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Rivaling or Beyond the ESL 57 for Magical Midrange

For several years now I have been listening to a now well broken in pair of ATC SCM 7's on my desktop.

I may try to write at further length on these speakers, but for now can say they are the only component I have owned since 1979 that I can't imagine selling for fear of seller's remorse.

They are small and not perfect, limited in their bass response, and although I treasure amazing imaging, I don't get much with them crammed on my desktop amidst other components, computers, keyboards, books and papers.

Yet turned in at about 45 degrees - a mere 24" from each ear in a nearfield, speaker / headphone like configuration, I continue to love, love love them for WAV files, television, iTunes, computer sounds etc.

I enjoy them so much, that I usually ignore my ARC SP11, Levinson amp and Magneplanar Tympani IVa's which need to be warmed up and turned up, preferably with my head in a vice for the perfect sweet spot.

With the ATCs, I marvel at their clear but to my ears fatigue free midrange, particularly at low volumes - even with pretty ordinary, middle of the road components: currently Crown D75A amps used as monoblocks, generic cabling and the admittedly good Antelope / Zodiac DAC as a DAC and a preamp / switching device of sorts.

This reminds me of my lifelong theory that after the neurotic pursuit of high resolution airy highs, powerful bass and high dynamics and volume - at the end of the day, it's really the midrange that separates and defines the sustainable classics.

I suspect this is why dusty and quirky old Quads and original LS3%as are still coveted by collectors for prices far above their original retail prices.

Of course as an audiophile, I still can't resist the thought of an upgrade.

So I would love to hear your thoughts on MAGICAL MIDRANGE particularly at low volumes.

Thinking about trying Harbeth P3SERs and open to suggestions.

In the meantime and until further notice the overall balance and midrange on my ATCs are about as good as anything I have ever heard and bravo Mr Woodman.

Cheers,

cwlondon
cwlondon

Showing 7 responses by cwlondon

cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Atmasphere,

Yes, I assume a tube (particularly SET?) amp or electronics would add to the magic...

But that is one of the reasons I have been particularly impressed with the ATCs using ordinary electronics.

(Some do criticize them for being too flat, too neutral, too revealing etc.)

Also, I am trying to perfect the nearfield / desktop / low volume midrange magic, for all day, every day, low maintenance use.

So heat and lifespan for tubes less well suited in that regard.

Look forward to checking out your suggestions and hearing more from others.

Magneplanar mini system could be interesting too, but I suspect not so revealing at lower volumes?
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Frogman,

Good point - and in fact I can almost imagine a pair of 57's on my desktop. But as you point out, not easy to find, not the best looking devices, big and as magical as they may be, I think overpriced when one can find them.

Hence, the search for the mini monitor equivalent. Perhaps I should say near near or micro nearfield, given the distance I have used with the ATCs - again, almost like headphones.

A compromised image aside, I have found that closer means lower volume, less fatigue and more all day every day "magic" with a wide variety of sources.

There is no one I know who cares less about technology than my mother in law, but now when she visits, she hijacks my desk as soon as she can to watch television late into the night.

I can think of no better endorsement for this configuration and the virtues of low volume midrange magic.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Frogman,

Doesn't necessarily have to be ON the desktop - but that seems to be best. Will try to post some photos later.

And oh yes another midrange classic - the Met 7's. In fact, years ago, I recommended them for my parents who still have a pair - complete with the original subwoofer.

Philojet, glad to hear I am not imagining the quality of the ATCs. Yes, detail and nuance, but without getting worn out by a tweeter.

But my loyalty aside, still willing to consider competitors.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 


New pictures of system as discussed!
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Dhcod,

Yes, not easy hence the reason for this thread!

I have always thought not only "speed" and transparency, but perhaps coherency is a key ingredient for the uncanny, holy grail like sound of 57's and certain other classics.

Can't imagine they would have the same transparency, but therefore have otherwise wondered if single driver speakers including The One might work well for this application.

I had a pair of Sonus Fabers years ago which were unusually beautiful but a bit bright, at least to my ears and in my system.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Bombaywalla,

Have never heard GMA but have read the reviews which suggests they might be a good choice for me - thanks.

Frogman, I still have the 23.5 which you might see in my photos if you look to the right of the bookcase. A great classic amp that I rarely use but I am nonetheless reluctant to sell.

Dont know if the D75a deserves sleeper status - I bought them mainly to be rack mountable and handy around the desktop. In that context, surprisingly clean and decent, with a satisfyingly old school, "tactile" feel when using and adjusting.

(Although you can see two Crown amps in the photos, I have not yet finished wiring them up in bridged / mono mode which might make a significant difference vs using just one in stereo?)

Can't imagine in any configuration they would touch the Levinson, but for bargain basement "sleeper" amps some like cheapo Behringer amps used in mono configuration.

I might also check out an Aragon 4004 or Hafler DH 500 used.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Saki70

Yes, but in 2013 Yahoo and Google are also less reliable.

Too many suits now see the internet only as something to milk for money, rather than a community or educational resource.

Having posted here for > 10 years, I have also become increasingly suspicious of many posters and replies as thinly veiled advertisements.

But at least the forum is still open, and I hope some of the old timers stick around.

In the meantime, the midrange of the ATCs sounds great as I type.
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