Short answer: the Arendal 1528 Monitor 8. It ranks #23 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $6,000. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $2,250 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Arendal 1528 Monitor 8 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A big three way monitor with dual 8 inch woofers, bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer, and extremely low distortion at high volume. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.59 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. Its bass reaches about 41Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the ATC SCM19. Watch for: A dip in the midbase around 100Hz noticeably reduces the “chestiness” of male vocals compared to the reviewer’s reference speaker.
Why pick the ATC SCM19: A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. The tradeoff: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Arendal 1528 Monitor 8. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,250 you would save on the ATC SCM19 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A big three way monitor with dual 8 inch woofers, bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer, and extremely low distortion at high volume.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1528 Monitor 8 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6000 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 31.8”H x 11.4”W x 17.6”D (807.7 x 289.6 x 447 mm) | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | Dual 8” woofers, 5” midrange, 28mm tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 103.6 lbs (47 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.59 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.04 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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