They are quite big compared to the 40A floor standers. I loved the sound, one thing I didn’t like was they just sat on the frame and were difficult to move around. Also very heavy for a one person lift.
With large heavy speakers it would be better if they designed with some form of handholds, and if tgey provided a means of securely bolting to the stands - the latter would facilitate moving by tilting and “walking” them.
I have the same problem with my PMCs, awareness of which, and in recognition that I’m not getting any younger, originally made me opt for different speakers, but later reflecting on it I thought differently: It is only an issue when first positioning, or if ever later moving house, as otherwise they never need moving. When I unpacked and first installed I actually did myself though my wife would have helped, ditto my sons who were then still living with us but I wanted to do immediately not wait till next day! I simply couldn’t lift them, as there were no handholds and surface too smooth to get a grip, so I had to contrive a way to do. (happy to describe if wanted). I positioned where my previous speakers of similar character had been, and as I have been very happy with them I have simply left there.
I have had the Townshend Podiums on ATC 40 active and PMC 26i speakers. I now use Stack Audio Auva’s, which in my opinion and others, gives a superior sound quality upgrade, to the Podiums.
Oh, one more point, they look better than the Podiums. 
2 Likes
I have just got the 50s replacing my 40s, they are lower and don’t seem bigger in the room they are a little deeper but all in all not bigger and the have handles on the back so not to bad to move but easier with 2 people. I intend getting stack isolation and they will be easy to slide to different positions on a wooden floor, just my thoughts 
3 Likes
If they are not the tower version, then wouldn’t they be better on stands like the ones @Farthings-cat is currently trialing, to put the tweeters around ear level? I think that is the way they are intended to be used, likewise the larger non tower 100 and 150
Congratulations nice speakers, in comparison to the 40’s they are about an inch or so shorter, they seem wider as the 40’s width includes the metal outriggers, quite a bit deeper. The 50A’s weigh about 16kg more, I am used to floor standers so when I tried to walk them into position I got a surprise as the speaker and base are not attached.
Lovely speakers unfortunately just a bit too much for my room.
1 Like
Yes on the stands supplied by Atc intending putting stack isolation units with the pads on the stands rather than spikes to make positioning easy
1 Like
They are indeed lovely speakers and are certainly not a one man job if repositions on spikes
2 Likes
Hi @Farthings-cat
How are you getting on with the 50’s ?
BW
R
Really pleased with them, lovely finish 40s were great but 50s much better bass just a delight to listen too, can’t wait to retire and get my system home. 
2 Likes
Firstly, a big shout out to Tony at Basically Sound. Choosing speakers is a massive faff and having the support of a good dealer has been invaluable….
The 50’s are now gone and whilst I got glimpses of their capabilities, sadly in my room, they just proved to be too much speaker for the room….
Having tried the passive 20 with a 250 NC it was very lovely but lacked the depth of a floor stander and I prefer the active presentation .
The 40’s are now back in place having been fixed under warranty - two loose connections caused by dry rot in the soldering. They have been warming up for the last couple of days….but work much better in my room than the 50’s
I’ll now re familiarise myself with the 40’s whilst awaiting for Tony to receive the active 20 (towers) from ATC and then make a final evaluation. Based on my previous demo with the active tower 20’s my sense is they will be just right! It’s likely a side step from the 40’s but it’s all about personal preferences and how the speakers work in the room and based on previous demo the active 20’s worked very well and preferable to the 40’s.
I guess my experiences affirm my view that the best speaker is the one that works best with your room….
17 Likes
100% agree with this. I have an open plan apartment just over 100m2 in total with ceilings up to 4.5m and my dealer was surprised how the active 50s easily drove the whole space, sounding different but really good wherever he stood/sat. Non hifi visitors after comment on how good and natural the multi room system sounds, even though it’s just two speakers in another part of the flat.
My move to the 50s was the end of a search for speakers that weren’t eaten up by the space and small sounding.
It will be interesting to hear how you get on with the active 20s. I have a hunch they’ll be great, but there’s no substitute for trying them out in your space. Speakers are often surprising on both the up and downsides.
2 Likes
I’ll be interested how you get on with the active 20 towers. When I first got into ATC a few years ago I demoed the 40’s and 20’s, wasn’t much in it, on balance I was probably swayed by the looks of the 40’s, I preferred the design and also value of the 3 way. I still wonder about that choice though.
When I home demoed the 50’s recently I had the same outcome as yourself, they were just too much for my room.
Good luck with the active 20’s.
Thank you. The 20’s also have some bass adjustments built it (like my old pmc fact 8’s). Will give some extra flexibility.
Hopefully get my hands on them in January.
Gary
2 Likes
Keep us informed on how you get on, Gary. I was sorely tempted to bid on the limited edition active 20 stand-mounts that came up for auction on eBay recently, but in the end thought it was unwise to jump without a home audition first.
Roger
1 Like
Hi Roger (@PeakMan or anyone else)
If you happen upon any update re a possible new addition in the ATC SCM20 range as per your post late last year it would be most appreciated. Considering the SCM20s for my system so would be nice to know if anything new coming particularly given the Bristol show is upcoming. Thanks
Will do. I’ve not heard anything to date.
Roger
Thanks