ATC SCM40A - ACTIVE VERSION - PAIR

ATC SCM40A – the reference active loudspeaker of the Entry Series

ATC's SCM40A are the active version of the Entry Series reference loudspeakers, integrating amplifier modules custom designed and manufactured by ATC itself to get the maximum performance from the SCM40 loudspeaker.

The 25mm neodymium magnet soft dome tweeter boasts a unique doped polyester double suspension design, which reduces oscillation modes, thus avoiding the use of ferrofluid damping found in most tweeters. This design also helps reduce the magnetic gap, resulting in better power handling than conventional designs.

They boast a 242W Class AB tri-amplification module nestled within each speaker, split into 32W for the tweeter, 60W for the midrange and 150W for the bass driver. Two MOSFET transistors are reserved for each channel, which equate to four identical output stages driven by three separate secondary power supplies to “scale” power based on frequency band and driver demands.

The active crossovers are fourth order Linkwitz-Riley type at 380 Hz and 3.5 kHz with built-in phase compensation, and are connected directly to the drivers: the result is less distortion, more accurate handling of crossover points and better control .

Why have an amplifier for every driver? There are two main benefits. First of all, every amplifier doesn't need to handle the full audio spectrum: so every stage has an easier job to do covering a lower bandwidth. Most importantly, the passive crossover is eliminated thus reducing the amplifier load to only the voice coil of each driver, not to the complex combination of coils, capacitors and resistors of a passive crossover.

Pairings

ATC SCM40A loudspeakers require preamplifiers that provide good control to exploit their full potential

The Chord Electronics electronics, used in the same recording studios where the ATC monitors are used, can surprise for the level of detail and sharpness offered, thanks also to the famous proprietary technologies integrated in their DACs. The ideal combination is with the Hugo TT2 and Dave DACs, but for further quality we recommend the stand alone Prima and Ultima Pre 3 preamplifiers.

To obtain excellent sound transparency, we suggest using Hegel's preamplifiers, in particular the P30A reference preamplifier or the smaller P20 which takes all the fundamental patents from the larger model, offering them with incredible convenience.

For fans of Cyrus dynamics we recommend the combination with the Classic PRE preamplifier or the top of the range Pre-XR.

For those looking for a super-technological solution and convenient access to the most popular streaming platforms, Cambridge Audio's Edge NQ reference preamplifier/streamer is certainly the smartest choice, while Lyngdorf's TDAI-3400 allows you to take advantage of the famous correction patent digital room acoustics Room Perfect.

Accessories

The SCM40A are the active version of the Entry Series reference floorstanding loudspeakers. The rear panel houses the input for the power cable, an on/off switch and the balanced XLR input for connection to the preamplifier via analog signal cable.

For driving we recommend using high-quality signal cables, such as Chord Company cables, especially Clearway Analogue, Shawline Analogue or – for better quality – Epic Analogue.

Each speaker should be plugged into wall outlets, so we recommend high quality cables such as Clearway Power, Shawline Power or Epic Power. For greater convenience, it is recommended to connect the power cords to a quality power strip such as the PowerHAUS S6.

Furthermore, to guarantee a good level of protection for the electronics, we recommend Torus Power's electrical decouplers to ensure complete isolation of the connected equipment and extended protection even with significant voltage peaks, such as lightning discharges.

To improve sound clarity and spatiality, we suggest installing a set of 4 Gaia II by IsoAcoustics using the special M8-1.25 screws already present in the package, the solutions for managing unwanted vibrations of audio components.

SPECIFICHE TECNICHE

Drivers: HF ATC 25mm dual suspension Tweeter, Mid 75mm ATC Soft Dome, LF ATC 164mm SC

Matched Response: ±0.5dB

Frequency Response (-6dB): 48Hz-22kHz

Dispersion: ±80° Coherent Horizontal, ±10° Coherent Vertical

Max SPL: 112dB

Crossover Frequencies: 380Hz & 3.5kHz

Input Connector: XLR

Input sensitivity: IV

Filters: 4th Order critically damped with phase compensation.

Overload Protection: Active FET momentary gain reduction.

Fault Protection: DC fault protection and thermal trip. Fault indication on rear panel mounted LED.

Amplifier Output: 150W LF, 60W MF, 32W HF

Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 980 x 370 x 344 mm (inc. foot plinth, spikes add 25mm to height, grill adds 34mm to depth)

Weight: 36 kg

Spikes: 4 per cabinet, M8 x 1.25mm