The largest stand-mounter in the series, the ATC SCM19 like its smaller siblings is well regarded by both discerning critics and audiophiles. For years, it has garnered praises and accolades, the SCM19 is still one of the best bookshelf speakers to go for at their price range. As talented as the speakers are, without an amplifier to drive them, the ATC SCM19 wouldn’t be able to sing.
Simply getting an amplifier without research is not advisable as the amp may not be matching or may even degrade the sound quality. So it is essential to find a compatible amplifier to pair up with the ATC SCM19 and with complementary effects. A list of the best matching amplifiers for your ATC SCM19 stand-mounters will be shared with you, kindly continue to read on.
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Sonic Characteristics and Strengths of ATC SCM19
Like the rest of the bookshelf speakers in this series, the ATC SCM19 is also a sealed box loudspeaker with nice-looking curves which also helps to improve the sound quality. The size of the SCM19 is certainly bigger than the SCM11 but the frequency response of both loudspeakers remains the same which is 54Hz-22kHz (-6dB). Does this mean that the ATC SCM19 has the same level of bass performance? We will need to listen to find out, one thing for sure, we will definitely need the support of a subwoofer to help reproduce subsonic bass frequencies. If most of your music doesn’t focus on subsonic low frequencies then you probably wouldn’t need a sub.
The ATC SCM19 has a 1″ (25mm) Neodymium soft dome tweeter and followed by a 6″ (150mm) SL bass driver. With the size of the bass driver and portless design, there is a high chance the bass performance will lack some weight and impact. The speaker sensitivity is really low for a bookshelf speaker of this size, it is at 85dB. Fortunately, the nominal impedance is at 8 Ohms but when we look at the recommended amp power of 75W to 300W, this does show that the ATC SCM19 is not easy to drive. It will require an amplifier with high output power to drive the stand-mounters to high volume levels.
These stand-mounters are experts in reproducing natural-sounding musical instruments and vocals, they just sound right to our ears. It doesn’t have the thick warmth or metallic sound characteristics been tied to the musicians like some other speakers which makes it easy to listen to the ATC SCM19 in an organic way. Furthermore, the SCM19 stand-mounters dug out a lot of music details including intricate ones. These subtleties and music layers also help to bring out some information about the venue itself. It would be better if there is a bit more deep bass reproduction to really bring out the presence of the live concert though.
ATC SCM19 is capable of projecting a spacious and airy soundstage with amazing stereo separation and spacing, giving us a highly-defined music delivery. The stereo imaging doesn’t break apart and the soundstage remains focused throughout the session. The bass performance has more weight and prominence when compared to the ATC SCM7 and SCM11. This helps to provide a more full-bodied music presentation and what’s even more impressive is that the ATC SCM19 bass reproduction is still agile and articulate. Keeping up with the rest of the higher frequencies, allowing the music presentation to sound cohesive and natural.
To really enjoy live concert/music playbacks, partnering the ATC SCM19 with a high-quality subwoofer that can deliver subsonic bass down to 20Hz will be essential. We do find adding a sub into the mix is entirely optional though, the ATC SCM19 with enough power been driven into them can provide an exceptional and large-scale sonic performance with just the right impact. The overall accuracy of the SCM19 loudspeakers is top-notch as well. They can be bright-sounding at times but fortunately never sounded too hard or harsh. A list of the best matching amplifiers for ATC SCM19 has been prepared for you so kindly take a look at them below.
