The most dynamic & transparent bookshelf

Wim1983. I agree the ATC look is more traditional. Take a look at the drive units though, and the engineering that goes into them. I'm personally not sure there is anything better around that price point. They solidly outperformed the new KEF Reference 1 standmount according to a client to came for a demo, though he purchased the new Dynaudio active speakers in the end.

The ATC low end frequency response statistics are very conservative, that's just how the company is, but in reality they have the 12dB/octave sealed box rolloff as opposed to the 24dB/octave ported box rolloff so bass actually goes down quite low. On the plus side you get the benefits of extremely accurate bass, as opposed to what you get out of some (not all) ported speakers.

"05-15-15: Wim1983
Zd542: Well, yes audio chain is pretty complicated to begin with, I'll stick with scientific objective way on choosing my gears, that's why I look for budget DAC like JDS Labs ODAC, transparent setup just very important in music listening and analysis (sometimes), everything come later, and I have absolutely enjoy my music collection ever with my current setup, sound quality, sound stage, musical tonal balance, well except dynamic and bass perfection just with a pair of bookshelf speakers, which remains to be craved by most audiophile, having said that we are clear that there is no perfect solution, but a reasonable near perfect solution based on given assumptions is drafted, and I'll start from there..."

We all need to do things our own way, so I respect your decision. But if you'll notice, the discussion always comes back to the same issue. It's the point at which the objective ends and the subjective begins. Unfortunately, the qualities you are asking about won't reveal themselves in measurements. You simply can't measure things like timbre, dynamic contrast, imaging, etc..

I wish I could give you some info that will help, but I just don't know how to build a system any other way.

Acousticfrontiers: Thanks for your clarifications. Though I'm very curious how the bass works without ports? So far I know that Wharfedale Jade 3 also no ports, I'm very tempted to get a pair of it, wonder how the 3-way Aperiodic system works, plus the price and audition is easier in my country. You see with the same price, I can get a floorstander Wharfedale Jade 5 instead, which really tempting to me :)

Zd542: Exactly, bravo that's why we are discussing on "speakers", this is only component in the chain that is very difficult to get best of it, because you need to consider price, again budget, then the way sound is generated, which is the most subjective aspect. Speakers to me is a beauty creation of state of the art object, it's very physical thing to consider, and a lot of fun when you hear it and look at it xD

By the way, what's your current system? I'm curious? Or you have too many, perhaps tell me what's your favorite? I can have a look haha

"05-15-15: Wim1983
Zd542: Exactly, bravo that's why we are discussing on "speakers", this is only component in the chain that is very difficult to get best of it, because you need to consider price, again budget, then the way sound is generated, which is the most subjective aspect."

Overall, I agree. Where we differ is that I consider all components equally. For me, the amp, preamp and source is just as important as the speaker.

"By the way, what's your current system? I'm curious? Or you have too many, perhaps tell me what's your favorite? I can have a look haha
Wim1983 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

I have 2 systems. My main system is:

Vansersteen Model 2 speakers, 2 Ayre V-5 amps, Wadia 861SE cd player, AQ cables and ESP power cords. The Wadia drives the amps directly but I have a preamp I put in the system when I want to listen to records or a different source.

2nd system:

Wadia 302 CD player, VAC 30/30 amp, Wilson Cub speakers, TARA cables, Furutech line conditioner, Richard Grey power cords. Like the other system, I also have a preamp I put in the system for other sources.