Passive vs Active Speakers What is the BEST ATC SCM50 ??

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Remember to come and check out the Livestream video where I interview Ben Lilly from ATC kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXrVhqtvbr-EnKM

[@baaning]

I got a pair of SCM50 actives exactly like the ones you have (same veneer and all🙃) in december. Ordered them after having reviewed the pro version for a couple of months. The pros where new, when I got them too. Some thoughts and experiences 1. Some burn-in seems to be necessary. I found the pros a bit harsh and constricted. After a couple of days I played burn-in signals LOUD for several hours and then another day hours of violent dance-music at earsplitting levels. I finally succeeded getting more heat into the cooling fins👹 It made a difference. More open an airy sound and less constricted bass. Same experience with the ones, I have now. I'd say at least 100 hours with some heavy workout regularly is needed before you will experience the full potential of these gems. 2. The hifi-version comes with stands. these are rather low and place the speakers approx. 15cm closer to the floor, than I had the pros, which I'd put on chairs. I have more bass now and suppose the stands are the main reason. On the pros I added 2dB at 40 Hz using the build in bass regulation. This is not necessary now. Tried it, but it was clearly reducing transperency in upper bass/lower mids. I also tilt the speaker backwards to have my ears perpendicular to a point between midrange and bass drivers and toe-in so the speakers point directly at my ears. Gives a fuller and more natural, organic sound in my opinion. I also find the front covers works well for relaxed listening. Reduce room reverberence. Pianos sounds more real. Still I take them of for more nerdy listening, though🤓 3. After some weeks I finally did as ATC recommends: Placed the speakers 1 m from side walls and 2 m from front wall. Deeper, bigger and more relaxed sound. The relaxed character seems to make the bass fuller too🧐 Now, my wife is not very happy with this position, so I've changed the spikes to some well made heavy-duty German castors. Still good, hard contact to the floor and now easy to move around. 4. I've tried different cables from the preamp. For now I use QED 40 Reference, which works well. In a couple of weeks I'll get a pair of Anticables for testing too. As transparent as these speakers are, cables make a huge difference. My system: Auralic Aries G2 streamer linked with Ligthning Link to Auralic Vega G2 dac/preamp, Linn LP 12 tt., Ansuz powerstrip and -cables

[@StefanUrkel]

HeHaaPho: So did the pro version finally sound equal to the SCM50 active non-pro? Also did you ever compare SCM50 acivtives to passive? If so, what difference did you find yourself?

[@mb-electricalservices]

I have to say this Terry. Your presentation style in your videos is leagues better than I've seen before! I used to watch your videos a while back and kind of stopped watching but now, I'm intrigued by your content due to how you're presenting yourself. I feel that with you sitting down, you're coming across as more professional and I'm finding myself wanting to hear more.....keep up the great work bud. 👍

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks very much Mike, some people say they miss the old style of video where I used to dance... always makes my chuckle :)

[@yeahright3733]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I miss the dancing!

[@michaelschneider-]

+1.. Fantastic ATC Acoustic's discussion.. Luv our home system SCM 100 active's for 20+ years.. Cheers, Vail, Colorado

[@CC-bg8gf]

Freakin' awesome video sir, thanks. Fantastic that ATC let you do the passive to active conversion. In the live chat with Ben Lilly, it would be great to know what ATC has coming down the line, loudspeaker-wise.

[@behemothinferno]

I much prefer active speakers in general. You get at an amplifier for each driver/tweeter, you can usually use DSP functionality and the best part is the fact that you don't need to find an amplifier that is synergistic with your speakers nor do you need to fill up more shelf space with an external amplifier!

[@TheManunderwater]

100% my view. First Active speakers I used were AVI's ADM 9.1. Not anywhere near the same price band but it was still a revelation. My view about matching "primary" speakers with subwoofers is more contentious as I find it hard to believe that it doesn't matter if the manufacturer/spec of the Sub is different to the main speakers. Can someone educate me? I acknowledge that human ears are less sensitive to deep base but there must be some difference.

[@wildcat1065]

Interesting to get your opinions Terry. My ATC actives replaced Proac D40R's which although smaller produced far more (uncontrolled) bass in my room then the 50's. A pair of 150 actives replaced the 50's and now they do it all. I chose them over Wilson and Magicos at home in my room. World class speaker made in UK. You won't find a nicer bunch of people to deal with than ATC either.

