ATC SCM 11 review compared to KEF LS50 and Tekton Impact Monitors
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- ATC has long been a preference of a lot studios and artists, and if they use ATC to mix their music, it should be the closest to what they want you to hear. And the ATC SCM 11 is quite the critic's choice, having very little negative reviews, if any. Well let's see if it can stand some Audiofoolery, as the Audiofool puts it to the test. Comparison to the KEF LS50 and Tekton Impact Monitors in the review.
Close up 2:21
vs KEF LS50 3:27
vs Tekton Impact Monitor 5:57
Link to Sound Demos:
Sound Demo 025 ATC SCM 11 • Sound Demo v2 025 ATC ...
Sound Demo 015 KEF LS50 • Sound Demo v2 015 KEF ... - Věda a technologie
Great overview! Really appreciate the comparison which is helpful to know the characteristic. Looking forward to the comparison with Usher dancer mini-x diamond.
Nice review! I saw some ATC towers at an audio show last year, they sounded great, one of the standouts.
Thanks! They do sound great and I'd like to try the SCM19 in the future if I have the chance.
Interesting, but I'm sad to hear you being so negative about these ATC SCM11 speakers. They are capable of producing room shaking bass of an extraordinary quality. They might not extend as low as you'd like but the quality and quantity of low frequency is wonderful, clean, controlled and tight. Did you say that you're driving them with a Schitt Aegir amplifier ? If so, that will be the problem I'm sure! They need around 50 watts RMS per channel, then they'll come alive. The build quality is also superb, not just quite good. Where else do you see drivers of that quality being used? Sealed cabinets also offer control and repeatability and lessen the issues of loudspeaker placement. I know you went on to praise them in many areas, but your initial introduction to them feels very negative and downbeat ...sorry if I mis-heard the amplifier that you mentioned, but I think that's what you said, along with a dac. Hopefully you can elaborate on your thoughts. By the way I'm not associated with ATC, I just appreciate their products, along with may other manufacturers products, but I have heard many ATC speakers and I really appreciate their consistency throughout their product range. Thanks for the video
@ The Audiofool - keep this in mind.
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Thanks for the comments. I don't find my comments too negative, and in fact I gave them my "Audiofooled" seal of approval. As for the Amplifier, I used the Schiit Aegir and a Peachtree Nova 300 (300w) so no excuse for lack of power. As for the build quality, I gave them a full star.
There are really just 2 things that keeps them from being perfect. 1) It will be too detailed for some people. Not me, I like those, so it's more of a warning for people who like things simple. and 2) all of the competition go louder and lower. So those who plan on purchasing should be wary that the ATCs do not have a lot of bass (even ATC claims 56hz -6db!), or at the very least, set their expectations low (or should I say higher) with the bass. And let's face it, kids these days look for a lot of bass. Heck a friend of mine who has a KEF Reference 1 added a sub when I thought it was perfect already.
But again, I have to reiterate that these have the best mids I've heard in the price class, and if you get it around my recommended price, you'll be very happy.
@@TheAudiofool - I guess if someone is really just looking for super powerful bass, then maybe you're right, but these deliver a balanced performance and are beautifully made. I love ATC speakers are you might have noticed ;) but I also use some Klipsch RP series and also some Royds and Harbeth monitor 20s amongst other; all very different really, but all have their own pro's and cons... Cheers, take care and keep up the thought provoking videos
👍
The ATC can sound like it lacks some midbass "punch", but I prefer the cleanliness. In a small room it goes nice and deep. Just turn up the bass control a little perhaps. In a larger room it will struggle like any smaller speaker for room filling bass
Great job but would also like to see a 2.0 review with a quality 100 or so watts per channel to see if bass improves-- maybe even 2 Aegirs. Keep the reviews coming.
Thanks for the comments. I also used a 300w Peachtree Nova 300 for the comparison, and you shouldn't really expect any bass from the ATCs... they do produce the upper overtones so you do still sort of hear the note, but the weight is gone.
