Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $6,249.98 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The KEF Reference 1 Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.48 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the ATC SCM19. Watch for: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3.
What the ATC SCM19 does well: 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 KEF Reference 1 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $6,249.98 you would save on the ATC SCM19 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs.
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
| KEF Reference 1 Meta | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9999.98 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 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, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.48 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.29 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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