ATC SCM11
Contents
ATC is a British loudspeaker manufacturer. They have their roots in the studio and it shows in their designs: understated, to-the-point and purposeful. The ATC SCM11 is no exception. As a matter of fact, we have had this speaker at the editorial office before (just like the SCM19, by the way). So it is not unknown territory for us.
This compact monitor is constructed of thick mdf and carries two units in the front. A 25 mm soft dome tweeter and a 15 cm woofer. The cabinet is kept closed, which has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage: bass is incredibly fast and clean. The disadvantage: there is a bit less bass that you might be used to. Anyway: there are larger models as well as subwoofers. Also, we know from experience that the active models often offer a bit more bass; it’s all a bit more balanced in the active models.
The sound
How much detail do you want to hear? The ATCs present all details there are in the stream with ease. But is certainly not analytical. This is mainly because they are very rhythmic and in terms of PRaT are so spot-on that as a listener you feel your body relax.
The timbre of instruments is beautiful, very lifelike. In this round of testing, the ATCs are the only speakers that reproduce Sohn’s track without any problems. Indeed, the layering in this track is impressive. The music is presented, without the track falling apart. Impressive.
Does that make it the perfect speaker? There are points where the other speakers in this round do better. In the piano solo on Mammal Hands, both the KEFs and Monitor Audio’s show a richness of sound and a balance in the melody between left and right hands, illuminating that solo with a golden sheen.
The ATCs do not show that sheen. In this round, though, the ATCs are the only speaker that show a richer and deeper sound with the Pass Labs than with the Nilai.
Specifications ATC SCM11
| Type | 2-way, closed |
| Units | 25mm soft dome tweeter, 15cm CLD woofer |
| Range | 56 – 22000 Hz |
| Power handling | 75 – 300 watt |
| Sensitivity | 85 dB |
| Impedance | 8 Ohm |
| Crossover | 2200 Hz |
| Dimensions / Weight | 23 x 38 x 23cm (W_H_D), 10.9 Kg |
| Price | 1925 per pair exc stand |
Measurements ATC SCM11
ATC shows that they understand how a loudspeaker works. Response is remarkably neutral with a mild “BBC dip”. Distortion is incredibly low and even. All around 0.15%. Very neat. Impedance is friendly. In the bass only one peak because it is a closed system. Further on we see a mild rounding that peaks around 25 ohms. Impedance does not drop below about 6 Ohms, which is friendly. Still, we know this is not an easy speaker. Getting good bass out of it requires (serious) power. Be aware of that!
Old KEF R3, by Erin
https://erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r3
-> Shadow Flare Position Impact on Frequency Response
and…
[ While using the speakers full-range is OK, I found that when I added a subwoofer (SVS SB-2000 Pro and SB-3000, separately), the entire sound became immensely more enveloping. Somehow, it even seems to increase the overall sense of “space” these speakers provide with the right recording. For that reason, I do suggest a subwoofer with these speakers. ]
Makes sense!
KEF R3 meta measurements
You forgot: KEF R3 meta – decay – straight – 3ms.png
I think they still have not solved the problem of the woofer integration with the excellent coaxial, as it happened with the previous model, the R3.
I will listen again to the part of the test referring to them.
Thank you very much (to ALL) for your work.
– Greetings from Tarragona (SPAIN) –
Welcome!