@@TheAudiofool ... Sorry to mention this again, but how on earth are you not getting any bass from these speakers? I have owned them, used them, and the bass that they are capable of producing was able to literally shake my listening room. I used / tried them with an Audio Research VS60, an Exposure 18, a Yamaha P2500S and a Quad 520f. They produce tight and clean bass, not super extended as ATC never try to produce bass that is unrealistic for the specific size/volume of the cabinet. These are a fairly compact 11 litre enclosure. I'm just thinking that something else must be amiss, or is soaking up all that low frequency sound. Have you tried sweeping / measuring your room ? I can highly recommend the Behringer DEQ2496, I have one for use as an analyser for those occasions where a system doesn't behave as expected, then I can "see" whats going on. I do not use any processing in my system, just to make that clear :) I remember when I bought my SCM7's the store demonstrated them with a mid-range Arcam pre/power and they just didn't sing at all. Swapping out the Amplifier for an Exposure and it was a totally different story. Sometimes synergy really matters I guess.
@@richardb1018 Sorry, I just read this. You mentioned you had Klipsch RPs; are you saying that the SCM11s produce louder and deeper bass than the Klipsch RP600s/160s in your system? Currently comparing these to the special 40s and there's just no contest in bass (mids are another story ;D). Would an exposure xm5 be up to snuff?
Great overview. Same question as other commentator: do you prefer the Rubicon or ATC?
I answered in another comment: "I do not have the Rubicons anymore but my main complaint with the Rubicons was that it wasn't as rich as the Tektons. The ATCs are richer, though bass extension is virtually non-existent so it's a balancing act between the 2. If you can live without bass, I think these will be better."
I prefer Rubicons, ATC can have more detailed, reacher sound, but Rubicon has more refined and natural sound, better depth and soundstage, and incredible bass control. At some rock songs, ATC sounds quite smaller compared to Rubicon.
I put the LS50 Meta's side by side with the Totem Bison monitors. Same size woofers, but the Totem was better in everything except cabinet coloration. The Kef enclosure was pretty inert. For me, the Totem was a no-brainer. I want to get a pair of these ATC's and put them next to the Totems and see how they compare.
Nice video 👍
Is this speaker good at both male and female vocals? Does it have rich and lush tone especially in lower midrange? Thanks for another honest review.
Yes, they're very good with male and female vocals, and has a rich midrange, probably the best in it's price class. But again, the trade off is bass and upper bass starts to suffer, but you will still have the upper overtones, so there's the illusion that it's making the notes.
Have you ever heard the ATC SCM 19 V2 ? Would like to hear your opinion on this speaker. If you haven’t heard them, would be nice if you can do a review on them.
I'm actively looking for a good deal on this, but there's not a lot of used options. Could take a while.
I realy love your analytical reviews.
I own the D R2+ Rel t7. I won have better mids. I'm now wondering can my subwoofer keep up with this Atc?
W. H. R
If you're not as picky as me, it could work. It took me a long time to dial in my minidsp to get it to be passable for me; but if you dont expect the rel to sound like the ATCs, it should be much easier.
I have some SCM11's. I have wired them together layed them on their sides for my center channel they produce voices exceptionally well.
They definitely have fantastic vocals. I'm curious, what are your main speakers then, if the SMC11 are "just" your centers?
@@TheAudiofool My mains are the SCM100's.
@@cp070476 wow! hope to have one of those someday.
Close up 2:21
vs KEF LS50 at 3:27
vs Tekton Impact Monitor at 5:57
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Wow, I had considered getting some sealed British design speakers, but couldn’t justify the prices even in the used market. Probably should have waited...these seem to be a relatively affordable answer for achieving that refinement. I ended up with some used totem arros, which I really am loving nonetheless. I imagine for the ATC’s, with very careful placement and volume adjustment, that a small Rel sub could supply some of that needed extension? Again, excellent review and thank you 🙏🏼
Thanks for watching. Regarding the sub, that depends on your expectation. If it's just a bit of weight you're looking for, then adding a sub can help. However, the upper octaves are really great on the ATC, and you won't be able to get the same level of sound quality with any sub for the last 2 octaves. But again, most speakers won't get the upper octaves as "right" as the ATC so I guess you can get a good compromise with a sub, and still sound better then most other speakers.
