Measurements and Samples
Contents
We also measured the ATC. Now there is something typical with this speaker: a dip in the midrange. Especially if you measure on-axis. This is certainly not as clearly audible, but it is measurable. This dip is there on axis as off axis when listening. And also in a white-noise / pink-noise measurement. Although it pulls more straight off axis.
We looked up other measurements (from fellow publications) and we see the same curves and deviations. Still, we did a control measurement. Our own reference speaker does not show this dip. In short: the measurements are correct. Weird: it is almost inaudible. ATC must have a reason for this… The speaker does sound coherent. If you have an idea, we would love to hear it in the comments.
The distortion measurement is extremely good. The midrange is very clean. Much better we have not measured. Well below -50 dB which comes down to 0.3%. Very neat. Especially considering the price! Also the bass remains very nicely under control: better than our Focal Sopra which has some trouble with the port in the lower frequencies. Not this ATC: it remains tight. Impressive.
(RE: ATC SCM-40 Review)
Gentleman: A nice review to a often-reviewed loudspeaker.
You mentioned that:
” The Bryston may not be the most refined power amplifier on earth”
If you are referring to the 4B-3/Cubed?, I believe you should look elswewhere for the source of any “lack of refinement”.
Also, the loudspeaker was tested/measured, a on/off axis response abberation was noted, yet we/ the reader are not provided any test/frequency response graphs. It’s difficult to offer any feedback to a ‘response’ graph when none is made available. Howwever, ATC themselves should be queried regarding the FR deviation/s noted.
Additionally, at E6,300 (Euro)/pair, it’s disappointing to see the use of the most common/cheapest speaker connector terminals used on the SCM-40; that connector type is seen on very inexpensive loudspeakers. Or am I mistaken -regarding speaker terminal quality?
Finally, at/around 6,300 Euro, consider the KEF ‘REF-1’ stand-mount loudspeaker for audition/ review. It’s always instructive to add/compare another highly rated loudspeaker in a similar price range.
pete jasz
If you go to the secition “Measurements and Samples” in the index, you find a gallery with all the measurements.
The Bryston 4B SST3 is a very nice amp, but – in our opinion – not comparable with – for example – a Pass labs power amp in terms of finesse. That’s what I meant with that.
I think termination was fine. I’m not impressed with very expensive terminals. If they are solid and make a good connection, that’s fine with mee. Big and bulky terminals don’t sound better… 🙂
We will try the REF-1 for sure… The R7 was also a very decent speaker.
(RE: ATC SCM-40 Review)
Gentleman: A nice review to a often-reviewed loudspeaker.
You mentioned that:
” The Bryston may not be the most refined power amplifier on earth”
If you are referring to the 4B-3/Cubed?, I believe you should look elswewhere for the source of any “lack of refinement”.
Also, the loudspeaker was tested/measured, a on/off axis response abberation was noted, yet we/ the reader are not provided any test/frequency response graphs. It’s difficult to offer any feedback to a ‘response’ graph when none is made available. Howwever, ATC themselves should be queried regarding the FR deviation/s noted.
Additionally, at E6,300 (Euro)/pair, it’s disappointing to see the use of the most common/cheapest speaker connector terminals used on the SCM-40; that connector type is seen on very inexpensive loudspeakers. Or am I mistaken -regarding speaker terminal quality?
Finally, at/around 6,300 Euro, consider the KEF ‘REF-1’ stand-mount loudspeaker for audition/ review. It’s always instructive to add/compare another highly rated loudspeaker in a similar price range.
pete jasz
If you go to the secition “Measurements and Samples” in the index, you find a gallery with all the measurements.
The Bryston 4B SST3 is a very nice amp, but – in our opinion – not comparable with – for example – a Pass labs power amp in terms of finesse. That’s what I meant with that.
I think termination was fine. I’m not impressed with very expensive terminals. If they are solid and make a good connection, that’s fine with mee. Big and bulky terminals don’t sound better… 🙂
We will try the REF-1 for sure… The R7 was also a very decent speaker.