ATC has just introduced the new SCM20ASL active bookshelf speakers, priced $4,000 less than the striking royal blue 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model released last year. Limited to just 150 pairs and priced at $13,999, the SCM20ASL LE is already close to selling out, making the new standard version a more accessible entry into ATC’s high-performance active loudspeaker lineup.
The all-new standard SCM20ASL active loudspeakers are now available in a range of finishes starting at $9,999 per pair, with optional high-gloss finishes available for an additional $2,500. While they share the same core design, there are some notable differences between this new release and the more exclusive 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model.
What’s Changed Between the Standard SCM20ASL and the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition?
- The new SCM20ASL is available in a wide variety of standard, premium, and high-gloss veneer finishes, including piano black and white.
- The custom ATC blue lacquer finish is not available on the new model.
- The front baffle no longer features full grain Napa leather.
- There is no silver anodized Limited Edition badge on the front baffle.
- Hardware and trim rings are standard — not anodized silver like the LE version.
- The new model is not branded or packaged as a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.
- 50th Anniversary cloth bags are not included.
- The amplifier’s heat sink is not covered by the custom silver anodized alloy plate with the Limited Edition insignia and classic blue ATC logo.
Overview
The ATC SCM20ASL Active Stand-Mount Loudspeaker is the latest high-performance 2-way system from ATC, crafted for audiophiles and audio professionals who demand reference-level sound in compact environments. Featuring custom in-house drivers and precision-matched built-in amplification, the SCM20ASL is engineered to deliver outstanding clarity, accurate phase alignment, and dynamic precision—making it an ideal choice for both critical listening and professional studio use.
Housed in a compact 20-liter stand-mount cabinet, the new SCM20ASL integrates a 2-way active design featuring ATC’s proprietary 150mm (6″) ‘Super Linear’ mid/bass driver and 25mm (1″) ‘S-Spec’ dual-suspension tweeter. Each driver is powered by dedicated Class A/B MOSFET amplifiers, delivering 200W to the mid/bass and 50W to the high frequencies. This purpose-built amplification ensures that each driver receives the optimal power and performance for its frequency range, resulting in greater accuracy, control, and musicality.
The mid/bass driver features a large 75mm (3″) voice coil and a short-coil, long-gap motor design utilizing ATC’s proprietary ‘Super Linear’ (SL) motor technology. This advanced construction significantly reduces distortion from the upper bass through the midrange, enhancing clarity and accuracy.
Complementing it is ATC’s 25mm ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome tweeter, which employs a dual-suspension system and a powerful 2.1 Tesla motor to deliver extended high-frequency response well beyond 20kHz, with outstanding detail and resolution.
Crossovers are active, analogue 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley operating at line-level for maximum efficiency, while an all-pass filter is included to optimize the phase response through the crossover region, resulting in far improved tonal balance and imaging.
Input to the loudspeaker is via balanced XLR, located on the rear panel and there are user controls for input sensitivity and low frequency shelf cut and boost. The input sensitivity control allows the user to tailor the input gain to suit their source and pre-amplifier combination for more consistent performance. The low frequency shelf control gives the user the option to subtly adjust the bass response to suit their room.
The SCM20ASL cabinet features a combination of bracing for stiffness and damping to suppress resonance and is available in a wide range of real wood veneers, painted satin finishes and high gloss lacquers. Standard finishes include Cherry, Black Ash, Walnut and Oak veneers, Satin Black or Satin White paint. Premium finishes include Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak, Burr Poplar veneers. The speaker is supplied with a removeable grille, wrapped in black acoustically transparent cloth.
Why Choose Active Loudspeakers?
In the pursuit of optimal audio performance, even the most respected loudspeaker manufacturers have encountered the inherent limitations of passive crossover networks. While passive systems can deliver excellent results, a multi-way loudspeaker only achieves its full potential when designed as an active system. Although passive speakers remain popular in the Hi-Fi market due to practical and economic factors, from a purely performance-focused perspective, active loudspeakers provide clear advantages:
Active loudspeakers can offer superior performance by integrating amplifiers directly into the speaker cabinet, allowing for optimized power delivery and crossover design. That could allow for better clarity, improved phase accuracy, tighter bass, and more dynamic range. With no need for external amplification or passive crossovers, active designs can also reduce signal loss and distortion, making them ideal for audiophiles and professional environments alike.
Benefits of Active Speakers
- More accurate crossovers due to fixed filter ‘load’.
- Wider practical choice of crossover type/shape due to active line level operation.
- Greater dynamic range due to elimination of passive crossover losses.
- Ideally matched amps and more efficient use of amplifier power.
- Improved frequency response and stereo matching due to speaker-amp calibration.
- Better driver control: a more direct connection to the drivers with lower electrical resistance.
- Lower inter-modulation distortion due to reduced amplifier operating bandwidth.
Key Features
- 150mm/6” ATC ‘Super Linear Mid/Bass driver loaded in a compact sealed cabinet
- 25mm/1” ATC ‘S-Spec’ soft-dome dual-suspension HF driver
- On-board ATC active 250W ‘Amp Pack’ module
- Balanced input and 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley active crossovers
- User adjustable input sensitivity and bass shelf controls
- 2 x class A/B MOSFET power amplifiers, 200W Mid/Bass and 50W high frequency
- Hand-built in England
- 6-year warranty
The Bottom Line
While still a significant investment at $10,000 per pair, it’s refreshing to see ATC offer a nearly identical loudspeaker to their Limited Edition model at $4,000 less. The 50th Anniversary version we heard at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2024 was nothing short of stunning, and we fully expect the standard SCM20ASL to deliver a similarly jaw-dropping performance. Plus, with high-quality amplification built right into the speakers, you’re saving not only on rack space, but also on the added expense of external amps and cabling.
Price & Availability
The ATC SCM20ASL active stand-mount loudspeakers are expected to start shipping this month (April 2025) at the following prices:
- $9,999/pair in Standard Finishes: Cherry, Oak, Walnut, Black Ash, Black Satin, White
- $10,999/pair in Premium and High Gloss Finishes: Rosewood, Burr Magnolia, Pippy Oak
- +$2,500 additional for high gloss
- $11,999/pair in piano black or matte white
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Anton
April 12, 2025 at 6:48 pm
ATC feels and looks like one of the few loudspeaker manufacturers that get it. Having read both of the reviews on the site, they appear to be for more “mature” listeners who have jumped off the audiofool merry go round and want something for the long haul.
Ian White
April 12, 2025 at 6:58 pm
Anton,
Having reviewed the larger active ATCs, I can attest to their quality. The price of these is rather appealing. The reality is that you still need a very high quality pre-amplifier/DAC/ and sources to make the spend worthwhile. These speakers focus on every wart in the signal chain. Very fine speakers.
IW