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
- Offers the most natural sound, highlighting the subtle nuances of compression and harmonic enhancements more than any other speaker
- Delivers the deepest soundscape and the most expansive, spacious, and airy top end, as well as the richest, thickest bass sound
- PSI Audio's speakers exhibit a tight, focused tweeter response rather than a broad, diffused output, and are considered to be some of the most honest speakers available
- The A23-M's mids are a blend of superb clarity, transient accuracy, and smooth response
- Precision in the transient reproduction is unbelievable, bringing life, dynamics and clarity to the smallest of details, especially things like reverb and delay tails
Product Considerations
- The A23-M is not really a monitor for bijou studio spaces
- The accuracy of the PSI A23-M does not represent today's compromised playback conditions, and engineers need to honestly assess the best way to make sure projects translate to these compromised playback situations—a set of terrible speakers is needed to partner with this monitor
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- At lower volumes competing monitors seemed similar, but as the level was raised, the difference grew more apparent—when the other speakers distorted, the A23-Ms were not stressed
- With the A23-M's, it has been tempting to over-mix on these because everything can be heard, but on Neumann speakers, it was difficult to hear compression and saturation properly
Takeaway: The PSI Audio A23-M speakers offer incredibly detailed and natural sound, making them a top choice for audio professionals. With exceptional clarity and transient response, these speakers are worth considering for anyone seeking high-end monitoring.
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Manufacturer details
- Potential peak power: 310 + 120 + 55 W
- Continuous max SPL@1m: 108 dB
- Short term max. SPL@1m: 111 dB
- Peak max. SPL@1m: 122 dB
- Signal to noise ratio (S/N): 100 dBA
- Bandwidth at -6dB: 34-23'000 Hz
- SPL tolerances: ±1.5 dB
- Phase tolerances: ± 45 (200 Hz – 20 kHz) deg
- Dispersion (H x V): 85 x 40 deg
- System: 3 ways
- Crossover frequency: 620, 3'300 Hz
- Woofer ext. diam.: 240 mm (9.4 in)
- W. diaphragm diam.: 172 mm (6.8 in)
- Tweeter ext. dim.: 100 mm (3.9 in)
- T. diaphragm diam.: 27 mm (1.06 in)
- Dimensions W x H x D: 280 x 500 x 340 mm (11 x 19.7 x 13.4 in)
- Net Weight: 18 Kg (39.6 lbs)
- Input connector: 1 x XLR F / 3P
- Warranty: 5 (+1) years
The handmade tweeter used on the A23-M has already made the success of our biggest 3-way studio monitor, the A25-M. To achieve the ultimate precision for this compact 3-way, it was also necessary to build our own midrange driver. After more than 2 years of analyses and development, we are proud to release the current version: the most accurate and transparent mid that you can find on the market.
Tri-powered with our own analogue amps (Class G/H for bass + midrange driver and Class A/B for the tweeter), the A23-M is the top of the art active compact 3-way studio monitor. It is dedicated to music recording, mixing and mastering, broadcast and post production.
The A23-M is PSI Audio's new member. It is a compact 3-way mid-field active studio monitor with staggering precision and amazing stereo image. The dynamic behavior, precision frequency and phase responses have made of the A23-M a true reference in the entire industry.
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:
- PSI Audio's speaker designs are hand-crafted in Switzerland, combining traditional techniques with modern technology.
- They developed proprietary technologies like Adaptive Output Impedance (AOI) and Compensated Phase Response (CPR) to ensure accurate transient reproduction and phase coherence, resulting in a highly detailed and truthful sound.
- The brand maintains a consistent voicing across its entire product line, ensuring that any model can be seamlessly integrated into a monitoring setup.
- PSI Audio utilizes a unique Class G amplifier topology in many of their models, providing the linearity of Class A/B with the efficiency of Class D amplifiers, resulting in powerful and controlled sound reproduction.
Select products
AVAA C20
- Positioning: An analog active bass trap in PSI Audio's lineup, offering a straightforward solution for room mode issues.
- Description: Reduces resonance time of room modes by up to 50% without needing calibration. Unlike the digital AVAA C214, uses 100% analog technology, providing zero latency processing. It is highly portable and can be used in various environments, from home studios to professional settings, offering a cost-effective solution for those who do not require digital control features.
AVAA C214
- Positioning: A digital active bass trap, representing a more advanced option in PSI Audio's lineup with enhanced control features.
- Description: Features digital capabilities, allowing remote control via an app, which is a significant upgrade over the analog C20. It offers a larger absorption surface area, 45 times its size, compared to the C20's 25 times, making it suitable for users seeking high performance in larger or more complex acoustic environments.
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Used
PSI Audio
What if you spend more?
As with any PMC loudspeaker, thanks to its super-consistent dispersion and tonal balance, the PMC8-2 may be simply and seamlessly combined with smaller PMC speakers to create larger multi-channel or immersive systems. The twin bass drivers are partnered with the same PMC55 mid-range tweeter, DSP system and four channels of 400W Class-D amplification used in the PMC6-2. Again, the speaker is configurable directly via the rear panel or using the browser-based SoundAlign™ software from a computer or tablet.