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

I am very interested in your thoughts John, why did u choose scm150s over Wilson and Magicos and which models were u comparing them with thx

[@wildcat1065]

@@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape . My speakers are used (due to price) so I compared them with used Wilson 8 and Magico S3 and S5 . The latest versions might be improved but I found the Wilson’s had lumpy bass in my room and a rather steely tone on violins. Magicos were the opposite, I would need a subwoofer as they were so dry and bass light. Crazy at this price. Both the American speakers were a bit clinical and ruthlessly revealing for my taste. I prefer an Arc valve preamp with all these speakers, including Atc as it sweetens and provides a huge soundstage.

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@wildcat1065 interesting John your tastes sound similar to mine, I hate steely violins

[@alfredallram1815]

this video is making even more sense after having listened to the sound demo ("filter being removed", yes, that's it). I will repeat the sound demo now, of course. thank you for this experience!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That was the idea of the sound demo - like a picture it tells you a thousand words but really its understanding what your hearing helps to comprehend the difference :) Its been so interesting to do this I am sure you will agree :)

[@PadBoll]

Thank you ! You help me out clear my mind with which model to go. Going for the active 50's :)

[@mevdinc]

Well done for another great review and comparison. Of course, comparing ATC passive with a very good ATC amp against ATC active would make the resulting sound very close. However, you are spot on, as usual regarding the extra detail and clarity with the active mid and tweeter. However, I must say that the bass on the active is tight but also cleaner and probably less distorted. Which means you can turn up the volume and enjoy the extra dynamics the active design provide. The very best wishes for the new year.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks Mev I appreciate it, that is very probably another benefit of the active bass, I had the passive setup great for bass and I was very happy with the passive bass that is my Dirac Live skills at play there which is why you very probably right mate

[@crossocean5663]

Received the active today and that rolling bass. Oh yes. This is it.

[@tonymiller3182]

Thanks for this Terry, a great, clear review. I'm on the cusp of trying the SCM100s, & your thoughts are a great help in deciding whether to go active or passive. Best wishes!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

If your spending that much money take some time and listen to both

[@MsCorbacho]

Never forgot a demo that i have heard with a pair of scm 150 speakers , not because they sounded impressive on first listen ,...as a matter of fact , it was during an hifi show , and that room was almost empy all the time i was there , exacly because at first listen it was not a wow kind of sound . Better for me , i was there for about 2 hours , and still came back at the end of the show . If i only had the money

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

I have a pair of passive SCM40's coming on wednesday and I plan to Triamp them actively using a DEQX~!

[@philpepp]

Great speakers enjoy. I'm going for the active version.👍

[@paulfletcher6629]

Have you done this, as I have just bought the scm 40, two weeks ago

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

@@paulfletcher6629 Yes, its well worth tri-amping them acrtively and using fir filters for each channel. This can be done cheaply with a 7.1 channel audio video receiver and using a pc as a source.

[@mikaelmllersnnichsen539]

Very good review and comparison, thanks. There seems to be a general conjecture against active configuration in audiophile circles with one of the main drawbacks mentioned being the inability to choose the components housed within an all-in-one package, but since most are used to the sound of passive speakers with their more "euphonic" character I'd wager the sound of active speakers may strike some as being too direct or unvarnished, even if it's arguably the more "correct" one. Myself I clearly favor active config., and in my own set-up is implemented as a solution of separate components (i.e.: not built into the speakers). Setting up filter values digitally by oneself (I received help form a friend) is not something one just does, but it's a great learning experience and actually quite freeing once you get into it with all the parameters involved (measurements as well).

[@TL3721]

You can still “tune” the active version with choice of power cables, interconnects, pre-amp, speaker stands and feet, and even by changing the fuse.There’s always fun to have in this game!

[@willbrink]

Actives are the future, and ATC ahead of the curve by decades. I prefer "vivid" sound all things being equal.

[@tonesbones502]

Wow Terry, my listening comparison session (40P vs 40A) was a lot more comparable than you are stating. I honestly couldn't hear the difference and I was comparing for hours. Your ears must hear the most subtle differences that my ears can't. (40P was hooked up to Michi P5/S5 combo)

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Maybe it was the room your in mine is very acoustically treated and you can hear the different tonality of gnat farts :)

[@tonesbones502]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I do have hairy ears these days. In all seriousness though, I couldn't hear much difference at all. Both speakers created incredible life like image and pure, gusty sound. Goose bumps for both

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@tonesbones502 in that case I always suggest buy whichever one is cheaper :)

[@vtkz]

For me Active Speakers are the best, acourate and forward-looking way to build loudspeaker. I use Neumann KH310 and i would never change or replace them with a Passive Speaker. Active Technology is ahead over the passive system - you get much more Sound Quality & Control in a cheaper and mostly more compact Package - only at a certain price point passive Systems are keep up with the Active Solutions - but these are only my experiences after many listening sessions - but what ever system you use, most important is room acoustic & placement

[@mfr58]

Curious that ATC use those cheap ceramic resistors, given the quality of the rest of the components.....

