Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexK
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Although don't forget the X-over has moved down to 2.1 KHz with the SCM20s, so the new tweeter is covering a significant part of the midrange which was handed to the midwoofer beforehand.
I love both, I have active 20 mk2s and I think the 25 and 20 are both excellent, but in some areas (lower mids and lower & upper HF) the SCM20 is stronger, while in other areas (IM distortion, 'middle'-midrange clarity, maximum SPL output, bass output) the SCM25 is better.
Although I would say that the imaging I've heard from my SCM20s is absolutely
Thanks for posting that Alex. Important point. I was referring to the top end of the 25 (above 3500) compared to the 20 (above 3500). The lower 20 crossover does make a difference compared to the previous 20.
I don't really see that many people comparing 20 mk2s to 25s, I wish I did. I guess this is partly due to price (5-6K vs 8-9K) and partly due to low end. People always seem to want "more bass" in the US and I guess that's why the 25 is so popular. In smaller room, the 20 Mk2 is an amazing speaker, and doesn't feel bass light to me-it feels super defined. Alex, you are right about imaging; the SL driver in the 20 is a helluva "bit of kit". There are many reasons a person might like a pair of 20A Mk2s over a pair of 25s or older ATC 2 ways or non ATC's. The only areas where I would not think of them as a "first try" would be a large room, in urban, hip hop or EDM. With some of those applications, I would want a subwoofer, especially for the client's playback. I have been working on that idea, trying to find a sub solution that is affordable and sounds good with the 20s. The frustration is the ATC 1-15 sub is clearly the best sounding, the most defined; cost is equal to 25s so that does not get me 20Mk2 + sub package for 7-8K ( less than a set of 25s). So I have some ideas in development and maybe we'll have something at NAMM that could be a 20Mk2 + sub solution for less than a pair of 25s. It won't be an ATC sub, but hopefully something that works with the 20s well enough to get work done and impress clients. Then you could have an excellent mix speaker and low end when you need it.
Brad