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.

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...

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

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.

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

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.

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.

That magical dome midrange!

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 .

Happy new glasses Steve. Looking good. 👍

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Superb review! Thank you, Steve.

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.

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 big recording studio's in NY and England (including Abbey rd) use ATC's, even the Sydney opera house use them. 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!

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

Thank you for the great review Steve!

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 :)

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.

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

Love ATC speakers very well made and look great

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

Digging the specs Steve.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

Asymmetrical glasses - bravo!

@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.

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).

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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

Finaly a Hifi KZfaqr 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

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

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.

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

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

Finally an ATC review , I have the atc scm11 it’s fantastic (replaces the focals) I wanted this same speaker but passive, when I can afford it 🙂

Interesting thanks to background infos.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

Great review. I suggest listening to the scm20asl pro the younger sibling.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

English boutique audio strikes again. I was particularly gratified to learn about powered speakers, as I had considered that option, before I learned here of the typical drawbacks, rather than buying a freakishly high powered amp because of power hungry speakers . I was pleased to see a three inch dome driver for the midrange, as I consider that the most important driver in a three way design for the obvious reasons, the human voice resides in those frequencies , so hearing is evolved to be more critically attuned to that range, and most musical instrument live there. The speakers I was considering kicking to the curb as old fashioned , because of the theoretical advantages of a powered design, have a three inch silk dome midrange , a driver configuration validated by the classy reviewed speakers. So I am back to building a list of amplifier buying triggers.

Nice new 'Gregory Peck's', Steve....

If you folks are into such kind of activ - which I’m a big fan of - then you can’t ignore legendary German “Geithain” Speakers e.g. the ME 901k1. Same quality level, but not overpriced like the ATCs.

I want them!❤

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.

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

Interesting. The passive stand mount is near direct competitor to Yamaha NS-5000 with its 3 inch dome mid range.

Hi, please test once the LFD NCSE integrated amp..... would be very interested to know your opinion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The scm10's are hands down the best standmounts I've ever heard very hard to drive them though, 82db sensitivity iirc.

I'm mostly into horns but these caught my eye as a different speaker type to try out. Would def be interested in learning about a more modest atc model.

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

Did you try any audiophile power cords?

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