Comparisons between ATC and PMC?

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Have a pair of ATC SCM40 speakers. lovely speakers. I've moved into a smaller apartment and unfortunately have downgrade to smaller stand mount speakers. I used to own the ATC integrated amp, but sold it for a rega brio r and rega rp3 turntable. the 150watt ATC was pointless in a 3 x 5 meter room. I'm quite surprised though how well the 40's are responding to a 50 watt rega. still punchy, alive, and very musical...anyway, i'm looking at the ATC SCM19, SCM 11 and the PCM TB2i speakers. I'm leaning towards the PMC as, apparently better at lower listening levels than ATC, but worried the PMC wont sound anything like the ATC, the sound i love.

Has anyone heard these speakers side by side? Or can anyone suggest a quick, punchy, expressive, yet neutral, live sounding speaker like the ATC, but easy to drive, and good at low level?

Thanks

Edited September 11, 2012 by blaine78

[Ray H]

Hi;

I have owned the PMC TB2+, the ATC SCM-19's and SCM 100's. Interesting question, I think you will find it hard to go back to the TB2 or similar, the midrange in the SCM- 40 is a very good transducer. The TB2 was an easier to drive speaker than the ATC's per se and does sound similarly neutral. Effectively a nice sounding speaker, I just dont think it has the same capabilities in the areas of bass and dynamic capability compared to the SCM-19, let alone the 40 you currently own, and you will probably miss those characteristics IMO. The ATC's with rock and electro etc. are a great choice if you have the right amp as you are probably aware. Having said that, the PMC's are just as likely to be a better match with the rega than your current speakers, drive wise.

Re:This comment;

"Has anyone heard these speakers side by side? Or can anyone suggest a quick, punchy, expressive, yet neutral, live sounding speaker like the ATC, but easy to drive, and good at low level?"

Sounds like Triangle may be an option, but neutral may not necessarily apply here. Additionally, I just got hold of a pair of LSA statement one's, an interesting speaker, very good detail and I would say the ribbon tweeter is a good option at lower levels from a detail perspective, so this may be worth investigating. It is a much more detailed speaker than the PMC or ATC IMO. Dynaudio may be a good option for you also as they can be similarly neutral like the other's you mention. They like current usually unless you go for the X series.

regards,

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Thanks so much for your help. I had a feeling this might be the case. I've gone from the ATC SCM 12's to the 40's over the 4 years. i absolutely love ATC! the only downfall is they really do crave being turned up a little louder than other speakers to really shine and impress. not that ideal in small apartment. again, the rega brio r is doing quite well with the 40's, this is after a year or so with the ATC amp i had... so i know what I'm missing. the rega is musical, as much as a joy to listen to as the ATC amp was. not as detailed, not as powerful, and as refined, but VERY fun to listen to, which matters most. i don't feel like i'm running out of juice with this 50 watter. enough about the amp.. guess it's sensible to find equally fun sounding smaller speakers that can do lower volume well too.... i'm also thinking about the small rega RS5 floorstanders.. keeping it all rega. but have not heard them.

Other speaker suggestions welcome. room is 3x5 meters, listen to rock, prog/kraut, indie, synth pop, electronic, some folk. listen to vinyl more so nowadays. big midrange, punchy accurate bass performance a must, slightly on the warm side would be nice too. good at low listening levels

thanks

Edited September 11, 2012 by blaine78

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Decided on PMC TB2i. seems to tick all the boxes.

[twwen2]

can anyone suggest a quick, punchy, expressive, yet neutral, live sounding speaker like the ATC, but easy to drive, and good at low level?

Usher S520. Out of the 7-8 different standmount speakers I've owned, the Ushers are the closest to the ATC sound and partnered very well with my Brio-R. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the PMCs, as that's the one brand I haven't been able to hear yet.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Yeah, PMC is a brand that never comes to mind when i look for speakers. will definitely keep you updated, the PMC should arrive next week.

Edited September 12, 2012 by blaine78

[DAMO 1147]

Interested in hearing your thoughts on the PMC's when they arrive.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Got the PMC TB2i in last night. they are sitting on unfilled Atacama HMS 1.1, 60cm stands. The PMC are second hand, 3 months old, and have had at least 40hrs break in by previous owner.

From first listen, compared to the ATC SCM 40's, I thought, i need to fill the stands with sand, hope this will tighten and clean up the bass a bit. They sound quite 'boxy' compared to the sealed atc boxes i'm used to. They are not as punchy nor dynamic, but it's there though and enough to be enjoyable. The tonal character is quite a bit warmer due to the box colouration. Nice extended treble. Smooth midrange, detailed, but not as big, or dramatic midrange as ATC. I'm still finding the perfect listening placement for them... These are first impressions and will take some time to adjust to the sound, especially as I've been an ATC guy (SCM12's and 40's) for last 4 years. The 2 brands have very different signatures. will write more when I've listened some more.

