ATC SCM50, NEXT LEVEL Active Speakers!

[@paulriordan19]

The other great thing about ATC is the on-going support for their products. My ATC50ASL were bought before ATC made their own tweeters but they offered upgrades to existing customers - so I had my 50ASL and my 20-2As upgraded at the factory (they ever collected and delivered the speakers, fortunately I live fairly near the factory here in the UK). There are very few companies out there that provide this kind of support. I recognise that many people think these speakers are expensive but I think if you compare to other speakers on the market they are pretty well priced. This is especially true of the active versions, try finding an equivalent quality set of power amps for the same price as the difference between passive and active and I think you will really struggle.

[@glichasasha750]

I was disappointed with their treatment. Obviously they treated you way better than me.

[@saaie]

I’ve found the scm40s in combination with Electrocompaniet and Rockna and feel my hifi search is over just love almost every song that I play instead just the hires files

[@nobelstone9714]

How expensive really are they? What would their competition cost? And then you have to add the cost of amplifiers and speakers cables.

[@fizywig]

Are the Atc ScM 50 ASLs liftable from floor onto stand. By an average single person?

[@beefsflat7426]

@@fizywigyes. My older ones have handles on amp pack at rear. Heavy but ok for me. Easier with two pairs of hands like most things but not a show stopper if not.

[@mevdinc]

I'm so pleased to see you finally review the ATC speakers. Well done for doing such a great job of describing the sound and highlighting the strengths of the ATC speakers. As an ATC user of over 25 years, I fully agree with your findings. In fact, the SCM50 actives were the favourites of the late Billy Woodman, the designer behind these wonderful speakers. RIP. Thank you for creating and sharing quality content.

[@dilbyjones]

Yes

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

ATC and PMC have always been on the top of my list. Magnificent British 🇬🇧🫡🇬🇧 📢 Loudspeaker Manufacturers.

[@kenbianucci2223]

Awesome to see you finally review these spectacular speakers. I spent nearly a decade demoing speakers all around the West Coast trying to find an "audiophile" level of speaker to invest in and never quite found the sound I was looking for. Two years ago, in a happenstance meeting, I had a client with the larger SCM 150 towers driven by the Dragon amp and I was blown away, not just the beauty but the soundstage was insane. These were way too big for my listening room but some research and I found the SCM50 PSLT in cherry less than fifty miles from my house. Nearly two years of ownership and the ability to listen to these all night, every night is impressive enough, these speakers are worth every penny. Far too many of the other brands I demoed had some areas that stood out as good always had something that lacked and never quite captured my fancy and for me that was making the music I listen to sound like it was being played for me in real time. The other thing that stood out to me when deciding to spend nearly twenty-grand on a pair of speakers is how perfectly each driver blends into the next so you never have one standing out above the mix which produces this very smooth and easy to listen to soundstage. One of very few items I own that I still say was worth every penny spent.

[@wouterkolkman]

Glad you finally got round to reviewing these speakers. I am still the proud owner of their anniversary Tower edition with discrete components since 2010 - with now the latest tweeters. Amazing speakers - they travelled the world with me when I lived in Kazakhstan for 4 years followed by 4 years China and now back in the U.K.

[@mychaildmychaild-gi3ez]

Ok

[@bhupendraparekh6225]

These are legendary speakers, its probably the only speaker you'll ever need, but wheres the fun in that.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

It used to be someone's HiFi buy line: "made to satisfy rather than impress". ATC are one of a handful of manufacturers who do both.

[@vladimirdorta6692]

That magical dome midrange!

[@Romulus980]

Many thanks for reviewing at last the ATC SCM 50 active speakers. The ATC SCM40A active speakers is for many audiophiles the end system, it costs a lot less than the SCM50 and I think many subscribers to your channel will be interested...

[@beefsflat7426]

They are very very good...but many owners of 40a are on a path to the 50asl. If u can get the funds together its cheaper and better long run to go for 50ASL.

