ATC SCM 40A > Best of 2022
Whether it’s because they break from tradition or challenge the hifi norm that the more separates you have the better, there are some genres of hifi kit that don’t perhaps get the recognition they deserve.
Active speakers are very much in this camp. With their roots stemming more from pro than domestic audio origins, they are in many ways the unsung heroes of the hifi industry. As well as saving on box count (as you’re effectively getting a speaker and built-in mono block power amp within a single carcass) they also make a solid case for themselves on audio grounds. After all, our goal is assembling the kit that works best together to provide a musical synergy that’s seemingly greater than the sum of its parts. And the role of a power amp is simple, to correctly drive its partnering loudspeaker(s). So it makes complete sense for a manufacturer to design and manufacture its own dedicated power amp into its speakers, to ensure an ideal match.
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In summary
The ATC40A is a superb speaker package that more than delivers against its promise of musical synergy thanks to its carefully matched internal amps and loudspeaker hardware. They are an exceptionally transparent performer and partnered with a preamp and source components of equal quality, you’ll not be left wanting.
Ideal for…
Those looking for an articulate and transparent speaker package without the power amp box count
Consider…
That your preamp is of sufficient quality to partner with them
- Andrew Simpson, April 2022