ATC active vs. passive

As I’ve mentioned in another thread long ago, I have done a very close active vs passive comparison at a trade show - same speakers, ATC amps for passive system run passively biamped, active using the internal amps with the same output devices and design in both active and passive.. The power available in both systems was roughly equal. The active system exhibited much bette imaging and better high resolution of fine details like room sound, reverb tails, harmonics on piano, acoustic guitar, violins. I offered visitors to the room a choice to pick and not everyone picked the active - although I couldn’t understand how they couldn’t hear those improvements.

One note - the comment about amps not lasting a long time inside the speaker is simply not true - unless it’s crap amp. They are in their own separate enclosure even inside the speaker and there is no shared space. Also all ATC is class A/B, not class D. That being said, we regular service active speakers that are still working after 30+years! Many studios use them 24/7 for 10-20 years. With 6year warranty we see very little failure.

brad

Op 100watts of tube power drives the 40s beautifully 

We have driven our 40s with a 100 watt Synthesis a100 sounds fantastic 

DAVE AND troy

Audio Intellect Nj

ATC DEALERS 

@lonemountain 

Thanks for your input. 
“The active system exhibited much bette imaging and better high resolution of fine details like room sound, reverb tails, harmonics on piano, acoustic guitar, violins. ”

I understand what you said above. I recently auditioned Wilson XVX and I was blown away with every metric that audiophiles find valuable. It was the most powerful, transparent, detailed with perfect accuracy and imaging that I’ve ever encountered. However, it was not enjoyable engaging or musical. It was analytical and clinical. That isn’t what I want. That’s why I’m entranced by tubes. The beautiful sweet sound with rich harmonics is that I’m after. I’m used to high powered SET sound  

would you still recommend actives for my taste ? 

@lonemountain

I have the smaller SCM 19’s bi-amped using the connectors on the speakers. Does bi-amping bring some part of the improvements of the active version?

I find the accuracy and imaging to be excellent. The speakers ’disappear’

Solo piano sounds like it is the room. I have extra speakers for HT and sometimes I feel sure the surround speakers are being used when listening to regular 2-channel.

@lonemountain 

1. is it possible to self modify Active into passive down the line if get tired of active and would like to try other amps ?  Is it possible to purchase passive crossover and swap them at home? 

2. 150 is considerably wider baffle than 50. How does this affect the imaging and the ability to disappear. Logically, 150s should be much harder to disappear