[@TonyMartello]

Ok, as an ATC owner I've been patiently waiting for years for one of you big reviewers to finally review some ATC speakers. The review was pretty much what I expected and I'm so glad you mentioned (15.20) that the ATC's are never bright when played super loud. Thats the difference between them and the Willsons or top-of-the-line Sonus fabers etc, theres just no harsh brightness up loud. The client list reads of the who's who in the music industry. I've had a long hifi journey and I've listened to most of the best speakers in the world at hifi shows and I must admit, I think I'm an ATC man from here on out. Great review, thanks!

[@fizywig]

How difficult are the scm 50s for one person to lift from floor and place on stand?

[@TonyMartello]

@@fizywig I am quite strong but I'm hearing ya, they're bloody heavy

[@rogersharpe2490]

A wonderful review Steve. You covered all the information about these speakers so well, I was so impressed with your presentation. The SCM50A is a remarkable loudspeaker, and thoroughly deserves its standing in hi fi circles.

[@peterlarkin762]

One of the reasons bands use ATC's for work and play is the big industrial grade dome mid - nothing makes distorted guitar sound better .

[@isaacestep3321]

Sounds like they'd be really nice with shoe gaze or death metal.

[@attrktmarketing4582]

These are exquisite. ATC do something very special around the mid range.

[@PerfDayToday]

Nice review Steve. I’ve owned my active 50 towers for over 17 years.

[@bw8827]

Hi Steve, I've always loved the content and honestt opinion of components reviewed on your channel. I'm aware from the past that you were not a fan of active speakers, in general. Therefore it's good to see how much you enjoyed the ATC SCM50. As a Brit, I'm proud to see a good review of a product from a home based company. I own a pair of the SCM40A. I aspire to one day owning the SCM50.

[@bigblueocean]

Happy new glasses Steve. Looking good. 👍

[@leehutchings9762]

Great to at last hear you review an ATC speaker Steve. I’ve got the smallest ATCs, the SCM 7. Coupled with a subwoofer the sound absolutely sensational in my relatively small listening room. I’m sure which ever ATC model you review next you’ll be really impressed. All of their speakers are awesome

[@gdwlaw5549]

Hi, and may I ask what amplifier you use ?

[@leehutchings9762]

Rega Elex R. It’s on the low end of the power handling capability of the speakers, but I get away with it as my room is not huge. That said I’m curious as to how a Rega Elicit Mk5 or an Aethos might make them sing. They can take upto 300 watts 😮

[@RennieAsh]

​@@leehutchings9762I use a 12W amplifier with them so it's all good. Can only drive them to 1/2 excursion with bass, but it's all I need at 1m distance. If using as studio monitors I'd get a more powerful amp

[@allanjacks7147]

I have the ATC SCM 7 powered by 2 Luxman M200 in BTL. They like plenty of power.

[@leehutchings9762]

@@allanjacks7147interesting. How much power output do you get in BTL?

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

Just heard a pair of ATC 2-way speakers over a friend's house. Very impressive mid-range, full and accurate, with great resolution. He mates it with two 12-inch sub-woofers.

[@ranelime]

ATC SCM40 passive is probably where you want to go for your next ATC review, Steve. I had all the entry level passive ones and this one is real special

[@vtkz]

The active ATC's are better. You cant find any Amp that gives you the same result like the Active Version. There is a reason why nearly all Mastering Studio using the Active ATCs

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

that is absolutely true ​@@vtkz

[@zoranpavlovic3319]

@@vtkzbut, sometimes why is good for the studio work is not that pleasant for audiophile ears 😊.. I played bass guitar for 10 years and recorded 2 albums, so, I know what I am talking about. What is your opinion of the sound of these ?

[@tomthompson7400]

Ive owned some ATC components for thirty years or more ,,,, nothing yet matches them ,, they are mighty.

[@neps4th]

I have tri-amped several systems since the '70s. Use external (analog) Xover with tubes, A's & ABs. Planar/Stats & cones. Always thrilling and awe- inspiring sound. Soundscape/detail/ realism. NEP

[@thomassheldon8158]

I own the ATC SCM 40A speakers which I am quite satisfied with. As a classical musician I was struck that the mating of the midrange to the woofer is better than on the 50's. Especially a cello is seamless along it's frequency where the bigger woofers seem to have a different tamber. I added an REL subwoofer. I would suggest you review a pair of 40A's and would be very interested in your thoughts.

