Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3. It ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $3,449 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the ATC SCM19. Watch for: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Why pick the ATC SCM19: Harmonic distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays generally low across the range aside from the spike tied to the 700-800Hz resonance. The catch: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,449 saving on the ATC SCM19 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations.
Audio First Designs $7199 eBay
Harmonic distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays generally low across the range aside from the spike tied to the 700-800Hz resonance.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 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) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 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 (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | sealed |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Audio First Cadentia 3 (measured by the manufacturer) and ATC SCM19 (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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