are these OK?

[peter Allison]

Hi all, my first post here. I am going for a demo of a set of SCM40 speakers next week, and have just purchased a pair of PS Audio M700 monobloc amps. As the speakers are reputed to be awkward to drive, are class D amps suitable... I am moving from my Amphion Argon 3 LS speakers. Thanks

[jophill]

Hello Peter and welcome

I don't know the PS Audio M700 in particular but modern class D amplifiers in general don't raise any red flags for me. The breed has matured greatly since the early products that I saw, and the maker's M700 page looks impressive.

As for being awkward to drive, ATCs 'speakers are generally easier than average on the impedance scale. However, they're a little more difficult than average on the sensitivity scale (but the SCM40s are actually about the same as your Amphions). That means you need an amplifier with reasonably high headline power to get the best out of them. As per ATC's loudspeaker FAQ number 7.

IME ATC loudspeakers perform rather well with amplifiers having a headline power in the upper part of the range recommended by ATC (75W to 300W for the SCM40). The M700 monoblocs look to me like they very much match the requirement, but as always it's really your ears that have to make that judgement.

Regards

John

[Bulldog]

I just checked the PS Audio website. They have some great products. Digital amplification has come a long way and I would be very surprised if the M700 monobloc amplifiers didn't impress you driving the SCM40s.