![]() So when a mfg like ATC doesn't do that, and folks are used to it, low volume can seem lacking. This lets us hear it the way we would if it were louder, given some basic physics/audio science elements in the equation that I don't remember. Basically, some brands-even Harbeth-boost the mid-bass and treble when the volume goes low. Low volume first: Folks discuss this phenomenon on other threads and forums. I can certainly grow into them, starting with my DAC. ![]() I'm sure they'd sound even better in another room, driven by more high-end equipment, but. All in all, the ATCs seem to do a good job of overcoming these obstacles. There's thick carpeting and complexly slanted high ceilings. There is no spot in our house beside exactly where they are, and the opposing wall is all windows to capture a beautiful view. They're in a very complex, impossible to describe room and I've not employed any room treatment or testing. I think the speakers like string and wind quartets and quintets the best, with women's voices and live bar bands next. I've never had that experience with other speakers. Like others, I've been able to listen much louder than before with no discomfort, allowing me to notice all sorts of stuff in the music.Įven when I don't care for a performer or a track, if it's well-recorded, the literal sound is often beautiful enough to capture my interest. On the other end of the spectrum, the complete lack of distortion at high volume is amazing. I would agree that the ATCs don't do anything to boost low volume listening, and that's fine with me. I don't expect any equipment to transform crap into gold (okay, I didn't say I was a GOOD writer). I don't think they do badly with poor recordings, either. I haven't discovered any genre they can't handle with elegant aplomb (I told you I write). I stole some of these adjectives from other posts, but they all fit. Punchy, deep, detailed, airy, complex, powerful, beautiful. They''re not as big and imposing as I expected, so I didn't have to become big and imposing myself to handle my wife's opinion about their looks. I would've much preferred the cherry finish but got a great deal on this site for a piano black pair. They look fine - nothing special in either direction, to my eyes. I need the volume up higher to get the same effect, but never past eleven on the dial, with no hot amp. Perhaps that affects bass and wall placement more than what I'm talking about. Strangely, they turned out to be pickier about placement, at least in terms of centerstage and soundstage than the rear-ported KEFs (the new ones are sealed. This is clearly a gold-plated problem, if the word "problem" applies at all. ![]() Their sound is too compelling and detailed to use as background music (I write) unless I send them crappy low-res stuff, which kind of defeats the purpose of the deal. Mostly, I agree with what others say about my passive ATCs. Most of this was determined by budget more than preference. I'm using an okay DAC, streaming from a Mac. I'm driving them with a 150 watt Musical Fidelity A308 integrated, which seems like a good match, but my expertise in such things is very limited. So I thought I owed the forum a report on my experience with them. I received a lot of help when I was looking to replace vintage KEF references (thanks again - you know who- for aiming me at the ATCs).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |