ATC just introduced the SCM20ASL active bookshelf speakers for $4,000 less than the royal blue 50th Anniversary limited edition model that debuted last year. Only 150 pairs of the SCM20ASL LE were produced, and at $13,999 per pair are nearly sold out.
The all-new “regular” SCM20ASL active loudspeakers are now available in a variety of finishes starting at $9,999/pair, with optional high gloss finishes for $2,500 more. But there are some key differences between the “new” and limited edition models.
What’s Changed?
- The new SCM20ASL has the option of a large number of standard, premium, and high gloss veneers, in addition to piano black or white finishes. The LE version was only available in the custom ATC blue lacquer version.
- No custom ATC blue lacquer finish available.
- No full grain Napa leather on the front baffle.
- No silver anodized ATC Limited Edition Badge on the front baffle.
- All hardware and trim rings aren’t anodized silver.
- Not packaged as the Special SCM20ASL 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.
- Doesn’t include the 50th Anniversary cloth bags.
- The heat sink on amplifier isn’t covered by a custom etched piece of silver anodized alloy that wears the Limited Edition insignia and classic blue ATC Logo.
Overview
ATC’s SCM20ASL Active Stand-Mount Loudspeaker is the latest high-performance 2-way speaker system from ATC, engineered specifically for audiophiles and professionals seeking reference-grade sound in smaller spaces. Designed with precision-matched onboard amplification and proprietary in-house drivers, the SCM20ASL claim to deliver exceptional clarity, phase coherence, and dynamic response.
Integrating a 2-way active system within a 20-litre stand-mount cabinet, the new model features ATC’s proprietary 150mm/6” ‘Super Linear’ Mid/Bass driver and 25mm/1” ‘S-Spec’ dual-suspension tweeter, powered by on-board class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers capable of delivering 200W and 50W continuous power to the bass and HF drivers respectively. The performance and power output of each power amplifier is carefully tailored to driver demands and the musical elements they reproduce.
The Mid/Bass driver employs a large 75mm/3” voice coil and short-coil (long-gap) motor assembly featuring ATC’s proprietary ‘SL’ motor technology, which reduces distortion from the upper bass into the midrange. ATC’s 25mm ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome tweeter features a dual-suspension and very high energy 2.1 tesla motor combining to deliver an extended response well beyond 20kHz with exceptional reproduction of fine detail.
Crossovers are active, analogue 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley operating at line-level for maximum efficiency, while an all-pass filter is included to optimize the phase response through the crossover region, resulting in far improved tonal balance and imaging.
Input to the loudspeaker is via balanced XLR, located on the rear panel and there are user controls for input sensitivity and low frequency shelf cut and boost. The input sensitivity control allows the user to tailor the input gain to suit their source and pre-amplifier combination for more consistent performance. The low frequency shelf control gives the user the option to subtly adjust the bass response to suit their room.
The SCM20ASL cabinet features a combination of bracing for stiffness and damping to suppress resonance and is available in a wide range of real wood veneers, painted satin finishes and high gloss lacquers. Standard finishes include Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak veneers, Satin Black or Satin White paint. Premium finishes include Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak, Burr Poplar veneers. The speaker is supplied with a removeable grille, wrapped in black acoustically transparent cloth.
Why Choose Active Loudspeakers?
In the pursuit of optimal audio performance, even the most respected loudspeaker manufacturers have encountered the inherent limitations of passive crossover networks. While passive systems can deliver excellent results, a multi-way loudspeaker only achieves its full potential when designed as an active system. Although passive speakers remain popular in the Hi-Fi market due to practical and economic factors, from a purely performance-focused perspective, active loudspeakers provide clear advantages:
Active loudspeakers can offer superior performance by integrating amplifiers directly into the speaker cabinet, allowing for optimized power delivery and crossover design. That could allow for better clarity, improved phase accuracy, tighter bass, and more dynamic range. With no need for external amplification or passive crossovers, active designs can also reduce signal loss and distortion, making them ideal for audiophiles and professional environments alike.
Benefits of Active Speakers
- More accurate crossovers due to fixed filter ‘load’.
- Wider practical choice of crossover type/shape due to active line level operation.
- Greater dynamic range due to elimination of passive crossover losses.
- Ideally matched amps and more efficient use of amplifier power.
- Improved frequency response and stereo matching due to speaker-amp calibration.
- Better driver control: a more direct connection to the drivers with lower electrical resistance.
- Lower inter-modulation distortion due to reduced amplifier operating bandwidth.
Key Features
- 150mm/6” ATC ‘Super Linear Mid/Bass driver loaded in a compact sealed cabinet
- 25mm/1” ATC ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome dual-suspension HF driver
- On-board ATC active 250W ‘Amp Pack’ module
- Balanced input and 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley active crossovers
- User adjustable input sensitivity and bass shelf controls
- 2 x class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers, 200W Mid/Bass and 50W high frequency
- Hand-built in England
- 6-year warranty
The Bottom Line
Although still expensive at 10 grand a pair, it’s welcoming to see ATC offer nearly the same loudspeaker for $4,000 less. With the Limited Edition version we heard at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2024 sounding shockingly good, we have every expectation that these regular models should be just as amazing. Also, remember with amplification built into the speaker, it not only saves space, but the extra costs of additional cables and amps.
Price & Availability
The ATC SCM20ASL active stand-mount loudspeakers are expected to start shipping this month (April 2025) at the following prices:
- $9,999/pair in Standard Finishes: Cherry, Oak, Walnut, Black Ash, Black Satin, White
- $10,999/pair in Premium and High Gloss Finishes: Rosewood, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak
- +$2,500 additional for high gloss
- $11,999/pair in piano black or matte white
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