ATC SCM100ASLT > Hometheatrehifi review

In many ways, the ATC SCM100ASLT is like the Bentley Continental GT of loudspeakers. It’s big, it’s very powerful, it’s luxuriously finished, it sounds like nothing else, and it’s very, very British. The ATC SCM100ASLT is an active British studio monitor in the most classic sense. Its transparency, range, and dynamic capabilities conspire to bring some of that large-scale in-studio magic to your listening room.

Conclusions
The ATC SCM100ASLT is essentially a classic active studio monitor, dressed up in the most sophisticated tailored suit. I am constantly flummoxed when I remember that they are not the largest speakers in ATC’s active range, as they are huge. They very much remind me, if I am drawing automotive parallels, to a Bentley Continental GT. A large, expensive, high-performance, well-appointed, bespoke, British product that gets you closer to the desired experience than many lesser competitors would.
As simply a pair of loudspeakers to enjoy my music on, they are exceedingly enjoyable. Neither overly ruthless nor blandly flat, they have a very agreeable sound signature that particularly does well with vocals and most instruments. I think ATC’s late founder, Billy Woodman, would be especially pleased with how these speakers render a piano.
Beyond that though, it’s as if they have an almost bottomless lung capacity at their disposal. They can be pushed to really absurd levels and remain eerily clean-sounding and totally composed, almost daring you to push them further. And for such big speakers, they are incredibly light on their feet with an almost instant attack to the music throughout its entire operating band. It especially drives a stake in the heart of that long-in-the-tooth old chestnut “big driver equals slow bass” nonsense.
At almost $40K per pair, there are plenty of passive speakers that try to compete with these active ATCs. Some will legitimately get you close.
But for me, the ATC SCM100ASLT, don’t just look and sound exceptional, and have the studio pedigree, but they have a personality and character that makes them utterly unique and adds to the whole pride of ownership. They are special, and well worth auditioning if you have the opportunity. Oh, and when you do don’t forget to bring some Van Halen along to the demo and politely ask the dealer to turn it up.
You won’t regret it!
- Carlo Lo Raso, Hometheatrehifi, Sept 5, 2023


ATC SCM100A SL Towers
Home Theatre Hi-Fi