[@channel-ls4uv]

If I may ask; what model REL sub do you have? I love my ATC SCM 40 speakers and know exactly what you mean with the seamless cello! But they could use some extended low end. As you probably guessed I'm looking for a good pairing sub. REL recommends the s510, which is quite expensive for what it is, if you ask me. Very interested in your experiences...

[@deanfisher1656]

My Brother has these …..just got them upgraded by ATC, which is a wonderful service. When one considers that there are no amps to purchase and thousands invested in speaker connects…..it is very competitive, as the sound is fantastic. Great review and enjoyed your excellent review. Btw Dan has had them for over a decade with no issues.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

I recently upgraded my PC / desktop HiFi. The speakers I settled on are the entry level ATC, the SCM7 (7 litre cabinet). The sound is neutral and dynamic, the build is solid. These feel over-engineered (heavy) and the finish is flawless, even at arm's length. The sound is such that I forget the equipment and get drawn in by the music. I cannot fault them, I am a very happy customer.

[@AllboroLCD]

We need more like this outta the US! It baffles me too as it seems like perfect opportunities for speaker & amp brands to collaborate together with an end result of us public getting some SERIOUSLY nice gear out of it.

[@genkifd]

I loved the ATC 100 and 150 Actives. almost purchased them a few year back. their mid range imo is so magical.

[@paulpavlou9294]

Great review Steve. I heard these at a Audio show at the Sydney Airport Hilton Hotel thirty something years ago and was totaly blown away by them. Its good to hear that they are still sounding great. I always wanted a pair of these or there big brother ATC SCM100ASL or larger.

[@craigellsworth3952]

@paulpavlou9294 Just get a set of JL Audio subs.

[@mephistoGR]

I once told you about ATC. So glad for this review, I was looking forward for it.

[@sp129]

The ATC SCM40A combined with their C1 Sub could be a good review. It's still monumentally expensive for us mere mortals--$14k for the combo--but "relatively" affordable in the ATC lineup.

[@beforever]

You are such a self-aware reviewer, seamlessly scripted too, absolute masterclass

[@Attis_CY]

Thank you for the review, really detail and strong points. The active version is way more efficient than passive version that’s why ATC puts so much more higher level components in the crossover board to match the sound that active produces. Active crossover with tri-amp in the cabinet make it plug and play and save much of time and money. For the same level of quality of sound passive will be spending double or even more budgets to match active ones’ sound. Well, in case you’re interesting in always buying gears(back and forwards changing power amps, cables, etc), go active version then save time for listening to high quality of favorite musics. Cheers!

[@pkats9093]

Thanks Steve! Don’t remember what model they were but enjoyed the heck out of the ATC room at Axpona last year. I think visceral would be the best way to describe them. But without being in your face or harsh at all. That big dome mid range sounds fantastic. Looking forward to hearing them again this year

[@lonemountainaudio642]

Those were the 50's as well. We plan to show them again!

[@pkats9093]

@@lonemountainaudio642 Cool thanks

[@mnyshrpknvs]

I have the passive SCM19s and absolutely love them. Will be moving them to my bedroom and purchasing the passive SCM20s.

[@ChrisJohnson-c3s]

I use 45a Pro speakers in my studio and all I can say is it's so nice to listen to your music on the same speakers that they were listening to when they were recording it and mixing it

[@eldloppa2]

This is a stellar speaker. Still remember the first time I heard them at an audio show, which also was my first time exposed to the ATC brand. It was a pretty crappy room packed with people and I was kinda near the back, but nonetheless, these babies sang their heart out and I was instantly smitten. They were clearly quite something else, and made the other much more expensive brands i heard almost sound a little broken. 😅 This was of course a highly emotional response, and realistically I've heard other equal or better systems since. But at that price? And for what they do? Wow. Hope to buy a pair some day. One of my sets are SCM11. Fine, but... Obviously not the same.

[@lint8391]

ATC 50's are one of those speakers that I can understand why some people love them. With it helping that ATC have a fantastic reputation for customer care. However they're not for me. Due to the price, combined with me preferring other speakers - either well engineered huge medium efficiency speakers (for ATC 50 beating bass), or huge high efficiency speakers (for ATC 50 beating dynamic freedom and midrange and treble clarity).

