View Full Version : ATC SCM40 (passives) Is their “studio” sound dry and lifeless or in the Sweet Spot?
Getting itchy feet for a change of speaker, these seem a logical next step to my Wharfedale Evo 4.4s.
The Wharfies do no wrong, just wondering that with recent upgrades they might be holding things back a bit.
Looking for a speaker to bring out tone, timbre and realism warts n all.
The Evo’s are a “safe bet” but wonder if the likes of the ATCs will get me more “Real”.
Will listen and compare for m’self at the time,
but does anyone have strong opinions about the ATCs either way?
Any alternatives you’ve heard and recommend around the same price (5K) given what I’m looking for?
Thanks.
:)
They've always fell just shy of really grabbing me and I can never really work out why. I think over the years I've had a listen to every model except the 150.
IMV only the three-ways are really worth considering. I think they do have exceptionally good midrange, but I've never seriously considered buying any.
Hard to recommend alternatives as it's all so personal, speakers. I like the KEF R11 meta, thought they were exceptional but they're five grand. I like what I have even better but again at least five grand.
The ATCs are around that price too, so all good.
Pigmy Pony
17-01-2026, 22:08
Knowing your ongoing and tireless quest for accuracy, the ATCs might be just the job for you. But the "warts and all" presentation won't be for everyone. You need a home trial really.
By the way Macca, those ATCs in the "Chasing The Dragon" room at Cranage are SCM 150s. Which I thought could have been great. But can't be certain, they only ever played classical when I was there.
Yeah,
100% gotta hear them and compare first, just compiling some thoughts at this point. :)
Theres a dealer within driving distance who stocks a lot of the Speakers on my shortlist, will book a half day and take my own speakers in.
This is the way.
Narrow down to a couple of different ones then hear them in my room for final choice.
Someone over on PFM was thinking of making the same move.
No idea if there's anything in this thread, I found it whilst Googling
https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/upgrading-to-atc-scm40-loudspeakers.226883/
Have a look at Arke Audio too, Jason ( the designer and builder) has a website and he's very active on:
https://audioaddicts.freeforums.net/board/45/arke-audio
https://arkeaudio.co.uk/
Cheers Mike,
will take a look.
Lawrence001
17-01-2026, 23:32
Many who own ATCs say the actives are much better. A friend of mine liked them in a shop so he agreed a home demo. Unfortunately when they brought them round they brought the passives with exposure amps and he didn't like them at all.
Many who own ATCs say the actives are much better. A friend of mine liked them in a shop so he agreed a home demo. Unfortunately when they brought them round they brought the passives with exposure amps and he didn't like them at all.
I think that comes about due to people using them with amps that aren't up to the job. Like Naim, Exposure have somehow got a reputation for being powerful amps which isn't justified by the reality.
Gaz has the big Meridian power amp so that won't be an issue.
losepete
18-01-2026, 00:18
If it is any help I find Proac speakers work well with Meridian power amps - Use D20Rs with a Meridian G55 in bridged mode myself.
I have heard the 40,50 and 150 and felt the sweet spot was the SCM50 and I think if it were me I would go for the passives. The most consistent attribute with all the ATC speakers is the very sweet and lucid midrange which I found both very articulate and natural. It was the aspect of the speaker which drew my attention.
I think it is fairly critical to listen to them with your own system and room but achieving that `I know can be tricky`
Knowing your ongoing and tireless quest for accuracy, the ATCs might be just the job for you. But the "warts and all" presentation won't be for everyone. You need a home trial really.
By the way Macca, those ATCs in the "Chasing The Dragon" room at Cranage are SCM 150s. Which I thought could have been great. But can't be certain, they only ever played classical when I was there.
Oh yes they are 150s - it's the 100 I never came across at least not that I can recall.
There's a massive choice of speakers if you have a five grand - or more - budget as I found out year before last. It's easy to get 'analysis paralysis.'
Firebottle
18-01-2026, 08:24
2nd recommendation for Arke Audio.
I have a pair of standmount Solo's, they perform way way above their price bracket.
If it's an open window you want I cannot recommend highly enough.
Have sent a pm.
Cheers Alan,
got your PM.
Read a few interesting threads on Arke Audio and the recent Maverick Show, I really like the cut of the Guys Jib.
The upgraded floorstander version exhibited at the Meverick Show have got my feelers ‘a twitchin.
Will hear a pair before I make the call.
Like my previous Eddingdales from Colin Topps (RIP) there’s always the “special sauce” the Artisan brings to the table.
Thanks mate.
Gaz - what would you say were the best speakers you ever heard, regardless of price?
Wakefield Turntables
18-01-2026, 17:55
Very long term owner of active 50ASL's. They are very clinical, very forensic and will tell you exactly what's on the vinyl.
Gaz - what would you say were the best speakers you ever heard, regardless of price?
Great question!
Probably the Magnepan 20.7’s, heard them a decade or so back in a well sorted room.
Biggest takeaway was the realism, dynamics and that feeling of “there”.
never heard it bettered
Great question!
Probably the Magnepan 20.7’s, heard them a decade or so back in a well sorted room.
Biggest takeaway was the realism, dynamics and that feeling of “there”.
never heard it bettered
Not sure what I thought you'd say but not that!
So smaller Maggies not a consideration then?
On the List Martin :thumbsup:
On the List Martin :thumbsup:
I only heard one set myself which were quite old - some strengths but quite a few weaknesses too. Dipoles never been my thing.
I wouldn't rule out a DIY solution which is where I went in the end. Initially I was sceptical but once I looked into it the value for money was overwhelming compared to store bought. Like 3 to 4 times the value. Even with paying someone to build them for me.
Pigmy Pony
19-01-2026, 12:14
At last year's Cranage show an Italian speakers manufacturer Fonica International were showing their Flag L isodynamic flat panel speakers (there are also Flag M and Flag S, (the suffixes standing for small medium and large). I think the prices range from about £3k to about 10 grand. And there are active versions.
I thought the ones at Cranage sounded amazing. Very 3D.
Review here:
https://www.hifipig.com/fonica-international-flag-m-loudspeakers/
From what I’ve been reading,
the Actives are the one to go for?
Might be the ones,
will compare active and passives and decide.
ticks a lot of boxes here.
Better get saving, beans ‘n toast we meet again old friend… :)
If you considering active Dutch and Dutch and Kii are IME better propositions. At the price level I'd audition a lot of speakers active and passive - which is what I did.
Could have gone for active and didn't. I didn't think the supposed advantages of active were there, in the long run. But you might feel differently.
Whatever speakers you choose, buy them from a dealer that will let you try them out in your own room for at least a weekend. At the price you are are considering it is essential.
Good luck!
(BTW I would go for active speakers every time.)
I remember going to an ATC dealer a few decades ago in Bristol.
He had their top model at the time.
Not quite Apogee levels of resolution but well up there and really quite close.
Be very careful. When you get into the sort of resolution really good speakers can achieve everything becomes a fine balancing act. You will notice changes in virtually anything you alter.
Seems like that's what you want, so I would search around for an older pair of a top large model if you can find some at a decent price.
By that I mean two decades plus.
Sure if you need anything doing to them giving ATC a call will pay off.
And they are British so be proud and support them.
Unlike Starmer. Sorry. Couldn't resist.
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