ATC SCA2 preamp vs TAD C600

[Ricco275]

I know the comparison may seems awkward.
I have moved to ATC 50ASLT from TAD ME1, M1000 and C600. The preamp is still with me.
I just received the ATC preamp to try it at home however is totally new and without break in time is hard to judge it.
Anyone who tried it / bought it or preferred other preamp options?

 

[Kofi Baffour]

You have the preamp. What do you think? Let us begin with that

 

[Ricco275]

It’s very good. Less musical and open than the C600 after 30 hours of burning in.

 

[Rexp]

I know the comparison may seems awkward.
I have moved to ATC 50ASLT from TAD ME1, M1000 and C600. The preamp is still with me.
I just received the ATC preamp to try it at home however is totally new and without break in time is hard to judge it.
Anyone who tried it / bought it or preferred other preamp options?

Out of interest, what preamp was used when you demoed the speakers and what made you buy them?

 

[Kofi Baffour]

It’s very good. Less musical and open than the C600 after 30 hours of burning in.

well do you like it. If you do and want to keep it. I am not sure any number of hours of burning in will change that I assume

 

[Ricco275]

Out of interest, what preamp was used when you demoed the speakers and what made you buy them?

I have demoed the SCM20ASL at home and it was enough to convince me going for the SCM50ASL. They fit my needs. Engaging sound at moderate volume. No audiophile blah blah blah BS just excellent quality and transparency. 30 years in this hobby and I have tried many options. This current settings meet my needs. I just need to nail the preamp.

 

[Rexp]

I have demoed the SCM20ASL at home and it was enough to convince me going for the SCM50ASL. They fit my needs. Engaging sound at moderate volume. No audiophile blah blah blah BS just excellent quality and transparency. 30 years in this hobby and I have tried many options. This current settings meet my needs. I just need to nail the preamp.

Yes, I used to be a dealer for ATC, they will tell you whats on the recording, unlike most commercial brands.

 

[Ricco275]

Yes, I used to be a dealer for ATC, they will tell you whats on the recording, unlike most commercial brands.

What do you think about their SCA2 preamp?

 

[Rexp]

What do you think about their SCA2 preamp?

I didn't stock the active speakers or amplification so can't help you I'm afraid.
I have heard it in passing but as you know you need extended listening to get a handle on these things.

 

[Rexp]

Some suggestions here:

Looking for an end game preamp. for ATC Active

Hi all, I’m looking for an endgame preamp. for my ATC SCM100ASLT speakers. I have sorted my source out already, Innuos Zenith mk3 / Phoenix USB reckocker, Chord DAVE and Isotek cables/ Powerboard etc. I got a Chord Ultima Pre 3 and TBH I’m not 100% sold on the sound. I’ve had at home and I...

pinkfishmedia.net

 

[Muser]

I had the SCA2 with circa 1995 SCM50a speakers. My comparator was an EAR 802. (Long out of production)
As a context live and recorded music may be emotional, depending on the performance and my mood. While I love to be moved emotionally by music, it's not a regular thing for me.
The SCA2 and 802 were both well broken in but sounded quite different. Bottom end was a bit bloated and midrange a bit thicker with the EAR, though I preferred that to the SCA2. I felt the SCA2 was a bit unrelenting, though that was correctable with fuller bodied sources. I could appreciate each for what they offered, but again preferred the colorations of the 802 to the cleanliness of the SCA2
About 5 years ago, I had the SCM50A with a Pass Labs XP12. Magic. Even frequency response, quiet and with good texturing of acoustic instruments. The combination for me was great. A experience of being in the presence of music being played, rather than reproduced. The 50As were a review piece for me, if I could have afforded them at the time, I'd have bought them in an instant. I was allowed to have them for two months but returned them after 6 weeks because they were ruining my ATC SCM20A-2 speakers, which were paid for and thus more affordable.

FWIW, I have a lot of experience with active ATCs (10A-2, 50A, 20a-2, 50A -new tweeter - and 100Asl also new tweeter). The preamp makes or breaks active ATCs, for my taste.

Good luck!

 

[Ricco275]

Some suggestions here:

Looking for an end game preamp. for ATC Active

Hi all, I’m looking for an endgame preamp. for my ATC SCM100ASLT speakers. I have sorted my source out already, Innuos Zenith mk3 / Phoenix USB reckocker, Chord DAVE and Isotek cables/ Powerboard etc. I got a Chord Ultima Pre 3 and TBH I’m not 100% sold on the sound. I’ve had at home and I...

pinkfishmedia.net

Thanks. I have read everything available on the internet

 

[Ricco275]

I had the SCA2 with circa 1995 SCM50a speakers. My comparator was an EAR 802. (Long out of production)
As a context live and recorded music may be emotional, depending on the performance and my mood. While I love to be moved emotionally by music, it's not a regular thing for me.
The SCA2 and 802 were both well broken in but sounded quite different. Bottom end was a bit bloated and midrange a bit thicker with the EAR, though I preferred that to the SCA2. I felt the SCA2 was a bit unrelenting, though that was correctable with fuller bodied sources. I could appreciate each for what they offered, but again preferred the colorations of the 802 to the cleanliness of the SCA2
About 5 years ago, I had the SCM50A with a Pass Labs XP12. Magic. Even frequency response, quiet and with good texturing of acoustic instruments. The combination for me was great. A experience of being in the presence of music being played, rather than reproduced. The 50As were a review piece for me, if I could have afforded them at the time, I'd have bought them in an instant. I was allowed to have them for two months but returned them after 6 weeks because they were ruining my ATC SCM20A-2 speakers, which were paid for and thus more affordable.

