Haha, got the ATC bug Terry. After trying some Wilsons and Magicos at home I visited ATC with a friend who wanted to hear some 40's and ended up buying a pair of active 50 Towers myself! I had them less than a year when a pair of active 150 anniversary towers came up second hand and I couldn't resist. I run them off of an Audio Research valve pre which adds spaciousness and a bit of warmth. Job done. Atc's sound nothing like the vision I once had in my head, I thought they were going to be detailed and clinical being studio monitors but that couldn't be further from the truth.
@@wildcat1065 I'll bet the difference was pretty big. I had a ref3 as well but prefered my system without a pre and just used the digital controls on the bluesound node2i.
@@allthingsaudio3840 . I can understand that. I have tried myself but always end up back with an active pre, there just seems to be something missing with no pre for me.
I also have arc pre (with ref 75se). Would like to try active but am concerned impedance of speakers is only quoted as 10k ohms. Do you notice any issues? For example sloppy bass? I don’t think my power amp would be powerful enough to drive the passive version.
So glad to see you have had chance to review these English designed and built speakers. I would love to own a pair of ATC speakers. Their attention to detail in the manufacturing is really inspiring. They take the copper wire for winding the speaker coils and run it through a bespoke machine to slightly flatten it so that the wound coils have a higher density of copper to reduce the air gaps between the coils. The domed mid-range speakers seem to give them such an advantage in reproducing the realistic midrange and spectacular vocals. I wonder if, once converted to active speakers, they will be even more impressive at low listening volumes. You are such a lucky lad having those on loan. It must be like Santa has visited you early Merry Christmas
Great review. About 25 years ago I went to a hifi show in Manchester at the Plaza I think. But Manta Acoustics I think they were called had a room and to this day I’ve never heard anything like it. It was incredible 🤯 They had so big ATC speakers with enough Naim to rival the factory. They’d got them on that much isolation the speakers were closer to the ceiling than my ears. Camouflage netting everywhere, neon lights etc Not your usual room but man it was something else I’d love to know the music they’d been playing as it’s stuck in my head now but it rocked like nothing else So fast and transparent.
That would be Mana acoustics. They made metal and glass isolation platforms who's effect multiplied as you stacked them up..... Hence the height of the ATCs
I´ve had over a couple hundred pairs of speakers including classics such as Infinity IRS Beta, Apogee Grand studio to name a few. Most modern highend speakers sound big and airy, but a monitor is more true to the music. You can´t go wrong with active ATC and a tube pre amp from Primaluna, ARC, or Mcintosh.
The criminally under-used soft-dome midrange.... I have Wharfedale EVO 4.2's and their "special sauce" is definitely the way they pair the dome mid with the AMT tweeter. I know soft-dome mids can start to distort at very high volume with hard rock music (but really, it has to be LOUD), but for 99.9% of listening...they are fabulous.
Thank you and well done for this wonderful and accurate review of the ATC system. I agree with every word. I am a lucky and a very happy owner of the special ATC EL 150 Actives (with the P6 amplifier and the ATC tweeter). In fact, I have been listening to ATC active speakers since 1998 and the actives do sound better than the passive counterparts, due to better integration and matching of drivers and electronics. I will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the active ATCs.
Great review Terry 16 minutes in you hit the nail on the head the ATC scm50 sound bloody brilliant up loud -rock music ,Floyd etc just is fantastic - I sold mine 15 years ago-I believe the new tweeter is killer - mates swear it is a huge improvement. If you own it give Iron Butterfly a bash - I never really got it until blasting it on the 50 . I thought they sounded brilliant with big power -KSA 250 , big Electrocompaniet etc. If you know anyone who will lend you some EC Nemo monoblocs it will show a clear improvement in sound quality .
Great video Terry. Look forward to the follow up video! I had the pleasure of listening to the active 150's with ATC amplification and the Naim 555 streamer for a couple of hours and it was hands down the best system I've had the pleasure of listening to! Definitely something to aspire too!
New subscriber here. Damn, you're a box checking machine! Finally ... it's quite refreshing to encounter an enthusiast/reviewer CZcams'r (possessing what appears to be a well sorted space) that incorporates measurements, Dirac, rock-n-roll sensibilities, w/dance club aural memory references, diffusion, absorption... my goodness brother, if I hadn't been married to my lovely wife of 33years, I'd be examining my options;) Seriously, I'm digging this. I appreciate the content and I'll spend some time exploring the balance of it. You're a box checking machine! (as an aside, I'm particularly interested in the subjective description you shared about the space, the un-fatiguing space between you and the music)
I’ve been awaiting an ATC review from you for ages and looking forward to the active review. Why no live music in this review or are you saving that for the passive / active comparison?
