@Patu I believe the SN is really not the best companion for the SCM40 passives, and your story confirms it. I have a NAP200, which is very similar to the SN amp you had. The NAP200 works nicely with the SCM11 and my SCM12’s, but not so well with SCM19. And pairing it with the SCM40’s…will leave you wanting, I can imagine.
In home demo, the passive SCM40’s did much better with my NAP300. But still, somehow I was not as impressed with their mid-range as I was with the ATC two-ways. Less passive cross-over needed for two-ways, I suppose?
The SCM50 passives might be another story. I haven’t heard them. Have you?
@PeakMan note that @Iaudio87 was talking about the SCM50, which might be a different speaker in many ways.
As for the SCM40 passives, in my home demo I was not getting the same NAP300 open sound from them as I’ve been getting from the SCM19’s or SCM 12 Pro’s or the the SCM 11’s (neither the same 3D soundstage - but I suppose my room dimensions were also not ideal for the SCM40). Which is actually kind of consistent with what you are describing.
You’re absolutely correct, SN2 didn’t have enough grunt for 40’s. Not even with the HiCap DR. I remember once trying to remove the HCDR and drive it with bare SN2, the result was horrible. With HCDR there was decent grip and control of the speakers but compared to the actives, they lacked some serious oomph, control and dynamics.
I’ve never heard the passive 50’s. When I went from 40A to 50ASL, it didn’t even cross my mind to go for passives. It simply makes no sense to me.
Has anyone seen any Classic series ATC’s in Oak ? I’ve just been offered a pair of November 2021 50 ASL for a fairly decent price . I’ve always favoured cherry or walnut . I’m waiting on pictures .
Thanks , sometimes a bit hard to judge the finish online . I’ve got oak floors so thinking maybe a bit too much oak .
I’ve just been sent a few pictures of actual speakers , here’s one below . Definitely a bit lighter than ideal for me but I’m told much better in the flesh .
They look stunning to me and don’t know vendor just had to say!
Front/side on profile looks absolutely right aesthetic for me.
Quality blends well I’ve found.
YMMV .
Very tempting , they are a good price but even so a lot of money so need to be sure on finish as they will be keepers . I’m going to go and have a look at them before the weekend hopefully . This is rear view .
Good luck @Pete.T
I have oak floors and bought walnut 50s for the contrast. Looking at those oak photos though I wonder whether I made the wrong decision. They look great, even allowing for mobile phone colour approximations.
Listening to mine now and loving every minute.
Thanks , I’m with you regarding the contrast with the Oak floors which is why I’m debating and yours look wonderful btw . I’m hoping my mind will be made up in a positive way when I see them in the flesh .
Yes, hopefully the colour works for you. The quality of the veneer on every pair of 50s I’ve seen has always been consistently great. Mine were a dealers ex-dem pair, supposedly lightly used, although I’m sure even if they were heavily abused, they’re still more than up to the task. Enjoy.