Edited September 19, 2012 by blaine78

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Has been mentioned that these PMC's need about 200hrs break in to be at their best. anyone had experience with this with the PMC? just curious.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Had a bit more time listening to some vinyl and hi-res wav files last night. repositioned the speakers a little and I'm starting to like what i hear from the PMC TB2i. they are quite musical, enough bass there to enjoy. they are quick, responsive, they sound terrific at low and high volume, in fact they sound the same what ever the volume! very easy to drive. i like their laid back sound, draws you in, but they don't sound slow or sluggish. very detailed, and smooth, great sound stage! lovely on top with treble and HF extremes. the bass is still a little loose, but not offensive, musical I'd say. but i reckon filling the stands with sand will help. Midrange is a little thin to what i'm use to, but given their size, it's musical, pleasant, detailed, sweet and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

I use them single wired, removing those brass jumpers from the terminals and stripping enough wire to thread through from the Lo to Hi terminals made a substantial difference. I don't believe in bi-wring, but i do believe in getting rid of those brass jumpers!

I've stopped comparing the ATC with PMC, cause their sound is quite different. i enjoy both. i don't regret the purchase, and have a smile on my face when i listen to them. and that's what counts.

Edited September 20, 2012 by blaine78

[buddyev]

Thanks for the report. I'm sure its a big adjustment to go from the big ATCs to a small standmount. Good that you're happy with the PMCs, they were on my shortlist for some time.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

yeah is a big jump, and was quite worried to make the leap... but is surprising how quickly you can get use to another speaker box, as long as it's not offending in any particular area, and ticking all the boxes of being enjoyable and believable.

Edited September 20, 2012 by blaine78

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

After more days gone by, i do miss the ATC sound, it's more accurate. PMC is a joy to listen to, but not as believable as ATC. miss the tight bass, and fuller midrange of ATC.

[henry218]

blaine, you are trading one of the best midrange in the world with standard hifi drivers . i was waiting when you will come to your senses.

[rantan]

Has been mentioned that these PMC's need about 200hrs break in to be at their best. anyone had experience with this with the PMC? just curious.

I agree and I know someone who had the same experience

However, we shouldn't mention break in around here, or the anti fun police will descend upon us like the marauding hordes of Attilla The Hun.

[New Sensations]

After more days gone by, i do miss the ATC sound, it's more accurate. PMC is a joy to listen to, but not as believable as ATC. miss the tight bass, and fuller midrange of ATC.

Do you still have yr ATCs?

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

Have sold the ATCs unfortunately. will be looking at getting some SCM19 or SCM11's in the future.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

blaine, you are trading one of the best midrange in the world with standard hifi drivers . i was waiting when you will come to your senses.

Yeah, aware of that but i needed small stand mounts for my smaller room. have to make sacrifices. it is more the ATC sound i miss, the house sound is there through the whole product line.

[henry218]

i do meant the ATC sound. their midbass drivers are HUGE. once i taken out an old scm9 midbass, the magnets literally goes almost to the back panel.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

scm9? not heard of those ones, are they much older model?

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

I agree and I know someone who had the same experience

However, we shouldn't mention break in around here, or the anti fun police will descend upon us like the marauding hordes of Attilla The Hun.

I'm a big believer in the break in period of electrionic and mechanical equipment. 200hrs does seem a lot, but wont disregard if others have had this experience with PMC.

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

will fill speaker stands with sand in a few days, and give the PMC's a longer break in period.. will be interesting..

Edited September 24, 2012 by blaine78

[Blaine The Audioaddict]

after a few more days have passed... little more repositioning of the PMC speakers, tightened the bolts of the speaker stand spikes, another 25hrs break-in.

Sounding more solid, solid bass, less boxy, natural and enjoyable. music is flowing much better. starting to understand the strengths of PMC. relaxed, slightly warm presentation. very forgiving of bad recordings, not that i found ATCs unforgiving. missing the ATCs little less now.

Edited September 26, 2012 by blaine78

[berun12]

Other speaker suggestions welcome. room is 3x5 meters, listen to rock, prog/kraut, indie, synth pop, electronic, some folk. listen to vinyl more so nowadays. big midrange, punchy accurate bass performance a must, slightly on the warm side would be nice too. good at low listening levels

thanks

Acrive monitors APS IO, ACT style sound: http://www.ubersonic...studio-monitor/

More info here: http://www.aps-company.pl/en/io.html

berun

Edited September 28, 2012 by berun12

[heman_]

I'd look into some Harbeths.

they seem to be EXACTLY what you are looking for.