There will be a sound demo video coming, I have already done the sound recordings and shot the speaking part of the video - its just not made yet as it all takes hours to put together - these speakers and amp have had me listening to more music than usual
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Excellent, keep up the great work👍. The fact your listening more speaks volumes really. The active crossovers and tri amp pack will lift them even higher. You could even reduce your box count🤣. I’m sure you’ll keep the Kefs for any amp comparisons required. Speak nicely to ATC about a pair if active 40s I’m sure they’ll impress as well.
Great review. I'm very tempted by the active versions of these. Really looking forward to your thoughts on those. For me they are eye wateringly expensive, over my budget & a bit beyond! But... sell my speakers, my monos & save, it would almost be liberating to say these are my speakers & power amps, take the cable question out of it, & that's the end of it. Then any future upgrades/ tweaks would be preamp or source.
The ATC’s I agree have the best midrange in the business. Unfortunately for the money you spend on a pair of these, there are simply too many others that outperform them in the bass response.
Great and very interesting review! You made them sound amazing. That are a few atc reviews/sound on CZcams with similar atc speakers. You have to be a real serious audiofile to buy these.. A Serious industrial design. The amp is beautiful. Cant wait for your sound demo.. Request so (Dance & Chamber music.) ;-) Just wondering when will you get some ProAc in ? Stay safe.
I use Ruark Excalibur for making music with a daw. I also plug my synth into my Sim Audio Moon Evolution top of the range system, sounds very good, unflappable at any level. If your in Devon come listen to mine, it will be like in a studio session looking through the studio glass.
My daily drivers for over a decade... Love 'em! And if you want to push the boat out go active with a Mark Levinson, Vitus or Gryphon pre. End game stuff👌 Thx for the review & happy holidays when they arrive.
The atc scm50 sound better triamped, as there is more of everything, better detail, dynamics, slam and control, but with a smoother and calmer delivery at the same time. The 50asl has 200 watts just for the bass alone, then 100 watts for mids, 50 watts for the treble, and because they are active, they don't consume the same amount of ultimate power needed that passive versions do. Driving the 50 passives with just 200 watts for all 3 drive units watts does not go that far in a big 3 way passive crossover loudspeaker like the 50 passives have. They would sound far better with 3 p1 power amplifiers than with just the one p2 driving the whole 3 drive units, which all af this just perfect sense. If you bought the passive 50's and 3 atc power amps to control the drive units properly for loud levels, they would end up been a more expensive outlay than a pair of the 50 active super linear. It would come down to what you actually hear and perceive as better sound quality, as to what sounds better in the end, triamped passive or active 3 way.
@@ianjohnhorwood2605 cheers Ian when it comes time to do the review I will get all my info from your post haha it seemed pretty spot on hope your well man and thanks
ATC makes one of the greatest speakers for mids and super tight bass and never shouty like focal and kef metal tweets. even their crossover are exceptionally designed and they make cabinets from a true professional. What more can you ask for? NOTHING. Apart from a totem i really cant think of anything that can beat them.
OMG! Synergy is everything! A great speaker and a great amplifier can sound terrible. A well match good speaker and good amplifier can sound incredible. Matching is everything.
@HiFihobby Man yes, which is why we have to rely on matching equipment well. A lot of amps and especially speakers have sound signatures. And the bigger one for speakers is how they interact with the room. Even if all speakers were (which they are not) designed neutral, all rooms effect the sound greatly.
Most of the best known brands rely on hype, marketing, and latest greatest "cutting edge" materials. ATC relies on best possible engineering and quality build and destroy brands like B&W, Focal, etc for same or less $. I prefer the ATC SMC 19s with a sub I have over the B&W 802Ds I had, at far less cost to the B&Ws. The SCM50's must be outstanding. I'd probably still get the SCM40A's myself.
I have 46 Acoustics Panels in the room inc 6 Soffit Traps from GIK about 4 of their Monster Traps, Tri Traps and more. Bass is problematic in every room - hence why I manage it and the treatment keeps the decay times low so the bass is catwalk models ass tight :)
Interesting observations, and high praise Terry. What was your listening/recording distance from the soeakers? I ask because it seems, from your comments, that they are near to midfield speakers. I look forward to a sound demo, and a future review of the active version. Thanks & Merry Christmas to you and your family Terry.
very nice! would i be able to get rid of my amps if i use this active speaker?...Would I be able to just go strait from the pre amp to the speaker with a balanced xlr cable...?
Hi Terry i am buying a pair of snm 50 and a pre/power atc amps. I m thinking about running 2× p2 for extra headroom I listen big band jazz ay fairly high volume.Im looking to ease the load on a single power amp. I realise it doesn't give me more power and also there's diminishing returns but I don't care about that. Last system yes or no. Ps don't want active Steve (Australia)
Hello,i have a Mark Levinson532h two channel amplifier and would like to know which model ATC speakers will match ,heard that ATC are power hungry speakers to get their best to sing..Pls advise..
There isn't really a comparative Wilson for this money - the first larger 3 way from Wilson is the Yvette they nearly £30k. I suppose the SabrinaX is the closest at £22k - makes these seem like a bargain :)
That is not really what I said, most speakers sound better when you turn them up, ones that don't, is normally because you cant turn them up which is a problem rather than a positive.
