Amps suggestions for ATC scm 40 mk2


Hello all, 

Firstly, I know some of you will say that if it is atc go with active, but ı went for passives because of money. Anyway, I have hegel h160, 150 watts into 8 ohm loads, it is generally good, but in some tracks which has especially high dynamic range ones, i feel it lacks some power to drive 85 db speakers. I know atc loves lots of  power, so i m waiting for your suggestions. my budget is about 3k$. By the way I can use hegel h160 as a preamp, with a new power amplifier or a new integrated. Thanks. 
spitzer45
A Bryston 4B SST2 used will do fine. 

If you only need 2 channel then sell the Hegel and get a DAC with a good built-in preamp.
Manley Snappers.  That will do the trick.  You are correct, the ATCs need lots of power, but really they need lots of really stable power.  I doubt if the Hegel is up to the task as you've indicated.

I run the ATC 40 actives, so I know the sound you are going for.  Upgrade the tubes through Upscale Audio and you will be in audio heaven.  
Manley Snappers.  That will do the trick.  You are correct, the ATCs need lots of power, but really they need lots of really stable power.  I doubt if the Hegel is up to the task as you've indicated.

I run the ATC 40 actives, so I know the sound you are going for.  Upgrade the tubes through Upscale Audio and you will be in audio heaven.  
spitzer45

The ATC’s 81db sensitivity, -34degrees with 5.9ohms in the bass is not an easy EPDR load for an amp in this power region. As this tester says.
Based on these data and sensitivity, if a listener needs to really exhaust the full potential of the SCM40, he needs to use a powerful amplifier to drive it but, also, one which will not be punished by overheating.
You need to look at amps >150w @8ohms, and ones that can "almost" double that wattage for each halving impedance, into 4ohms and again into 2ohms. I think that Hegal is a bit light on for this duty. Maybe the Hegal H20 200w poweramp said to do 130amps!!! (peak for sure)

Cheers George