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. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. 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: A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. 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.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
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
| 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 |
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