@celtic66 -- yeah, I'm a Merlin fan too. Still sad about Bobby. I have to say active ATCs will blow you away. Literally. They are like nothing else IME when it comes to effortless and undistorted dynamics. Now, will they portray that almost surreal 3D soundstaging and imaging like a Merlin, Vandersteen, ProAc, Joseph Audio, Audio Physic, etc.? No. Just no. But they do portray a realistic soundstage like you're more apt to perceive at a live performance. And here's the thing, the incredible and palpable dynamics that ATCs can generate will very likely leave you not caring about images disappearing through your back wall and just leave you with a sh*t-eatin' grin on your face due to what's being revealed in front of you that just sounds for all the world like live music. And I'm like you -- I LOVE that extreme 3D disappearing act soundstage thing, but I gotta tell ya, I'd be perfectly happy living the rest of my life with a pair of active 40s. I used to work for an ATC dealer a while back and got to hear active and passive 20s, 50s, and 100s extensively, and as good as the passives are -- and they are outstanding in their own right -- the actives are special. And since you'd need to replace your amps anyway, to me it's a no-brainer.
Sorry to drone on here, but I hope you get the picture. My absolute best advice would be to do whatever it takes to go listen to a pair of ATCs with your music. You'll know in two minutes if they're for you. My guess is you'll end up with that same stupid, sh*t-eatin' grin on your puss as me. Best of luck.
Sorry to drone on here, but I hope you get the picture. My absolute best advice would be to do whatever it takes to go listen to a pair of ATCs with your music. You'll know in two minutes if they're for you. My guess is you'll end up with that same stupid, sh*t-eatin' grin on your puss as me. Best of luck.