Short answer: the Perlisten S4b. It ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $8,000. The ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, at $3,750, $4,250 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Perlisten S4b is the more accurate pick. A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.35 against 4.61 for the ATC SCM19. The catch: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
The ATC SCM19 is the deeper-bass pick. A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the Perlisten S4b. Watch for: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the Perlisten S4b. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $4,250 you would save on the ATC SCM19 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume.
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
| Perlisten S4b | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,000 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D | 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 |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.01 | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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