ATC SMC40 speakers but amp and dac required

[admin_exported]

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I’m a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it’s best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

 

[Evlampi]

zekezebra "you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.:"
🙂 With Naim electronics you do not NEED anything ... it is just an upgrade path!

The pre + power are great on their own ... and if you like you can UPGRADE them by adding power supply or power cord ... etc.

It`s the same with other brands, but Naim got it to a different level. So do not bother with power supplies and cords if you do not like them ... there are tons of Naimies ... that listen their equipment "naked" 🙂 with no additional extras 🙂

In the end ... if you need a Good amp and a dac ... why not a Supernait ?!?!

 

[MattSPL]

I just got some SCM19's yesterday and im using them with a Krell Kav300i.

Its looking like a very good combination, plenty of power and bass control. You can pick up a used Kav300i for around £800 i think these days but i would recomend replacing all its 7 fuses with Hifi Tuning silver fuses. I recently did this and it transformed the amp. Amazing.

Or there is the newer kav300iL or 400xi.

Better still a used Krell FPB power amp. There is a mint FPB300cx on pink fish media for £3499. An absolute bargain and a power house. Very transparent so you can pick a pre amp and dac to suit your tastes.

 

[Anonymous]

zekezebra:
Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance
i pair my atc 40's up with a primare i30 and there great together very transparent and clean sound.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

Hi zekezebra

The Naim 152XS, 155XS and their new DAC is a cracking combination in it's own right (you don't need the power supplies etc.) and work really well with ATC SCM40's.If you wish to keep it simple than you could also consider the Supernait (which evlampi has also suggested) although i don't believe it performs as well compared to the first combination (particularly with the new DAC).

If you wish to buy new than another combination to consider is the SIA2-150 MK2 and the truly stunning Chord Electronics QBD76 DAC. The SIA2-150 MK2 with it's high damping factor and high current, the QBD76 with it's supreme number crunching ability and the SCM40's with their stunning and massively engineered drive units add up to an excellent system. It is a combination that i do well with. Later on the P1 can be added to bi-amp the speakers with the SIA2-150 MK2. This is a far better route than combining the DAC1 with the P1.

As for used/second hand there are many options available such as the excellent Krell amps that MattSPL has mentioned.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

fowler:zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

i pair my atc 40's up with a primare i30 and there great together very transparent and clean sound.

Hi fowler

Good post and another excellent combination.

Btw, how are the SCM40's settling in?

Thanks for your support.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

MUSICRAFT:fowler:zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

i pair my atc 40's up with a primare i30 and there great together very transparent and clean sound.

Hi fowler

Good post and another excellent combination.

Btw, how are the SCM40's settling in?

Thanks for your support.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft
hello rick, yes there getting better every day and there still not run in yet, about 30 hours on the clock. brilliant speakers! iv just added a tacima mains conditioner to my system and it sounds better than ever. thanks again rick.

 

[MattSPL]

This would be a bargain perfect partner for the ATC's http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Krell-KAV-250A-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-Pre-owned_W0QQitemZ380196875740QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers?hash=item58857feddc

250w/ch@8ohm and 500w/ch@4ohm

If i had the money id buy it for my SCM19's without hesitation.

 

[Anonymous]

MUSICRAFT:zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

Hi zekezebra

The Naim 152XS, 155XS and their new DAC is a cracking combination in it's own right (you don't need the power supplies etc.) and work really well with ATC SCM40's.If you wish to keep it simple than you could also consider the Supernait (which evlampi has also suggested) although i don't believe it performs as well compared to the first combination (particularly with the new DAC).

If you wish to buy new than another combination to consider is the SIA2-150 MK2 and the truly stunning Chord Electronics QBD76 DAC. The SIA2-150 MK2 with it's high damping factor and high current, the QBD76 with it's supreme number crunching ability and the SCM40's with their stunning and massively engineered drive units add up to an excellent system. It is a combination that i do well with. Later on the P1 can be added to bi-amp the speakers with the SIA2-150 MK2. This is a far better route than combining the DAC1 with the P1.

As for used/second hand there are many options available such as the excellent Krell amps that MattSPL has mentioned.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick

Thanks for the reply. If I could ask you to make a choice would you go for the Naim 152XS +155XS or for the ATC P1/CA2 combination. I don't want to become a serial upgrader seeing this purchase as a stepping stone to the next one.

Also as much as the Chord Electronics QBD76 DAC looks great I think the asking price is a bit too high for me. What about the Naim DAC with the ATC ammplifier pair?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

zekezebra:MUSICRAFT:zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

Hi zekezebra

The Naim 152XS, 155XS and their new DAC is a cracking combination in it's own right (you don't need the power supplies etc.) and work really well with ATC SCM40's.If you wish to keep it simple than you could also consider the Supernait (which evlampi has also suggested) although i don't believe it performs as well compared to the first combination (particularly with the new DAC).

If you wish to buy new than another combination to consider is the SIA2-150 MK2 and the truly stunning Chord Electronics QBD76 DAC. The SIA2-150 MK2 with it's high damping factor and high current, the QBD76 with it's supreme number crunching ability and the SCM40's with their stunning and massively engineered drive units add up to an excellent system. It is a combination that i do well with. Later on the P1 can be added to bi-amp the speakers with the SIA2-150 MK2. This is a far better route than combining the DAC1 with the P1.

As for used/second hand there are many options available such as the excellent Krell amps that MattSPL has mentioned.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick

Thanks for the reply. If I could ask you to make a choice would you go for the Naim 152XS +155XS or for the ATC P1/CA2 combination. I don't want to become a serial upgrader seeing this purchase as a stepping stone to the next one.

Also as much as the Chord Electronics QBD76 DAC looks great I think the asking price is a bit too high for me. What about the Naim DAC with the ATC ammplifier pair?

Hi zekezebra

The CA2/P1 and the Naim DAC is an excellent combination to go for.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

fowler:MUSICRAFT:fowler:zekezebra:

Hi All

First post here.

I know there are a few of ATC experts that use this forum so maybe I could get a few opinions.

I recently heard the ATC SCM40 speakers and really liked them. Originally I was thinking of pairing them with Naim amplifiers say NAC 152XS and NAP 155XS together with the new Naim DAC but must admit I'm a bit put off by the Naim philosophy; you need a separate power supply then special leads then special supports etc.

To that end I would be interested in the ATC amplifiers but still need a DAC as all sources are digital. So what I was thinking is would the Benchmark DAC1 HDR be a suitable pre-amp for the ATC P1 power amplifier or could this be a miss match made in hell!

I know it's best to go and hear equipment but ATC and Naim together is difficult to find here in the Netherlands and also I would rather buy from a UK dealer.

Thanks in advance

i pair my atc 40's up with a primare i30 and there great together very transparent and clean sound.

Hi fowler

Good post and another excellent combination.

Btw, how are the SCM40's settling in?

Thanks for your support.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

hello rick, yes there getting better every day and there still not run in yet, about 30 hours on the clock. brilliant speakers! iv just added a tacima mains conditioner to my system and it sounds better than ever. thanks again rick.

Hi fowler

Thanks for your reply.

Great and i am glad that you are pleased with your new SCM40's.

Only downside is that you've still got quite a way to go before they fully loosen up.

Thanks for your support.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Frank Harvey]

zekezebra:Thanks for the reply. If I could ask you to make a choice would you go for the Naim 152XS +155XS or for the ATC P1/CA2 combination.

I would say it depends on what sort of sound you're after - they're quite different sounding combinations.