Напольная акустика — ATC SCM100SE

The SCM100SE is the Special Edition version of the SCM100, an active three-way reflex floorstander that has been part of the ATC range for decades. ATC, the Acoustic Transducer Company, has made drive units and loudspeakers since 1974 and builds drivers and electronics in-house at Stroud in Gloucestershire. The SE models are modelled on the Tower series and add fancier cabinet work and all-discrete amplifier circuits, and the UK price was GBP 31,250 in satin lacquer or GBP 36,083 in high gloss.

Key specs that matter

Each cabinet holds three in-house drivers - an SH25-76S 25 mm dual suspension soft dome tweeter, an SM75-150S 75 mm soft dome midrange and an SB75-314SL 314 mm bass unit with a Super Linear Magnet system and a short-coil, long-gap motor. Crossover points sit at 380 Hz and 3,500 Hz. Response runs from 32 Hz to 25 kHz at -6 dB, and maximum output is rated at 115 dB. The built-in electronics deliver 200 W to the bass driver, 100 W to the midrange and 50 W to the tweeter, 350 W per side in total. The only signal input is a balanced XLR with 1 V sensitivity, next to an IEC mains inlet and a chrome power switch. Each speaker measures 1150 x 419 x 585 mm without spikes and weighs 79 kg, over 10 kg more than the standard SCM100. Coverage is rated at plus or minus 80 degrees horizontally and plus or minus 10 degrees vertically, with a 6-year guarantee.

Engineering and use context

The number 100 in the name refers to the internal volume in litres. The line-level signal passes through an electronic crossover using second order active filters plus an all-pass phase correction stage, and each of the three power amplifiers connects straight to its own driver. Without a passive network there is no series inductor on the woofer to absorb energy or reduce the damping factor of the amplifier. In the SE amplifiers discrete components replace the op-amps used in lower ranges. The amplifier sits in the top rear corner of the box, and its cooling fins and handles, which stand proud on classic ATC models, are hidden under an electro-plated nickel plate with a second vented panel to release heat. Nickel piping runs along the top and sides, the curved top forms a brow over the baffle in matching or contrasting fillets, and a plinth threaded for spikes lifts the cabinet. The large reflex port is on the front, and ATC voices the system with its rectangular grille fitted. Finishes include black, white and a range of wood veneers.

Pairing

A preamplifier with a balanced output and solid line-driving ability suits these speakers, since the onboard amplifiers need more drive than average. Sources without balanced outputs need suitably terminated interconnects.

Alternatives

The ATC SCM150SE is a larger active three-way model in the same Special Edition group.