2. speakers
  3. 178191-157881

ATC SCM 40 question

Hi,

I recently bought a pair of ATC SCM40 speakers. I have them placed in a room approx 12ft sq. They are on the back wall, seating on opposite side. I can't move the speakers into the room or move the chairs into the room as I barely got away with buying these and can't encrouch any further, the missus was not happy at the size of them!

Anyway, they sound pretty incredible a lot of the time, but I've noticed on some recordings, not necessarily bad ones, just they can come across a little shrill and sharp, like the highs are overheated somehow.

I'm driving them with a PS Audio S300 Poweramp, that is being controlled by an RME ADI 2 DAC. 

I've tried messing with the dsp settings on the RME but I just can't seem to ease the issue.

My question is, does this seem like an equipment issue? Or maybe a cable issue?

I don't want to end up spending serious cash upgrading the amp or dac if that is not the problem. But I know the SCM40's need a lot of juice and the S300 only has 140w per channel, and the recommended is 150w. Or is that just a top end volume concern? I'm already looking at the Hegel H20, I can't get the ATC poweramp as I don't have the space for it.

Also I was looking at the Anthem STR Preamp. Something that might calibrate the sound better for the room. Maybe a cable upgrade?


Anyway, these are just my rambling thoughts on an ongoing issue, any advice at all would be much appreciated. I really want to solve this as when these speakers sing, they really sing!

Thanks
M

moomalade74
digsmithd
913 posts
 

Aside from burn in...you being constrained about any other setup is hard to really suggest something thats going to make the difference having a speaker like that and not giving it at least some best case setup scenario...Youll never know what there capable of...and for that reason im out.😉...Youll have to just try stuff.

moomalade74 OP
8 posts
 

 

I agree with the above sentiment, I almost feel obliged to upgrade the rest of the chain now to give the speakers a fair shout. They feel like the one piece of a equipment I own that is, to quote Tom from Succession: "The bottom of the top"

With that in mind I’m thinking of maybe upgrading the Dac/Preamp from the RME to the HoloAudio – Spring 3 DAC Level 2.

 

mofojo
2,222 posts
 

Think about trying an inexpensive used Tube preamp or warmish ss preamp before you change the dac. Way more bang for the buck IMO. Can always sell it for what you paid if it doesn’t work out. 

digsmithd
913 posts
 

Get those herbies sliders and you can setup ..shove them out of the way when done.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,639 posts
 

a few questions 

 

how are you driving the dac?

the source  does matter 

why not  trade in the ps audio for an really good   integrated amplifier ?

 

we run our scm 40s with great success with the unison research unico 150 a powerful hybrid amp the tubes  warm up the speakers while the  solid state power stage provided deep propulsive bass thuis amp is similar in rated power but has no issues driving the 40s 

 

the atc tweeter is very revealing.so your dac could be the problem the s300 amp is not a class ab amp so between your dac and amp this is probably why the speakers are sounding a bit hot 

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Atc Dealers 

 

More to discover