Bad sound from new ATC SCM19s


New SCM19s in the house, matched with Pass amplification, and an Auralic Vega straight in to amp with software volume control. Triode Wire Labs interconnect from DAC to amp. Audience AU24SE speaker cables. The sound is generally horrid. Grainy, ragged and rough with all but the best recordings. Yes these speakers are revealing but does that mean that only 25% of recordings sound good? At the dealer they were matched with Naim electronics and sounded super smooth. Pass is no slouch in this regard either. Thinking the cabling may be a factor and will try swapping in a few new ones. Dealer says more break-in needed, but another owner says break-in should not be much of a factor. Somebody else said it's a bad room interaction, but I somehow doubt this. This same set-up with my Revel speakers worked fine. Any thoughts? Thanks.
jaybe

Showing 5 responses by paul79

The SCM40's have one of the most revealing midranges I have ever heard in any speaker. They also throw a holographic image like no other speaker I have ever heard. They were by no means grainy and or harsh sounding. Not sure about the 19's though. They may just not be what you are looking for. However, if you can up it to the SCM40's you will be rewarded with some of the most impressive sound you have heard with the electronics you have.
You might need a bit more current delivery than the 30.5 will swing. That very well could be the problem. ATC Speaks typically like high current amps.
Now you have to decide if you want to keep the ATC's or get something a bit more sensitive. There are so many excellent qualities with the ATC though, and you know it, or this thread would not exist  ;)

Best of luck to you! And I always prefer a world class preamp in the system, no matter the DAC.
I have to plug this product, as it is what I heard playing the SCM40's.
http://www.leema-acoustics.com/product.html?prid=56

Don't look like much, but I can promise you, this integrated is a MONSTER! One of the most amazing listening experiences I have had to date, was this system, in Acoustic Sounds Sound Room.
I made a booboo... It was not the integrated Leema. It was the Pyxis and Hydra II amp that I heard, playing Vinyl.