Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Endowed with greater finesse, power handling capability, and the ability to make much deeper and clearer bass than a conventional ported or sealed box speaker due to its transmission line design (ATL)
- Capable of delivering bass in quantities that will surprise listeners—clean, tight bass and not muddy or boomy
- The speaker does not sound tiny—it has the tonal weight, the mid-range finesse, the bass capabilities of a much larger speaker
- Delivers a supremely cohesive listening experience, balancing natural vocals, refined bass and a snappy sense of rhythm
- Has a strong, confident, articulate and direct character—homes in on the music's rhythms and dynamics
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- The finish isn't lavish, but it is smooth and functional
- Black satin is the only available finish—cloth grills are available at extra cost
- A warm speaker that is mid and low forward—if you already have a warm amp, you may find adding a touch of treble will balance the sound
- The soundstage itself felt compressed—felt flatter when placed closer to the wall
Takeaway: The PMC Prodigy 5 is a great speaker for people who want a really nice sounding system, but don't want to fuss. This speaker will shine for audiophiles with space limitations.
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Manufacturer details
- Sensitivity: 87.3dB SPL 1W 1m
- Recommended Amp Power: 20 - 250W
- Effective ATL Length: 1.96m (6.4ft)
- Impedance: 6 Ohm
- Drive Units: LF PMC 5.25"/133mm natural fibre long-throw LT, HF PMC 27mm/1" soft dome
- Crossover Frequency: 1.7kHz
- Input Connectors: One pair 4mm binding posts
- Dimensions: H 905mm (35.6") (+20mm spikes) W 165mm (6.5") (233mm incl. plinth bars) D 237mm (9.3") (+10mm optional grille)
- Weight: 10kg (22lbs ea.)
It also delivers transparent, natural vocals and instrumental sound, and an untainted, solid bottom end. Thanks to an extended Advanced Transmission Line with twin Laminair vents for smoother airflow, the prodigy5 lives up to its name with prodigious bass power.
That is combined with tight, clean control for a really dynamic, thrilling presentation of the true weight of the music, almost regardless of where you place the speakers in the room. Designed to reveal all the quality of your favoured electronics, the slender prodigy5 will blend into any space, with the option of grilles available for those who like their speakers even more discreet.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- PMC leverages its professional studio monitor expertise to create hifi speakers, resulting in accurate and detailed sound reproduction at home.
- The brand utilizes Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology in their speaker designs, producing tight, extended, and well-balanced bass.
- They pay significant attention to minimizing cabinet vibrations through decoupled designs, mass damping, and plinth stands to improve imaging and overall clarity.
Select products
Prodigy5:
- Positioning: A compact floor-standing speaker designed for versatility in various room sizes.
- Description: Offers a dynamic sound experience with its Advanced Transmission Line and twin Laminair vents, making it ideal for small to medium rooms. Compared to the larger models like the twenty5.26i, it provides a more affordable option without compromising on the clarity and depth of sound. Its compact design makes it suitable for those with limited space and a moderate budget, while still delivering a powerful audio performance.
Active twenty5.24i:
- Positioning:The largest two-way speaker in the active twenty5i series, designed for high-resolution audio.
- Description: This model combines active technology with PMC's ATL to deliver precise and dynamic sound, perfect for larger rooms. Unlike the passive models such as the Prodigy5, the active design allows for optimized internal amplification, providing a more integrated and space-efficient solution.
Prophecy9:
- Positioning: The flagship model of the Prophecy series, offering state-of-the-art performance.
- Description: Featuring PMC's LaminairX technology, delivers an expansive soundstage and deep bass, ideal for large rooms and high-end audio setups. It surpasses models like the twenty5.26i in terms of technological sophistication and sound dynamics.
Fenestria:
- Positioning: The top-of-the-range model in the Fact series, designed for the ultimate listening experience.
- Description: With vibration-cancelling design and advanced materials, offers exceptional sound purity. It stands out from other models like the Prophecy9 with its innovative cabinet and driver technologies, providing an immersive audio experience.
Our take on the brand
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Used
PMC
What if you spend more?
