2. amps-preamps
  3. 194260-96112

ATC SCM150 Amp and Preamp recommendations

Just received my ATC SCM150 passive speakers last week and looking for amplifier suggestions.

I have a large, well-treated room (45' x 16' x 8') and primarily listen to large-scale classical music — symphonies, piano concertos, cello works, etc.
For me, dynamics are critical, but so are tone, instrumental timbre, and harmonic richness.

Front-end setup:

  • Technics 1200G with Umami Red cartridge

  • Luxman EQ-500 phono stage

  • Aurender A100 streamer/DAC

So far, I’ve tried the following amplifiers:

  • Classe Delta Stereo + matching preamp: very polite sound, but too soft on top, poor bass control, slow and muddy low end, recessed midrange — overall unable to properly control the speakers.

  • Luxman L-595A SE: gorgeous microdynamics and a liquid, beautiful midrange; however, limited in dynamics and authority due to power constraints. No brightness !

  • Auris Fortissimo (tube amp): outstanding midrange and highs with a very holographic presentation, but again lacks bass energy and authority due to lower power output.

  • Luxman 507Z - way too bright for ATC, so assuming Luxman M10 will be just as bright 

Given these impressions, I'm now looking for a serious amp/preamp combination that can bring out the full potential of the SCM150s — maintaining musicality and tonal beauty but with the dynamic slam and control these speakers demand. 

Budget: ~$20-30k for amplification, ~$10-15k for a preamp (open to used market gear)
I'm also open to bi-amping if someone has successfully done it with the SCM150s.

Amplifiers I'm considering:

  • Electrocompaniet AW800

  • Simaudio Moon 861 monoblocks

  • Hegel H30 monoblocks

I'm also looking for preamp recommendations to pair with the above amps — ideally something that adds a touch of tube warmth and harmonic richness, but without softening transients or slowing down the dynamics.

Would love to hear from anyone with direct experience driving SCM150s, or who can recommend synergistic combinations that deliver both the dynamic authority and tonal sophistication I'm after. 

ei001h
hk_fan
572 posts
 

I'd try to audition Pass labs if possible.  I had great results with the XP-22 preamp and a couple of different amps (JC1 mono's and CH Precision).  The X350.8 has always been a favorite of mine.

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,366 posts
 

If a loudspeaker enclosure is a poor environment for an amplifier, then it's an equally poor environment for a loudspeaker crossover.

Perhaps ATC should offer outboard line level crossover units so that audiophiles could pick and choose their own amplifiers without incurring the downsides of high level crossovers.  I suspect the people at ATC would say "why not just buy our powered loudspeakers?"  But based upon this thread there could be a market demand for such a product.

 

 

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
970 posts
 

@OP This is a classic case where specifications don't tell you everything. Pass amplifiers tend to sound more powerful than their nominal specifications suggest. If you have the opportunity to listen to them, it will be worthwhile. If you find the Class A models too smooth sounding then, as per hk_fan's comment above, the class A/B amps may be preferred. They are slightly less refined when played loud, but have more slam when played loud.

Also, re hk_fan's post, I previously owned a pair of Parasound JC1s - great amps, but bettered by a pair of Pass XA60.8's despite the Parasound's being a lot more powerful on paper.

I have a small room, so don't need big amps, but I have used and auditioned 160s in very large rooms and they are in no way short of power or dynamics.

joeycastillo
136 posts
 

to the OP

I own the PassXa25 and drives the 2nd pair of ATC SCM19 to satisfying levels, even if the specs dont seem to jive. 
so with that said, i say, look into the Pass X260.8 power amps for your SCM150

for Preamp, i highly recommend the LINEAR TUBE Audio Microzotl pre. and roll the tubes to fit your taste

Post removed 
More to discover