[@Paul-dr8tq]

Like you said, once I'd heard the clarity of the active, there was no going back!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I get that Paul mate totally

[@feverSoundHK]

Agree with that 😝👍🏻

[@murraywebster1228]

A better definition is that it brings the sound more into focus, phase alignment is probably the most important part of making the sound “Whole”

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks that is a better explanation :)

[@TombstoneTube]

Nice review. Thanks

[@rogersharpe2490]

Terry . Does the active SCM 50SE version with discrete amplification design bring about a significant audible change?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@rogersharpe2490 sorry I don’t know I have only spent time with these two

[@johnsweda2999]

Do they make an active crossover box. the cuddly nature you're talking about and sounds signature can be changed with pre amplification like if using solid state of valves what did you use valves?

[@TL3721]

When would the live Q&A be on Wednesday? I’m in Hong Kong but would get up in the middle of the night if necessary as I’m seriously considering acquiring a pair of 50s. Just listened to them at my local dealer last week, completely blown away! Would we be able to ask questions during the live feed? If not, could you ask what would be minimum distance between the speakers be? As space is scarce in Hong Kong.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi Yes I can ask that for you and I think we are planning for 5pm UK time - its very hard to pick a time that work for every country and we both have young families so that effects the potential time as well

[@TL3721]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem That would work fine, I’ll be there.

[@davidrivera2165]

Active speakers continue to gain acceptance and popularity, particularly for younger (under 40) audiophiles. I loved the passive SCM 50 sound demo. I'm sure I will also be captivated by the active version. The real issue is the cost of both passive and active versions. Monitor type and size speakers are traditionally near field speakers for under $5k in price. The active SCM 50 at $15K USD is facing very well know competitors. Further exposure to the audiophile community will be key. Thank you Terry for doing your part in bringing to light such a fantastic speaker.

[@황록연]

Perfect!! I have a pair of ATC 100sl without crossover so could you please tell me how can i buy the original passive crossover or active system? I really want your help. Thanks

[@dougleydorite]

It’s good to see the HiFi crowd accept active as the better technology. Why in gods name do people spend hundreds on speaker wire for an already compromised setup - that being said, I have my Power Amp and passives to mix and match 👍

[@roymindmybusiness6908]

Wow marvellous !

[@andrehendrik]

Great discussion, thank you -- didn't you review the SCM40s as well? I can't find it on your channel

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

No these and the smaller ATC is all I have looked at

[@andrehendrik]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Oh ok, thanks for letting me know -- cheers

[@MadMaxx1977]

My problem with actives is the durability of the internal electronics. I had a set of KEF LS50 wireless for about 10 months until the left channel amps failed. KEF only warranties the internals for 1 year, so I sold my LS50W after repair.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

This is a one off case with a one off speaker and manufacturer warranty situation

[@MadMaxx1977]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem A lot of owners had the same problem with the LS50W. Look it up if you want to know more. Not claiming every active has the problem, but the fact that so many manufacturers offer only a 1 year warranty on the internal electronics is a red flag to me.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@MadMaxx1977 thats fair enough I just checked the atc site it says 6 years warranty it doesnt say anything different for the active speakers I will ask them and check that

[@MadMaxx1977]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Would be very encouraging if they offered 6 years on the actives!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@MadMaxx1977 I will check that and mention it in the livesttream video

[@kapocsii]

Hi! Can you make a review what is the difference between the ATC active pro and active classic version speakers ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Sorry I dont have access to the speakers to do that, email ATC and they will tell you the difference I am sure

[@yeahright3733]

That P2 amp seems awesome.

