ATC SCM40A speakers

Pick me! Pick me!

I run my SCM40V2’s with a Cary SLP05 with ultimate upgrade and Raytheon VT231’s and CBS Hytron 5692’s (latter in input buffer). I have a hard disagree with use of the passive or active versions with a tube preamp. I replaced my otherwise excellent but hard sounding SCM35’s with these speakers, so 22 years of living with ATC speakers. I think my setup (with a SST Son smp) sounds better than any combo driving these speakers (including ATC electronics). I haven’t heard anything below $10K that matches the passive version, and IMHO if you get the active version, a tube preamp will slightly soften the edge on the sound but will give a better spatial sense of air around the instruments and make the sound more lifelike.

I add that my amplification setup sounds better than any that I have heard, not better than any available! I bet the Gryphon 333 Diablo would sound amazing if one wanted only solid state amplification (or its little brother), and I bet that an Audio Research Ref 6se and Reference 80S amp would be wonderful for an all tube route!

Any heard with this speaker, I will get my comment right eventually!

Thanks for all the comments. 

Yes, I'm wanting to change to active speakers. 

My McIntosh MCD600 CDP has a lovely preamp section that will go out  straight to the speakers.

What the 803s do really well is imaging and soundstaging.

Glad to hear the 40s also do that well.

What the 803s do a  little much of is the treble.

Glad to hear the 40s have a sweeter treble.

The 803s are a little light in the bass.

Glad to hear the 40s are warmer.

Again, thanks for all the helpful information.

Any and all further information is much appreciated.