16:05 - Negatives Let's be honest, at this *price* level, and given the *drivers* used, ATC have never been the bass depth monsters that one might expect given those two aspects. I still think it's better to have it and not need it, rather than to need it and not have it!
In the sterling sound mastering room I believe they combine the scm110 with dual atc subwoofers, Ted says combined with the new mastering room it's the best low end he has heard.
Interesting point and its why next if I get my way and get some time I want to try a few different pre amps and see what effects they have because this could be down to me not using one
Out of interest, what preamplifiers did you try with the SCM50's? I reckon an EAR valve pre, balanced connected to the P2 could work well. Also, for those with a slimmer available budget, the ATC SCM19 + ATC P1 combination is well worth considering; it definitely shares the ATC family sound. Personally, I prefer the sound of the 19 over the floor standing 40. There is something just right about a large ATC monitor on a sturdy stand positioned at the correct height.
Hi, I didn't use a dedicated Preamp - I used the Chord Hugo TT2 as a DAC and Pre - I am keen to explore preamps in 2021 if I all goes well and I get some time and the chance to play with a few
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yes, a few preamplifier reviews would be great. All things being equal, I still prefer a separate pre-power amplifier combination over an integrated one. Given their neutrality, the ATC pairing would make for great review tools in this respect. An affordable valve preamplifier that appears to be well regarded by a number of US-based reviewers is the Doge 8 Clarity valve pre. It would be great to hear your take on this unit. The Doge DAC is also very well regarded. It might be worth contacting them. I'm sure they'd be keen to work with a UK based reviewer. Just a thought.
I also found scm19 better than scm40. I am running scm50asl with ATC's own SCA2 - no integrated circuits, fully balanced, relays on pressured gas etc. - all for the ultimate transparence. Checked
can you talk about if we got a same budget is it better to get active ? it is cheaper and more "easy "to drive , and you can get a better pre amp for active
I'll be looking forward to the comparison between the active and passive versions with one caveat though: ATC calibrate/tune their speakers in the factory and subject them to a full test before shipping - will this pair also be subjected to the same rigorous procedure after their conversion? Also, conversion implies there will be no direct A-to-B comparison, right?
You want these two videos czcams.com/video/hkeIanGsKYA/video.html for the talking and this one for the sound demo czcams.com/video/Ms0WLy7dAlk/video.html
I like the looks of ATC! They look like serious speakers shall look in my opinion, not pretending to be anything else. The KEF's on the other hand....looks like shiny piece of modern kitchen appliances....or whatever, I don't know.....nah, not my taste at all..... +1 for the ATC!
I wonder what difference would be made by fitting the Gaia Iso Acoustics isolation feet to the stands instead of the spikes? Maybe before they are made into active speakers as a comparison
I was thinking about this too, but its a lot of work for me man, only so many hours in the day - if they were staying for a long time I think I would take it on but they might only be here for another week/10 days because of Christmas and COVID not sure.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I hope that your inquisitiveness gets the better of you. I suspect that you/we will be amazed with the difference it makes. Do you think that ATC would believe that you had been snowed in and they can’t be picked up for a few weeks😉
@@PursuitPerfectSystem it sounds very metallic for a lack of a better word. It just sounds off. It sometimes even hurts my ears (low volume) Of course I do discount bad recordings. It’s almost like somethings missing somehow.
Have ATC SCM 40 and 7........including ATC P1 They nead a high volumes to sing beautifull. In my opinione....not for apartmants.....because , neighbours will not stand such a volumes. For houses👌
Not alot of hardware for $16k passive or $27k active. Look a 9 inch driver can only go so loud at 50 hz. I dont see a horn enclosure, so, yeah..it is limited in air movement. I'll take the Legacy Calibre or Classics and save 10k.
@@ssspppify I'm not sure what your point is. Do you want to discuss distance definitions, or are you implying that midfield listening makes for easier requirements? Regardless, they are super-expensive in my world. LOTS of competition at that price and much lower.
You don't know who the tweeters made by do you because it was seas and they went to design their own couple years back which tweeter is in that speaker?
@@PursuitPerfectSystem did you say there changing the crossover for active you can look then! Happy Christmas! got to get that audio note in now combo, you can get the speakers and amplifier for about £5,000 seems like a bargain. I'm curious to see what both system sound like compared to each other, the ATC you didn't say you get that sense of feeling the artist of in the room more like a recording? At shows with audio note they do a comparison with the live artists and a recording people saying can't tell the difference have you not seen that at the shows. What does the amplifier p2 sound like with your KEFs did you not try it why don't you try it on other speakers.?