Together with the precisely tuned ATL™ cabinet and hexagonal Laminair™ vents, the PMC8-2 delivers phenomenal performance that approaches that of our Main reference monitors, with smooth and consistent bass response down to 25Hz, a revealing mid-range and wide, stable sound-staging. As with the rest of the range, the PMC8-2's superb definition, fidelity, dynamics and bass accuracy allow mix decisions to be made quickly with complete confidence, and with no listening fatigue even after long sessions.
PMC8-2s can be upgraded through the addition of a PMC8-2 SUB to create an XBD system, enhancing the system's bass headroom by 6dB. Dedicated short and taller floor-stands are available for the PMC8-2 and PMC8-2 XBD systems which position them on the ideal listening axis.
"Active 3-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading Frequency response: 25Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis) Max. cont. SPL: 113dB @1m (half space value calculated as +3dB from full space measurement. Unweighted input, 20-20kHz Pink Noise (IEC) with 12dB CF for 2 hours AES2-1984 duration) State-of-the-art Class-D amplifiers: HF 400W, MF 400W, LF 2x 400W Analogue / AES3 digital input (16/24-bit, 18 -192kHz sample rate) Digital 'through' output (AES3 24-bit 96kHz SoundAlign™ network control interface for single or group EQ & settings Sophisticated DSP crossover, driver protection, EQ, and delay/polarity options PMC8-2 + PMC8-2 SUB creates PMC8-2 XBD, with up to 6dB of additional headroom Optional dedicated floor stands for PMC8-2 (40") and PMC8-2 XBD (19")"
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Unparalleled clarity, definition, and utmost accuracy
- Excellent bass extension and clarity, as well as proper tonal balance at every volume
- Super wide dispersion, and thus a bigger sweet spot
Product Considerations
- It would be overkill in smaller rooms
- A pair is a significant investment, so it makes sense that it's geared toward large, professional recording environments
- They weigh nearly 100 pounds apiece
Takeaway: The PMC 8-2 is a wise investment for professional studios that delivers detailed and accurate monitoring, so it could very well be the only monitor needed It uses proprietary technology to deliver its signature sound
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely clear sound, making them better for mixing and mastering than many other monitors
- Sound like main monitors, offering a large sound footprint not typically found in near-field or mid-field monitors
- Wide bandwidth accuracy and dependability at any volume level
- Midrange performance is particularly notable for realistic, unhyped accuracy, especially on naturally recorded human voices
- Bass performance combines extended bandwidth with great dynamic, pitch, and temporal accuracy
Product Considerations
- Require a significant break-in period
- To get the most out of them, an interface that can connect via AES is needed, as the conversion when using analog is not as transparent
- Correct placement is crucial; at least four and a half feet of distance is needed between the listener and the monitor to be able to get all of the sound that it's trying to give
- SoundAlign software, while useful for EQ adjustments, may introduce unwanted digital artifacts to the sound
- Expensive, these monitors are at the higher end of this sector and share that space with some well-respected designs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM25a: The reviewer finds an absence of 'not hearing the box' evident in the 6-2 compared to the ATCs
- Vs Neumann KH310s: The 6-2s outperform them in every respect, sounding much better, with other monitors sounding colored by comparison
- Vs ATC 150s: The reviewer prefers these PMC6-2s over the ATC 150s
Takeaway: The PMC6-2 is a high-performance studio monitor that delivers exceptional clarity and detail. For those seeking accurate and dependable sound at all volumes, these monitors are worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Extended bass response due to PMC's Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology
- Exceptional stereo imaging allowing for precise mixing and monitoring
- Easy configuration through the SoundAlign web interface, offering versatile adjustments
- Attractive and versatile design suitable for both portrait and landscape orientations
Product Considerations
- Minor dip in the frequency response around 300Hz, potentially due to transmission line harmonics, though it doesn't affect the overall performance
- High mids may be revealing and fatiguing to some users
- Users need to ensure proper network connectivity for using the SoundAlign app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ATC SCM20ASL Pro Mk2, the PMC6 has a stronger low-end, while the ATC offers unmatched clarity and articulation in smaller rooms
- Vs PSI Audio A21-M, the PMC6 is more powerful
- Vs Genelec 8341A, the Genelec has a wider frequency response
Takeaway: The PMC6 is an impressive nearfield monitor that provides trustworthy sound to work on your audio and mixes. It's a valuable studio tool because it allows users to make mix choices with confidence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Broad dynamic range with extended high frequencies and low distortion
- Precise and detailed high end that is clean and dimensional
- Highly dimensional, reach-out-and-touch-it midrange representation
- Full, firm, and punchy low end
- Tonal consistency is good no matter where you are in the room
Product Considerations
- Requires the purchase of a left and right model
- Low mids may be more forward than some users are accustomed to
- Needs a robust speaker stand due to its weight
- The sweet spot seemed a bit shallower in depth than other monitors produce
Takeaway: The SCM25A is a studio monitor with great clarity that can help make better mixing decisions and identify problem areas in tracks. It's built to provide accurate and trusted counsel, making the technical parts of tone-building quicker.
Video review
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