Audio T Verdict
The ATC SCM100ASL is a formidable three-way active loudspeaker system that combines studio-monitor accuracy with the scale, finish and usability required for a reference domestic music system.
A dedicated amplifier drives each bass, midrange and high-frequency unit, creating 350W of carefully matched amplification within every speaker. ATC’s active crossover controls the signal before amplification, allowing each amplifier and drive unit to operate within its intended frequency range.
The 314mm Super Linear bass driver provides impressive weight and control, but ATC’s renowned 75mm soft-dome midrange remains the star of the design. Voices and instruments are reproduced with remarkable clarity, tonal accuracy and freedom from box colouration.
These are substantial speakers requiring a suitable room, carefully considered positioning and a quality pre-amplifier or variable-output source. Each speaker also needs its own mains connection and balanced XLR signal cable.
ATC SCM100ASL Active Speakers
The ATC SCM100ASL is a three-way active loudspeaker supplied as a pair with matching stands, fabric-wrapped grilles and adjustable floor spikes.
Each cabinet contains ATC’s 314mm Super Linear bass driver, 75mm soft-dome midrange and 25mm high-frequency unit, together with a dedicated three-channel amplifier pack and active crossover.
The monitor-style cabinet provides the performance of ATC’s larger professional systems in a format developed for high-quality domestic music reproduction.
What Is an Active Loudspeaker?
An active loudspeaker contains its own power amplifiers and electronic crossover, removing the need for a separate stereo power amplifier.
The source signal is divided into bass, midrange and high-frequency bands before amplification. Each frequency band is then sent to an amplifier designed to drive its corresponding unit.
This gives ATC direct control over amplifier power, crossover behaviour and driver matching, creating a tightly integrated system rather than relying on the customer to select a separate power amplifier.
A Pre-Amplifier or Variable Output Is Required
The SCM100ASL does not provide source selection or a normal listening-volume control.
Connect the speakers to a suitable pre-amplifier, streamer or DAC with a properly controlled analogue output. Never connect a fixed-level source directly without volume control elsewhere in the system.
350W Tri-Amplification in Each Speaker
Every SCM100ASL contains three individually matched MOSFET amplifiers.
- Bass amplifier: 200W RMS
- Midrange amplifier: 100W RMS
- High-frequency amplifier: 50W RMS
The total amplifier output is 350W per speaker, with power distributed according to the needs of each drive unit rather than being shared through a passive crossover.
Active FET momentary gain reduction provides overload protection while helping the amplifier system remain controlled during demanding musical peaks.
ATC 75mm Soft-Dome Midrange
ATC’s handmade SM75-150S 75mm soft-dome midrange is central to the SCM100ASL’s performance.
A dedicated midrange driver reproduces much of the vocal and instrumental spectrum without also being required to generate deep bass. This helps reduce distortion and allows voices, strings, guitars and percussion to retain their natural tone and texture.
Its broad, controlled dispersion also supports a stable stereo image across a useful listening area.
314mm Super Linear Bass Driver
Low frequencies are reproduced by ATC’s substantial 314mm professional-level bass driver.
Super Linear Magnet technology is designed to reduce magnetic distortion within the drive system, helping the speaker reproduce powerful bass while preserving pitch, timing and low-level detail.
The large driver, enhanced port profile and dedicated 200W amplifier allow the SCM100ASL to reach 32Hz at the stated minus 6dB point.
ATC 25mm High-Frequency Driver
The 25mm high-frequency driver is designed and manufactured by ATC and powered by its own 50W amplifier.
Separating the high-frequency amplifier from the bass and midrange channels helps preserve fine detail and reduces the influence of large low-frequency demands on treble reproduction.
Active Electronic Crossover
The active crossover divides the incoming balanced signal at 380Hz and 3.5kHz before it reaches the amplifier stages.
ATC uses a wide-bandwidth electronically balanced input stage with high common-mode rejection and very low distortion.
Because the crossover operates at line level, it avoids the large inductors and capacitors required by a conventional high-power passive crossover.
Balanced XLR Inputs
Each speaker provides a balanced female XLR input with an input sensitivity of 1V and an impedance greater than 10k ohms.
Balanced connections are particularly useful where the speakers are positioned several metres from the source equipment, helping reduce susceptibility to electrical interference.
A stereo system therefore requires two line-level signal cables, one running to the left speaker and one to the right.
Matching ATC Pre-Amplifiers
The
ATC SCA2 reference pre-amplifier
is the natural high-level partner, providing balanced source inputs and balanced XLR outputs capable of driving longer cable runs.
The
ATC CA2 Mk2 pre-amplifier
provides a more compact analogue control centre with line inputs, configurable record playback and headphone listening.
A suitable music streamer or DAC with a high-quality variable output can also be connected directly, although the source’s volume behaviour and output compatibility should be confirmed first.
115dB Maximum Continuous Output
ATC specifies a maximum continuous sound pressure level of 115dB at one metre.
This provides the dynamic capability required for realistic reproduction of orchestral music, rock, electronic music and large-scale recordings in an appropriately sized room.
High output is only part of the design. The SCM100ASL is engineered to retain clarity, balance and low distortion as musical demands increase.
Frequency Response and Dispersion
The specified frequency response extends from 32Hz to 22kHz at the stated minus 6dB points, with amplitude linearity within plus or minus 2dB from 65Hz to 17kHz.
Coherent dispersion is approximately plus or minus 80 degrees horizontally and plus or minus 10 degrees vertically.
This makes correct stand height and listening position important while providing broad horizontal coverage for more than one listener.
Supplied Stands
Matching 200mm-high stands are included and raise the total speaker height to approximately 1034mm.
