"Duncan L. Armstrong" wrote in message ...
"Anthony Edwards" wrote in message
...

(...)
snip more glowing praise, followed by unusually poor performance by the
Active 20s
Dominic agreed with me that something wasn't right, and is I think
going to investigate things further. It is hard to pinpoint what may
be wrong, but there is something definitely wrong with that pair of
loudspeakers which merits further investigation.


I would tend to agree. I had a pair of the pro model Active 20s on loan
for a week or so (while the 10s were in for servicing), and the sound
was overall very similar.
(...)
But from what I did hear, they sounded
much like the 10s, with deeper, more powerful bass, and possibly (just
possibly...) a sweeter, more refined treble (though that may have been
my imagination). Certainly nothing of the magnitude you describe.

Well, I've never heard 10s, but I have heard 20s (pro and domestic),
50s and 100s, and own a pair of 20-Pros. 'twas certainly not my
impression than the 20s were a pile of poo - else I wouldn't have
bought a pair! So I second the idea that the speakers you - Anthony -
heard were a bit bollixed. Or, alternatively ... you did remember to
remove mice, earwigs, cheese from your ears during the audition, yes?


(...)

In any case, I get the impression ATC design their range of active
loudspeakers to be basically the same speaker, only for different
applications - i.e. near/mid-field listening in a relatively small room
(Active 10, 20) to far-field listening in a mahoosive room (Active 100,
200, 300, etc.) - and that the character and quality of sound throughout
the range is generally very similar. I haven't actually heard any of
the bigger actives, though, so this is purely conjecture (and quite
possibly just wishful thinking from a proud Active 10 owner. )

I'd agree that all ATC actives I've heard have a very similar
character. I'd also say that the bigger boxes in the series are always
(somewhat) better IME.



Anyway, I'm certain you'll enjoy your purchase (and the tour of the ATC
factory - so jealous!) For a smallish room, as you say yours is, there
really shouldn't be any need to ever upgrade again.

Ah yes, but you might end up looking for a larger room so you can
sling some 50s or 100s in there!

Would quite like some 70ASLs myself, and I could probably afford them
if I sold a few internal organs.

Steve.