The Audiofool
That’s so interesting, and there’s a real point you’re making relative to the tonal reproduction of these. I’m guessing that you might also be suggesting that if the sound is that good, even minus the bass weight/extension, you might not even miss it depending on the music you (mostly) listen to. Taking into account time adjusting to its characteristics.
I have SCM-11 and use a Totem Storm sub with them.
How would you compare these to Harbeth 30.1 or even ATC SCM 19? I have Moon system and looking to purchase this week. Thanks!
I compared them to the SCM19s in another video; you might want to look at that, but I'd say you can stick with this if you'll have a separate sub, otherwise, the SCM19 would sound almost exactly the same with a bit more bass. As for Harbeth, you really need to hear one, as they do sound quite musical, but not for my tastes, and I'd personally stick with ATC.
The ATC 11s have to mated to a good sub. Even with the sub it's still cost effective for what amounts to extremely high end sound. No idea why you'd say no sub cant match to them, that's simply not the case. Mated to my Velodyne sub, they're very impressive.
I think I'm too picky... I guess I shouldn't be expecting 45hz of a sub to sound as what I expect the SCM11 should sound like, if the SCM could make 45hz. What filter type did you use? So far using Bessel is the most tolerable so far for me using a miniDSP.
@@TheAudiofool To get the mid range and highs and extreme clarity of the SCM11's that rival much more expensive speakers and get a fuller bottom end from a two way monitor of similar size, you're probably gonna have to spend a lot more money. Personally, after owning large floor standers with subs, no two "bookshelf" monitor is going to deliver the sub 50hz low end that makes me happy, so getting a monitor with world class mids/highs and filling the low end with a sub (which I'd do with any monitor at this point) seemed a way to get a high end sound for a reasonable $. If those would be your only speakers, I could see getting something else with a tad more bottom end. Lots to choose from!
Can they sound good at lower volumes? One user says the SCM40 dont due to enormous power required. Maybe the 11's can?
Of all the speakers I've reviewed, I think the SCM11 would be the speaker I would choose if I can only listen to low volume.
@@TheAudiofool Great to hear. Thanks for this info. I really like the hearing about the quick mid-bass response on the 11's and the steller mids that are still natural sounding non fatiguing? To handle lower end bass I will just get a pair of REL's. Being cheaper than S40's I can justify the costs.
@@BrianGarside The SCM11s are my speakers of choice right now, for the reasons I mentioned in the S40 video. I actually got the S40s cheaper than my SCM11s, but still preferred the SCM11s.
@@TheAudiofool were you able to hear any SCM 19's?
@@BrianGarside Not yet, but will be getting one soon. I'll let you know how it turns out.
is the atc scm 11 better then the quad s2?
That depends on your listening preference. For mine, I like this a lot better than a Quad Z1.
iv had the Atc 11s for five years now also tried Ls 50s and thought they were well overrated if not Awful compared to the 11,s bass on Atc is not and issue the issue is putting then in the wrong size room always buy the right size speaker for the right size room that's why Atc also do the 19s and the 40s for bigger rooms and using a sub just kills the mid range quality of the Atcs they also have quality bass not just a thump or a boom like most ported bookshelve speakers do .
Overrated which is more cheap to buy? here ATC is extremely expensive especially if you live outside of UK.
Not sure the low watt amp is going to bring the ATCs alive tbh
Tried it with a Peachtree Nova 300, this still sounds a lot better.
