Hi Friends,
Want to share about my liking for ATC Speakers and how I recently became the owner of a pair of ATC SCM-11 speakers.
I first listened to an ATC SCM-40 at Abhi's house after the Bangalore Hi-Fi Meet in August last year and I have been smitten by the ATC brand and its typical sound ever since. Soon after that I got an opportunity to listen to an SCM-20 floorstander (passive) in Singapore in an all Naim setup, this was another great experience and made me wanna own them. Then I visited the ATC showroom in Singapore with Abhi and listened to quite a few models including the active SCM-100 Anniversary edition. There was something about the ATC "house" sound. All speakers across their range sounded very similar tonally, as you go up their range, one gets more scale since the size of the speaker also increases (the actives are a different beast though). I just loved the sound. The pace, the neutrality, less coloration, detailed, non-fatiguing and intimate presentation. Something that I could never get out of my head.
When I returned from Singapore, I put most of my stereo gear on sale with the intention of buying an active ATC SCM-50 and managing with a minmal system in the interim. I knew that the sale proceeds would still not get me the SCM-50 in the short term, but since the desire to own them was so strong, I decided to acquire one within the next 2 years directly from UK as it was very expensive in India (~10+ lakhs).
In the meanwhile, I built the Altec A7 and started enjoying it. But in the back of my mind, the desire to own the SCM-50 was still there, but it seemed it would take longer because completing the Altec A7 project (with amplification, different horns etc) would still require more resources. Then suddenly one day I see Raj had reduced the price on the ATC SCM-11s and I committed to buy them.
Most of you may have read on the two threads that there was a bit of drama but it also ended abruptly that I was buying it. In this thread, I also intend to bring the "ATC SCM-11 Saga" to a logical conclusion for I did not write much on the earlier two threads. But now, there is much that has to be shared - to clear the air.
Link to the two threads:
http://www.hifivision.com/sale-owner/25351-atc-scm11-speakers.html
http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge/26104-atc-scm-11-todays-close-photos-grills.html
I met Raj and took delivery of the ATCs last Friday. Yes, I flew down to Mumbai to collect the speakers myself. I would not have to go through this ordeal, but I did....more on that later. We met at the agreed place and Raj handed over the speaker. I had earlier expressed my concern over call and SMS to Raj that since the speakers had passed a few hands, he check the speakers and let me know about the condition and that I would book the flight if he confirms that all is well. He said he would not be able to test it but he would definitely inspect it cosmetically. He also offered that I could take the speaker, test it extensively and then pay only after the speaker functioned as expected. Sounded fair to me as Raj was unable to provide an audition at his place due to reasons that he shared over phone. So, when he handed over the speaker, I opened the box in front of Raj, inspected the speaker for any damage\cosmetic irregularities etc and since they looked to be in brand new condition, I took the speakers and tested it at my friend's place with his AVR. The speakers worked perfectly and after testing for an hour, I confirmed to Raj that the speakers were working perfectly. So far so good. But, I was really eager to listen to them in my system. So once I reached Bangalore, I connected the speaker to my system (mix of components listed in my signature)
And the result - Sonic Bliss!! These ATC monitors really live up to their name. I don't want to do a review yet as I know that I have to upgrade most of my gear now to bring the best out of the ATCs. So, without getting into finer details of how it sounds, for now, I'll say that I have tested the speakers extensively in my system (with my usual test CDs that include familiar music, male voices, female voices, jazz, wind and brass instruments etc) and the speakers sold by Raj are in 10/10 cosmetic and sonic condition. I never cared about the tiny holes in the grilles.
I must add that very rarely does one come across a gentleman like Raj. It was great dealing with him, he kept his word and I never had any issues communicating with him via PM, SMS or phone.
So why have I called it a Saga? Because there is more!!
I do not want to take names of these protagonists but those who have followed the two threads know whom we are talking about here. Let me call them Mr.MM and Mr.D. (FYI, Mr.D was mediating/negotiating the speaker deal with Raj on behalf of Mr.MM, who deals in audio equipment).
Soon after I expressed my interest to Raj, there were two attempts first by Mr.D and then again by Mr.MM to dissuade me from buying the speakers saying that the one woofer in the speakers was damaged. When I spoke to Raj the very first time, I got positive vibes over the whole deal but because Mr.D and Mr.MM had unnecessarily created a doubt in my mind, I had to worry and think so much before I finally decided to go for it.
I am glad it all ended well and that I just followed my gut feel and not listen to ^ mentioned FMs whom I had considered enthusiasts and my well-wishers. If not, I would not been able to live my dream of owning ATCs so soon. About the SCM-50s...some day!!
