The Saturn and Aethos are much more like it, but in my view aren’t anything like enough for the SCM20. It depends on whether you plan to improve the electronics. Quite a few have come unstuck with too good speakers, which are rarely satisfying long term, and then they get in the loop of spending money to feed the speakers. I ended up with PMC twenty5.21i speakers, which are to me nicer looking than the ATCs, so long as you keep the grilles on, and they come in a boring oak finish too, though we have walnut, which is very nicely done. Some say they need a sub, but to me the bass is very well balanced.
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Probably because they only come in the ugly finishes like the SCM11 and 19
I use a pair of ATC SCM 19A and agree absolutely that the veneer isn’t as pretty or pleasing to the eyes as ATC Classic series. The thought of changing to SCM 20ASLT always linger. A better spec tweeter, more powerful amplifiers than the 19A and prettier speakers to my eyes. However, once I start listening to the 19A, all thoughts are gone. Work back ways, the price difference, I use it on room treatments which is fundamental in my opinion. I don’t deny, still think of SCM 20ASLT every now and then…yeah, it does not end does it?
…I think that the 20 are top in medium size room as well. I definitely prefer them to to 40
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So you think they’re ugly?
Ok, noted…
I think that the cherry veneer looks great when new and my first pair went subtly darker and ended up a rather nice walnut colour after two years in a dark room. I then sold them and bought some second hand ones at a great price and one is much darker than the other with obvious grilles marks and has clearly seen more light than the other. I was wondering if ATC might sell me new cabinets.
If I lived one my own I would have some SCM19s probably the active version in a heartbeat. A British Audiophile’s review of the active vs passive came down clearly in favour of the actives and won an outstanding award from him. They are clearly also an absolute bargain too! Now if only I could convince Mrs D?
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I have not compare the passive against the active, so do not know the difference if any. What I like about the active is, lesser box count and doing away with speaker cable. Less is more 
going passive have more fun, more poweramps and cables to play with. Not going to get into passive or active is better discussion, both have their merits.
My cherry have gotten dark too 
I have, with passive 19s driven by a 250DR. My preference was strongly for the actives. They had a reach-out-and-touch presentation that really enhanced the vividness and realism, particularly of acoustic recordings. But there was another customer in the shop who sat next to me throughout the couple of hours I did the demo and found the actives too “in your face” for his taste. He’d have gone for the passive setup. I guess it goes to show how important personal taste is in hifi and auditioning where possible.
Roger
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Not the speaker. The available finishes.
What do you think is wrong with the finish then?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. View of one is the Atc is a classic looking speaker and their shape adds to their appearance, they look nicer in real life than on pictures.
Would I have chosen a classic walnut if available, probably but in my dedicated room the cherry looks just fine.
Gary
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They only have Satin White, Satin Black Black Ash and Cherry. Black and White won’t fit my room and the Cherry just is weird and doesn’t look like real wood. I’d love a better walnut veneer. I’m tempted by the SCM50’s but my amp may not be up for it lol
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I suspect you have the DT8’s too close to the rear walls, pull them out as much as you can with freaking out your wife. Also they need at be at least 2 meters apart, toed in to your listening position
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I understood that ATC still do a big range of premium veneers (including some arresting but beautiful wood), but they cost extra. Am I just out-of-date?
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They only do premium veneers on the non entry range of speakers.
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Hi Nick,
These are only available on the Classic series in addition to the usual suspects and include pippy oak etc. There is also the option to have premium lacquers all of which add up to an eye watering additional cost.
Tony
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Thanks very much for the advice. I have concocted a system for moving them easily involving some upturned strips of carpet, Ikea bamboo chopping boards and sorbothane hemispheres to try and decouple them from the oak floor.
when my wife is out I pull the speakers out about a further metre into the room and that makes a significant difference for the better.
I have also found that they are less boomy using vinyl as a source.
Just had a reply from ATC re new cabinets for SCM11 in cherry. They want over £400 + vat and shipping per cabinet ie. roughly £1000!
Shows how much cabinetry costs doesn’t it!
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