Eight M8 floor spikes and locking nuts are supplied across the pair. Suitable floor protectors should be used on wood, tile, laminate and other vulnerable surfaces.
The stands should be levelled carefully before the speakers are positioned and connected.
Room Positioning
The SCM100ASL requires sufficient space to operate without nearby furniture or room boundaries dominating its bass response.
Begin with the speakers placed symmetrically and aimed towards the listening area. Experiment gradually with their distance from the rear and side walls, spacing and toe-in.
Large loudspeakers do not automatically require an enormous room, but the room must allow sensible placement and enough listening distance for the three drive units to integrate properly.
Plan the Installation Before Delivery
Each SCM100ASL weighs 58.5kg including its stand. The cabinet is 400mm wide and 585mm deep before allowing space for the rear amplifier, XLR cable and mains lead.
Confirm access through doors, stairways and tight corners, and use appropriate assistance when positioning the speakers.
SCM50ASL or SCM100ASL?
ATC SCM50ASL
- 234mm Super Linear bass driver
- 38Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 112dB maximum continuous SPL
- 350W tri-amplification per speaker
- More compact cabinet and footprint
- Suited to medium-sized rooms
View the ATC SCM50ASL active speakers
ATC SCM100ASL
- 314mm Super Linear bass driver
- 32Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- 115dB maximum continuous SPL
- 350W tri-amplification per speaker
- Greater bass scale and output capability
- Suited to larger rooms and listening distances
Active or Passive SCM100?
SCM100ASL Active
- Three matched amplifiers inside each speaker
- Electronic crossover before amplification
- No separate stereo power amplifier required
- Balanced XLR signal input
- Each speaker requires mains power
SCM100PSL Passive
- Requires suitable external power amplification
- Conventional speaker-cable connection
- Allows independent amplifier selection
- Recommended amplification from 100W to 1500W
- No mains power required at the speakers
View the ATC SCM100PSL passive speakers
Finish Options
ATC’s finish specification includes standard veneers, painted finishes, premium veneers and high-gloss treatments.
Standard Veneers
Cherry, Walnut, Oak and Black Ash provide a traditional furniture-grade appearance with natural variation in grain and shade.
Painted Finishes
Satin Black and Satin White create a more uniform contemporary appearance.
Premium and High Gloss
ATC also lists selected premium veneers and high-gloss treatments for systems requiring a more distinctive finish.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Reference stereo music systems
- Medium-sized and larger listening rooms
- ATC SCA2 and CA2 pre-amplifiers
- Streamers and DACs with suitable variable outputs
- Longer balanced interconnect runs
- Listeners prioritising accuracy and dynamics
- Systems requiring substantial bass extension
Check Before Buying
- Each speaker weighs 58.5kg including its stand
- Total height with stand is approximately 1034mm
- Each speaker requires a mains socket
- A suitable pre-amplifier or variable output is required
- Balanced XLR signal cables are required
- The room must allow suitable positioning
- Safe access and installation should be planned
Setup Guidance
- Position and level the stands before connecting cables
- Use floor protectors on vulnerable surfaces
- Connect both speakers with the system switched off
- Begin with the pre-amplifier volume set low
- Keep signal cables separated from mains leads
- Experiment with wall distance and toe-in
- Use familiar recordings when refining placement
Browse our
stereo speakers
,
pre-amplifiers and Hi-Fi amplifiers
,
music streamers
,
digital-to-analogue converters
and
analogue interconnects
, or explore the complete
ATC range at Audio T
.
Key Features
- Three-way active loudspeaker system supplied as a pair
- ATC 25mm high-frequency driver
- ATC SM75-150S 75mm soft-dome midrange
- ATC 314mm Super Linear bass driver
- Dedicated amplifier for each drive unit
- 200W bass amplifier per speaker
- 100W midrange amplifier per speaker
- 50W high-frequency amplifier per speaker
- 350W total tri-amplification per speaker
- Active electronic crossover
- Balanced XLR input on each speaker
- 32Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- 115dB maximum continuous SPL
- Matched response within approximately 0.5dB
- Active FET momentary gain-reduction protection
- Matching 200mm stands included
- Fabric-wrapped grilles and floor spikes included
- Designed and manufactured by ATC in the United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ATC SCM100ASL speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. The system includes two active speakers, two matching stands, two fabric-wrapped grilles and floor spikes.
Do they require a separate power amplifier?
No. Each speaker contains dedicated bass, midrange and high-frequency amplifiers.
Do they require a pre-amplifier?
They require a suitable pre-amplifier or source component with a properly controlled variable analogue output.
What connections are required?
Each speaker requires one balanced XLR signal connection and its own mains connection.
How powerful are the built-in amplifiers?
Each speaker provides 200W for bass, 100W for midrange and 50W for high frequencies, creating 350W of tri-amplification.
How large and heavy is each speaker?
Each cabinet measures 834 x 400 x 585mm, with its stand adding 200mm to the height. Each speaker weighs 58.5kg including the stand.
What is the difference between the SCM100ASL and SCM100PSL?
The SCM100ASL contains active crossovers and matched amplifiers, while the passive SCM100PSL requires a separate external power amplifier.
Which pre-amplifier is the best ATC partner?
The SCA2 is ATC’s reference partnering pre-amplifier, while the CA2 Mk2 provides a more compact analogue alternative.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable reference source equipment
- ATC active-speaker and pre-amplifier matching advice
- Balanced interconnect and cable-length guidance
- Room-size and listening-distance assessment
- Speaker positioning and toe-in assistance
- Equipment access and installation planning
- Floor-spike and surface-protection advice
- Streamer, DAC and turntable system matching
- Ongoing setup and system-development support
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss matching and installing the ATC SCM100ASL within your room and music system.