Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Special Edition design enhancements make for a more elegant piece of furniture
  • Optimized power system with a 50W amp for the tweeter, 100W for the mid and 200W for the bass driver
  • Reproduces the full bandwidth of the signal and its full dynamic envelope
  • The SCM100SE has a large bass driver and is very well put together
  • Ability to resolve both the tangible detail and the more ephemeral soul of each piece of music is very hard to beat

Product Considerations

  • Needs more drive than average, benefits from an active preamplifier with XLR outputs or a preamp with decent line driving capabilities
  • The finish, while impressive, might not appeal to everyone, especially the polished black-and-gilt option
  • The speaker is a substantial size and weight, requiring careful consideration for setup and positioning

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • SCM100SE amplifiers in the SE models are an upgrade to those found in lower ranges by virtue of discrete components replacing op-amps
  • Compared to non-SE ATC actives, the SCM100SE is calmer and has inky black backgrounds
  • The SCM 100A is not as good as the SCM100SE

Takeaway: The SCM100SE speakers offer an amazing listening experience because they are made with care and precision. The speakers' ability to reproduce music with detail and emotion makes them a great choice for people who really love music.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

SCM100SE

reviews

[{"title":"ATC SCM100SE floorstanding speaker","link":"https://hifiplus.com/articles/atc-scm100se-floorstanding-speaker","source":"Hi-Fi+","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ATC SCM100SE active loudspeakers","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/atc-scm100se-active-loudspeakers","source":"The Ear","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ATC SCM100SE Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/atc-scm100se-loudspeaker","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"ATC SCM 100 SE update","link":"https://signals.uk.com/blog/atc-scm-100-se-update","source":"Signals UK","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Drivers: HF 25mm, Mid ATC 75mm Soft Dome, LF 314mm SL
  • Frequency Response (-2dB): 65Hz-17kHz
  • Frequency Response (-6dB): 32Hz-25kHz
  • Matched Response: +/- 0.5dB
  • Dispersion: ±80° Coherent Horizontal, ±10° Coherent Vertical
  • Max SPL: 115dB
  • Crossover Frequencies: 380Hz and 3.5KHz
  • Input Connector: Female XLR
  • Filters: All active
  • Amplifier Output: 200w LF, 100w Mid, 50w HF
  • Loudspeaker Dimensions (HxWxD): 1150 x 419 x 585mm (45.28 x 16.50 x 23.03″)
  • Weight: 79kg
  • Passive version Sensitivity: 88db@1watt@1 metre
New ATC designed and built 25mm Soft Dome tweeter model SH25-76S. The Unique ATC 75mm Soft Dome midrange model SM75-150S. The latest 314mm short coil super linear magnet Bass Driver model SB75-314SL. Fully discrete amplifier for each drive unit combined to create a Tri-amplifier of 350 watts with active crossover filters, phase correction and overload protection. Accurate timbre, wide dispersion and perfect imaging. Choice of top brow finish and colour detail. 6 year warranty.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • ATC's commitment to in-house driver design and manufacturing allows for tight control over performance characteristics and seamless integration across their entire product line.
  • They primarily use active designs with electronic crossovers and dedicated amplifiers for each driver, optimizing power delivery and minimizing distortion compared to passive crossovers.
  • ATC speakers prioritize accuracy, neutrality, and wide dynamic range, resulting in a sound signature that may expose flaws in recordings or upstream components.

SCM7 MK3

  • Positioning: The entry-level model in ATC's loudspeaker lineup.
  • Description: Features a compact design and precise sound, with a 25mm soft dome tweeter and a 125mm mid-bass driver. Compared to the SCM19, it offers a smaller footprint, making it ideal for small rooms or desktop setups, but it lacks the larger bass driver and higher sensitivity found in the SCM19.

SCM19

  • Positioning: A mid-range model in the Entry Series, offering a balance between performance and size.
  • Description: Features an "SL" spec bass driver and 75mm integral soft dome, providing excellent phase coherence and bass response. It offers a more robust soundstage than the SCM7 MK3.

SCM19A

  • Positioning: An active version of the SCM19, positioned as a higher-end option within the Entry Series.
  • Description: Includes an on-board 182-watt Class A/B bi-amplifier, delivering enhanced sound clarity and power. It uses active crossover filters, unlike the passive SCM19, which requires external amplification.

