Is ATC SCM 19 speakers an all-rounder?

Hi FATS 2828

Are you missing ATC?

Btw, i believe SCM40's are ATC's finest VFM passive monitors

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I'd say so FATS. There's just something about the 19's that gels for me - and I'm not the only one who thinks that here. They seem to be far more listenable with a wide range of music due to being more forgiving of lesser recorded material, which could possibly be put down to not having a dedicated mid dome driver, but then again, the SL bass driver is no slouch. 

With the SCM20 being similar in many ways, you could even say that they might be a better all rounder, but I haven't done the A/B, so I couldn't say for certain. If I was to choose one for myself, it'd be the SCM20, but that would be ignoring costs. For outright value, the SCM19's would win.

The gems in the line up are the SCM7 and SCM19 IMO. For a smaller room, the 7's do all of what all the others in the range do without the disadvantages, the integration of the drive units, soundstage and sheer amount of abuse they can take is staggering!

They are IMO the best new speaker you can buy under £1k (as long as your room is not too big).

The SCM19's are really good, and better IMO than the 11's/40's and with a suitable amp, could provide all the depth in the bass department that I would ever need in a 'normal UK living room'. They dont have quite the integration and delacy of the 7's but bass dynamics and sheer headroom are hard to beat if you need higher SPL's.

They are however very fussy with regards to amplification, as they really do need an amp that delivers a good amount of current. 'The Cure - Same deep water as you' with the Bryston Pre/Power through the 19's is possibly the best I have heard it. Although I would wager that the Active 50's would be awsome, I have yet to have a long demo of them, only heard them brifely at shows.

The main downside of the 19 is the tweeter, the same Vifa unit used in all the 'entry' range, is a very good driver, but a £20 unit that measures very well can only go so far. I would guess the SCM20 may have a big advantage over the 19 in this respect, and may well be one of the best bookshelf designs regardless if you like what ATC brings to the party. I would love to hear a pair at some point!

so what features should have an amplifier to be a good match for the ATC SCM 19 ?

Nothing too brash, as this can make them sound a little harsh, and plenty of current and power. Their own SIA2-150 is an ideal candidate, naturally.

David, would you agree with this statement ? (I quote from Internet) :

 As a general guideline, it is recommended to use an amplifier

delivering 50% more power than the speaker's average ("RMS") power

 (source : http://www.doctorproaudio.com/doctor/temas/powerhandling.htm )

You know thats talking about PA aplications...

Hi galone

What amplifier, source component/s and (if you're not already using SCM19 monitors) speakers are you using?

What do you generally listen to?

The size of your room?

Your listening distance?

Your general listening level?

Price range?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I wouldn't say that one rule will suit every situation as there's too many variables playing their part. I've always said that a good quality speaker will always respond well to more amplification, even if it does far exceed that of the speaker's RMS rating.

they did look great! sorry for the hijack, but i can anyone link it. i can find it in search

Matt

not sure if the pics of the polished 19s are still available, here are some scm40s with the same polished finish.  http://atcforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=636

thats the one. thankyou

matt

    Very smart.