ATC SCM50ASL Pro vs ATC SCM 50ASLT

There is a difference between the pro model and the domestic model. While both of them are 50L cabinets, typically ATC suggests the monitor model if the room dimensions are relatively small. The floorstand version sounds a bit larger/bloomier hence it can overwhelm more easily in less than 250sqft room. My guess is it is due to the way bass builds up when speakers are on the floor. The monitor version when lifted on stands sounds a bit more compact and may be a shade dryer. Recently my cousin was in a similar dillema while deciding between active studio SCM100 vs active Floorstanding SCM 100. We asked it to ATC and their suggestion is as above. My cousin picked the studio version finally since room was just about adequate in size.

I didn't know that. The internal chamber volume for the bass driver should be the same, so the difference you mention would be down to acoustic reflections from an open stand vs an elongated baffle, sides and rear; perhaps room gain depending on proximity to room corners.

P.S. Sound Anchors are still some of the best stands out there; not cheap but then again "mini-stands" for the 50 cab shouldn't be as expensive in terms of materials as for a small bookshelf.

Good point regarding room coupling and not surprised 
with ATC's response, a benefit to checking in with the 
manufacturer.

IN the US prices of hi fi cabinet 50s/100s came down about year ago as to get them closer in price to the pro models.  

It's not just a "black" vs veneer choice, its a significantly more than that which is why they are different in price.  Pro is a painted MDF (what's normally under the veneer) with plenty of errors in the surface and randomized splatter paint.  Expecting a visually flawless pair of pro models is not a realistic expectation, it will not happen.  Consumers usually don't like them once they see them in person.  Flaws in the MDF cabinet surface or the splatter paint are normal.   On the pro side, pros don't want to spend even $1 on visuals of a monitor that sits in a dark studio all the time.  Plus they beat them up over time moving them from studio to studio anyway.  The pro finish is typically not good enough for someone's home, despite what they say before they actually see them in person.  

Also pro dealers are used to self servicing customers that already know what they want, who can diagnose problems, measure things in their room, ship drivers back for reconing if necessary, diagnose issues, etc.  Pro users don't really need support from the dealer.  Consumer customers on the other hand usually expect significant support such as a well informed dealer who can answer all their questions about associated gear, cables, stands, amps, etc and is willing to spend the time to answer any and all inquiries.  I find consumer dealers offer WAY more service to the end user than Pro dealers do.  So this is the hidden difference that emerges after the sale for someone who buys pro but is really a consumer hi fi customer.   

Consumer models have a proper veneered cabinet, veneered INSIDE and out (balanced so they wont warp) with matching left right "bookend" veneers.  They spend an hour on the painted back and they spend days and days (over a week) hand making the veneer models, veneering each cabinet part individually.  Higher gloss models take 2 weeks of steady "everyday" work as you apply gloss and then sand by hand.  Our piano finish is 3 weeks of work on cabinet alone, 10 coats of gloss and yes-it costs a lot to do that.  But its a lifetime piece of furniture.  

A basic veneered hi fi pair of passive 50 floor standers is around 20K from a dealer in the US (with a US administered 6 year warranty and US tech support).  

Thank you, excellent and informative response.