[@philpepp]

Hi, I heard these actives at my dealer before Christmas and an thinking of the scm40a's as they are more in my price range, although I will demo first. What I liked was the low volume presentation it sounded really good. Can I ask if you tested the passive scm 50 at lower volumes and your impressions compared to the active?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

For more info on the passive SCM50 see this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/raPciGqFha9smKs

[@philpepp]

Arrr thanks. I've seen this but forgot about your comments about losing something at lower volumes. Thanks. I really feel that the actives are the best way to go for me. Thanks for your informative review and comparison.👍

[@zyghom]

perfect timing with this video - I am still thinking if I should go for components or active speakers - just the price range here is from the cosmic space ;-) btw your light is incorrect: your face is in shade when you move your right palm ;-) have you listened to/reviewed AE1 active yet?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I know the light placing is not ideal with my animated hands sorry about that. You don't notice it until after when its all done

[@briancampbell7712]

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...?

[@steven8417]

That's the idea...

[@aman-mn5kc]

Anyone have information on why the went is of axis when the membrane is centered?

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

Just installed my ATC SCM50ASL’s with 2 Rhythmik subs. How do you approach setting the low frequency crossover on the subs? Do I just go by ear or is there a more precise approach? Thank you

[@StefanUrkel]

which Rythmik subs did you get to go with your SCM50ASL? Did you compare with SCM50 passive before getting the actives?

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

@@StefanUrkel the ATCs are flush mounted so had to be the ASLs. For the Rythmiks, I got Black cone DS1510 sealed version with H600PEQ3, upgraded to H600XLR2(with one XLR input and one XLR output) from H600

[@beefsflat7426]

Added a rel 812 sub to my atc50a's. Fantastic.

[@markjohnathanappleton8642]

A.T.C ARE A CLASS ACT,

[@kimshaw4661]

Having owned a pair of ATC SC 150’s in the past (for 6 years) and knowing all the benefits that an active system provides - compared to a passive one (there are so many benefits that passive speaker audiophiles dismiss it’s a disgrace to their mantra of the output signal being the perfect representation of the input signal), you would have to be out of your mind not to buy the active versions of the ATC SCM 50’s that weren’t active and/or buy the passive ATC SCM 50’ versions of the of ATC SC 150’s and schedule them to be converted to active via your own amplification, such as macron or Bryson. There’s at least 15 factors between active V passive speaker design that all favour an (well designed) active speaker. I’m not going to list them all here but there are plenty of websites that rightly describe the benefits and explain how impossible it is to resolve them and their distortion artefacts with a “nice sounding” passive topology. So the active regime can be said to resolve complex technical and electroacoustic problems which means the actives win hands down in terms of resolution (and yes I tested my active SCM 150’s via a cumulative spectral decay, frequency response, group delay and/or phase response, frequency response, harmonic distortion, intermodulation distortion, power compression and cepstral analysis tests. I had to sell my ATC SCM 150’s because I was leaving London to go back to Australia but I sure do miss them every day. Now to throw a spanner in the works I have found another 3 way system that sells for a cheaper (%14 the cost of the ATC’s) price than the ATC SCM 150’s and they out perform the ATC SCM 150’s in almost every measurement test, and sounds just as good. Too good to be true I hear you say, but the proof is in the measurements as the ATC SCM 150’s - because as good as they were/are - they fail to match my new 3 ways in almost every measurement, particularly distortion, frequency response, and cumulative spectral decay (CSD). In fact the ATC’s produced so much harmonic distortion (when compared to my new 3 ways) that their low frequency response @ 96dB/1 Metre, within the BW that that their woofers and famed midrange dome’s (which I love) operate over, that in order to properly compare the 2 speakers we had to raise the Harmonic distortion of my new/undisclosed 3 ways speakers by 20db. Kind regards, Kim Shaw Electronic Engineer Electrical Engineer Electroacoustic PhD

[@volpedo2000]

Curious to know what are your new speakers.

[@andrewmacdonald3667]

What are your current speakers please?

[@TombstoneTube]

Did you use a pre-amp with the active? Would a tube amp be an option ?

[@dmgmail7021]

Yes you can use a tube Amp. Keep in mind most tubes amps have higher noise margins than are compatible with active atcs. But there are a few out there that will work. You may want to look into a point to point hand built pre. Your local dealer won't talk to you much about these as they are not the big names and do not sell to dealers and your dealer would rather sell you what they carry. Best of luck

[@beefsflat7426]

I use a pre dac combo from rme ...adi2 FS. Like atc scm50a, rme are home audio that have studio heritage and a distinct lack of snake oil. Balanced XLR from rme to ATC. Sounds fantastic.