Yes a little bit if they are using the Cellist Vincent Bellanger, he has been at a lot of HiFi shows and I am pretty sure he is playing in the Audionote rooms. I haven't seen one of the recent demos to make any comment on it for you John - when you have itchs like this its one you have to scratch yourself anyway rather than take someone else word for it
I didnt really comment about artist playing in the room I just said the are monitor like in sound than some other speakers that try and create a bigger scene - that might be other factors too though man not necessarily the speakers but I always report on what I hear with how it sounds for me. Otherwise your into guess work
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I only play Vinyl see that would suit me down to the ground, well you can put a request in there's no harm you got to have some material for your show lol by the way volt make that mid-range driver as well
For the blood money it requires, I not only expect it to sound good but to make me a breakfast in the morning, to clean the house during the day and to imitate prime Nicole Kidman when the lights go out. 🙂👍
Mate, wait until you try the SCM150s. I’ve lived with a pair for 15 years, so.. They’re partnered with an ARC Ref 40 pre. I’d bypass the SCM 100s though.
The major problem with ATC speakers is that you simply cannot live inside them: they simply lack all basic amenities that make modern life what it is and I dare say, they're not even comfortable. I'm sorry to point this out but, nope, even council flats offer much better value. [Edit: At the time I wrote this I thought the price of ATC's systems was 2 or 3 times higher than they actually are.]
I ran SCM100ASL for about ten years before upgrading to active tower 150s around eight years ago. By far the best speakers I've ever heard. Huge fan.
Have 50ASLTs and I couldn't be happier. Beautiful sounding and beautiful looking speaker, especially in Rosewood
ATC are my endgame, I have admired and coveted for many years. As an aussie have always been very proud of Billy Woodman
ATC are the best speakers and amps. I sold them in my hifi shop and nothing comes close for the money.
Indeed nothing does... They're such a bargain if you happen to possess an oil rig or two.
Haha, got the ATC bug Terry. After trying some Wilsons and Magicos at home I visited ATC with a friend who wanted to hear some 40's and ended up buying a pair of active 50 Towers myself! I had them less than a year when a pair of active 150 anniversary towers came up second hand and I couldn't resist. I run them off of an Audio Research valve pre which adds spaciousness and a bit of warmth. Job done. Atc's sound nothing like the vision I once had in my head, I thought they were going to be detailed and clinical being studio monitors but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Very nice. Which ARC pre did you use?
@@allthingsaudio3840 . I had a used reference 3 that I upgraded to a ref 6.
@@wildcat1065 I'll bet the difference was pretty big. I had a ref3 as well but prefered my system without a pre and just used the digital controls on the bluesound node2i.
@@allthingsaudio3840 . I can understand that. I have tried myself but always end up back with an active pre, there just seems to be something missing with no pre for me.
I also have arc pre (with ref 75se). Would like to try active but am concerned impedance of speakers is only quoted as 10k ohms. Do you notice any issues? For example sloppy bass? I don’t think my power amp would be powerful enough to drive the passive version.
You're going to be blown away by the active setup 👍
So glad to see you have had chance to review these English designed and built speakers. I would love to own a pair of ATC speakers. Their attention to detail in the manufacturing is really inspiring. They take the copper wire for winding the speaker coils and run it through a bespoke machine to slightly flatten it so that the wound coils have a higher density of copper to reduce the air gaps between the coils. The domed mid-range speakers seem to give them such an advantage in reproducing the realistic midrange and spectacular vocals. I wonder if, once converted to active speakers, they will be even more impressive at low listening volumes. You are such a lucky lad having those on loan. It must be like Santa has visited you early
Merry Christmas
It's nice to see ATC getting some CZcams love! Lovely review :)
Great review. About 25 years ago I went to a hifi show in Manchester at the Plaza I think.
But Manta Acoustics I think they were called had a room and to this day I’ve never heard anything like it. It was incredible 🤯
They had so big ATC speakers with enough Naim to rival the factory.
They’d got them on that much isolation the speakers were closer to the ceiling than my ears.
Camouflage netting everywhere, neon lights etc
Not your usual room but man it was something else
I’d love to know the music they’d been playing as it’s stuck in my head now but it rocked like nothing else
So fast and transparent.
That would be Mana acoustics. They made metal and glass isolation platforms who's effect multiplied as you stacked them up..... Hence the height of the ATCs
You lucky fellow... this range of ATC ( with their classic midrange dome and new tweeter) are the speakers I would actually lust for...
I´ve had over a couple hundred pairs of speakers including classics such as Infinity IRS Beta, Apogee Grand studio to name a few. Most modern highend speakers sound big and airy, but a monitor is more true to the music. You can´t go wrong with active ATC and a tube pre amp from Primaluna, ARC, or Mcintosh.
I want a Apogee Scintilla, but finding one is so difficult.
Do you think the MA8950 is a good match for these speakers?
The criminally under-used soft-dome midrange.... I have Wharfedale EVO 4.2's and their "special sauce" is definitely the way they pair the dome mid with the AMT tweeter. I know soft-dome mids can start to distort at very high volume with hard rock music (but really, it has to be LOUD), but for 99.9% of listening...they are fabulous.