[@mikaelmllersnnichsen539]

@Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac, I've been anticipating the likelihood of your reviewing an active pair of ATC speakers, and here it is; indeed a very good and informative review! My main intention commenting on this review (and your previous "rant on active speakers") is addressing your views on DSP and your apparent take on what defines 'active configuration' per se. First, I understand your gripe with most bundled, active speakers that the electronics hidden here can't really be dismantled in modules by the consumer in case service is needed. I also understand your contention that one is usually stuck with class D amps in active speakers, and that this mayn't be ideal in honing the best from them or "speak" to everyone in their preference of amp principle/topology. Where we differ and what is my main disagreement with you however is what I regard as your blanket statement on DSP as an inferior solution due the conversion steps to digital and back (some DSP's have digital input, so you avoid the A/D-conversion step). One is the possible sonic influence coming from the (A)DA conversions themselves, where it sounds like you find them to be bad ON PRINCIPLE. Based on what - actual sonic evaluations? DSP's (not least with FIR-filters) offer distinct advantages in settings opportunities that an electronic, analogue-only active crossover can't equal, and this is important implementing one's speakers as best as possible, also with regard to accommodating horn speakers and timing/delay issues here, intricate and precisely placed notch corrections and other. Not pointing my fingers at ATC here using analogue, electronic XO's; I love that they stick to their guns, as they have for decades. And then there's active as a definition. 'Active,' strictly speaking, isn't defined by the amps, active XO/DSP and possibly DAC BUILT INTO the speakers as a bundled solution, but rather that the filtration part is handled prior to amplification on signal level. That's it, and that means active can be an outboard solution with separate chassis components as well. In your "rant on active" video you lamented how a Parasound power amp, as a hypothetical scenario, couldn't fit into the speakers for active duties, but the point is: they don't have to fit inside the speakers to be used actively. I'm aware most manufacturers don't configure their active speaker solutions with outboard components, but ATC does so with their SCM300's (maybe even the SCM200), and they're no less active because of this. Sanders Sound does it. Bryston. JBL with their M2's, and there are others. I do it as a DIY-approach, and that way I can choose any amps, DSP/electronic XO and DAC I see fit - like you would with a pair of passive speakers. It seems to me many audiophiles, you included, limit their approach to active configuration due to some more or less stubborn preconceptions/conjectures, and even misunderstandings on what truly defines 'active' configuration, broadly speaking. Active isn't only bundled speakers, and DSP isn't a bad thing in and by itself. On the contrary, DSP's can offer optimizations that are useful in different speaker and room contexts, and I'd put a big question mark on the conversion steps of a quality DSP being an actual sonic hindrance. As an outboard, separate component solution, active can be active while still offering the consumer any choice of the electronic parts involved. This also comes down to the speakers being that active, bundled speakers typically aren't very big and as such are limited to certain configurations/design choices within these confines, but with outboard active that is no longer any limitations; the sky's the limit, as they say.

[@vtkz]

they will not understand and nothing will changed. When their Hifi Mind is still in the 80's - you cant convince them to look at ,,newer,, technologies. I heard so many systems and the Actives are always the better ones.

[@johnpischedda6951]

Thanks Steve ! The music industry connection to ATC's was interesting. Pro audio seems to be crossing over into domestic more often with the active speaker companies. I had no idea ATC did Pro audio.

[@vortekkz_mixes]

they are (more or less) world leading and like a standard. There are tons of Studios who uses Scm100, scm150, scm45, scm25 And nearly all uses the Active Version because theyre simply better.

[@fzesgru]

Love this review, and the music suggestions! What a great speaker, active done right. And the coolest system of the day too? You've outdone yourself yet again :)

[@DalstonVinyl]

Great review Steve, and your praise of British 'speakers ALMOST makes me proud to be an Englishman! Cheers, Adrian in London.

[@ethimself5064]

Both ESS and SAE are coming back to life after supply issues regarding C-19. Both make great audio

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Love ATC speakers very well made and look great

[@xstensl8823]

i have the ATC SCM 7. with my Rega Elex mk4 they are heaven. about time you got around to ATC, hand made like the Rega gear in house

[@ThePgkessler]

Really appreciate your style of review Steve. Yours are the best!

