It wasn't me saying that he did say that.
As much as we at ASR would like to see the measurements, he is probably right. I don't think ATC is in any danger of going under because not enough ASR readers are buying their speakers.
That’s really the point there are no spinorama measurements.
I've compared them; the SCM50ASL Pro is far from a bad speaker (I quite like it, fwiw!) but it certainly lacks low end for its size compared to the similarily sized KH420. It's a little more laid back sonically (maybe a mild presence dip?) but I didn't find it in any way bad or nonperformant. I could and would happily work on them.
I know. My point is that ATC is probably smart to NOT send one to Amir or Erin. Based on what we know about several ATC speakers, they are not going to measure "well". If they were going to measure well, then not only could they rely on their reputation but could point to the wonderful ASR review of them. But given they are unlikely to measure well, but they have an outstanding reputation, they should just rely on their reputation (and of course people actually listening to their speakers at shows or purchases that have a 30 day return policy).
Not even sure where to begin with this, although I am a 'measurista'. Hence the "Studio Monitor" name has a measurement-based meaning to me.
The graph scales are quite compressed, but it looks decent. Bit of a dispersion hit in the presence region, but it is a UK maker. I wonder how big those peaks are below 500Hz.
In my day, ATC regularly released white papers discussing the products and giving admittedly smoothed responses. Mind you, things were obviously different then and attitudes maybe not as extreme either way as they seem now (If it's not a full Klippel evaluation it's worthless, while the Chinese market especially wows over the shiny lacquered veneers of the hideous tower versions of the larger models)
It's interesting to note that ATC actually designs the home models for grille on - it has a roundover built into it that knocks the diffraction down. The Pro models are designed for use sans grille so have the roundover built into the cabinet.
I think it’s not ATC making claims, as indeed their specs are modest in the extreme. However, there’s presumably a ‘cultural’ difference with buyers of studio models, and I get the curiosity about comparable measurements. I’m only familiar with the domestic/home range where I’ve heard most of the Entry series, and own the SCM40 passives. The Active version is strikingly superior, but were well beyond my budget at the time. I’ve heard the Classic Actives at a dealer demo and they filled a decent sized concert hall/recital room with ease, even when an audience member asked for something more like stadium levels!
Not surprising all things considered; ATC themselves recommend going active every single time.
Interesting, I sold my SCMA150 after 14 years and replaced them with KH420. That was 5 years ago. I consider it an upgrade.
Innovative Audio and Audio Doctor, local high-end retailers that carry ATC, steadfastly refused to get in an active version to demo for me back in 2019. As an added bonus I got lectures on the evil of active loudspeakers, the importance of 'synergy', etc.
Well, yeah, they can't sell you pointless upgrades that way.
