Got there in the end

Recent house move and new larger room gave me a severe case of upgraditis. Nothing wrong with my old system (SN2, 2qute, and pmc 20.23) but speakers were starting to feel a little small (bass was all there but somehow sound didn't quite fill the room as I liked). There was also something in the sound that was unforgiving on too many records. So on the advice of the hifi shop I tried a Sugden amp with Hugo TT. It wasn't the revelation I was hoping for. Soundstage improved along with clarity but the speakers still felt small with even less bass and sound was still too unforgiving. The Sugden was not able to drive the PMC speakers properly. Tried the easier to drive and bigger PMC 20.24 - the Sugen still struggled. Next step a more powerful amp (unable to revert back to SN2 as dealer sold it). Considered 250DR but put off by statements that you must use Naim preamp, Naim speaker cable, etc. So in walks Bryston amp with PMC 20.26. Absolutely superb in every department, very musical and forgiving, and just what I was looking for. Only one problem - the bottom end of the 20.26 is way to big for my room. The room and my listening chair were shaking out of control. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

I've been a PMC listener now since about 2004 and always loved their sound but I was now running out of options. After many positive comments on this forum and other places I decided to try some active ATC SCM40A speakers connected directly to the Hugo TT. Knew straight away listening out of the box that these were the right speakers for me and my room. I also realised why the PMC Twenty series was unforgiving (except 26). The tweeter was being asked to do too much. Not so with ATC, the drivers, especially the tweeter and mid, and crossovers are really special. Music sounds balanced and natural with great soundstage and separation, really draws you in. Similar to 20.26 but doesn't overpower my room and has tight bass. Very addictive and enjoyable to listen too. It's a sensational speaker at really good value for money. I find it difficult to comprehend that a better sound could be produced than what I am currently listening too for the same or less cash. Finally, got there in the end, a few lessons learned along the way.

I now question the need for a traditional separate pre and power amps...

All the best.