Pros/Cons KEF R300, ATC SCM11

[landmarker]

I'm planning to upgrade my standmount speakers to the same or better standard than the rest of my system, I've had some Monitor B2s for the last 10 years, while the other components have been gradually upgraded.

Source is Mac Mini into Arcam IRDAC or Rega RP3. Amp is Arcam A32. There's nothing special to mention about the listening room - it's an average sized living room, not particularly over or under damped.

Typical artists I might listen to alot: Richard Thompson, Tom Waits, Brian Eno, XTC, John Martyn, even some Yes... so basically folk/rock/pop - a lot of guitar music - little in the way of hard rock, hip-hip, etc. I'm still a newbie, useless at describing sound but I would say that I favour warmth and a "natural" sound over an overtly flashy/artifically exciting presentation.

I'm interested in the R300 and SCM11 - both get great reviews, I like the fact that they're designed and parts are made in the UK, both have some interesting technical features which appeal to my nerdier side. Very difficult to audition as work abroad. Any thoughts on what might work well for my system and music?

 

[Romulus]

I'm planning to upgrade my standmount speakers to the same or better standard than the rest of my system, I've had some Monitor B2s for the last 10 years, while the other components have been gradually upgraded.

Source is Mac Mini into Arcam IRDAC or Rega RP3. Amp is Arcam A32. There's nothing special to mention about the listening room - it's an average sized living room, not particularly over or under damped.

Typical artists I might listen to alot: Richard Thompson, Tom Waits, Brian Eno, XTC, John Martyn, even some Yes... so basically folk/rock/pop - a lot of guitar music - little in the way of hard rock, hip-hip, etc. I'm still a newbie, useless at describing sound but I would say that I favour warmth and a "natural" sound over an overtly flashy/artifically exciting presentation.

I'm interested in the R300 and SCM11 - both get great reviews, I like the fact that they're designed and parts are made in the UK, both have some interesting technical features which appeal to my nerdier side. Very difficult to audition as work abroad. Any thoughts on what might work well for my system and music?

That is an impossible request by you because your musical taste/expectations are subjective. If your urge to upgrade speakers is so great atleast find out the models of speakers you can audition in the country you are in. That way you will not end up with speakers which you cannot live with in your system and wasted your money (maybe you can sell on the speakers but its all a hassle).

 

[landmarker]

>>That is an impossible request by you because your musical taste/expectations are subjective.

I can see your point, but doesn't that logic kind of, erm, kill the premise of a hifi forum? Maybe my post sounded a bit naive and optimistic. I interested in subjective opinions on these speakers from those who own or have heard them - especially from anyone who might be in the position to compare & contrast the. All other information in my original post is just for context.

 

[CnoEvil]

The premise of a Hifi Forum is to argue about Cables.....and Formats......and Resolution....and Mains Products.

FWIW. The R300s (which I have heard), have tremendous scale (for a Standmount), but need an amp that can control them, as well as room to breathe. They are detailed but quite smooth and work well with clean sounding ancillaries.

The ATCs (which I haven't heard), are more neutral and easier to place in a room. I would expect them to sound leaner and a bit more accurate and being less Sensitive, will need the volume knob turned further round.

You have selected two excellent speakers, but as has been stated, only you will know which is preferable.

 

[landmarker]

Thanks, that gives me a few points to think about and some context to interpret the reviews. The "easier to place" may be relevent as I tend to move location every couple of years.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Hi ive got r700 and the difference is not big. I was gonna buy the r300s having compared to dyaudio dm2/7

Then got offered a very good deal at frank harvey so went for them. Id say the difference over the monitor audio bx will be much better.

But id also say give the atcs an audition as they are great speakers