Short answer: the Buchardt Audio E50. It ranks #16 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $4,600. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $850 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Buchardt Audio E50 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.84 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the ATC SCM19. The catch: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis.
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 Buchardt Audio E50. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $850 saving on the ATC SCM19 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A bookshelf speaker with remarkably deep bass for its size, a very neutral midrange, and low distortion, with no need to sit near a wall.
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
| Buchardt Audio E50 | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4600 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 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 | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Passive radiator loaded | sealed |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000Hz | - |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 60W - 200W | - |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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