Recommendation for ATC SCM150 Amp/Pre

@ei001h congrats on those ATCs! I have the SCM40 v2 and drive them with a Simaudio Moon 761. Stunning synergy. Up there with classic synergy like Luxman/Harbeth. The 761 shares the same MDCA tech as the 861 amp, which is what you should audition if possible. The 761 to my ears, is lighting quick, effortless in delivery, and just wide open across the board. Natural harmonic portrayal is a major strength (colors abound)! Sound is overall very authentic and natural. The 761 really brings out a special midrange from those amazing ATC drivers. For the massive SCM150’s I don’t think you can do any better for the 20K price point than an 861.
For preamps you might want to consider Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4, or Rhythm. I have the Moon 791 which is astonishing for an all in one streamer/dac/preamp but it’s probably likely you can get even higher performance from all separates. As they say, the sky is the limit as long as money doesn’t run out. Definitely check out the new moon amps!

@soix 

Thanks for the recommendations. I currently have scm40 and could certainly see the difference with a high power SS amp compared to tune. I auditioned Electrocompinet 300w monos and I was blown away by what these little speakers could do. This is why I went for 150s. 
 

Yeah, I got to hear an Electocompaniet amp and I can definitely understand why you’d like their amps given your sonic goals. 

@dpac996

thanks for the recommendation. I would absolutely have to audition this amp before I make the decision. What other amps have you tried ?

@ei001h with the ATC passives? Audia Flight FLS-9 Integrated amp ( has the horsepower), Moon 641 integrated.

In prior systems have had many amps (as an EE, I have a passion for power amps)

In no particular order: Luxman M-900u, Simaudio 870Av2, Pass x350.8/250.8/ INT 250, INT 60, XA30.5, X250.5, Simaudio 330A, 760A, Coda CSIB, ARC 100.2, ARC VT100MKII, Primaluna HP , Octave V110, Octave V80SE, Cary SLI-80, Sugden A21, Marantz PM-14S, McIntosh MA-6900, Ayre VX-20, Benchmark HPA2, Bryston 4BSST2, 4B3, McCormack DNA 0.5, DNA1, DNA 125, DNA225, Luxman 509x, 595, 590mkii, 507uxii, Hegel H190, H390, H590, H30; Aragon 8002, Parasound A21, Rogue Audio St100 and the Integrated forget model number; there are more but it’s been a long day.

The Simaudio 761 is special and I’m 100% sure the 861 is even more so. You can’t go wrong.