The largest two-way speaker in the range, the Active twenty5.24i combines the resolution and power of our active technology with our in-house drivers and ATL, for performances with realism, precision, and breathtaking dynamics. Our largest Active twenty5i model, the Active twenty5.24i, is a two-way speaker that sounds like a much larger three-way design. Driven by 200W of optimised internal amplification per speaker, and with an active crossover to ensure each driver is powered optimally, it will fill even large listening rooms with compelling musical performances. Its 19mm soft dome tweeter and 6.5-inch mid/bass driver are seamlessly integrated and combine with our ATL™ technology to deliver a high-fidelity experience like no other – just add a preamplifier, or a network player with volume control for a complete high-end system taking up minimal space. The Active twenty5i series - high-end audio made sleek and convenient with uncompromised performance.
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Product Strengths
- Delivers a crisp, open sound with a pacy and tuneful low end
- Bass is balanced and clearly included in the soundscape, even at low volumes
- The tweeter is better balanced with the midrange, and now you can fully hear the overtones ringing freely from Keith Jarrett's piano
- Bass goes below 30 Hz in a normal room
- Easy to listen to with the transmission line bass extension, creating a flowing and endless musical experience
Product Considerations
- Diamond black finish is prone to fingerprints
- Needs an amplifier with sufficient headroom for loud transients
- Requires some space in the room to perform well
- Could use a little more energy in the upper midrange for piano timbre
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The PMC twenty5 24i delivers deeper bass with more authority than the KEF R11
- The PMC twenty5 24i has a better bass foundation than the Piega Premium 701
- The PMC twenty5 24i reaches deeper in frequency than the Sonus faber Sonetto V
Takeaway: The PMC twenty5.24i delivers a crisp, open sound with a tuneful low end that complements a wide range of music. Its ability to reveal nuances in recordings and its balanced sound make it worth a listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Slender Speakers with Surprising Performance.Lumina V takes inspiration from Sonus faber’s core designs and technologies, packaged in a sleek and minimalistic floorstanding speaker.LUXURY, SIMPLIFIED.Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.LIGHTING THE WAYThe Lumina collection ushers in exciting changes while preserving the history and values core to Sonus faber. Centered on simplicity, Lumina provides an immersive and musical experience to a broader audience.SIGNATURE SONUS FABER MATERIALSLumina V incorporates multilayer wood on the front baffle and wood veneer, available in multiple finishes. The sides and top of the speaker cabinet are hand-covered in black leather.SIMPLICITY AND STYLELumina takes note of Sonus faber’s iconic natural materials.
Product Strengths
- Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
- Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
- The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
- Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
- Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB
Product Considerations
- Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
- The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
- Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
- Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
- Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
You wanted a flagship R-Series to fill larger rooms based on the trickle-down technology from the S-Series. The second-best two-channel system in our line-up still rivals most competitor's flagship. Employing the same DPC array and long-excursion woofers for extremely low distortion and our beam forming controlled directivity down to 500Hz make this a full-range masterpiece only rivaled by our own award-winning S7t.
Designed as a stand alone 2ch high fidelity speaker with the versatility to be used as part of multi-channel systems. Sharing "trickle-down" technology from our flagship S-Series, the DPC-Array here based on three 26mm domes, guarantees excellent directivity control and timbre matching with all R-Series speakers.
The Silk diaphragms developed ground up, chosen specifically their smooth, effortless representation of midrange and treble. The 165mm woofers are made from our proprietary HPF pulp, two years in development, bringing new technology to one of the oldest materials used in loudspeaker design.