[@harryburnett7086]

What pre amp on passive , problem i have with active is if they have a techno malfunction your out speakers , but passive you can have a back up amp

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

To be in this position you need to keep spares around, so keep a spare pair speakers and amplifier just in case if it makes you feel better. I think it makes much more sense that if you ever have an issue you will send the faulty unit in for repair / replacement. Maybe your down 2 weeks not the end of the world. If its going to be longer buy a cheap set of speakers then and sell them when your amp modules come back. Easy solutions to a problem that might never happen.

[@mbracerh]

Would like to know what the cuddely alternative is

[@glichasasha750]

What kind of inductors does ATC use in their passive crossovers? Thanks!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

pretty sure they make their own in house

[@crossocean5663]

I think the handles are there to assure distance from the wall to avoid overheating. Not sure

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

would never had thought of that great shout

[@beefsflat7426]

Or to help move the speaker...or to more easily fit/remove the amp pack...or cos they look cool

[@tthedon2471]

super fantastic video. can the actives be left on 24/7?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I am sure they could be but they dont auto shutdown or have a standby mode

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Nice one, looking forward to the audio clips. Tried to see on the still pics but I couldn’t make out the connections. Are there leads from each driver terminated with an individual plug that fits into the matching socket on the passive and active crossover and if so are the three sockets identical. I guess ?I’m asking is it possible to get it wrong?🤣

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Its not a do at home upgrade, its a back to the factory upgrade as a few things have to be done to ensure things are all matched up identically for your drivers and the amplifiers etc

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Thanks Terry, keep up the good work and happy new year

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@kjbunnyboiler thanks man same :)

[@zackpetrovic3029]

What is the silver colour product in the background?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thats the ATC P2 power amp I used for the passive review

[@STEPHLX2001]

You are lucky that ATC sends you the active modules. I've been waiting for their response for 1 year.... 😢

[@philhunter9134]

I don't think it matters if the active version sounds better. Having the amps hidden inside the speakers is anathema to most audiophiles. The question is, how would they sound with an external active crossover and your choice of monster amps. THAT would be some fun.

[@ssspppify]

Interesting find!

[@StefanUrkel]

Good point. Did you ever find the answer?

[@volpedo2000]

Unfortunately ATC don’t make an external active crossover, nor publish the specs of theirs from what I know. You would have to get your hands on one and reverse engineer the xover curves. I would you be able to use miniDSP and beefy class D amps to drive them.

[@spvlinn9009]

Taking amp and active crossover out of box and put them on dedicated stands will be more fair comparison. This way you don’t have all the microphonic vibrations inside speakers just as passive....

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Check the sound demo video - you will see its not a negative having the amp in the speaker - having the amplifiers close to the driver is a positive kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6STiH-vbMl0os0

[@volpedo2000]

Terry would you say the circuitry and components of the active amplifiers are worth ~3K? They seem to share one power supply. I guess the increased efficiency of an active crossover allows for that. It’s a pity that ATC doesn’t sell the active crossover as a separate like other UK companies.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think its important to remember your buying 6 amplifiers or your getting 6 amplifiers for the same money and no money is going on a nice fancy casework but I will ask about this in the live stream video

[@volpedo2000]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Cheers mate. I can’t wait for things to settle back to “normal” in London and visit retailers to do a side by side comparison a finally pick an ATC. Thanks for hard work!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@volpedo2000 yeah the situation in London pretty much sucks right now doesnt it. Scares me to even travel in which is crazy

[@thinkbeforeyoupost9766]

Hi where can I get those stands for the ATC?

[@beefsflat7426]

From atc. They come with the speakers.

[@imosolar]

Can one add the active speaker amp to a passive version ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes passive can go back to the factory for the change to active, I dont know exactly what models but the 50 can so I assume they all can, but please dont quote me on that.

[@supes323]

Silly Question. But how do the ATC scm50 compare to the Wharfdale 4.2 or 4.4?? I own a few ATC speakers and curious how they compare to the Wharfdale? Many thanks!!

[@my_wood]

nice review, will you review PSI audio speaker?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

If you mean PS Audio speakers are they finished and a released product yet?

[@my_wood]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem no , this > www.psiaudio.swiss/

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Very nice speakers but i think I would need to win the lottery to buy them!!

