PMC twenty5i active speakers promise studio grade sound

PMC has launched the Active twenty5i series, comprising four two-way models, for music lovers seeking PMC studio quality sound from an easy to install stereo system.

With no need for external amplification, all the user needs to do is add a pre-amp or a streaming device to create a complete high-resolution system.

The Active twenty5i series brings the same approach to domestic audio systems that the company has pursued with studio monitors.

Each drive unit in the Active twenty5.21i, 22i, 23i and 24i models is directly coupled to a dedicated and perfectly matched 100w power amplifier, designed to control the driver with grip and precision. In circuit before the power amplifiers is a custom designed analogue crossover. This splits the frequency bands of the incoming line-level signal, from the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs, and ensures each amplifier is only amplifying the signals appropriate for its drive unit.

The design of the crossover has been computer modelled and is specific to each model, with finely tuned roll off curves to ensure the perfect integration of each drive unit, excellent dispersion and low distortion. Pre-amplification, filtering and a dual-band power limiter, for non-invasive driver protection, guarantee studio quality performance with a pure, natural, authentic sound.

An active upgrade pack will also be offered to existing owners of two-way twenty5 and twenty5i speakers (21, 22, 23 and 24) so they can also benefit from higher resolution, control, and transparency, says the company.

The upgrade involves removing the existing back panel and its integrated crossover and replacing it with the new input/crossover/amplification back panel, which is connected to the speaker’s drive units via a single multi-pin plug. The entire start to finish installation should take no more than five minutes, we’re told.

The replacement active amplification module is designed to work with all two-way models in the twenty5 and twenty5i series. Its crossover network has a unique setting for each model. A simple ‘model selector’ connector is plugged into the socket that corresponds to the model of speaker, to ensure the correct crossover settings are applied.

Oliver Thomas, commercial director, explains: “Active amplification allows for superior control of the drive units within a loudspeaker, for absolute precision of their musical reproduction. It improves transient response through increased damping factor and reduces colouration for greater resolution and detail.

“Our active studio monitors, that create much of the world’s best music, have been built around our in-house designed amplifiers and active crossovers from day one and benefit from over 30 years’ experience. It is the best way to power a speaker and we know our audiophile customers are going to love the huge improvements in performance they will experience when they make the switch.”

The Active twenty5i series and active upgrade kits for existing twenty5 and twenty5i owners will be available from April 2024.

PMC twenty5i price guide
Active twenty5i series
Active twenty5.21i £3,975
Active twenty5.22i £5,275
Active twenty5.23i £5,975
Active twenty5.24i £7,975

Active twenty5 upgrade kit
Active twenty5.21 upgrade £1,795
Active twenty5.22 upgrade £1,795
Active twenty5.23 upgrade £1,795
Active twenty5.24 upgrade £1,795