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ATC Monitors vs. Paradigm S8?

I'll be moving into a 1 bedroom loft apartment soon w/ a 40'x20'x16' living room where I plan to have my system. I'm probably 60/40 Home theater to music these days.

I had a set of SCM-11 speakers paired to a Bryston 3B-ST which I always really enjoyed but always thought they lacked low end. I've recently sold them in preparation for the move (no way they could be used in such a huge space when already lacking low-end) and began using my Paradigm S2's which I've been happy w/ overall. Each speaker has been paired w/ dual Velodyne SPL-1500's, which I love for both music and HT.

Before my move I had been on a voracious search for active ATC SCM20-2A monitors based on what I heard about them, how beautiful they were, and that they were supposed to keep high end detail but much better mid and lows. I had also always had a soft spot for Paradigm S8's which I heard a while back at a local dealer and always thought were the best speakers I had ever heard (I'm not claiming to be the most versed audiophile, just stating what I've heard), but they were way overkill for my room. I've like the highs and detail of the ATC's better than the Paradigms but Paradigm has performed better for me overall, in my current room w/ the music I listen to.

Now that I'm moving into a huge loft the S8's are definately in play but I'm left wondering if I would be able to get away w/ the active ATC monitors and the dual subs. The monitors will be cheaper and easier to deal w/ (placement and footprint) but will they lack something in such a large room? I enjoy music at fairly high levels and tight low-end is important.
swifty358
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,753 posts
 
There is something about a small monitors with subs that always sounds like small monitors with subs, which is fine if it appeals to you. I have never heard the S8 speakers, but I have heard larger active ATCs several times, and I think they would be hard to beat. I thought they had a great balance of virtues, and presented music in a powerful, but not overpowering way.
hoggshead
80 posts
 
Swifty358,

I don't know where you are but I have ATC 20-2A's. I live outside NYC. You might want to listen before you decide.

Jim
transaudio
96 posts
 
I would think passive ATC 50s which add ATC's famed midrange device and the "SL" 9 inch woofer with your current subs would be something to look into; might be a better comparison to the S8's than the 20's. The high crossover is at 3500 on the 50s, 2K on the S8's. The mid dome of the ATC's will offer best in class dispersion and off axis performance.

Brad
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
I own the S8s. It's the most under-appreciated and under-respected best deal in audio. Many reviewers and owners, me included, have opined that the S8s sound as good as many other so-called high end speakers costing multiples more. The trick is that Paradigm manufactures pretty much everything in house. Costs are also lower because R&D and fixed overhead is spread over a huge product line. Perhaps the most significant tech improvement is the beryllium (sp?) tweeter. The damn thing is flat out to almost 40 kHz!! For all I know, it may even produce ozone.
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