[@sudd3660]

would be nice if the made an active version without plate amp, its never good for an amp and electronics to be inside a speaker cabinet. and its more flexible outside, like connecting subwoofer. even make a digital crossover option, instead of analog crossover, because as far as i saw here, the crossover on the active one is done in the analog signal path.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think there are benefits of having the amplifier close to the speaker and no other electronics being in there - I will ask about this in the live video

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem thanks Terry, I agree an external crossover would be awesome agreeing short leads are good also :)

[@sudd3660]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem you can put the power amps next to the cabinet, perhaps strapped to the back of the cabinet on the outside.

[@ivorproblem1332]

Once you go active.......

[@matldn2697]

I have asked before, how are ATC speakers when used with Chord power amps?

[@dougleydorite]

I would revisit the active vs passive comparison. You’re already at a compromise using the best power amp on the planet, vs an ATC active setup.

[@matldn2697]

@@dougleydorite Yes, but the internal amps are pretty good. You cannot deny that Chord amps are better.

[@dougleydorite]

@@matldn2697 it’s nothing to do how good the amps are. It’s the configuration. Active speakers will always be better than passive speakers when you get to a certain threshold I’m quality because of having active crossovers. active ATC’s have 3 separate amps, one for each driver. 6 total between 2 sets. The HiFi crowd doesn’t realize this… the only benefit to passive speakers, is that you get more options - you can get new speakers for cheaper because of the missing amp

[@matldn2697]

@@dougleydorite It all plays a part. How good the entire speaker, crossover and amplifiers.

[@dougleydorite]

@@matldn2697 what I’m trying to say is that comparing a passive amp to speakers with active electronics isn’t really possible, especially when the active amps are better anyways

[@MaximusPanin]

KEF LS50 Wireless vs. KEF LS50

[@eddiebaby22]

No its not better active, because you can choose to use whatever amp you want on the passive.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That is what I thought but by all accounts even with a tri amped system the active crossover lowers intermodulation distortion by between 15-20db compared to the passive, no amplifier will fix that so as I said in the video it makes for a very compelling case for itself.

[@RennieAsh]

You can arguably tune things better with the options on the active amp. If you want to change flavour of sound, you can use a pre-amp.

[@金久保宏一]

日本国ではアクティブ方式は全く売れません。特にコンシューマユースはパッシヴを特に好みます。スタジオ等とは真逆の世界です。自分自身もＡＴＣのアクティブスピーカーをパッシヴに変更して愛用しています。日本人は性能より、組み合わせる機器を探す事を楽しみにしている様に感じます。ＪＢＬやTANNOYが昔からパッシヴ方式だった事も強く影響している事も有ると思います。だからこそアクティブタイプが主力のスピーカーが売れません。どんなにメーカー側が宣伝しても、批評家は相手にしません。オーディオショップ側も売れない製品は置きません。

[@donpayne1040]

0:02 tell us about it...

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Sorry Don I probably should have done thinking about it

[@donpayne1040]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Probably (?)

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Wow, these are 50% more $$ in the US. Dang.

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Great review, I am seriously considering the atc scm 150 as I have a large room, to drive, given I listen mainly to classical would you consider the passive more appropriate Thx And keep up the wonderful reviews in hi res :)

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Hi Andrew - I don't know I will ask the question in the live stream for you on Wednesday

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem thank you I appreciate that so much Terry !

[@dncviorel]

Neah, don't bother, get the actives. I've seen this topic on Gearslutz many times...the actives are the better solution, end of story. Don't bother going passive.

[@JonnyParker-]

If you listen to mainly classical man get electrostats dude they are the resolution kings for getting your Vivaldi vibes going.

[@edsonqueirozdasilva4214]

Muito bom!!! Tradução em português "Brasil", ok ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thank you

[@glennpower1962]

O que voce precisa saber Edson !, eu so dono de colunas ATC activos....

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

2:56 I think that that would be quite a perverse thing for a company of ATC's calibre/pedigree to do and would surely backfire. In fact the opposite, can be argued, is more likely to be the case. If ATC really wanted to push the active solution, the obvious thing to do is to build a passive speaker plus amp combo either at the same total price or to the same sound quality as the active speaker. The listener, in the former case, would judge the relative sound merits or, in the later case, the relative economic merits. If ATC then believes in the superiority of the active system, the ceteris paribus comparisons would prove it the superior one. I think they probably did that with their offering both systems and that again is to their credit and shows what a single-minded company they are.

[@BogdanWeiss]

It's pretty remarkeable that for this amount of $$ you get cheap chinese capacitors & a lowest cost single PCB construction

[@andywrollo2915]

Passiv3

[@Woot-Zee]

Do they hiss?