ATC SCA2 preamp vs TAD C600

[Byron]

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.

Have you thought of trying Emm Labs? I've had ATC actives for 7 years (50's currently) and have tried and owned quite a few Dacs. I think I saw your question on the Naim forum re low level listening? I have an Emm Labs DV2i and one of the things I like the most about it is I seem to listen at lower volumes without loss of drive. I've owned or tried products from Naim. DCS, Auralic and others. Most sounded wonderful but not at all volume levels, I bought the (Emm Labs) Meitner MA3 originally as it matched my ATC 50's so well, this synergy led me to the DV2i.

Emm Labs make a dedicated Pre which will have the same output stage. Definitely worth a thought.

 

[Ricco275]

Have you thought of trying Emm Labs? I've had ATC actives for 7 years (50's currently) and have tried and owned quite a few Dacs. I think I saw your question on the Naim forum re low level listening? I have an Emm Labs DV2i and one of the things I like the most about it is I seem to listen at lower volumes without loss of drive. I've owned or tried products from Naim. DCS, Auralic and others. Most sounded wonderful but not at all volume levels, I bought the (Emm Labs) Meitner MA3 originally as it matched my ATC 50's so well, this synergy led me to the DV2i.

Emm Labs make a dedicated Pre which will have the same output stage. Definitely worth a thought.

I know Emm Labs pre2 and pre have potential. Good to know from you they actually work well with ATCs. James Henriot mentioned Whest and ATCs work both well with Accuphase as per several clients’ feedback, so that’s another option. I tend to prefer buying from dealers I personally know in Paris (and good ones), so the other brands on the list are Luxman and Vitus. I’m also very picky aesthetic-wise, Emm labs not my cuppa and so champagne coloured components, I may close my eyes with Accuphase. The ATC SCA2 is too studio pro to my taste. I’ll need a preamp which is good at low volume and balancing out a very resolving and transparent system. Luxman is sometimes indicated as not as good as Accuphase. Models I’m considering so far are Accuphase C2300, Luxman C-900u (discontinued) and Vitus RL-102. Accuphase C2900 is too expensive.

 

[Byron]

I know Emm Labs pre2 and pre have potential. Good to know from you they actually work well with ATCs. James Henriot mentioned Whest and ATCs work both well with Accuphase as per several clients’ feedback, so that’s another option. I tend to prefer buying from dealers I personally know in Paris (and good ones), so the other brands on the list are Luxman and Vitus. I’m also very picky aesthetic-wise, Emm labs not my cuppa and so champagne coloured components, I may close my eyes with Accuphase. The ATC SCA2 is too studio pro to my taste. I’ll need a preamp which is good at low volume and balancing out a very resolving and transparent system. Luxman is sometimes indicated as not as good as Accuphase. Models I’m considering so far are Accuphase C2300, Luxman C-900u (discontinued) and Vitus RL-102. Accuphase C2900 is too expensive.

There's also a Meitner Pre which is quite nice and discrete looking. It'll be very close to the Emm Labs. Emm / Meitner have a very welcome knack of mixing resolution and great musicality. Nice to have choices, good luck with your search.

 

[Ricco275]

There's also a Meitner Pre which is quite nice and discrete looking. It'll be very close to the Emm Labs. Emm / Meitner have a very welcome knack of mixing resolution and great musicality. Nice to have choices, good luck with your search.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

 

[Gubelmo]

Hello
I'm an Italian enthusiast and I have the scm150 asl, for me
Point of arrival after 40 years of Hifi experience
After several tests, including the Atc cda2 pre-cd, I found the best sound with the La4 pre and Dac2 benchmarks. I only use digital and I like precise and detailed music reproduction. The Benchmarks are absolutely transparent and do not add anything to the sound. They are defined as the ““straight thread”” that does not introduce or add anything to the sound. I think you should try it.

Guido

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]

Hello
I'm an Italian enthusiast and I have the scm150 asl, for me
Point of arrival after 40 years of Hifi experience
After several tests, including the Atc cda2 pre-cd, I found the best sound with the La4 pre and Dac2 benchmarks. I only use digital and I like precise and detailed music reproduction. The Benchmarks are absolutely transparent and do not add anything to the sound. They are defined as the ““straight thread”” that does not introduce or add anything to the sound. I think you should try it.

Guido

someone gets it

 

[Ricco275]

Hello
I'm an Italian enthusiast and I have the scm150 asl, for me
Point of arrival after 40 years of Hifi experience
After several tests, including the Atc cda2 pre-cd, I found the best sound with the La4 pre and Dac2 benchmarks. I only use digital and I like precise and detailed music reproduction. The Benchmarks are absolutely transparent and do not add anything to the sound. They are defined as the ““straight thread”” that does not introduce or add anything to the sound. I think you should try it.

Guido

From an Italian to another Benchmarks is known to excel with ATCs, thanks for reinforcing that. I would need a different machine to better match my analogue section. I have tried the Chord Ultima 3 pre and unfortunately (predictably?) lacks refinement vs TAD C600, not to mention the noise in the analogue section.
Next weekend I may be able to demo the Zanden 3100 preamp. Not top of the line but perhaps enough for my needs / ears. For now I’m back to the C600.

 

[Site7000]

From an Italian to another Benchmarks is known to excel with ATCs, thanks for reinforcing that. I would need a different machine to better match my analogue section. I have tried the Chord Ultima 3 pre and unfortunately (predictably?) lacks refinement vs TAD C600, not to mention the noise in the analogue section.
Next weekend I may be able to demo the Zanden 3100 preamp. Not top of the line but perhaps enough for my needs / ears. For now I’m back to the C600.

The C600 is first rate. Did you keep it?

 

[Ricco275]

The C600 is first rate. Did you keep it?

Yes I kept it for now. If budget will allow one day I may go D’Agostino or Vinnie Rossi.