Short answer: the Dynaudio Heritage Special. It ranks #29 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $7,000. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $3,250 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Dynaudio Heritage Special is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the ATC SCM19. The catch: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels.
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 Dynaudio Heritage Special. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,250 you would save on the ATC SCM19 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A limited edition bookshelf speaker with huge output for its size, robust bass, and a big, well proportioned soundstage.
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
| Dynaudio Heritage Special | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,000 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm) | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Impedance | 5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Denmark | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.32 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed |
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