SCM40A

  • Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model of the Entry Series, offering the most advanced features and performance.
  • Description: Equipped with a tri-amplifier system and a 164mm bass driver, providing exceptional sound quality and dynamic range. It surpasses the SCM19A with its additional mid-range driver and higher power output.
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Avg. Product Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used For Sale
34
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
68
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
56
Founding Year
1974

Our take on the brand

ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Meridian
Special Edition DSP7200
52000
52000
/
3
Reviews
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • DSP use smooths out frequency responses in rooms with non-standard shapes
  • Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology delivers deep and fast bass
  • Built-in DSP and DACs
  • Finished in high-gloss piano lacquer
  • The new tweeter has a 1' beryllium dome for high power handling and superior transients, increasing dynamic range and contrast

Product Considerations

  • Requires a digital streamer to feed it source files
  • Requires AC cables and an Ethernet cable between speakers
  • The balance is dark, with recessed midrange and treble
  • Placement may require more distance to walls than usual

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Kii THREE speakers can sit on a desktop

Takeaway: The Meridian DSP7200SE loudspeaker is a technologically advanced speaker with great sound quality and a sleek design that simplifies a home audio system. The built-in technology helps the speaker sound good in different kinds of rooms.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
YG Acoustics
Vantage 3 Live
66297
66297
/
2
Reviews

Vantage 3 Live is a unique product: a complete system delivering stunning audio quality combined with exceptional convenience and flexibility. Vantage 3 Live will have you re-listening to all your favorite recordings, enjoying its unrivaled dynamics and scale, breathtaking detail and delicacy. Most of all, it has a musical, natural sound with all types of music, whether recreating an intimate acoustic recording or the spine-tingling, electric atmosphere of a rock concert.

Sophisticated and natural with life-size scale, Vantage Live exceeds any expectation from an integrated system and rivals the very best achievable with multi-component, traditional hi-fi systems. Vantage Live is the culmination of many years of research and development between YG and Bel Canto. Two compact, three way loudspeakers combine with an elegant controller to blend harmoniously with any size of room and all design aesthetics.

Advanced DSP crossovers have been tuned on the basis of extensive listening, combined with complex, multi-domain physics and acoustic models, optimized using supercomputer and cloud computing resources. Top tier DSP and DAC circuits provide effortless dynamics, clarity and musicality. Custom amplification provides a dedicated 700W amplifier for each of the three drive units, yet the whole system is cool and efficient.

The result is a velvet black background with a beautiful, smooth delivery across all types of music. Incredible dynamics, astounding realism and deep, authoritative bass. The Reference 3 models include new technologies and design innovations based on novel theoretical models, detailed multi-domain simulations and thousands of hours of listening. An new, hybrid Lattice tweeter uses a novel airframe in a specially-selected aerospace alloy, machined by YG Acoustics. It delivers exceptionally low distortion over a huge bandwidth, with a wide imaging sweet-spot.

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Three 700W amplifiers are included, one for each driver; each has been optimized for its particular driver
  • 25' ST optical fiber cables are included, which attach to the control module
  • YG Acoustics developments include a new lattice tweeter, and an enclosure made from an "aerospace alloy"

Product Considerations

  • The sound wasn't perfect, but it had some hard-to-describe arresting qualities that held many in the room in its spell

Takeaway: The Vantage 3 Live combines YG Acoustics' speaker design with Bel Canto's amplification and digital processing in an all-in-one system. The speaker system aims to deliver high-quality sound through optimized components and innovative materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Avantgarde
Duo GT
51949
51949
/
1
Reviews
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Video review

Our take on the brand

Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

ATC
SCM150 ASL
39251
/
Released
The SCM150 ASL (active) and SCM150 SL (passive) are designed to perform at their best with the finest quality hi-fi equipment. Like their smaller brother, the SCM50 ASL & 100 the monitors’ ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150s soft dome midrange driver. However, recent modifications that include an upgraded tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements in all performance parameters. Bass performance is equally impressive, thanks to ATC’s 15″ professional level bass driver that incorporates the company’s unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Bass, mid and HF drive units in the active model have their own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifiers.