[@superdougie10]

This just reinforces my opinions that the Brits are serious about speakers and their build and design. Incredable how strong this aspect of british audio has remained. I just love ❤️ that.

[@lillyrosemarykingofh]

wow mr g well done review; video energy, tech, musicality, perspective, all in a relatively short time, bravo

[@petetaylor5145]

I have a pair with an Auralic Arires G2.2/Meitner MA3 DAC , such an amazing and neat system .

[@mikeeygauthier2959]

As a preamp, any good?

[@petetaylor5145]

It's excellent as a digital Pre , that's one of the main reasons I bought it tbh . It has a lossless volume control to maintain full resolution at all volumes called V Control . @@mikeeygauthier2959

[@petetaylor5145]

It only has digital inputs btw @@mikeeygauthier2959

[@willbrink]

I have ATC SCM 19s with subs, which is a killer combo for the $. If I were starting fresh on a system, I'd go ATC actives all day. They're not cheap, but other companies charge far more for far less speaker. Actives are the future, ATC been at it for decades and as pointed out, still uses A/B amps too.

[@jaymerritt6230]

I so bad want to own the 100asl, I’d love to pair them with Feliks Envy as the Preamp figures are off the charts good, fed with a mola mola or equally good dac or phono preamp, omg perfect system, no speaker cable worries or anything like that, pure audio quality as you rightly point out, I’ve heard both modern and original recordings of all sorts and I always feel like the originals were better no matter what format, old clean vinyl 100% better, re mastered cd’s nowhere near to original cd’s. I love the fact that these speakers offer the true purist an opportunity to to get right to the original recording. Thank you also for all your videos over the years, I was there right from the start man, keep on rocking man. What’s with the glasses, are they some stark tech only the left eye? You seeing something we’re not? Pure love brother x

[@neilgaydon5430]

100%, I have found exactly the same thing. and when listening to mono, simple turn one speaker off to hear it the way it should be heard.

[@alantimmerman7971]

The Feliks stuff is pretty poorly built and unpopular. Look at low gian aries cerat if you want tube pre-amp that pairs with big ATCs. (I have the 150s)

[@johnshaw359]

Passive SCM40s, one of the best things I bought in HIFI. No BS like the speakers.

[@vortekkz_mixes]

the actives from ATC are better in nearly every category

[@m.i.blotto7578]

I own some little ATC’s and they are impressive… but at the 2023 High-End show in Munich they played the SCM 50 Actives…. and that was the best sound of the show. Not even Willson Audio with CH+ for some millions of Dollars had such a good sound ( on the show). Only John Devore‘s Baby O‘s and some Spendor Classics impressed me like ATC does. The Midrange of ATC is probably the Best. Thank you for this review

[@extracla55ic]

Superb review! Thank you, Steve.

[@vortekkz_mixes]

Finaly a Hifi KZbinr who reviews the good stuff and not this wannabee Active / Streaming Crap from Sonus Faber like Mr Robinson, Darko etc. Heard many ATCs in the past years and theyre always on the top of the best of list - the Actives !! not the passives.. But at the end the speaker is only as good as the room acoustic. And the ice on this level is so thin - Neumann, Genelec, ATC, PSI Audio - they all build fantastic active speakers. But the ,,DSP - Bashing,, is so annoying... its about the complete product. I can show you so many setups who based completly on DSPs and they blowin every High End Analog Chain out of the park because some important things are not possible !!! without DSP - like DBA or SBA's (Bass Arrays) against Rooms Modes. But these topics all of you High End / Audiophiles have zero idea about. You just see the words Digital or Class D and thinks its bad because you never heard some well engineered and build up digital based setups

[@lonemountainaudio642]

Thank you for the great review Steve!

[@admranger]

I have the passive SCM 19 v2’s and they are very nice indeed. I would love to upgrade to a full sized ATC speaker at some point. Brad and his team @lonemountainaudio are incredible to work with.

[@lonemountainaudio642]

Thank you!

[@fabien7079]

Nice glasses! Buddy bought very old ATC active (Tri amp) speakers for his recording studio... He loves them

[@ChrisJohnson-c3s]

Hey Steve nice job as always my favorite comment was when you mentioned you prefer the old Beatles mixes. Right there with you buddy now don't get me wrong I love the new mixes I still play them they sound fabulous but as you alluded to it's in my DNA select the originals

[@metatron-007]

ATC, great speakers. The one issue that I have with that range is that they do not have an input gain adjustment which would be very handy for pre amp matching.

