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Rivaling or Beyond the ESL 57 for Magical Midrange

For several years now I have been listening to a now well broken in pair of ATC SCM 7's on my desktop.

I may try to write at further length on these speakers, but for now can say they are the only component I have owned since 1979 that I can't imagine selling for fear of seller's remorse.

They are small and not perfect, limited in their bass response, and although I treasure amazing imaging, I don't get much with them crammed on my desktop amidst other components, computers, keyboards, books and papers.

Yet turned in at about 45 degrees - a mere 24" from each ear in a nearfield, speaker / headphone like configuration, I continue to love, love love them for WAV files, television, iTunes, computer sounds etc.

I enjoy them so much, that I usually ignore my ARC SP11, Levinson amp and Magneplanar Tympani IVa's which need to be warmed up and turned up, preferably with my head in a vice for the perfect sweet spot.

With the ATCs, I marvel at their clear but to my ears fatigue free midrange, particularly at low volumes - even with pretty ordinary, middle of the road components: currently Crown D75A amps used as monoblocks, generic cabling and the admittedly good Antelope / Zodiac DAC as a DAC and a preamp / switching device of sorts.

This reminds me of my lifelong theory that after the neurotic pursuit of high resolution airy highs, powerful bass and high dynamics and volume - at the end of the day, it's really the midrange that separates and defines the sustainable classics.

I suspect this is why dusty and quirky old Quads and original LS3%as are still coveted by collectors for prices far above their original retail prices.

Of course as an audiophile, I still can't resist the thought of an upgrade.

So I would love to hear your thoughts on MAGICAL MIDRANGE particularly at low volumes.

Thinking about trying Harbeth P3SERs and open to suggestions.

In the meantime and until further notice the overall balance and midrange on my ATCs are about as good as anything I have ever heard and bravo Mr Woodman.

Cheers,

cwlondon
cwlondon
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Frogman,

Doesn't necessarily have to be ON the desktop - but that seems to be best. Will try to post some photos later.

And oh yes another midrange classic - the Met 7's. In fact, years ago, I recommended them for my parents who still have a pair - complete with the original subwoofer.

Philojet, glad to hear I am not imagining the quality of the ATCs. Yes, detail and nuance, but without getting worn out by a tweeter.

But my loyalty aside, still willing to consider competitors.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Cwlondon - Like Frogman, I somehow missed the "desktop" criterion you stipulated. My bad. (But I still love my Solovoxes!)
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 


New pictures of system as discussed!
dhcod
706 posts
 
I've been on the hunt for an ESL57 rival since we moved to a smaller place. P3ESRs are nice but hardly satisfying if you are a real ESL fan. I listened to them for few weeks and a few other stand mounts before ending up with Audience ClaireAudient 2+2s and I've been basically happy for a while but I'm really missing that sense of fingers on instruments and that lushness. Thinking of trying SF Cremona Auditor Ms. Sadly trying to replace ESL57s is a long and disappointing journey. If you can get the STAX do it!!
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Dhcod,

Yes, not easy hence the reason for this thread!

I have always thought not only "speed" and transparency, but perhaps coherency is a key ingredient for the uncanny, holy grail like sound of 57's and certain other classics.

Can't imagine they would have the same transparency, but therefore have otherwise wondered if single driver speakers including The One might work well for this application.

I had a pair of Sonus Fabers years ago which were unusually beautiful but a bit bright, at least to my ears and in my system.
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