@@TheAudiofool that sounds a good match. Sphinx v3 cd be good as well
Typical brit box. I would think similar sound to the other LS 3/5s types. However, the price is better. I think I'll give them a try in my near field system.
As usual, another great review.
Thanks
I use ATC SCM-11 in near field for my computer and they work well but a lot of people buy SCM-7 for desktop use as they are smaller in size.
if it's just your desktop speakers, what do you use for your main system? curious to see which tops the scm11
@@TheAudiofool That is my main system, I don't have another system. I do everything on my PC and listen to headphones more than speakers.
You should review the scm19 not the 11.
Used 19s are so rare, but I'm on the lookout
Hi, could you please compare SCM11 with Rubicon 2. My system is Rega Brio with Oberon 1. I enjoy listening Brio with Oberon 1. But, I have further plan to upgrade to SCM 7 with Brio. I love KEF sound too. Or, if you have any advice of best suited bookshelf speakers and amp combination which has to be better overall sound quality than my current system. Thank you
Thanks for watching. Unfortunately, I have already sold my Rubicon 2, but from memory, the key issue I had with the Rubicon was the midrange which sounded a little bit too lean. The SCM11 has much better midrange, however, it does lack the bass and the treble sharpness of the Rubicon. If your music is more of mids say mostly piano and vocals, I'd suggest you go with ATC, but if you need more bass, then better to go with the Rubicon. You will have a similar result with the SCM7 and Oberon.
What is your total budget? And what do you want to improve from your current sound? The Brio is a very nice amp, and if you like it, I suggest you stick with it until you can get a Hegel H120 or Elicit R or maybe not change it at all if you're not over 80% of the volume knob.
Thanks for your nice reply! Actually I would like to try other speakers. If sounds pleasent and accurate to my likings than I will go for it, if not, than later maybe try another one! So what do you think if I add Ls50 or Q350 with Brio? Maybe I will keep two sets of speakers from KEF, DALI, ATC. You may advice me 2 sets from these three brands. I listen music: from piano to metal, blues rock, jazz, classical except hip-hop! I don't like too bass/ more bass. My key preference are mids, better tonal accuracy.
You adviced Elicit or H120, in future I may upgrade to Elicit because my preference is No digital input in stereo amp, I like full analog. By the way.. you didn't prefer Elex r in one of your clip. Oberon midrange is good, but the treble is little less sparkle, cymbals sounds little less alive, transparent, which is very better to me in KEF. So, I want improvement in sparkle, liveliness. You mentioned, Oberon 1 and SCM 7 will have similar result! Is it?? I'm very fine and enough for my room with 50-60% volume of Brio, so I don't need to change! Is Brio that good! It's all about volume cmpare to Elex, Elecit? My budget USD2,500/.
I don't think Brio can handle SCM7 good enough. I've had SCM11v2 with Brio-R (old model). it may sound good but you'll end up complaining the bass is lacking like this review. the thing is ATC can produce tight, punchy and deep bass with a good amp. Mine is driven by Sugden a21se signature. this gives me more bass and dynamics (vinyl only) than Klipsch KLH30 with Naim nait 5 with CD. so if you want to try ATC, be prepared to have a good amp and don't get confused by the number of watt. Naim xs, Exposore 3012...etc can't even drive ATC correctly.
@@seogulee Thanks a lot!
Wow even better than the rubicons?
The mids are the best I've heard in the price class but overall the Rubicons will have a more balanced tone. I think maybe you'll really like this except for the bass.
pff, less bass than ls50... that means there is nothing there. Ls50 starts on 50hz and is all in after 70hz
What is there is very well done though, and upper overtones are also present so there's the illusion of being able to do lower notes.
I own a pair of ATC SCM-11 and have used test tones to see when I can hear the bass and it kicks in at 50Hz even though they are rated for 56Hz. I use a sub anyway so have plenty of bass.
Abundance of overtones......lol, such nonsense.
I was planning to say microdynamics or superfluid attack and decay of overtones, but those seem to be harder to understand LOL