I’m thinking about some ATC SCM11’s to use with my system
Unfortunately there are no local dealers that I can have an audition
Would the 11’s work well with my XS3 amp and a Naim cd player that will be delivered in the next few days?
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I used to own a Nait XS and it’s a brilliant amp that doesn’t get the attention it deserves imo. I think it would work very well with SCM 11’s which are slightly easier to drive than the SCM 7’s according to one of ATC’s designers I spoke to at the Acoustica show a few years ago.
One of my friends has a Naim Unitilite (50 watts) with ATC SCM 7’s and loves that little system.
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I suggest you check the ATC thread as a lot has been written about the XS3/SCM11 combination.
The 11’s are an easier load than the 7’s in general but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from more power than the XS3.
Did you do a search?
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I have my SCM11s with an Atom HE and a 250. I like them a lot. One observation is that they need a bit of volume (and space) to come alive in my room at least.
Don’t forget to include good stands in the budget.
Huge ATC thread (and others) to search for more.
Bruce
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I’ve not read anything about using the XS3 with ATC’s
Does anyone use them both together?
Yes, the ATC 11’s should work beautifully with the XS 3! The ATC 7 speakers are marvelous as well…
Yes, sonically and as long as you’re not after constant disco like playback levels then Nait XS 3 has enough quality of power to drive SCM11’s perfectly well.
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I’m definitely not after disco loud
Even though we have just moved to a detached house we are not looking for huge volumes as long as the XS3 is a good enough match with the 11’s
@Christopher_M used some ATC 7s or 11s with a Naim 155XS, and may have some useful advice for you.
Thanks HH and hopefully he will see my post and give me some advice
My Star drives my 11s beautifully, but they took quite a while to settle in. Unfortunately I don’t have room to bring them further into the room, but they sound great with the fronts of the speakers around 50cm from the back wall, 2.4 m apart, 3m from listening point. Soundstage easily fills the gap, with some depth, when recordings allow.
I compared the SCM11s with 7s, much preferred the 11s, but wasn’t sure at home, initially, but persevered, and am happy now. I usually listen with volume between 25 - 45, occasionally 50.
Hope this helps.
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I bought my SCM 11s and an XS2 after a lot of listening and was very happy. They’ve subsequently been used with a SN3 and now a Nait 50.
I also have a pair of SCM 7s and agree they need a bit more oomph behind them, which reminds me, I do need to try them with the BD160
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So it sounds like my XS3 would work ok with the SCM 11’s
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I’d suggest also that you try to take a listen to PMC’s twenty5.21i. I think they are great, and quite a bit smaller than the ATC 11.
Thanks HH. The PMC’s are another one I was considering
I’m pretty sure they would work well together, though I have not heard that exact combination.
But, speaker choice is very subjective. I’m a big ATC fan and would happily go for the 11s myself, but not everyone is so enthusiastic about the ATC sound. Is there absolutely no chance of hearing the combination before parting with a fair chunk of money for speakers and stands?
Roger
I had PMCs before switching to ATC and much preferred the ATC sonic signature. Visually, not a fan of the 25i’s “drunken” look either.
Just another subjective opinion, but it illustrates the point that, if at all possible, it’s wise to audition first.
Roger
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Completely agree. Great sonically as they were when I had them the PMCs 21i lacked a little punch and were no lookers. Much happier with the 40As. 
Ha ha, I wouldn’t let the 40s in the house. I once tried the 11s and while they were ok sound wise the cherry finish was a horrible brown, reminiscent of the contents of nappies. And those awful fishnet grilles! The 20s are great looking though.
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