Editors’ Choice: Best Active Stand-Mount and Floorstanding Loudspeakers

REVIEW
by TAS Staff
Oct 29, 2024

JBL 4329P

$4500

This is a complete system, not just a speaker. It has streamer, hi-res DAC, and amplifiers, as well as a horn midrange/tweeter, and 8″ ported woofer. Signals are routed through an electronic crossover to the 50W horn amplifier and the 250W woofer amplifier. If you want a physically simple system, this one fits the bill, yet it also allows for added sources. If you also want a big, bold sound with tight, solid midbass, the 4329P should be at the top of your list in this price range. The sound is energetic and on the bright side, but for dynamic music and group listening this can work well. The imaging for central listeners is also a 4329P strength. TAS YouTube

JBL 4329P

ATC SCM19A

$7999

The active, two-way tower version of ATC’s compact passive cousin, the SCM19, the 19A equals or betters the stand-mount in virtually every sonic criterion. It has better bass extension, but it’s the increase in control and pitch definition that truly engages the listener. Images lock in. Its comforting warmth in the lower mids and upper bass adds to the impression of musical scale and substance. Though it may seem pricey at first glance, considering the amps and precision electronics built into each speaker and the studio-grade performance, its true value becomes more evident with every recording. Audiophiles may shrink from active loudspeakers, but the SCM19A makes the case emphatically. NG, 272

ATC SCM19A

Rethm Trishna

$10,000/pr.

The Trishna has a single driver to cover the upper bass through the treble. It also uses 4 woofers per cabinet in an isobaric alignment, driven by 180W amps, to handle the mid-to-low bass. This allows you to choose your own amp for midrange and treble, and the 96dB/1W/1m sensitivity means low-wattage amplifiers can be employed. The Trishna’s sound is lively, transparent, and clear. Soundstage presentation is excellent, with pinpoint imaging. Bass is effortless and controlled, but this is not the speaker for those who like their bass ripe, punchy, or elevated. TAS YouTube

Rethm Trishna

ATC SCM50 ASLT

$24,999-$30,999 depending on finish

The tower version of the famed pro monitor, the three-way, floorstanding, active, tri-amplified SCM50 ASLT has no-nonsense ease and neutrality that are underscored by three key properties: one, midrange presence and immediacy; two, midband speed that borders on electrostatic territory; and three, a staggeringly wide dynamic envelope that easily puts electrostatics and most cone loudspeakers of this size to shame. Transient behavior is smooth rather than underlined and exposed for effect. Bass response plummets effortlessly into the mid-30Hz range. Vocals are at times almost voluptuous with harmonic bloom. Is active for everyone? Maybe not. But for enthusiasts, ATC should be the first call they make. NG, 290

ATC SCM50 ASLT