Bristol Hi-Fi Show: ATC EL50 Anniversary Loudspeaker Launch

ATC’s EL50 Anniversary is a limited-edition active 3-way loudspeaker combining heritage, striking design, and exceptional performance. It is the latest evolution of the legendary “50” design, first released in 1978, with a world-class reputation in studios and homes alike.

This model features discrete active tri-amp technology, first introduced with the SCM70 in the 1990s and refined in the SCM50 Anniversary (2004) and SE Series (2014).

The design draws from Billy Woodman’s EL150 (2006), ATC’s first elliptical enclosure. It offers a refined silhouette intended as a home centrepiece, enhanced by leather detailing and hand-selected veneers.

At its core, the EL50 is built around ATC’s latest integrated three-channel ‘Amp Pack’, featuring balanced inputs, user controls, active crossovers, and three power amp channels delivering 200W, 100W, and 50W continuous power to the bass, mid, and high-frequency channels, respectively.

New discrete gain blocks in the balanced input and fourth-order active crossovers lower noise and distortion. The redesigned power supply includes individual toroidal transformers for each amplifier channel and a separate transformer for low-voltage supply, improving headroom and reducing intermodulation distortion.

The drive unit complement is built entirely in-house. It features an SH25-76S ‘S-Spec’ tweeter with a compact yet exceptionally powerful neodymium motor, a dual-suspension system to control coil motion precisely, and a coated fabric dome for smooth, uniform on- and off-axis response.

The critical mid-band is reproduced by ATC’s SM75-150S ‘Superdome’ mid-range driver, covering 380Hz to 3.5kHz. Its combination of high-power magnet drive system and large voice coil mated to a dome diaphragm results in a driver system that can resolve the smallest musical details while effortlessly handling the largest dynamic peaks found in complex recordings.

Completing the system, the SB75-234SL bass driver features ATC’s Super Linear motor system for reduced 3rd-harmonic distortion in the upper bass/low midrange, resulting in improved clarity and integration with the mid-range driver. At the lowest octaves, an optimised spider-roll-surround pairing allows large linear excursion for controlled low-frequency output.

The EL50 features enhanced cabinet stiffness and internal damping achieved with advanced in-house manufacturing techniques, minimising unwanted cabinet colouration for purer sound reproduction. The elliptical face of the cabinet flows smoothly into its edges, improving sound dispersion from the speaker into the room to deliver a more natural, three-dimensional stereo image that feels expansive yet intimately detailed.

Aesthetically, the cabinet is wrapped in hand-selected, matched European walnut veneer across its curved surfaces, while ebony inlays on the rear panel and high-gloss polyester lacquer deliver a striking finish. Napa leather elements surrounding the mid- and high-frequency drivers introduce texture, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of bespoke craftsmanship.

The new EL50 Anniversary will make its global debut at The Bristol Hi Fi Show, Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd February 2026.

ATC EL50 Anniversary is limited to just 50 pairs and available from March 2026 with a UK RRP of £49,500 per pair.

For more information visit ATC