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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a big, wideband sound that's starker and more open than many competitors, with impressive bass definition, midrange openness, and richness
- Creates an excellent stereo image with highly accurate description of the position of individual sound objects, the air between them, and the feeling of movement in the sound stage
- ATC's midrange dome provides saturation to instruments and vocals, and great instrument separation
- Robust build quality
- Positioning can be fussy, needing space to breathe and careful toe-in adjustment
Product Considerations
- ATC SCM40s are power hungry and need a price-appropriate front end to shine, requiring amplifiers in the 75-300Wpc range
- Can be too revealing for most front ends and recordings, and won't flatter substandard recordings
- ATC drivers have a relatively large moving mass, which makes them not great for low-level listening
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ATC SCM19, the SCM40 is darker in presentation
- Delivers bass lines that make stand mounts and compact floor standers sound like they're boys playing a man's game
- The speed, power, and grip of the bass is superlative, compared to Spendor's D7 or Sonus Faber's Olympica II
Takeaway: The ATC SCM40 is a capable speaker that offers great value within the ATC portfolio, providing clarity, speed, and insight. If one has good equipment and recordings, they'll get a wonderfully accurate sound.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
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.
Read the reviews
SCM40
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Manufacturer's notes
- Drivers: HF ATC 25mm Neodymium, 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
- Sensitivity: 85dB @ 1W @ 1metre
- Max SPL: 112dB
- Recommended Power Amplifier: 75 to 300 Watts
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohm
- Crossover Frequencies: 380Hz & 3.5kHz
- Connectors: Binding Posts/4mm Plugs, tri-wire
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 980 x 370 x 305mm / 38.58 x 14.56 x 12.01″ (inc. foot plinth, spikes add 25mm to height, grill adds 34mm to depth)
- Weight: 31kg
- Spikes: 4 per cabinet, M8 x 1.25mm
Our take on the brand
Used
ATC
What if you spend a bit more?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Much lower noise floor, resulting in a more clearly defined soundstage with clearer individual elements
- More vivid, tactile, and energetic presentation
- Vocals are presented bigger, taller, and more grand, sounding more natural—raw
- Technically a better speaker than the passive version due to the active crossover design and dedicated amplification for each driver
Product Considerations
- Heavier than the passive version
- Each individual active speaker must be manually turned on and off
- Bass on the active version may be perceived as slightly less warm and bouncy compared to the passive version, traded for tighter, controlled, and more detailed bass
- Removing the amplifier removes the connection for high-level wiring to subwoofers, though workarounds exist
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Passive SCM50SL: The active version provides a more vivid and clear sound, while the passive version has a more forgiving and 'cuddly' sound
Takeaway: The active SCM50SL is a technically advanced speaker offering a clear and vivid sound experience, especially with vocals. For those seeking more energy and detail in their music, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.
The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.
A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb design and build quality.
- Articulate sound, especially in the upper midrange and treble regions.
- Very good imaging, with strong definition and delineation between instruments and performers.
- Vivid and clear midrange, revealing subtle details in recordings.
- Transparency ensures more of the music is heard as it was intended.
Product Considerations
- A capable amplifier is needed due to impedance dips to 3.1 ohms.
- Not a bass-heavy speaker.
- The tweeter can become too much if listening to poorly recorded music or at very high volumes.
- The bass can sound a bit thin, depending on room size and personal preference.
- Can sound a little bit cool when playing certain types of music.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF R11 Meta—KEFs presented more physical scale with respect to soundstage, with even greater width.
- Vs Polk R700 and Klipsch RP8000F Mk2—Not better than the B&Ws, but aren't embarrassed by them either.
- Vs B&W 805 D IV—In one listening room, the 703 is nearly as good.
- Zoo sound a little bit warmer.
Takeaway: The 703 S3 makes listening engaging and fun, with dynamic sound suitable for both music and movies. It brings clarity to vocals, especially at lower volumes, making it great for late-night listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Trickle-down technology from the 800 series narrows the gap with higher-end models
- Improved clarity of details, accuracy, and soundstage width compared to previous 702 models
- Clean and articulate bass is often attributed to the downward-firing port and plinth arrangement
- Excellent imaging and soundfield, with impressive width and height
- Delivers high definition and low coloration, offering a taste of the 800 Series experience
Product Considerations
- Careful positioning is required to achieve optimal tonal balance and musicality
- A reasonably powerful amplifier (minimum 75W recommended) is needed to perform at its best
- May not be a great match for valve amplifiers, preferring solid-state options
- The satin black MDF plinths are integral and require additional floor space
- Difficult to move around due to their weight (over 40 kg each) and lack of handholds
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the 702 S2 and 702 Signature, the S3 has improved clarity, accuracy, and soundstage width
- Compared to the Focal Aria 936 K2, the reviewer prefers the aesthetics of the 702 S3
Takeaway: The 702 S3 is a well-built loudspeaker offering a significant upgrade in sound quality. Trickle-down technology gives a taste of Bowers & Wilkins' flagship series at a more affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
- Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
- Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
- Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz
Product Considerations
- Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
- Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
- The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
- Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
- Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
- Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
- Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
- Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
- Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent presentation, effortless dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and bass extension
- Sounds more neutral, more open and slightly better focused, especially in the lower octaves
- Detail is defined, and the dynamic performance is highly nuanced and sensitive
- Dirac Live compatibility allows for highly customizable and smooth sound
- Plays with an authority normally associated with speakers twice their size
Product Considerations
- The status LED on the front does not replace a display
- Setup is not exactly intuitive
- Without Dirac Live, the bass can sometimes be too strong for music listening
- A dedicated midrange unit would give both strings and woodwinds more depth and body
- Dirac adjustment slightly reduces volume levels, as some frequencies are attenuated
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The bass response is tighter and better defined
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The soundstage is more open and transparent
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The stereo perspective is more sharply defined, and the soundstage is larger
- Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: A deeper soundstage is created, with better front-to-back layering and image specificity
- Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: During intense passages, the presentation was more transparent
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: Piano sounds better because nuances are more clearly defined and the treble reproduction is airier
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Focus 30 is a great system because it sounds very detailed with pinpoint imaging. The Focus 30 is perfectly suited as a wireless speaker for those seeking excellent sound in their home.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a big, wideband sound that's starker and more open than many competitors, with impressive bass definition, midrange openness, and richness
- Creates an excellent stereo image with highly accurate description of the position of individual sound objects, the air between them, and the feeling of movement in the sound stage
- ATC's midrange dome provides saturation to instruments and vocals, and great instrument separation
- Robust build quality
- Positioning can be fussy, needing space to breathe and careful toe-in adjustment
Product Considerations
- ATC SCM40s are power hungry and need a price-appropriate front end to shine, requiring amplifiers in the 75-300Wpc range
- Can be too revealing for most front ends and recordings, and won't flatter substandard recordings
- ATC drivers have a relatively large moving mass, which makes them not great for low-level listening
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ATC SCM19, the SCM40 is darker in presentation
- Delivers bass lines that make stand mounts and compact floor standers sound like they're boys playing a man's game
- The speed, power, and grip of the bass is superlative, compared to Spendor's D7 or Sonus Faber's Olympica II
Takeaway: The ATC SCM40 is a capable speaker that offers great value within the ATC portfolio, providing clarity, speed, and insight. If one has good equipment and recordings, they'll get a wonderfully accurate sound.
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