Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: PMC DB1i Speakers by mbnx01

Model:	DB1i
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1800
Description:	Compact Monitor
Manufacturer URL:	PMC
Model Picture:	View

Review by mbnx01 on August 03, 2008 at 14:59:09
IP Address: 71.35.53.193 Add Your Review
for the DB1i

I have been an LS3/5a fan for 30 years and have owned the original, the 11-ohm 'computer optimized' version and the new Stirling V2. The LS3/5a is a classic and has had many competitors over the years. These competitors (such as the Harbeth PS-ES2, Spendor S3/5, etc) usually manage to best the LS3/5a in one or two areas. Maximum volume, for example. Or efficiency. Bass dynamics, and so on.

Like many people I would argue that till now, none of these 'would be speakers' has really bested the LS3/5a in those areas where it reigns supreme - midrange naturalness, and that speakers uncanny ability to 'disappear' into the room.

I have owned so many of these little British speakers I can't keep track of them all. The little Harbeths, for example, I didn't have long. Yes, they were nice, yes they played MUCH louder than the LS3/5a, but to my ears they had a 'mechanical' sound and they did not have the wonderful 'disappearing' soundstage of the BBC LS3/5a. The Spendor, while a very nice speaker, did not have the amazing midrange of the LS3/5a.

Two years ago I bought a pair of used PMC DB1+'s to use in a home theater setup. They were a wonderful speaker, with excellent resolution, amazing bass for their size, outstanding dynamics and considerably better efficiency than the customary 82-83db for this kind of speaker. They mated extemely well with my REL sub. They were not the last word in high-end resolution and the midrange while excellent, did give up a little to the LS3/5a.

Over the next six to eight months I compared them to the Stirling V2's in my 'two-channel music' system many times. My initial response was that while an excellent speaker, I still preferred the LS3/5a. Over time, that began to change. Yes, I love the sound of the LS3/5a, but damn...it's nice to play loud sometimes. To have bass. And I wondered....do I like the LS3/5a so much because it's an LS3/5a and I've just gotten used to 'that sound' for a little speaker? Maybe.

Enter the latest version of PMC's take on the classic BBC compact monitor - the 'DB1i' for improved. Improved meaning new tweeter, updated bass driver, crossover and cabinet. And yes, this speaker is a MAJOR improvement over it's excellent (and now discontinued) DB1+ predecessor. I believe in listening to something a good long time before I make an statement on it, so I've had these for almost four months before writing this review.

Let's cut to the chase - these are wonderful and I would have them over any LS3/5a in a hot minute. What is it about this speaker that makes me prefer them to my 30 year favorite? The detail and resolution is stunning. The midrange has definition and detail that reminds me of a good planar speaker, but the high end goes on forever with detail, but no glare. This is, I believe, the smallest 'transmission line' speaker on the market and it has the low end to prove it. And none of that sneaky 'bass bump' anywhere to fool you into hearing bass that isn't really there.

These speakers are very fast and very dynamic and 'disappear' into a room. The bass/midrange/treble are 'all the same thing' - nothing seems out of place. At 87db they are a good 4-5db more efficient than most speakers of this type. They sound particularly good at low to moderate volumes. I have these in my hobby shop now, having purchased a pair of the larger TB2i's for my 2-channel system in the family room. (Review forthcoming, but think Spendor SP1/2 in a smaller box, but more neutral and LOTS faster).

I kind of dislike that this is such a 'rave' review, but I am really impressed with what PMC has done here. My only negative comment would be that I'm not nuts about PMC's woodwork - it's ok, but not outstanding. For example, I'd say it's a notch down from what you'd see in a Harbeth or a Spendor. But it's still nice (mine are in walnut).

The classic 'BBC inspired compact monitor' is a very popular genre, and with good reason. A pair of 12"x7"8" (or so) size speakers with a good design, and on a good pair of stands, can sound amazingly in a small to moderate sized room. I had my LS3/5a's for eight years (while I lived in apartments) and never felt the need for anything 'better'.

Speaking of stands, I'm using mine on 2-post Skylan stands, highly recommended (Hi, Noel!).

Feel free to email or post if you have specific questions. For now, I think this is really the item to beat in the 'LS3/5a sized and inspired' monitor speaker.

PS: In case people are interested, these, like all PMC speakers, are still made in England.

Product Weakness:	Obvious limitations for room-size, volume, bass, based on the type of product this is (compact monitor).
Product Strengths:	Exceptional resolution, detail, soundstaging, dynamics, bass and efficiency all set the standard for this type of speaker.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Quad 909
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Quad 99
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rega Saturn
Speakers: PMC DB1i
Cables/Interconnects: Analysis Plus
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Jazz, Kraftwerk
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 16 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3-4 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): N/A
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Quad 909
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Quad 99
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega Saturn
Speakers:	PMC DB1i
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Kraftwerk
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 16 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3-4 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	N/A
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner