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ATC SCM20PSL Review
ATC SCM20PSL - Front View

Main Features

  • Tweeter
  • " Woofer
  • 55-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Power Range: 75W-300Wwatts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): "x"x" /
MSRP: $6,499 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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ATC SCM20PSL Review
ATC SCM20PSL ATC SCM20PSL
Check price atAmazon›

ATC SCM20PSL is a 2-way Passive Sealed Bookshelf speaker by ATC. It was released in 2022. It features a Tweeter and 1 x " Woofer.

1 x 150mm/6", SB75-150SL 8Ω; 1 x 25mm/1", SH25-76S 6Ω

The speaker has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. ATC SCM20PSL has an MSRP of 6499$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the ATC SCM20PSL is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the ATC SCM20PSL Speaker

ATC SCM20PSL has a Frequency response range of 55-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 75W-300W watts. With a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, SCM20PSL delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how SCM20PSL's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
ATC SCM20PSL
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the ATC SCM20PSL?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 55 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 10000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the ATC SCM20PSL's 55Hz:

  • Dynaudio Evoke 20 with Low Frequency of 40 Hz (Compare w/ SCM20PSL)
  • Wharfedale EVO5.2 with Low Frequency of 44 Hz (Compare w/ SCM20PSL)
  • Dynaudio Evoke 10 with Low Frequency of 47 Hz (Compare w/ SCM20PSL)
  • KEF R3 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ SCM20PSL)
  • B&W 607 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ SCM20PSL)

Crossover frequency of the ATC SCM20PSL?

The crossover frequency of the SCM20PSL is set to 2.2kHz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

ATC SCM20PSL driver frequency bands55-2.2kWoofer2.2k-25kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

ATC SCM20PSL's nominal impedance level is ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
ATC SCM20PSL
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the Ohms means that the ATC SCM20PSL is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide Ohms for this speaker.

Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the ATC SCM20PSL with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, ATC SCM20PSL is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Prefer to browse? See every integrated amplifier we cover.

Input Type

SCM20PSL features 1 x Rear Panel Mounted Female XLR, pin 2 hot type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

ATC SCM20PSL External Dimensions and Weight

ATC SCM20PSL has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) .

Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
ATC SCM20PSL
Min
Average
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $10000
ATC SCM20PSL
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

ATC SCM20PSL has a Sealed type cabinet.

Wall Mounting

SCM20PSL doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the ATC SCM20PSL come with a Grille?

SCM20PSL comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the ATC SCM20PSL.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the ATC SCM20PSL speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for ATC SCM20PSL

ATC SCM20PSL Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Dynaudio Evoke 10
Compare
2-way 84 dB 6 ohms 47-23k Hz
KEF R3
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
B&W 607 S2
Compare
2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
Wharfedale EVO5.2
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 44-24k Hz
Dynaudio Evoke 20
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 40-23k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about ATC SCM20PSL

What amplifier do you need for the ATC SCM20PSL?

ATC rates the ATC SCM20PSL for 75W-300W watts of amplifier power.

Is the ATC SCM20PSL easy to drive?

The ATC SCM20PSL has a sensitivity of 85 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the ATC SCM20PSL need a subwoofer?

The ATC SCM20PSL reaches down to 55Hz (full range 55-25k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

Is the ATC SCM20PSL sealed or ported?

The ATC SCM20PSL uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Does the ATC SCM20PSL come with grilles?

Yes. The ATC SCM20PSL comes with removable grilles.

How much does the ATC SCM20PSL cost?

The ATC SCM20PSL has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $6,499 per pair.


ATC SCM20PSL Detailed Specifications

General
BrandATC
Full Model NameATC SCM20PSL
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range75W-300W watts
Sensitivity85 dB
Max SPL108 dB
Frequency Response55-25k Hz
Release Date2022
DRIVERS
Woofer Size-inch
Woofer Composition
Crossover freq2.2kHz

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type1 x Rear Panel Mounted Female XLR, pin 2 hot
PHYSICAL SPECS
Heightmm ( -inch)
Widthmm ( -inch)
Depthmm ( -inch)
Heightmm ( -inch)
Weight—
EnclosureSealed
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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