The most compact active speaker in the ATC line and based on the 50th anniversary ‘Limited Edition’ design, the SCM20ASL is described as an ideal choice for modestly sized rooms where outstanding musical reproduction is the goal.
The 2-way SCM20ASL continues ATC’s philosophy of combining the best in-house drive units with matched on-board amplification for optimal fidelity. Uniting the benefits of compact size and wider bandwidth with the improved phase coherence, response speed and dynamics of ATC active operation, the SCM20ASL is well suited for small to medium sized listening environments. In addition, its sealed cabinet design ensures well controlled bass even in smaller spaces and/or when located close to walls.
Integrating a 2-way active system within a 20-litre stand-mount cabinet, the new model features ATC’s proprietary 150mm/6in ‘Super Linear’ Mid/Bass driver and 25mm/1” ‘S-Spec’ dual-suspension tweeter, powered by on-board class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers capable of delivering 200W and 50W continuous power to the bass and HF drivers respectively. The performance and power output of each power amplifier is carefully tailored to driver demands and the musical elements they reproduce.
The Mid/Bass driver employs a large 75mm/3in voice coil and short-coil (long-gap) motor assembly featuring ATC’s proprietary ‘SL’ motor technology, which reduces distortion from the upper bass into the midrange. ATC’s 25mm ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome tweeter features a dual-suspension and very high energy 2.1 tesla motor combining to deliver an extended response well beyond 20kHz with the exceptional reproduction of fine detail.
Inside The Performance
Crossovers are active, analogue 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley operating at line-level for maximum efficiency, while an all-pass filter is included to optimise the phase response through the crossover region, resulting in far improved tonal balance and imaging, says the maker.
Input to the loudspeaker is via balanced XLR, located on the rear panel and there are user controls for input sensitivity and low frequency shelf cut and boost. The input sensitivity control allows the user to tailor the input gain to suit their source and pre-amplifier combination for more consistent performance. The low frequency shelf control gives the user the option to subtly adjust the bass response to suit their room.
The SCM20ASL cabinet features a combination of bracing for stiffness and damping to supress resonance and is available in a wide range of real wood veneers, painted satin finishes and high gloss lacquers. Standard finishes include Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak veneers, Satin Black or Satin White paint. Premium finishes include Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak, Burr Poplar veneers. The speaker is supplied with a removeable grille, wrapped in black acoustically transparent cloth.
Key Features
- 150mm/6in ATC ‘Super Linear Mid/Bass driver loaded in a compact sealed cabinet.
- 25mm/1in ATC ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome dual-suspension HF driver.
- On-board ATC active 250W ‘Amp Pack’ module.
- Balanced input and 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley active crossovers.
- User adjustable input sensitivity and bass shelf controls.
- 2 x class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers, 200W Mid/Bass and 50W high frequency.
- Hand-built in England.
- 6-year warranty.
Why active?
In the quest for the best possible performance, all high-quality loudspeaker system manufacturers will have struggled with the limitations of passive crossover networks. ATC says that even though excellent results are possible from passive systems, a multi-way loudspeaker system will only realise its true potential if implemented as an active design. There are a few practical and economic reasons why passive speakers have remained so popular in the Hi-Fi market but, focusing on objective performance alone, active loudspeaker systems offer the following advantages argues the maker…
- More accurate crossovers due to fixed filter ‘load’.
- Wider practical choice of crossover type/shape due to active line level operation.
- Greater dynamic range due to elimination of passive crossover losses.
- Ideally matched amps and more efficient use of amplifier power.
- Improved frequency response and stereo matching due to speaker-amp calibration.
- Better driver control: a more direct connection to the drivers with far lower electrical resistance.
- Lower inter-modulation distortion due to reduced amplifier operating bandwidth.
The new SCM20ASL will make its global debut at the Axpona show in Chicago from Friday April 11.
ATC SCM20ASL
Availability: April 2025
Typical UK Retail Prices (per pair inc. VAT):
Standard Finishes: £6495
Premium Finishes: £7295
Add for High Gloss Lacquer over Veneer: £1595
Piano Black or White: £7845
Other / Custom finishes: P.O.A.