FWIW, I have a lot of experience with active ATCs (10A-2, 50A, 20a-2, 50A -new tweeter - and 100Asl also new tweeter). The preamp makes or breaks active ATCs, for my taste.

Good luck!

Ah amazing. Thanks a lot for the insights.
Basically I’m considering what / if to change in my system now that I have my gorgeous new SCM50ASLT.

In a nutshell, I’m looking for a preamp/phono stage combo that delivers:

• Very low noise
• Fast and transparent
• Synergistic with Mutech Hayabusa
• Emotionally communicative at low SPL
• Natural tone: Musicality + microdetail
• Not euphonic nor studio surgical grade
• Stage depth / holography
• Balanced — never lean, never bloomy. Natural tone
• Zero fatigue
• No upper-mid glare

The Brinkmann Edison mk2 with my TAD C600 or SCA2 seemed good options from what I have read - not listened to.

BAT VK-90 with Whest Audio 60se pro should work well too. Not sure with more cleaner / transparent preamps like TAD and ATC.

I have read - again only read - the ATC SCA2 preamp is more studio grade (it’s pro after all) and could sound drier especially at low volume level. Due to my neighbour sensitivity I have to listen at 70db most of the time.

 

[Kofi Baffour]

Ah amazing. Thanks a lot for the insights.
Basically I’m considering what / if to change in my system now that I have my gorgeous new SCM50ASLT.

In a nutshell, I’m looking for a preamp/phono stage combo that delivers:

• Very low noise
• Fast and transparent
• Synergistic with Mutech Hayabusa
• Emotionally communicative at low SPL
• Natural tone: Musicality + microdetail
• Not euphonic nor studio surgical grade
• Stage depth / holography
• Balanced — never lean, never bloomy. Natural tone
• Zero fatigue
• No upper-mid glare

The Brinkmann Edison mk2 with my TAD C600 or SCA2 seemed good options from what I have read - not listened to.

BAT VK-90 with Whest Audio 60se pro should work well too. Not sure with more cleaner / transparent preamps like TAD and ATC.

I have read - again only read - the ATC SCA2 preamp is more studio grade (it’s pro after all) and could sound drier especially at low volume level. Due to my neighbour sensitivity I have to listen at 70db most of the time.

Done any RTA of your space with these preamps connected? To give you a visual guide as to how the combos sound from your seated position in the room (as the speakers interact with your room in very critical frequencies)

 

[Ricco275]

Done any RTA of your space with these preamps connected? To give you a visual guide as to how the combos sound from your seated position in the room (as the speakers interact with your room in very critical frequencies)

Yes. I wrote earlier about the impression. It’s not that valid since the atc preamp was fresh of the box. Will take time.

 

[Kofi Baffour]

Yes. I wrote earlier about the impression. It’s not that valid since the atc preamp was fresh of the box. Will take time.

Can you post an image of the RTA here? Regardless of length of listen

 

[Ricco275]

Can you post an image of the RTA here? Regardless of length of listen

I haven’t done any software measurements.i went by feeling of what I hear and like for now.

 

[Kofi Baffour]

I haven’t done any software measurements.i went by feeling of what I hear and like for now.

I hope you get round to doing some cos they're very helpful. Good luck with everything

 

[Muser]

Ricco:
I've not heard the other preamps you've mentioned, so I can't help you with those.
SCA2 is not really "dry" or what I'd call chalky. Rather it was a bit lean, which could be offset with more richer sounding ancillaries. The SCA2 might be a good choice to "wake up" your ATCs at lower volumes. It's often said ATCs don't sound good at low volume levels, which I think is incorrect. Their fullest expression is when they're loud. Of course, some people don't like ATC's sound. And that's a matter of taste. So it goes.

I really liked the Pass XP12 with the new tweetered 50s. I imagine the XP22 would be better. Again, I'd say getting the right preamp is more important than your source, but you should come to your own conclusions.

FWIW, I still have my active 20s, they're in my "home theater" system. I like the house sound, when paired with an appropriate preamp. They have been without problems for nearly 20 years and survived several stupid mistakes.

I encourage you to experiment, to the extent you can. My opinion and experience with ATCs is broad but limited.

Again, good luck.

 

[Ricco275]

Ricco:
I've not heard the other preamps you've mentioned, so I can't help you with those.
SCA2 is not really "dry" or what I'd call chalky. Rather it was a bit lean, which could be offset with more richer sounding ancillaries. The SCA2 might be a good choice to "wake up" your ATCs at lower volumes. It's often said ATCs don't sound good at low volume levels, which I think is incorrect. Their fullest expression is when they're loud. Of course, some people don't like ATC's sound. And that's a matter of taste. So it goes.

I really liked the Pass XP12 with the new tweetered 50s. I imagine the XP22 would be better. Again, I'd say getting the right preamp is more important than your source, but you should come to your own conclusions.

FWIW, I still have my active 20s, they're in my "home theater" system. I like the house sound, when paired with an appropriate preamp. They have been without problems for nearly 20 years and survived several stupid mistakes.

I encourage you to experiment, to the extent you can. My opinion and experience with ATCs is broad but limited.

Again, good luck.

Thanks a lot. I’ll properly assess the SCA2. So far the TAD C600 brings out more musicality while remaining transparent and sounding good at low volume level. Of course the SCA2 is not broken in at all yet.