I wouldn’t say criminally underused. However, ATC’s midrange drivers is heavier than most speakers LF driver
Thank you and well done for this wonderful and accurate review of the ATC system. I agree with every word.
I am a lucky and a very happy owner of the special ATC EL 150 Actives (with the P6 amplifier and the ATC tweeter).
In fact, I have been listening to ATC active speakers since 1998 and the actives do sound better than the passive counterparts, due to better integration and matching of drivers and electronics.
I will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the active ATCs.
Been going on 15 yrs w. my SCM50ASLT’s.Never looked back, and oh.. still have my Meridian M20 actives too. Nice detailed review! Thxs!
This sounded more like a special prayer for ATC, he has found a new religion.....
Haha not really just very impressed you can check out why here czcams.com/video/8TD4sN0BFpw/video.html
Great review Terry 16 minutes in you hit the nail on the head the ATC scm50 sound bloody brilliant up loud -rock music ,Floyd etc just is fantastic - I sold mine 15 years ago-I believe the new tweeter is killer - mates swear it is a huge improvement. If you own it give Iron Butterfly a bash - I never really got it until blasting it on the 50 . I thought they sounded brilliant with big power -KSA 250 , big Electrocompaniet etc. If you know anyone who will lend you some EC Nemo monoblocs it will show a clear improvement in sound quality .
Thanks Roy
I run a couple ATC SCM40 passives. Powered by NAIM UNITY NOVA. I love them.
Great video Terry. Look forward to the follow up video! I had the pleasure of listening to the active 150's with ATC amplification and the Naim 555 streamer for a couple of hours and it was hands down the best system I've had the pleasure of listening to! Definitely something to aspire too!
Thanks Anthony, nice story man and I know how that goes - lovely setup there man congrats on that
Heard The ATCs at this year's (2022) AXPONA in Chicago, IL. Just beautiful music. Excellent review, really professional. Thanks
Interesting review, Terry. I look forward to your review of the active system, that should be something else.
Great description. These ATC speakers are high on the list of my dream systems to try out.
New subscriber here. Damn, you're a box checking machine!
Finally ... it's quite refreshing to encounter an enthusiast/reviewer CZcams'r (possessing what appears to be a well sorted space) that incorporates measurements, Dirac, rock-n-roll sensibilities, w/dance club aural memory references, diffusion, absorption... my goodness brother, if I hadn't been married to my lovely wife of 33years, I'd be examining my options;)
Seriously, I'm digging this.
I appreciate the content and I'll spend some time exploring the balance of it.
You're a box checking machine!
(as an aside, I'm particularly interested in the subjective description you shared about the space, the un-fatiguing space between you and the music)
Great comments man haha and welcome
I’ve been awaiting an ATC review from you for ages and looking forward to the active review. Why no live music in this review or are you saving that for the passive / active comparison?
There will be a sound demo video coming, I have already done the sound recordings and shot the speaking part of the video - its just not made yet as it all takes hours to put together - these speakers and amp have had me listening to more music than usual
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Excellent, keep up the great work👍. The fact your listening more speaks volumes really. The active crossovers and tri amp pack will lift them even higher. You could even reduce your box count🤣. I’m sure you’ll keep the Kefs for any amp comparisons required. Speak nicely to ATC about a pair if active 40s I’m sure they’ll impress as well.
Great review.
I'm very tempted by the active versions of these. Really looking forward to your thoughts on those.
For me they are eye wateringly expensive, over my budget & a bit beyond!
But... sell my speakers, my monos & save, it would almost be liberating to say these are my speakers & power amps, take the cable question out of it, & that's the end of it. Then any future upgrades/ tweaks would be preamp or source.
Can’t wait fella. ATC are (for me at least) and end game speaker.
Would love to audition the top of the line SCM150 LE with P6 amplifier.
Great review / summary! So are these going to replace your kef ref 3? 🙂
Looking forward to the active version review. Cheers,
The ATC’s I agree have the best midrange in the business. Unfortunately for the money you spend on a pair of these, there are simply too many others that outperform them in the bass response.
Seems to be the case. ATC engineers are missing the point : we want to “enjoy” the music.
The MID RANGE for sure !!!!!
One of my dream speakers. Wish I had the monies 😭😭
Great and very interesting review! You made them sound amazing. That are a few atc reviews/sound on CZcams with similar atc speakers. You have to be a real serious audiofile to buy these.. A Serious industrial design. The amp is beautiful. Cant wait for your sound demo.. Request so (Dance & Chamber music.) ;-) Just wondering when will you get some ProAc in ? Stay safe.
Superb mid field speakers 👍
So Adam Saxton from Guy In a Cube has an alter ego as an brit ginger? Awesome! Nothing but respect from me!
hahaha that is quite a close likeness
I use Ruark Excalibur for making music with a daw. I also plug my synth into my Sim Audio Moon Evolution top of the range system, sounds very good, unflappable at any level. If your in Devon come listen to mine, it will be like in a studio session looking through the studio glass.