[@bobb.9917]

I am going to Devon Turnbull's OJAS Listening Room, Greene Street, SOHO 2moro afternoon! I'm EXCITED! THANKS STEVE! 👍🏼

[@cameronrector178]

These with the Playback Design MPS-8 is my endgame dream system! 😍

[@mikeyc7072]

Great review; however, too expensive for me and too much speaker for my small apartment. I just purchased Genelec 8040B’s (Pro Version of Genelec G4). Purchase was based, in no small part, on your review of the G3. 8040B has no DSP and single XLR input - perfect simplicity. Loving it!!

[@les5309]

Hi Steve. Thanks for an excellent review. ATC has been on my radar for a few years. Do you know if the floor stander version of this speaker goes lower in the bass region? In general, do you know if the floor stander is worth all of the 'pluses' you found with the SCM 50 Active speakers? Cheers.

[@razisn]

Tower and stand mount sound exactly the same if you place your ear at the same level with regards to the tweeter axis.

[@nobelstone9714]

Let me add one more important user of the ATC SCM50A speakers who happens to be a significant audiophile, Gordon Holt, the founder of Stereophile and the man most responsible for the modern style of audio reviewing. The last speakers Gordon spent his own money on was a set of ATC SCM50A speakers. Gordon made lots of live recordings and he didn't mess with them, setting up the recorder to handle the softest and loudest sounds and so he recorded the true dynamics without compression And Gordon told me that the ATC ASM50A was one of a very, very few speakers that reproduced his recordings so they sounded like the actual performance. And just to add to his opinion of ATC speakers, Gordon was also a video enthusiast. And he once tested an active 5.1 ATC system using a floor standing version of the SCM50A speakers as the main speakers. I asked him if how he really felt after reading his rave review and he jokingly told me that he'd kill himself if he had to return the system which, of course, he had to.

[@ndearborn98]

Hey Steve, love your vids. If you dig the ATC 50s, should give the Ocean Way HR 3.5's a try as a point of comparison to the ATCs. They're (also) studio-oriented but the low end is unbelievably tight and satisfying for any listener. I love ATCs, but I must say Ocean Way is something else entirely. Just my opinion! Thanks for the content!

[@arungopalviews]

Welcome, Steve. Now looking forward for the reviews ot PMC and PSI audio... PSI also does not do d class amps and DSP.. 😊

[@kevinbailey3786]

Glad you posted this video. Was about to pull the trigger on a pair of Pitt and Giblins. Don't want to be stuck with something I can't upgrade!

[@dmgmail7021]

One of the great things about this hobbies community there's always a twist and turn every time you look around. I think I love the chase as much as I love my equipment sometimes

[@RennieAsh]

Surely you can upload your own DSP to P&G boards? Don't they use hypex or similar? I haven't heard them though.

[@paulmastermann2200]

Nice video! Review about Atc SCM 40a would be great 👍

[@goldanmclean8950]

Nice review Steve. How does it compare to the kef reference 3 speakers that you recently reviewed. Both brands are uk based and they are both geared towards neutrality?

[@middleearthltd]

For $18.5k I think the price is fair. Way above my pay grade. Moreover, I will never get powered speakers. But I am glad they exist. Excellent video as usual.

[@RennieAsh]

They make passive too which I guess is nice to have options

[@vortekkz_mixes]

the actives are simply better because of the active technologie - no passive crossover. This is the reason why nearly all Masterings Studios work with the active ATCs - the passive versions (like many in this price range compared to actives) are behind in terms of details, imaging etc

[@alantimmerman7971]

I have the ATC 150ASLT. After a 5 year cost no object search I have no regrets settling with these! You cannot beat the active ATC compared to the passive ATC. The ATC engineer tri-amp solution is as good as it gets.

[@socratesbsd]

Asymmetrical glasses - bravo!

