the dynamics.

Would love to hear from anyone with direct experience driving SCM150s, or who can recommend synergistic combinations that deliver both the dynamic authority and tonal sophistication I'm after. 

ei001h

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
10,136 posts
 

If I was you I’d strongly consider auditioning one of the AGD GaN amps.  By all accounts they sound excellent and are easily user upgradeable for the future, which is really nice.  Maybe you can find a dealer from the link below, and they’re not nearly as big and heavy as more traditional amps so maybe an in-home demo might be a possibility.  Just another option to ponder. 

https://agdproduction.com/

soix
10,136 posts
 

I’d look at a Spatial Audio Raven, Aric Audio Motherload XL, or VAC preamp with something neutral like a CH Precision, Soulution, D’Agostino, or Hegel amp.  Or if you go with a warmer amp like Coda, Gryphon, Boulder, or Vitus you could go with a more neutral pre like ARC or Backert Labs.  With your budget and a blank slate like the ATCs there are lotsa possibilities that could all sound fantastic.  Best of luck in your search. 

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