My daily drivers for over a decade...
Love 'em!
And if you want to push the boat out go active with a Mark Levinson, Vitus or Gryphon pre. End game stuff👌
Thx for the review & happy holidays when they arrive.
CH Precision L1 Pre is better than all of those. Demoed a handful of pre amps (Vitus and Gryphon), L1 wiped the floor with them
@@Paul-dr8tq Interesting... I'm sure it's great. I've tried out a lot over the years and these 3 were my own favs. I currently use a Levinson.
The atc scm50 sound better triamped, as there is more of everything, better detail, dynamics, slam and control, but with a smoother and calmer delivery at the same time. The 50asl has 200 watts just for the bass alone, then 100 watts for mids, 50 watts for the treble, and because they are active, they don't consume the same amount of ultimate power needed that passive versions do. Driving the 50 passives with just 200 watts for all 3 drive units watts does not go that far in a big 3 way passive crossover loudspeaker like the 50 passives have. They would sound far better with 3 p1 power amplifiers than with just the one p2 driving the whole 3 drive units, which all af this just perfect sense. If you bought the passive 50's and 3 atc power amps to control the drive units properly for loud levels, they would end up been a more expensive outlay than a pair of the 50 active super linear. It would come down to what you actually hear and perceive as better sound quality, as to what sounds better in the end, triamped passive or active 3 way.
Ian noone will watch my next video if you give them all the info now hahah :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem sorry Terry, doubt it will make much difference though, this is a loudspeaker a lot are interested in, haha, including my self.
@@ianjohnhorwood2605 cheers Ian when it comes time to do the review I will get all my info from your post haha it seemed pretty spot on hope your well man and thanks
Completely agree ATC are known to sound better active and can even compete with much more expensive passive speakers.
Terry your awesome 👏 you’re going to make me broke with a smile on my face 👏❤️
Hahaha great comments Anthony thanks man
Amazing.
Would be interesting to see a review of the scm40 or scm40a too
ATC makes one of the greatest speakers for mids and super tight bass and never shouty like focal and kef metal tweets. even their crossover are exceptionally designed and they make cabinets from a true professional. What more can you ask for? NOTHING.
Apart from a totem i really cant think of anything that can beat them.
Do you have to play loud to get bass out of them ?? and can they play Heavy metal without being harsh
OMG! Synergy is everything! A great speaker and a great amplifier can sound terrible. A well match good speaker and good amplifier can sound incredible. Matching is everything.
@HiFihobby Man yes, which is why we have to rely on matching equipment well. A lot of amps and especially speakers have sound signatures. And the bigger one for speakers is how they interact with the room. Even if all speakers were (which they are not) designed neutral, all rooms effect the sound greatly.
Now you are starting to listen to some great speakers.
The reason they sound less special at lower volume is because they are 85db efficient. Try the 150s at 91db, huge difference in efficiency.
Thank you for the video, very good insight.
Most of the best known brands rely on hype, marketing, and latest greatest "cutting edge" materials. ATC relies on best possible engineering and quality build and destroy brands like B&W, Focal, etc for same or less $. I prefer the ATC SMC 19s with a sub I have over the B&W 802Ds I had, at far less cost to the B&Ws. The SCM50's must be outstanding. I'd probably still get the SCM40A's myself.
you clearly need primacoustics max traps style of bass trap..
could you review atc scm12 pro ?
I have 46 Acoustics Panels in the room inc 6 Soffit Traps from GIK about 4 of their Monster Traps, Tri Traps and more.
Bass is problematic in every room - hence why I manage it and the treatment keeps the decay times low so the bass is catwalk models ass tight :)
I would like a review on the Yamaha NS 5000
To compare against the similar looking ATC SCM 50 it would be very interesting.
Interesting observations, and high praise Terry. What was your listening/recording distance from the soeakers? I ask because it seems, from your comments, that they are near to midfield speakers.
I look forward to a sound demo, and a future review of the active version.
Thanks & Merry Christmas to you and your family Terry.
I think this would be do good with powerful tube amplifiers verging on the warm side of neutral .
So good ......
very nice! would i be able to get rid of my amps if i use this active speaker?...Would I be able to just go strait from the pre amp to the speaker with a balanced xlr cable...?
it would be nice to compare the SCM50 against the SCM40
I would buy the Active version. Better still.
Top job 👌
Great video! Thanks! 💯 🙌🏽
Nice video 👏👏👏
No video feed, only audio? Vid came back in the last minute only.
Wow that's a weird one, must be a CZcams glitch happening for you, maybe try again later
Great stuff but the chipmunk music does let it down. Cheers.
So would be a end game combo for a casual audiophile and what pre amp you up to on this
Hi Terry i am buying a pair of snm 50 and a pre/power atc amps. I m thinking about running 2× p2 for extra headroom I listen big band jazz ay fairly high volume.Im looking to ease the load on a single power amp. I realise it doesn't give me more power and also there's diminishing returns but I don't care about that. Last system yes or no.