The R7t can be aligned as bass reflex or acoustic suspension depending on specific tastes. Rich, dynamic bass matched with advanced mid/treble directivity pattern control and silky highs offer best in class performance.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably coherent and balanced sound profile, resulting from well-engineered and matched drivers and cabinet
- An uncanny ability to 'disappear' in the listening room
- The DPC array design contributes to a wide horizontal dispersion, allowing a broader sweet spot for multiple listeners
- Accurate sound reproduction and neutral enough for studio use
- A high level of dynamic ability, good low-end control, and a cavernous soundstage
Product Considerations
- Only available in gloss black and gloss white finishes, which might not suit all tastes or home décor
- The price point is a significant investment, placing it beyond the reach of many
- Some reviewers noted a mild treble roll-off, or smooth character that was overly kind on poor recordings and might lack the sparkle and excitement some listeners prefer
- Setting up requires assistance, due to the weight
- The lower bass extension may not satisfy deep bass enthusiasts, with extension starting to drop below 40Hz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Perlisten S7t, the S7t offers more overall weight, bottom-end reach, resolution, and dynamic speed, but the R7t shines brightly on its own
- Compared to the EgglestonWorks Oso, the Oso presented a more muscular version of the music with more bottom end oomph, while the R7t conveyed music's finer points with more apparent resolution
- Compared to the KEF Reference 3, the KEF may yield deeper bass extension due to greater cabinet volume, and the scale of the soundstage may also be improved, but the Perlisten offers a superior disappearing act
Takeaway: The Perlisten R7t are well-built speakers that provide a detailed and immersive listening experience, with their advanced design and unique driver array creating a spacious soundstage. Their cutting-edge design creates a great listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive control and articulation, handling fast and congested music effortlessly
- Enhances positive qualities of the passive version
- Balances crossover, amplifier and tweeter in a way that avoids harsh or forward sounds
- Achieves more low-end impact compared to the passive version across the volume range
- Offers a wider and more expansive soundstage than its narrow frontage might suggest
Product Considerations
- Bass detail can sometimes be masked by the transmission line and air movement
- Requires a separate source and volume control, not fully self-contained like some active speakers
- The product might be considered expensive compared to other amp-and-speaker combinations
Takeaway: The active twenty5 23i is a good choice for those seeking a peerless solution that maintains hifi credentials and streamlines box-count. It hits harder and sounds sweeter, while providing intriguing system-building possibilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
- Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
- A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
- Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
- A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner
Product Considerations
- A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
- Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
- The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
- Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
- They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
- Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
- Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
- Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
- Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
- Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
- Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
- Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
- Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
- Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
- Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
- Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
- Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound
Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity and detail resolution, with leading edges of notes crisply defined
- Accurate reproduction, with precise tonal accuracy and fine spatial definition within the soundstage
- Superb build quality for the money, and they look more expensive than they are
- Easy to drive without requiring excessive power to perform to their best
- Soundstage width is better than the 3050i
Product Considerations
- Needs care in system matching, as they are transparent and will reveal shortcomings in the source or amplifier
- Can sound slightly lean throughout the lower midrange, and the highs can sometimes present as a bit hot depending on the content
- Does not plumb the depths that some other floorstanders do
- Not designed for pokey rooms and cupboard-sized man caves, they need to breathe and require adequate space
- Some reviewers felt the build quality of the binding posts could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 5040 has a more neutral tonal balance with better-defined bass and exceptional clarity, while the 3050i delivers greater overall impact with its larger drivers and cabinet
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5040 is a well-built speaker that sounds great and looks modern, making it a good choice for those who want clarity and detail in their music, but system matching is important to avoid a bright presentation. These speakers are a strong statement in the right listening environment for the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lot of sound output and low bass, good for listeners who like full-range speakers
- The diamond-coated tweeter offers a big sonic improvement, sounding more open and less tinny or strained on the high end
- Exceptional value for money
- Exceptional bass weight and presence for the price range
- The Ultra Evolution Pinnacle offer scale, drama, and full-range sonics
Product Considerations
- Voiced for warmth rather than accuracy
- Can be room-sensitive in ways that other designs are not
- Should be driven with a robust amplifier
- The speaker's tonality is not linear, with a dip in the upper mid-range followed by a peak, making the sound somewhat shouty
- Speakers require placement away from walls due to a wide Q bump in the lower bass region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4: The new tweeter in the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers had a lot of that open sound when playing "Blackbird" from QoBuz, but the highs weren't as open and airy as the nearly six times more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 speakers—the improvement over the past tweeter is notable
- vs Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3: B&W is slightly more money and slightly more refined
- vs MartinLogan XT F200: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers may have a different sonic signature
Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle speakers are a great option for those seeking a powerful, full-range sound with exceptional bass at a competitive price. They are the best SVS speaker yet and will make the listening experience vibrant and fun.
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