[@fullalbums5675]

funny to see Steve finally listening to a proper speaker without audiophile gimmicks like open baffle, 1-way, too small, distorted etc.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

So glad you approve! Have you with an open mind listen to an open baffle? Or a full range single driver system? Or do you just have preconceptions about what those speakers sound like?

[@fullalbums5675]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac sure I did, but I also heard more than one proper speaker and prefer those by far. The bad news is that active studio speakers are actually solved problem, just like DACs are, the only way to further improve sound is taking care of the room itself, room correction and cardioid speakers but that's way less sexy than flipping speakers that look like car crashed with furniture

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

I heard these spkrs and was utterly blown away! I mean utterly!!! So much so that I'm ready to sell everything and just get a really good preamplifier. But I do want to give the passive ones a demo before I do anything crazy lol

[@bencarignan2711]

I threw my glass of wine at the wall when he disclosed the price. It wasn't intentional, it was just a reflex from hearing the dollar amount.

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

They are still great value when you look at comparable models from brands like B&W

[@davidfuller581]

By the way, the Pro versions are about 18,000 a pair, if you don't care about the veneers. They're also technically slightly superior - they have a pretty steep roundover on the front baffle which will reduce diffraction somewhat, which is an improvement overall.

[@sonatturkoglu33]

A lot of money :) this same two pieces Transparent cable price.. :) i used ATC Scm 7 / 19 and now using in my Studio 11 and tried 20 / 50 and 100 on Demo with really happy. İ play viola in Symnphony orcestra and i recorded my orcestra everytime. Atc most realistic and honost speaker i ever heart... İn my room Genelec 8030C you know it that little HERCULES, Those are really good but with ATC scm 7 / 11head to head.. Not a chance for all. Thanks for review. İ am really happy for you because scm 50 in real listening room! damn it with Mid/dome unit real beast. One last not for ATC, you can hear same tonality and dynamism for all speaker range.. They are the excatly same sound. This is most important thing for company. İ cant imagine without ATC. İ am trying some other company brands.. But not a taste for me. Maybe i am in real sound everyday in orcestra. ATC honost for my ears!. Good night Steve thanks for share, bye.

[@jamesm90]

The ATC SCM 100 and SCM 200 are also stunning. But you need a big room. Seen them in loads of studios.

[@SnapperX3]

Digging the specs Steve.

[@owenoneill5955]

If you ever get the chance to go to Stroud in Gloucestershire, Where the factory is....go...Great area to see.

[@markwoodman997]

I count myself lucky that I DO live very near the factory and had the opportunity some 30 years ago to audition their speakers for the studio where I worked at the time. Hearing the famous Telarc 1812 Symphony recording played back in a 200 year old stone building was just stunning! The design of the speakers was pretty much the same back then - which speaks to Steve's point about the longevity of the company. This is proper pro kit, where precision, consistancy and reliability count for much more than this year's fashion. BTW, despite having the same family name as the founder of ATC, alas I have no connection with the company - I just wish that I could afford a pair myself.

[@SloPoke-wt1wb]

The good news is that there is a (somewhat) more affordable studio version (around $17.5K for the actives) for those willing to trade nice veneers for industrial black and no stand included. During a dark time in early Covid, and without even hearing them first, I took a chance and bought a pair. I can say without hesitation that even after 3.5 years, not a day goes by that I am not astonished by what I hear. Quite a feat considering I am a jaded professional musician with 35 years in.

[@raykuiper4979]

Good day Steve, indeed as I did mention last year ,when you did your review on a Leak 230 amp, Leak did appear on this weekens hi-fi show in Bristol with 2 new loudspeakers in sandwich model. I am afraid, they will sound miles way better as my 1971 Sandwich ones

[@swd7901]

You're very welcome to listen to my ATC SCM19s MK2 (current model) +/- ATC C1 subwoofers in Manhattan. NAD M32 amplification, streamingonly. Let me know.

[@giuliocamiletti7325]

Ciao, perché non provi in futuro diffusori attivi pro come ad esempio i Neumann 420no le Focal trio 11, potremmo vederne delle belle. Grazie per quello che fai.

[@wojciechczupta]

finally proper gear in review :) Try SCM100s - for sure better bottom extension. It is a bit like a live concert experience in your room, provided your room is big enough. It is good to hear there is synergy between ATCs and Holo preamp.

