ATC SCM11 - PAIR

ATC SCM11 – the compact desktop loudspeaker

ATC's SCM11 are the compact desktop or bookshelf speakers in the Entry Series, scaling the best-in-class speaker technologies into the forward line, which also includes the smaller SCM7 and the reference bookshelf model SCM19.

All components are made in house by ATC. SCM11 has a declared very low sensitivity (85 dB), for this reason an amplification with a power output between 75 W and 300 W is recommended.

With an impedance of 8 Ohm – relatively easy to drive – it has an extremely linear frequency response, between 56 Hz and 22 kHz; SCM11 offers a very accurate reproduction, so clean that it can be used as a monitor for recording studios; to complete the listening experience we recommend the active subwoofer of the same C1S line, available in the same finishes.

The end result is crisp, detailed sound that remains smooth and well-balanced, virtually no matter where the listener is located. The small cabinet uses the closed case principle, in air suspension, it is made with a massive and solid structure, with a weight of 10.8 kg per piece. The available finishes are Satin Black, Satin White, Black Ash and Cherry.

technologies

From the outside, it looks like a traditional 2-way speaker, but integrates ATC-designed and custom-built drivers. The tweeter is a 25mm soft dome with a neodymium magnet and precision alloy waveguide. Interestingly, the company avoids the use of ferrofluid damping found in most tweeters, using proprietary technology.

The 150mm mid-bass driver kicks in below 2.2kHz and features Constrained Layer Damped Cone (CLD) driver technology with a hand-wound voice coil that uses flat (rather than round) wire . The mid-woofer has a powerful drive unit to provide magnetic linearity and low distortion. The high stiffness cone offers extended response when listened to on axis, but suffers from reduced high frequency response and more resonance points when listened to off axis.

Increasing mechanical damping makes the cone's on- and off-axis response more consistent, but a heavy cone negatively affects transient response and reduces output level. CLD is said to be a revolutionary damping technology that significantly reduces harmonic distortion by extending the on-axis frequency response of the cone while improving off-axis dispersion, without loss of the attack transient.

Pairings

SCM11 loudspeakers require good power delivery. In line with the characteristics of sonic transparency, Hegel integrated amplifiers represent an ideal solution, in particular we recommend the H120 capable of great dynamics and detail.

At Cyrus, the integrated Classic AMP and i7-XR return a winning combination in terms of dynamics and sound quality, for a setup entirely Made in the UK. Furthermore, the classic Cyrus half-width chassis allows excellent integration into any type of environment, especially when the space available is extremely limited.

Lovers of separate components will surely get the best performance with the Chord Electronics electronics, capable of astonishing for the level of detail and sharpness – also thanks to the famous technologies integrated in their DACs.

For those who opt for a solution with an excellent quality-price ratio, they can take a look at the famous Cambridge Audio electronics, combining the integrated amplifiers of the EVO Series or with the celebrated CX A81.

Accessories

To make the SCM11 loudspeakers express themselves at their best, we recommend the use of high quality cables in order to make the most of the power supplied by the amplifier to which they are connected. For this reason we recommend Chord Company speaker cables, which guarantee extraordinary sonic clarity and transparency, a philosophy fully shared by ATC. We recommend ClearwayX or ShawlineX power cables in this case.

SCM11 are the classic bookshelf or desk speakers but they can also be positioned on stands in small listening contexts. This is why we recommend the Norstone Stands which offer solutions with truly elegant and absolutely non-invasive design. An ideal solution is a 60 cm stand, such as Stylum 2, suitably made deaf to vibrations thanks to the damping material.

To improve sonic definition and spatiality, especially when used as bookshelf or desktop speakers, we recommend using the solutions oni from IsoAcoustics, in particular the Aperta stands or alternatively a set of Orea Bronze.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers: HF ATC 25mm Neodymium soft dome, Mid/LF ATC 150mm CLD

Matched Response: ±0.5dB

Frequency Response (-6dB): 56Hz-22kHz

Dispersion: ±80° Coherent Horizontal, ±10° Coherent Vertical

Sensitivity: 85dB @ 1W @ 1metre

Max SPL: 108dB

Recommended Power Amplifier: 75 to 300 Watts

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms

Crossover Frequency: 2.2kHz

Connectors: Binding Posts/4mm Plugs, bi-wire

Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 381 x 232 x 236mm (grill adds 28mm depth)

Weight: 10.9kg