Speaker Asylum General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

---

[ Follow Ups ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Speaker Asylum ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ] [ Edit ] [ Delete ]

---

My day with ATC SCM-35

81.100.90.71

Posted by Iantastic on October 27, 2003 at 10:33:57

My day with ATC SCM-35

http://www.atc.gb.net/products/scm35.htm

Associated Equipment:
ATC SIA2 150 WPC integrated amp
Naim CDS3
Cables and IC’s: Nordost Red Dawn
Room: about 18’w x 25’ long curtains, furniture.
Music: Gamut of classical, Jazz, and pop

These are ₤1999, possibly ₤1800 or $2970 US dollars.

To make a long story short: See my impressions of the SCM-12, except for the following differences:
The SCM-35 reach quite deep, as they only start to taper off at 45hz. They do capture the bottom of all but the most seismic bass. Remember, this is SEALED bass, so the taper is much more gradual than a ported design. The 8” woofer thinks it is a 12”. The same bass quality from the SCM-12 is found here. The same efficiency, 85db/1w/1m. However, it is a tougher load to push, and I’d recommend no less than 150 wpc/8ohms. These speakers have more dynamic range than the SCM-12 thanks to the increased displacement and 35, vs 12 Litre cabinet. The bass control and grip [quality] is outstanding.

Here is the BIG difference: The midrange.
I discussed this with “KUMA” beforehand and ATC uses a different mid bass unit in this speaker than the SCM-12. It is meant to have a fuller midrange. KUMA described to me that it seemed like a mid bass rise. I am not completely sure that is how I would classify it. It is a fuller mid bass, but IMO, displays a touch of colour. The colour is a touch of warmth. It is probably due to a slower driver, -or- trying to raise the output to balance with the woofer.

While I cannot complain too badly about this midrange colour, I can say that the scm-12 seems to have a cleaner, more neutral midrange. The SCM-12 errs on the side of low bass omission. The scm-35 errs on the side of mid bass addition.

Were I to choose, the bottom line is that I feel the SCM-12 is more accurate, natural and quick. The 12's midband/treble is that of an electrostatic speaker. I feel that the SCM-12 with the addition of a competent sub [or pair of subs] would top the scm-35 across the spectrum.

SCM-35:
Strengths: Detail, dynamics, control, imaging, musicality
Weaknesses: a mid band that can easily be interpreted as slightly, but not offensively coloured to the warm side. Hard to drive properly. Needs a STRONG current amp.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Signature Sound

[ Signature Sound Lounge ]

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---