[@fizywig]

What minimum room dimensions for atc scm 100 or the scm 50 ?

[@wojciechczupta]

@@fizywig I have it in 550x540x250 (with, depth, hight), but it is open to kitchen which doubles the volume. First of all observe depth dimension - ideal if you can have here +700cm to have first room mode below 25Hz. 100s are still strong near and below 30Hz and a lot of music is quite reach in this area. strong room modes makes it unlistenable

[@MaxPower-zp7wy]

​​@@wojciechczuptacould you convert the figures to ft or feet please ?

[@wojciechczupta]

@@MaxPower-zp7wy just type in google search: "x cm to inch" it will do the conversion in a second

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

I have been running ATC SCM19v2 powered by Hegel H390 and supported by a single KEF sub. I have demoed the active 50s many times over the past few years and know that one day, I will get these as my endgame system. One day…. You are welcome to listen to my setup in NYC anytime!!

[@ldwahl6678]

Would love to hear passive scm50 vs harbeth 40.3

[@zoranpavlovic3319]

Are they good for jazz, blues, ambient? I used to listen to passive SCM 40 in Chicago at Axpona, and somehow didn’t feel some silky, smooth presentation as with Focal, Magico when listening to the jazz. Are they more for rock, heavy metal, punk ?

[@epi2045]

ATC is respected & used by many demanding music professionals & muscians. They could have outsourced a Class D & saved a lot. They invested in building their own Class AB amp for a reason. ❤

[@kjbiz]

Definitely on my radar to buy scm19’s if the stars align. I loved the sound and instant ATC fan

[@bryantaylor2946]

In Canada, The Gramophone Inc, the distributor for ATC handles any repair issues for the consumer products from ATC.

[@paulbata9649]

'ATC' and 'Musikeletronic Geithain' are the best active speakers ever!

[@n.lyndley.9889]

PMC Linn Sanders

[@vortekkz_mixes]

One of the best yes. The are many others on the market who also build extremely good Active Solutions in their price category (PSI, Neumann, Bohne Audio, Genelec...)

[@stoicar]

Nice way to pronunciation the words nice history for music wish the electronicsss that you review ( present) to have same “je ne sais quoi “ and passion as your review/ presentation. 11/10 points for videos

[@chrislj2890]

I like Sebastien's system. I figured the price on those ATC speakers was going to be steep, but I was still surprised.

[@ryanchappell5962]

Emotiva made some cool large active speakers with class AB. This design looks sick with that big dome midrange. Also very interesting that they don’t use dsp.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Right, the large dome mid range and no DSP from a pro sound oriented company, that's why I did this review! Not the same old same old.

[@thomashornstein4253]

The German answer to ATC is called Geithain. Same principles, same or better Quality, better price point. I own a pair of their legendary ME901k1 for 10 years and I still love them. Look for used pairs, you probably won’t find any. That says it all.

[@beefsflat7426]

Hi Steve. I have atc 50actives and have a klipsch horn itch to scratch. I note your reference was Cornwall and i am considering those along with la scala's. Any advice/thoughts?

[@2505674809]

I have the passive ATC SCM100 Pure joy every day..

[@StanThePigeon]

Would love for you to do a long/several post videos on the Beatles evolution and relating it to Hifi. There’s no shortage of Beatles info, but to get your perspective would be awesome.

[@ronaldmartin4664]

I have the next ATC speaker in the line-up, the ATC SCM 100 Active. I suggest you give this model a listen. It has all the qualities of the 50, only with much deeper imaging & even more awesome clarity & bass. IMO, it's one of the best speakers ever made, & it's a steal at the price. It can compete favorably with speakers costing twice as much. Check it out!

[@TriAmpHiFi]

. Thanks for the Dr. John Album ! Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

It's not the first time i have said that Mr Steve G has never listened to a pair of active ATC SCM ASL studio monitors , a pair of properly designed pair of active dynamic monitors of the quality of 3 WAY ACTIVE ATC SCM ASL MONITORS before to know what he was missing . The ATC SCM50 ASL are where the real quality of ATC SCM ASL MONITORS start from , and they go right up to the SCM 300 ASL with the SCM 100 ASL & SCM 200 ASL in between the 50's and 300's .