Ps don't want active
Steve (Australia)
Any idea what jumper cables are used?
Do you ever review any Vandersteen products?
I haven't as of yet, but maybe one day
Any chance to review the active 45's against the active 50s? Thanks
Hello,i have a Mark Levinson532h two channel amplifier and would like to know which model ATC speakers will match ,heard that ATC are power hungry speakers to get their best to sing..Pls advise..
How do they compare to Wilson audio speakers at similar price?
There isn't really a comparative Wilson for this money - the first larger 3 way from Wilson is the Yvette they nearly £30k.
I suppose the SabrinaX is the closest at £22k - makes these seem like a bargain :)
Very Good, unfortunately not at low volumes... I would rather get Grimm Ls1 or Audium comp 8 or pureaudioproject trio15
That is not really what I said, most speakers sound better when you turn them up, ones that don't, is normally because you cant turn them up which is a problem rather than a positive.
My english is not so good, but as i undersand the Luxman l 509x will not be big enoug for driving these peakers ??
Hi there! I am considering these or a pair of Harbeth M40.3 XD. Do you have any experience with Harbeth speakers/thoughts? Thanks! :)
16:05 - Negatives
Let's be honest, at this *price* level, and given the *drivers* used, ATC have never been the bass depth monsters that one might expect given those two aspects. I still think it's better to have it and not need it, rather than to need it and not have it!
In the sterling sound mastering room I believe they combine the scm110 with dual atc subwoofers, Ted says combined with the new mastering room it's the best low end he has heard.
Not the speaker for me. Thank you for clearing this. I would love to demo but I want open sound stage.
Interesting point and its why next if I get my way and get some time I want to try a few different pre amps and see what effects they have because this could be down to me not using one
@@PursuitPerfectSystem try the CH Precision L1 pre amp. You will be blown away with the 50 actives and this pre.
Love the sound from ATC speakers. wonder how it compares to the Spendor classic 100
Yep that would be an interesting comparison
had Spendor SP100R and now SCM50ASL. Both sound neat, clean, airy. Better transparence and speed for ATC
@@ssspppify But Spendor are more musical and warmer. I have Spendor SP100R² and ATC SCM150.
I have the SCM50 ASL Towers : just stunning and I won’t part with them !
do you know the difference between the bookshelf standmount and the floor standing version?
自分自身はパッシヴタイプに変更した、ＳＣＭー２００ＳＬＰＴをオーダーして愛用しています。Ｗウーハァーシステムが最高です。シリアル№９＆１０で日本国では一組しか有りません。日本国ではＡＴＣ製品の取り扱いが停止されて仕舞いましたので、とても残念です。
Sure, but OTHER than the bass, mids and treble, what has ATC done for you lately ? ;)
They squashed one of my fingers when I was installing them and it hurt haha :)
Out of interest, what preamplifiers did you try with the SCM50's? I reckon an EAR valve pre, balanced connected to the P2 could work well. Also, for those with a slimmer available budget, the ATC SCM19 + ATC P1 combination is well worth considering; it definitely shares the ATC family sound. Personally, I prefer the sound of the 19 over the floor standing 40. There is something just right about a large ATC monitor on a sturdy stand positioned at the correct height.
Hi, I didn't use a dedicated Preamp - I used the Chord Hugo TT2 as a DAC and Pre - I am keen to explore preamps in 2021 if I all goes well and I get some time and the chance to play with a few
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yes, a few preamplifier reviews would be great. All things being equal, I still prefer a separate pre-power amplifier combination over an integrated one. Given their neutrality, the ATC pairing would make for great review tools in this respect. An affordable valve preamplifier that appears to be well regarded by a number of US-based reviewers is the Doge 8 Clarity valve pre. It would be great to hear your take on this unit. The Doge DAC is also very well regarded. It might be worth contacting them. I'm sure they'd be keen to work with a UK based reviewer. Just a thought.
I also found scm19 better than scm40. I am running scm50asl with ATC's own SCA2 - no integrated circuits, fully balanced, relays on pressured gas etc. - all for the ultimate transparence. Checked
Infinity used them for years
As they are now used ( second hand) can we do a deal ? Please
Dont ask Dont get :)
How does the treble stack up against Piega Coax 511?
can you talk about if we got a same budget is it better to get active ? it is cheaper and more "easy "to drive , and you can get a better pre amp for active
Of course I will be thinking about that for sure and will talk about it
I'll be looking forward to the comparison between the active and passive versions with one caveat though: ATC calibrate/tune their speakers in the factory and subject them to a full test before shipping - will this pair also be subjected to the same rigorous procedure after their conversion? Also, conversion implies there will be no direct A-to-B comparison, right?
You want these two videos czcams.com/video/hkeIanGsKYA/video.html for the talking and this one for the sound demo czcams.com/video/Ms0WLy7dAlk/video.html
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Haha! Thanks! I thought this review was done this December!
