ATC SIA2-100 Integrated

ATC SIA2-100 & CD2

• Both units are handsome and well made. The slight curve to the side cheeks is a rare flourish that looks elegant and the rest of the product feels extremely well assembled.
• I initially focus on the SIA2-100. Connected to Bowers & Wilkins hugely revealing 805 D3 standmount from this month’s Beautiful System (p88) and an SOtM sMS-200 Neo network audio player (HFC 449) running into the USB port, it impresses from the off.
• ATC has never been about anything other than tonal accuracy and the new amp doesn’t let the side down. Familiarity by Punch Brothers from The Phosphorescent Blues album feels utterly and unambiguously real. The pared-back instrumentation alternates with big but brief orchestral interludes that explode into life and vanish as fast as they appeared. Lead singer Chris Thile’s vocals have the weight and space they need to be the soul focus of your attention.
• One consistent aspect of the performance is that the SIA2-100 doesn’t seek to modify the material it plays.
• The assurance with which it hammers through the crescendos of the track is notable and the composure – even at anti-social levels – impresses.
• The CD2 silver disc player has a genuinely lovely sound that flatters discs that need to be flattered and gives free reign to those that don’t.
• The forgiving element to the CD2’s presentation means it will handle a collection of rough diamonds with an even handedness and consistency that rivals can lack.
• As a pair, this is a fabulous combination that manages to thrill and cosset in equal measure. ATC doesn’t introduce electronics very often, but these two are worth the wait and worthwhile seeking out.
• ATC SIA2-100:
  • LIKE: Powerful, even handed sound; good spread of inputs; build
  • WE SAY: A capable all-round amp that offers excellent performance with a wide range of setups
• ATC CD2:
  • LIKE: Wonderfully sweet and lively presentation; build
  • WE SAY: A genuinely engaging disc spinner that will get the best from any CD collection

ATC SIA2-100

• We play Young Guns’ Memento Mori, and the ATC immediately grabs our attention. There’s a real sense of vim and vigour to the way the track is delivered. There’s pace and agility to the drums as the high hat gallops along, while the bass guitar bobs and weaves in the background.
• The ATC communicates the path and position of all the instruments with impressive precision. Both high and low-level dynamic shifts can be heard and it all adds up to an enthusiastic sound capable of piquing your interest.
• Its immensely clear and transparent character allows the emotion of the track to wash over you. There’s a fine level of detail in each carefully considered stroke of the piano keys. Her voice and its accompanying echo are sweetly rendered.
• Such is the ATC’s transparency, it pulls no punches with poorly recorded tracks. If dynamics are crushed and compressed or highs are particularly harsh, the ATC doesn’t gloss over it.
• Wonderfully transparent and honest performer

• FOR

  • Neutral, balanced sound
  • Impressive agility
  • Loads of detail

ATC SCM 7, SIA2-100 & CD2

• The drivers are of ATC’s own design, the 25mm soft-dome tweeter having an alloy waveguide to control dispersion and the 12.5cm mid/bass unit having an integral version of the company’s famous soft mid-range dome. They may be tiny but they still weigh 7.5kg apiece.
• Balance and focus are just what this system has, whether playing CDs or streaming music via a computer – or, as in this case, from the Melco N100 also reviewed this month as well as my usual Mac mini.
• Even more surprising is that the SCM7 speakers, driven by the SIA2-100amplifier, deliver not just fine detail and a solid stereo image but also powerful bass way beyond what one might expect from enclosures so small. There’s real texture and conviction down there, too, making orchestral double basses and the left hand of a pianist equally striking.
• Above all, it’s the integration of this set-up that’s its most appealing aspect. The drivers in the SCM7 work together seamlessly, the amplifier has more than enough power, control and definition to ensure they behave themselves without holding back on musical flow and even the CD player makes a very strong case for the continued existence of the silver disc.
• Buy it for its solidity, its style or even the ‘all made in Britain’ thing: however you look at this ATC system, it’s remarkable value for money.