Check Amazon
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Astonishing control, detail, coherence, and extension due to 200 Watts being connected directly to the bass driver
  • The new ATC tweeter is more revealing yet sweeter than the SEAS unit it replaces, making the speaker more charming without losing transparency

Product Considerations

  • Installation potentially difficult, as it is a large and heavy speaker, weighing 75kg each
  • Bass performance reveals flaws in recordings that are tweaked to sound good on most speakers

Takeaway: The ATC SCM150 ASL speakers deliver clean and controlled sound with impressive detail and extension, making them ideal for critical listening. The new tweeter improves upon previous versions, offering a sweeter and more revealing sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Diva Utopia
39999
/
Released
2024
DIVA UTOPIA combines the best of Focal Acoustics and Naim Electronics. This active bass-reflex speaker offers high-quality sound, the latest wireless technologies, and extensive connectivity for exceptional listening experiences. Whether it's music, movies, or video games, it revolutionises home listening and frees you from all constraints. With DIVA UTOPIA and its unique design, simply plug in, connect, and enjoy the pure sound of Focal.
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Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent clarity, detail resolution, and agility in sound reproduction
  • Impressive bass definition and punch, delivering huge amounts of bass effortlessly
  • Combines muscularity, insight, scale, and attack for an engaging listening experience
  • Design is unique and striking, with impeccable build quality and a flawless finish
  • Offers extensive specification and numerous control options, all implemented expertly

Product Considerations

  • Sonic presentation might be a little too 'safe' or 'civilizing', potentially losing some of the vibrant energy in music
  • Lacks some features compared to competitors regarding connectivity and adjustability
  • Requires a large listening space to avoid overpowering the room
  • The provided remote casing feels cheap and insubstantial compared to the overall package
  • Room correction (ADAPT) is not as automated or precise as some other systems and the application may crash

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: KEF LS60 offers more flexibility, including a subwoofer output, but at higher volumes, Focal Diva is the clear winner
  • Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90: Beolab 90 is in a league of its own and provides a more complete audio experience
  • Vs Scala Utopia Evo: Diva Utopia is cheaper in the long run, as the Scala Utopia Evo needs additional components, such as Naim Classic components
  • Vs Diablo Utopia Color Evos: The Color Evos may represent the ultimate Focal experience

Takeaway: The Diva Utopia is an all-in-one speaker with impressive sound that expertly combines performance and design. It offers a unique blend of luxury and high-end audio quality that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a simplified audiophile experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Kii
Three BXT
31155
/
Released
The Kii THREE BXT system is an exceptional upgrade designed to enhance any Kii THREE setup's acoustical accuracy and clarity. This system adds eight extra drivers and a powerful 2,000 watts of amplification per speaker (16 drivers and 7,000 watts total per pair) in a sleek floor-standing module. It extends the range and sound pressure level of the Kii THREE and preserves its unique room-friendly cardioid system for precise, proper directionality.
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Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • When combined with the BXT module, the system delivers tight, dynamic, and nuanced bass reproduction
  • The addition of the BXT allows the system to reveal subtle details in the lower frequencies that are typically missed
  • The BXT system offers a balanced sound, with the midrange frequencies benefiting from the addition of the BXT module
  • Are relieved of some bass duties, letting them focus more on the mids
  • The combination with the BXT module creates a cardioid dispersion pattern, reducing reflections from side and rear walls—minimizing the influence of room acoustics
  • Ease of use is another strength of the concept

Product Considerations

  • Some perceive it as sounding 'too digital' or 'too analytical' on its own, lacking the warmth of other speakers, but the BXT module helps to address this
  • The display on the Kii Control is considered small, making it difficult to read in poor lighting conditions

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus ATC speakers, ATC speakers have a warmer, more colorful sound

Takeaway: The system, especially when paired with the BXT module, delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, controlled bass and reduced room interaction. For those wanting a system with great clarity and power, this could be a good pick.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Kii Audio's unique "Active Wave Focusing" technology creates a cardioid pattern that minimizes room reflections and directs sound energy forward, allowing their speakers to maintain consistent sound quality even when placed near walls or corners. Each Kii THREE speaker uses six custom Ncore amplifiers and multiple DACs with advanced DSP processing to deliver full-range sound from a compact design that outperforms much larger systems.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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