I like the looks of ATC! They look like serious speakers shall look in my opinion, not pretending to be anything else. The KEF's on the other hand....looks like shiny piece of modern kitchen appliances....or whatever, I don't know.....nah, not my taste at all..... +1 for the ATC!
Where's the link to the active review?
I wonder what difference would be made by fitting the Gaia Iso Acoustics isolation feet to the stands instead of the spikes? Maybe before they are made into active speakers as a comparison
I was thinking about this too, but its a lot of work for me man, only so many hours in the day - if they were staying for a long time I think I would take it on but they might only be here for another week/10 days because of Christmas and COVID not sure.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I hope that your inquisitiveness gets the better of you. I suspect that you/we will be amazed with the difference it makes. Do you think that ATC would believe that you had been snowed in and they can’t be picked up for a few weeks😉
@@michaelwilliams4086 i could just not answer the phone or the door... :)
the active tower version the best
What about atc scm50sl with pass int 250?
Hooked up a Hugo TY2 to the 50A and disappointed to say the least.
See if Linn could do a better job.
Disappointed in what and what way?
@@PursuitPerfectSystem it sounds very metallic for a lack of a better word. It just sounds off. It sometimes even hurts my ears (low volume) Of course I do discount bad recordings. It’s almost like somethings missing somehow.
@@crossocean5663 that doesn't sound right what source are you using and how is it connected to the tt2
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Mac mini with Roon through usb.
Have ATC SCM 40 and 7........including ATC P1
They nead a high volumes to sing beautifull.
In my opinione....not for apartmants.....because , neighbours will not stand such a volumes.
For houses👌
Not alot of hardware for $16k passive or $27k active. Look a 9 inch driver can only go so loud at 50 hz. I dont see a horn enclosure, so, yeah..it is limited in air movement. I'll take the Legacy Calibre or Classics and save 10k.
does the word 'midfield' means anything to you?
@@ssspppify I'm not sure what your point is. Do you want to discuss distance definitions, or are you implying that midfield listening makes for easier requirements? Regardless, they are super-expensive in my world. LOTS of competition at that price and much lower.
Thanks for the review. What's the price tag on the amp and speakers?
Its in the first music break down - £9820 for the speakers £3625 for the P2 power amp
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thank you! Looking forward for the demo and further breakdown.
You don't know who the tweeters made by do you because it was seas and they went to design their own couple years back which tweeter is in that speaker?
Hopefully someone will answer this for you as I am not sure John sorry dude
@@PursuitPerfectSystem did you say there changing the crossover for active you can look then! Happy Christmas! got to get that audio note in now combo, you can get the speakers and amplifier for about £5,000 seems like a bargain. I'm curious to see what both system sound like compared to each other, the ATC you didn't say you get that sense of feeling the artist of in the room more like a recording? At shows with audio note they do a comparison with the live artists and a recording people saying can't tell the difference have you not seen that at the shows. What does the amplifier p2 sound like with your KEFs did you not try it why don't you try it on other speakers.?
Yes a little bit if they are using the Cellist Vincent Bellanger, he has been at a lot of HiFi shows and I am pretty sure he is playing in the Audionote rooms. I haven't seen one of the recent demos to make any comment on it for you John - when you have itchs like this its one you have to scratch yourself anyway rather than take someone else word for it
I didnt really comment about artist playing in the room I just said the are monitor like in sound than some other speakers that try and create a bigger scene - that might be other factors too though man not necessarily the speakers but I always report on what I hear with how it sounds for me. Otherwise your into guess work
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I only play Vinyl see that would suit me down to the ground, well you can put a request in there's no harm you got to have some material for your show lol by the way volt make that mid-range driver as well
For the blood money it requires, I not only expect it to sound good but to make me a breakfast in the morning, to clean the house during the day and to imitate prime Nicole Kidman when the lights go out. 🙂👍
Dream on, Your living in a Fantasy
is the sound stage laid back or forward?
Atc is a little bit if both, relatively easy going but more forward than some
Mate, wait until you try the SCM150s. I’ve lived with a pair for 15 years, so.. They’re partnered with an ARC Ref 40 pre. I’d bypass the SCM 100s though.
The major problem with ATC speakers is that you simply cannot live inside them: they simply lack all basic amenities that make modern life what it is and I dare say, they're not even comfortable. I'm sorry to point this out but, nope, even council flats offer much better value.
[Edit: At the time I wrote this I thought the price of ATC's systems was 2 or 3 times higher than they actually are.]
Have ATC stopped making these ?
Unlikely they have been making them for many years
Lets hear sound man, less sale's crapp
For the sound demo you want this video czcams.com/video/8TD4sN0BFpw/video.html all the info all the videos all listed and linked to
You forgot to mention its a 13,000$ speaker.
The prices for both are in the first music break down
I'm sure they sound exceptional but they're also hideous to look at.