My Review as published on Audio T’s web page for the ATC SCM40 in 2018
For the past 21 years, I had owned a pair of Ruark Crusader II speakers, in 1997, a highly regarded item. They did provide good service until a few years ago, when the Mid Range units on both speakers, started to be prone to distortion. I put up with this for a long while until I decided to attempt to have the units replaced. Unfortunately, Ruark ceased the manufacturing of speakers a long while ago andnow hold no spare parts for repairs. What to do? A good friend and ATC owner suggested that I have a look at ATC’s range of speakers for one which was equipped with three separate drive units and three discrete inputs, mirroring the Ruarks which had been tri wired and bi amped with two pairs of Audiolab 8000Ms. To cut a long story short, I discovered the ATC SCM40 speakers. These were auditioned, I was blown away, and have bought a pair! I have had them for just over three months and virtually EVERY evening since, has been a Audio Heaven as I trawl through my Vinyl and CD library, rediscovering old favourites now reproduced as never before! Prior to the delivery, I purchased a pair of Audiolab 8300MB Power Amps, so effectively, I now have a Tri Amp system powering these magnificent beasts. The clarity, transparency, and the bass is astounding! But put on a sub standard recording and they will just play it as that..Feed in rubbish and rubbish will be reproduced...they are that brutally honest, which underlines their pedigree as Studio Monitors... Another important point, is that the can play LOUD..and yours ears are not left buzzing as they could be with the Ruarks. They have this great balanced quality of sound which plays anything from Giovanni Monteverdi to Goldfrapp clearly and without effort or strain. Another plus point is that despite being quite large speakers, they do not overwhelm my 12’x13’ listening room. The Bass response is tight and well controlled. NO booming or wallowing, only true deep bass when it is there on the recording. This is perhaps the most important and best HiFi purchase in my 46 odd years of HiFi listening and will be the last pair of speakers, that I will have to purchase. Thank you ATC!
Plus points.
Just the best speakers that I have ever heard!, They can play loud without hurting your ears., True deep bass, no booming.
Minus Points
Brutally honest with what you play, takes no prisoners with sub standard recordings., They do need serious amplification to show them at their best.