There was also a new found smoothness, an “air” of refinement that ATCs never exhibited before, indicating a maturing design with most kinks ironed out in each successive evolution. That slight darkness also helped the ATC sound quieter in the back ground as a perception. With some music materials, such as the Chinese Tida or modern jazz saxophone, there’s was an occasional peakiness in the high mids, while remaining reasonably smooth, most of the time. I suspect the ATC was just doing it’s job, relaying the recording as honestly as it could. Despite that, I found this new generation ATC tweeter less dark than the older versions. Like I said earlier, treble tone was slightly darkened for the sake of vocal thickness and imaging focus. With Jennifer Warnes, The Well album, on track six, Ode To Billy Joe, a rather quiet piano and vocal solo, with lots of subtle paddle movements recorded, marked the ATC as one of the very transparent speakers in the budget sector(if a price tag of RM$7,900.00/pair(excluding stands) is your idea of budget product). With the ATC SCM11 well set up, I am ready for some fine music. The rear panel is kept simple with only 2 pairs of angled speaker terminal binding post, to facilitate bi-wiring or bi-amping I then tried first, with bi-wiring the ATC SCM11, however when compared to a pair of single wire speaker cables being used, with the original metal jumpers in place, I felt I preferred the more coherent top to bottom, seamless sound of the later, which is what this review is based upon. I toed in the speakers slightly for a greater focus on centre imaging quality making the treble slightly darker than usual as a small trade off. You never win, it’s always a balance of trading priorities. The good thing about near field set ups, is that the sound staging is always very enveloping for the listener, and will provide for very intimate vocalizing, especially sultry, sexy female voices. The speakers had about 6ft of space between them forming a less than 5ft equal triangle with my throne, making for very near field listening. I placed the ATC pair about 39 inches away from the back wall, and about 18 inches from the side wall of my man cave measuring just 10ft x 12ft. However, I make do with what I was supplied, with a caveat, that the ATC could really sound better than this review would suggest. I would have preferred the speaker stand columns filled to bring down their resonating frequencies which would have benefited the ATC speakers, sound wise. Hi-Way Laser also thoughtfully supplied me with a pair of 24 inch tall, four column stands for mounting the ATCs. Otherwise, I’ve got no complains what so ever about these babies. The SCM11 allows for bi-amping or bi-wiring, with it’s 2 pairs of speaker cable binding post, angled up wards, making attaching and detaching speaker cables a rather tedious chore. There’s a SEAS sourced tweeter and a 6 inch mid range with long throw capabilities. The joints are nicely rounded with no sharp edges sticking out, on finger feel running along side. The new lute shape, sealed box seems well made with rather convincing looking vinyl Cherry cladding on all panels. The “new” ATC SCM11 are handsome speakers, no matter which way one looks at them. The Cherry finished vinyl wrap around looks rather convincing too The lute shaped sealed box design is minimalist and purposeful in looks. And run them in he did, a full 3 months and a bit more! You could say the brand new pair of ATC SCM11 were well used, by the time i got them in to my man cave. This review was a long time in the making through no fault of mine, because a certain reviewer felt that he should had the task of running in the speakers before I laid ears on them. However, if you like to read me glorifying about the greatness of this pair of budget ATC speaker are, then read on with(extreme) prejudice. So if you are convinced that my above statement is gonna guarantee the subject under review a great write up, then stop reading, and leave this page now! No Wilson Audio or any of those glamour name plates for me please! Yes, I’ll admit to be financially un-qualified to make those purchases either, if one cared about my financial status and well being(as a concerned buddy recently remarked). In my audio life, I am somewhat convinced that I’d some how end up using a pair of PMC or perhaps, just perhaps, ATC monitor speakers. ATC SCM11 with new wire mesh honeycomb design grilleīefore I start this review, I have confession to make.
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