ATC SCM19 Specifications
- Speaker Type: 2-Way (Sealed)
- Drive Units: 1″ (25mm) Neodymium Soft Dome Tweeter, 6″ (150mm) Mid/LF SL
- Frequency Response: 54Hz-22kHz (-6dB)
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 75W to 300W
- Sensitivity (1w/1m): 85dB
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 438mm x 265mm x 300mm | 17.2″ x 10.4″ x 11.8″
- Weight: 17.8kg (39.2lbs)
Best Amplifiers to match with ATC SCM19
The ATC SCM19 demands power and the Wyred 4 Sound STI-1000 v2 shall give it. This is an incredibly powerful integrated amplifier and it is sanely priced. With an output power (peak) of up to 460 Watts into 8 Ohms, the STI-1000 v2 can make your ATC SCM19 sing and still have headroom to spare. The sonic characteristics of this integrated amplifier are similar to the SCM19 stand-mounters. It is capable of producing clean and natural-sounding music delivery. The polished background of the Wyred 4 Sound STI-1000 v2 also helps to bring out the music, allowing us to fully focus on our favorite tunes.
More Details at Amazon – Wyred 4 Sound STI-1000 Integrated Amplifier
This is another exceptional integrated amplifier that uses ICEpower amplification and the Peachtree Audio Nova300 will pair well with the ATC SCM19 bookshelf speakers. Firstly, the amplifier’s output power of 300 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms will drive the SCM19 stand-mounters to high volume levels with ease. The sound quality of the Peachtree Audio Nova300 is clean and clear as well but with a touch of warmth which makes the music presentation sound fuller. Compare to the STI-1000 v2, the Nova300 is more affordably priced and has more features built into it, providing even more value to its listeners.
More Info at Amazon – Peachtree Audio Nova300 Integrated Amplifier
If you are not into Class D amplifiers, perhaps the Parasound Halo HINT 6 will be a better choice for you and your ATC SCM19 stand-mounters. The Halo HINT 6 is an integrated amplifier and uses high bias Class A/AB operation to drive high-quality power into your SCM19 speakers. It also comes with a plethora of features such as a premium ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, phono input for MM, MC, and MI, and more. The dedicated subwoofer output will be great for listeners who want to integrate an active sub into their sound system to enhance the overall bass performance and deliver deeper low frequencies.
More Details at Amazon – Parasound HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier
McIntosh MC275 is a high-quality 2-channel vacuum tube amplifier and will be an excellent match with the ATC SCM19. It has won many awards over the years due to its high performance and is one of the best sounding tubes in its price range. Furthermore, the McIntosh MC275 has accuracy and precision when it comes to music delivery and is not just all about warmth. The bass reproductions are more full-bodied and solid which also helps to build up a 3-dimensional soundstage. Together with the ATC SCM19, the soundstage projected by them is large and open, filled with lush details and vivid performance.
More Details at Amazon – McIntosh MC275 Tube Power Amplifier
For listeners who have a tighter budget and don’t want to compromise musicality, the Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 is a fine choice to go for. This is a hybrid tube design with a Class D amplifier and has a power output of 100/200 Watts per channel into 8/4 Ohms, enough to drive the ATC SCM19 speakers. It is an enthusiastic hybrid amplifier with the ability to deliver an engaging music presentation with plenty of energy. The Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 is also an exemplary amp for turntable users as it has a high-quality user adjustable phono (MM or MC). If you want to enjoy your music without breaking the bank, you might want to check out the Sphinx v3.
If you are planning to add a powered subwoofer and are not sure whether to go for ported or sealed cabinet type. You might want to go with hybrid subwoofers instead. The HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 will be an excellent hybrid subwoofer to partner up with your ATC SCM19 speakers. This is an extremely powerful 15″ front-firing subwoofer with up to 2000 Watts peak power and could dig down to 16Hz (1 port open). In sealed mode, the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 could reach down to 22Hz bass extension. The SVS PB-2000 Pro is another fantastic ported sub with an option to switch it to sealed mode and certainly worth your while to check them out.
More Information at Amazon – SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Ported Subwoofer
To Sum It Up
The ATC SCM19 scales well with power and tube amplifiers are ideal choices too. Still, it is better you audition the potential amplifiers first and listen to them with your own ears. By auditioning the amplifiers, you will be able to know which amps best fit your sonic preference and ATC SCM19 stand-mounters. The amplifiers listed here are some of the finest and you might want to take a look at them before checking out other amplifier brands/models.
