Time to upgrade my speakers?

[bigboss]

There's an ex-display model here.

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks BB.

I still want to audition, so I'll try to free up some time as soon as I can.

 

[BenLaw]

Hi Ben,

Very much appreciated. These look like contenders.

Have you heard the ATCs, either as a stereo pair or in a larger multichannel setup? If so, how do they sound? I know we're getting into woolly descriptive territory here, but that's all I can go on until I get to audition.

If you went with this you would basically have a step down version of my front three. (Actually of my rears as well as I have q acoustics q7000 rears and I think you have an earlier model.) So I have some fairly full thoughts in the av link in my sig. My experience of all of ATC's range, right up to massive active 100s, is that they are tonally very consistent, so you would get a very similar (identical) sound to mine, you would just be slightly lighter on bass depth and dynamics. The 7s are excellent though. You would also have the big advantage of my setup, which is shared drivers across the front three. Short of having three matching speakers, which most people won't be able to fit into a traditional av rack, this is the best way to guarantee tonal consistency across the front sound field.

One word to sum up the ATC sound would be clean. They're neutral and undistorted with a relatively flat frequency response. The bass is clean and tuneful - it can and I imagine will take some getting used to after b&w. They are sealed boxes so there is no port buzz. They don't go artificially low, but they roll off slowly and the lack of a port reduces timing difficulties, thus allowing for a more accurate sound field.

 

[strapped for cash]

If you went with this you would basically have a step down version of my front three. (Actually of my rears as well as I have q acoustics q7000 rears and I think you have an earlier model.) So I have some fairly full thoughts in the av link in my sig. My experience of all of ATC's range, right up to massive active 100s, is that they are tonally very consistent, so you would get a very similar (identical) sound to mine, you would just be slightly lighter on bass depth and dynamics. The 7s are excellent though. You would also have the big advantage of my setup, which is shared drivers across the front three. Short of having three matching speakers, which most people won't be able to fit into a traditional av rack, this is the best way to guarantee tonal consistency across the front sound field.

One word to sum up the ATC sound would be clean. They're neutral and undistorted with a relatively flat frequency response. The bass is clean and tuneful - it can and I imagine will take some getting used to after b&w. They are sealed boxes so there is no port buzz. They don't go artificially low, but they roll off slowly and the lack of a port reduces timing difficulties, thus allowing for a more accurate sound field.

Thanks Ben.

The ATCs appeal, based on your description.

Actually, it'd be great to use three identical speakers. My AV rack has a removable cloth grille. My centre speaker is sited vertically behind. In many ways this would be the ideal solution and would allow me to choose from a wider selection of speakers and manufacturers. Unfortunately I don't think it's remotely possible to buy three speakers, unless someone wants to share a pair. (This seems profoundly unlikely!)

In any case, my shortlist is now a little longer and that's progress, I think.

 

[BenLaw]

You should have no problem buying 3 ATCs, I know of people who have, at least with larger models. I'm guessing the SCM7 wouldn't fit upright though and I'm not sure how it would affect dispersion if you had it on its side. I actually think the c1c or c3c is ideal because it has the extra driver, handy given the amount of information coming through the centre.

 

[strapped for cash]

Upright, the SCM7 would have loads of spare room. The housing measures 48x33cm. You're probably right about the benefit of twin drivers, though.

I thought about the three identical front speakers solution when looking at other manufacturers' products. In many examples three of the same would fit nicely.

If it's a good enough speaker, the extra driver may not be necessary. The tweeter would sit higher and be better aligned with L&R speakers, too. That makes sense according to my (probably skewed) logic, as lower frequencies are less directional. Of course if the tweeter is sited in the middle of the driver (as with many KEF and Tannoy speakers) that logic falls apart completely.

 

[seemorebtts]

There's an ex-display model here.

wow thats cheap i think bb has just found your new speakers.bargain:bounce:

 

[strapped for cash]

i think bb has just found your new speakers.bargain:bounce:

Let's not get too carried away here!

 

[BenLaw]

Upright, the SCM7 would have loads of spare room. The housing measures 48x33cm. You're probably right about the benefit of twin drivers, though.

I thought about the three identical front speakers solution when looking at other manufacturers' products. In many examples three of the same would fit nicely.

If it's a good enough speaker, the extra driver may not be necessary. The tweeter would sit higher and be better aligned with L&R speakers, too. That makes sense according to my (probably skewed) logic, as lower frequencies are less directional. Of course if the tweeter is sited in the middle of the driver (as with many KEF and Tannoy speakers) that logic falls apart completely.

Ah right, plenty of room. You're probably right then, especially about alignment and dispersion. If / when you demo you could enquire about the possibility of ordering three speakers.

Btw from the classifieds on atcforums Musicraft advertised and sold their demo 7s at a somewhat lower price than you've been linked to, so don't leap too quickly at a 'bargain'.

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Ben.

I won't jump on any bargain without hearing the speakers first. My shortlist isn't complete yet, so I'm some way off a decision.

 

[BenLaw]

Yep. You'll be fully aware that ATC isn't to everyone's taste and for the most part I don't bother recommending them cos it normally leads to grief. But on occasion if the requirements match I'll stick my neck out. If someone's taste ultimately accords with an honest, neutral, uncoloured sound then no-one does it better than ATC.

 

[richardw42]

http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMGW

never heard of these, but they cropped up on another forum. Definitely very interesting if wall mounting is for you. No centre needed. ?

 

[strapped for cash]

Yep. You'll be fully aware that ATC isn't to everyone's taste and for the most part I don't bother recommending them cos it normally leads to grief. But on occasion if the requirements match I'll stick my neck out. If someone's taste ultimately accords with an honest, neutral, uncoloured sound then no-one does it better than ATC.

I sometimes feel the same when recommending AV products. If the end user isn't satisfied, I'll be held accountable.

I've given up advising family and friends. In the worst cases, they do the opposite of what I suggest and blame me nevertheless.

Rest assured, if I buy the ATCs I'll accept full responsibility for my decision.

 

[strapped for cash]

http://www.magnepan.com/model_MMGW

never heard of these, but they cropped up on another forum. Definitely very interesting if wall mounting is for you. No centre needed. ?

Thanks Richard.

It's a nice idea, but It'd be tidier to keep the speaker hidden away in the cabinet. I'll also be moving in the not too distant future, so in-wall speakers are probably best avoided.

 

[mr malarky]

Strapped, if your considering Tannoy Revolutions then Sevenoaks are advertising a pair of ex-display Revolution DC6T floorstanders for £479 in their clearance sale.

Could be worth a look.

 

[strapped for cash]

Strapped, if your considering Tannoy Revolutions then Sevenoaks are advertising a pair of ex-display Revolution DC6T floorstanders for £479 in their clearance sale.

Could be worth a look.

Thanks mate. That's a diligent spot at 5:11AM!

Alas I'm not making an impulse purchase in this case. I want to audition all shortlisted speakers and assess their respective merits before parting with any money.

Good spot though!