Want to share about my liking for ATC Speakers and how I recently became the owner of a pair of ATC SCM-11 speakers.
I first listened to an ATC SCM-40 at Abhi's house after the Bangalore Hi-Fi Meet in August last year and I have been smitten by the ATC brand and its typical sound ever since. Soon after that I got an opportunity to listen to an SCM-20 floorstander (passive) in Singapore in an all Naim setup, this was another great experience and made me wanna own them. Then I visited the ATC showroom in Singapore with Abhi and listened to quite a few models including the active SCM-100 Anniversary edition. There was something about the ATC "house" sound. All speakers across their range sounded very similar tonally, as you go up their range, one gets more scale since the size of the speaker also increases (the actives are a different beast though). I just loved the sound. The pace, the neutrality, less coloration, detailed, non-fatiguing and intimate presentation. Something that I could never get out of my head.
When I returned from Singapore, I put most of my stereo gear on sale with the intention of buying an active ATC SCM-50 and managing with a minmal system in the interim. I knew that the sale proceeds would still not get me the SCM-50 in the short term, but since the desire to own them was so strong, I decided to acquire one within the next 2 years directly from UK as it was very expensive in India (~10+ lakhs).
In the meanwhile, I built the Altec A7 and started enjoying it. But in the back of my mind, the desire to own the SCM-50 was still there, but it seemed it would take longer because completing the Altec A7 project (with amplification, different horns etc) would still require more resources. Then suddenly one day I see Raj had reduced the price on the ATC SCM-11s and I committed to buy them.
Most of you may have read on the two threads that there was a bit of drama but it also ended abruptly that I was buying it. In this thread, I also intend to bring the "ATC SCM-11 Saga" to a logical conclusion for I did not write much on the earlier two threads. But now, there is much that has to be shared - to clear the air.
Link to the two threads:
http://www.hifivision.com/sale-owner/25351-atc-scm11-speakers.html
http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge/26104-atc-scm-11-todays-close-photos-grills.html
I met Raj and took delivery of the ATCs last Friday. Yes, I flew down to Mumbai to collect the speakers myself. I would not have to go through this ordeal, but I did....more on that later. We met at the agreed place and Raj handed over the speaker. I had earlier expressed my concern over call and SMS to Raj that since the speakers had passed a few hands, he check the speakers and let me know about the condition and that I would book the flight if he confirms that all is well. He said he would not be able to test it but he would definitely inspect it cosmetically. He also offered that I could take the speaker, test it extensively and then pay only after the speaker functioned as expected. Sounded fair to me as Raj was unable to provide an audition at his place due to reasons that he shared over phone. So, when he handed over the speaker, I opened the box in front of Raj, inspected the speaker for any damage\cosmetic irregularities etc and since they looked to be in brand new condition, I took the speakers and tested it at my friend's place with his AVR. The speakers worked perfectly and after testing for an hour, I confirmed to Raj that the speakers were working perfectly. So far so good. But, I was really eager to listen to them in my system. So once I reached Bangalore, I connected the speaker to my system (mix of components listed in my signature)
And the result - Sonic Bliss!! These ATC monitors really live up to their name. I don't want to do a review yet as I know that I have to upgrade most of my gear now to bring the best out of the ATCs. So, without getting into finer details of how it sounds, for now, I'll say that I have tested the speakers extensively in my system (with my usual test CDs that include familiar music, male voices, female voices, jazz, wind and brass instruments etc) and the speakers sold by Raj are in 10/10 cosmetic and sonic condition. I never cared about the tiny holes in the grilles.
I must add that very rarely does one come across a gentleman like Raj. It was great dealing with him, he kept his word and I never had any issues communicating with him via PM, SMS or phone.
So why have I called it a Saga? Because there is more!!
I do not want to take names of these protagonists but those who have followed the two threads know whom we are talking about here. Let me call them Mr.MM and Mr.D. (FYI, Mr.D was mediating/negotiating the speaker deal with Raj on behalf of Mr.MM, who deals in audio equipment).
Soon after I expressed my interest to Raj, there were two attempts first by Mr.D and then again by Mr.MM to dissuade me from buying the speakers saying that the one woofer in the speakers was damaged. When I spoke to Raj the very first time, I got positive vibes over the whole deal but because Mr.D and Mr.MM had unnecessarily created a doubt in my mind, I had to worry and think so much before I finally decided to go for it.
I am glad it all ended well and that I just followed my gut feel and not listen to ^ mentioned FMs whom I had considered enthusiasts and my well-wishers. If not, I would not been able to live my dream of owning ATCs so soon. About the SCM-50s...some day!!
Last edited:
