Hi folks!
I am considering a pair of speakers and I quite like the ATC sound - very true to life performance. I am considering the SCM11 and SCM19 monitor speakers and possibly the Usher Mini-X Diamond model which appears to be quite similar, with a little bit more extension in the low and high end but slightly less neutral than the ATC perhaps.
I have considered the ATC active monitor speakers but the prices are prohibitive.
I am considering the following Bryston amplifiers:
- 2.5B SST2
- 3B SST2
They would be used with the Bryston BHA-1 headphone amplifier used as a preamplifier.
If your recommendation is the 2.5B SST2, then I might consider the B135 integrated amplifier as well since it's power amplifier section seems to be the same as the one used in 2.5B SST2. With the B135, I would have a preamplifier as well and could dedicate the BHA-1 to headphone use only.
However, if your recommendation is the 3B SST2, I would have to buy a preamplifier as well, possibly the BP-17.
The ATC SCM11 and SCM19 have a sensitivity of 85 dB/W/m and the Usher has a slightly higher sensitivity of 87 dB/W/m. However, these are substantial monitor speakers with magnet assemblies that are as large as the diaphragms themselves and I cannot say they are very sensitive at all.
Thanks for any advice!
Cheers!
Antun