ATC SCM40A Reviews

5 Rating 10 Reviews

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“Having had the ATC SCM40As in my system for over 2 weeks now I would describe the sound as engaging and very listenable for extended periods. Voices and instruments are defined but not to the detriment of musicality. I was after a pair of speakers in a system which allowed me to hear and enjoy music - the ATC SCM40As have given me that. The fit and finish of these speakers are top quality to complement the engineering and design philosophy. No regrets about the purchase. Peter.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

“I had a great time trying out some new speaker options at the Audiobarn, with the active ATCs coming in head and shoulders above the rest. The requirement for a pre-amp meant that the T+A DAC 200 was also demoed, which also replaces my Chord 2Qute and is a huge upgrade on the DAC side of things. Service from Jack was brilliant (as always) - there were some delays in the T+A coming over from Germany so he lent me his demo unit once the ATCs arrived. A minor issue with the ATCs was sorted within 24 hrs at my home - what a service!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Great sound, best speakers I have owned.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Author didn't leave any comments.

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“These are just brilliant! They are a journey's end speaker. Easy to position, amazingly seamless presentation regardless of what you throw at them.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“These were purchased (Autumn 2019) at the same time as the CDA MkII, as a complete system - but a necessary brief caveat is they sit on Townsend Seismic Platforms and are connected by the stunningly good best in range wires and power from Studio Connections. Both maximise the speakers to a degree that I had hoped for, but perhaps never thought I'd be able to get at home The finish in satin black is really good and the speakers look very much of a piece on the big platforms. Finger marks show easily, but the complete aesthetic is great with trim rings, flared horn and details also in a stealthy black. They are physically heavy but don't over-dominate their position in the family living room. The curved grilles are a bit curious but despite ringing when off their magnetic attachments, I've been unable to hear any bad effects during playback. My biggest gripe so far? Limited colour range and not even the chance to upgrade the veneer. Trying to find a work around resulted in no help or interest from ATC, a disappointing result for a domestic UK manufacturer. Rosewood SCM50As? Looking gorgeous but at double the cost, another lifetime I'm afraid.. And that brings me on to the only aural thing I can fault these '40As on; that they don't sound as live and dynamic as the '50ASLs at lower levels. Because once I got over that slight let down these are by far and away the absolute BEST transducers I have ever heard in my home in 20 to 30 years. I've also had passive ATCs (with high end American cabling) prior to these for around 15 years but honestly, these actives are the dog's undercarriage!! They can go ridiculously loud if that is your thing. They also do scale, truth, transparency, and are capable of imaging like a dream. I have to again mention the platforms and cabling as their cumulative effect is stunning, but credit goes to ATC for hands-down the best value for money transducers I know of currently. I've heard Magico, Wilson, TAD, B&W, Vivid - and they can be great in the right system. Really; I have heard c. £40k passives that are not as good as these compact brutes. The trick seems to be the real world in-room performance. Once set up - and they hardly needed moving far from the original guesstimate position symmetrical from front and side walls - they really do disappear. I've sometimes heard that before, but what I have never heard is a soundstage almost as broad, wide, deep, and detailed as the recording is. I'm sure bigger ATCs are better, but these are already stunning. Steve from The Audiobarn and Michael from Studio Connections also experimented standing directly in front of individual speakers once set up. The image does not collapse or diminish, nearly all the detail seems to remain, and the overall sound still seems to live and breathe in the room. I've NEVER heard that level of coherence or room tolerance before. I had also been thinking to get the best out of my new dream system I would have to put in loads of carefully chosen room treatment. Whether it is down to active drive, wide dispersion, near absolute control over the drive units or system synergy with the CDA MkII I just don't know, but this level of clarity and low end quality in the room has completely defied my expectations. These '40As go low, tight, fast and are expressive & transparent with shape, texture and pitch definition. They lack the dynamic range and envelope the the big beasties but I am not for one moment disappointed. These are the most room independent loudspeakers I've had the pleasure of owning. Thanks to Jack and Steve at The Audiobarn for making the listening and buying experience pleasant and hassle free, and thanks to Michael of Studio Connections for all helping get me my bestest ever setup!! Massively recommended”

5 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Best speakers I’ve ever owned by some distance. They are unerringly accurate of the source being played, can’t see myself changing these for some considerable time!”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“Simply put as there are so many excellent reviews already available. If you have been chasing your tail for years searching for the Holy Grail in hi-fi , look no further. Correct that these speakers will not flatter poor recordings , but then any good speaker should not. Poor recordings do not sound harsh/ aggressive , just a little dark and flat compared to a decent dynamic recording. The speakers are very easy to position . I have them 15'' from the back wall and the bass performance is very deep and clean. The midrange is reference class . I have never heard more palpable vocals ( I have owned in excess of 50 speakers including Maggies) . The higher frequencies are very good and integrate perfectly with the Midrange. If you are hi-fi hobbiest these may not be for you, because they bring to an end the quest for better power amps and speaker cables, but if like me you want to bring all that nonsensical upgrading to an end then these could be the speakers for you. Aesthetically I really like them, so overall I am smitten.”

6 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago