It’s the same streamer card etc so I’d expect it to be as good certainly. Be a great simple system. I’ve heard the 19a is a bit more explicit than the passive but I’ve never heard them side by side.
Could I also use the Atom HE to input a cd player and turntable (with external phono stage) at the same time?
By looking at the rear of the Atom HE it suggests that I could do that
I’m not too surprised active 40s sounded good on the end of a Node Icon, but those ATCs are so revealing they will show up any source improvements. I first used them with an Auralic Vega which was a sonic step up from my previous 272/XPSDR and used by ATC in show demos for a couple of years. Then I heard a Linn Organik DAC and that got me on the path to my current Selekt. I’m not a dyed-in-the-wool source-first system builder, but maxing out the source has certainly shown just how good those speakers are.
Roger
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The HE has one pair of analogue RCA inputs, which would suit a turntable. So if you wanted to connect a CD source, without the need to keep swapping cables, it would need to be a transport with a digital output. You’d therefore have an issue with the CD5Si if you wished to retain it, as well as using a TT.
Y. Also heard the Aurelac and a Linn DSM into them…. DSM absolutely King…
Back on track, an Atom HE into some ATC Actives will be brilliant. Room dependent and presentation preferences associated.
Regarding room dynamics and associative equipment;
My NAIT 50 into my AlChris TX9s have the wallop of Alan’s design (Helmholtz) and is absolutely sublime.
So good I think the NN50 will reside in situ!
It’s all about the journey of discovery…..
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I’ve read the responses here earlier when you created this thread. All valid responses, no right and wrong as you would expect. In the end it will depend on what is more important to you.
In my opinion based on my experience and preference, I would get the best sounding speaker which can do ‘adequate’ or satisfying bass that would fit the room. No point getting a speaker that is too big for the room and sounds like mud at moderate volume levels.
As for speakers which can do adequate bass, everyone’s expectations are different. Some may be perfectly fine with small monitors with 4” or 5” drivers that roll off the bass at around 80Hz while few can only live with floorstanders combined with multiple subs that go down to 20Hz. To me, speakers which can do adequate bass go down to 40Hz (-3dB) or lower. The SCM11 and 19 have very similar frequency response in the bass, measuring 56Hz and 54Hz (-6dB) respectively. I believe you would be able to decide which is the ‘better’ speaker having assessed the performance of both speakers in your room.
Good description on the 19s sounding slightly smoother and mature than the 11s. The source and amp can come later if you decide to upgrade, and it’s not like the 19s sound terribly off with your existing equipment.
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I’d honestly stick with what you have and live with it for a while. If you really have an urge to change things then I do believe your current set up with the addition of the Naim streamer would be both better sounding and aesthetically pleasing.
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The streaming board is the same in every Naim product from the Atom all the way up to the ND555. It’s going to take a lot more differences elsewhere to account for sound improvements in any comparison products.
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I’m now thinking very seriously about the active 19’s
My local’ish dealer has an ex demo pair at a good price
What I don’t want to happen is to purchase the passive 11 or 19’s then go on an upgrade path to satisfy them
What I absolutely do know is that my speakers will definitely be ATC’s
I could simplify my setup with active 19’s plus an Atom HE. I can easily sell my Naim cd player and the XS3 to help finance 19a’s and an Atom HE
Does anyone else use the Atom with active’s and is the Atom HE good enough for them?
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You’re taking a backward step SQ wise in my opinion but please don’t listen to me or anyone else and let your own ears decide. I’d certainly try your current system with the ND5XS2 and current ATC’s just so you can make a considered decision.
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What makes you say a backward step SQ wise?
I’ve gone from Atom to separates and the difference is obvious. Others will tell you otherwise probably but it’s really only you that can make the decision. You already have a great cd player and amp and really the only missing piece, again in my humble opinion, is the Naim streamer. If you are going for a reduced box count why not try the Nova PE which is heavily reduced at the moment? Good luck either way
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It’s worth noting that the Atom and Atom HE are not the same thing at all. I’ve compared Nova / passive and HE / active with the same speakers and the latter is to me very much better. The Nova PE is simply a Nova with more power, so one might expect the HE / active to show it a clean pair of heels. Of course, as you rightly suggest, the sensible approach is to listen for oneself.
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I do wonder whether you actually read the responses to your various threads!
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Don’t worry HH I read them very carefully
I am definitely looking for the ATC sound as I’m so impressed with these speakers
I have read a lot about passive vs active ATC’s and it seems that the actives sound better
So my thinking is to ditch the (possibly) weak link of the XS3, CD5Si and MXN10 in favour of a much simpler system with active ATC’s and Atom HE; that would get me a better streamer which, I’m amazed to say, is my now preferred source
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I’m confused now. If you’re so impressed with the speakers why change anything?
I’m definitely with you here
Again, use your own ears to judge. For me the ATCs I’ve heard with Naim amplification sounded better than the same speakers with the passive equivalents. However, that’s with Naim systems including a NAP300 which makes them substantially more expensive than the active equivalents. So for you the actives are likely a better proposition.
The other consideration which is vital, probably more so than choice of amplification, is speaker/room matching. As you move to larger cabinets (and the SCM19s are not small) the increased lower frequencies often make room integration more difficult, and in some cases impossible, to achieve. If this turns out to be the case, the SCM11 may turn out to be a better choice for you.
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Have a good read of the ATC thread. I run an Atom HE with Active 20’s and it works really well.
Maybe time to pause and reflect and listen to the active 19’s at your dealers and if it appeals ask for a home demo. Based on my experience I wouldn’t recommend buying the passive ATC’s until you have heard the actives - you need to rule them in or out based on having a listen
The simplicity of an active set up and how it sounds really works for me and I can imagine active 19’s and an Atom HE would be a superb system. I can’t ever imagine going back to passives, speakers cables and cables but others enjoy finding great power amps to drive their passives - each to their own of course.
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The simplicity of a rack with no power amp has its appeal, but having to run a power cable to each speaker in addition to signal cables can be more visually intrusive than a pile of spaghetti hidden behind the rack.
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