Question PMC DB1 vs Harbeth P3ESR

[Deleted member 108165]

As the title suggests.

Currently more than happy with the little PMC’s in my lounge, (anything bigger just becomes unruly with bass due to placement issues, plus I’m not that much of a bass-head anyway). But the little Harbeth’s are popping up on my radar and receive high praise for their voicing. Noticed that the specs for each speaker are slightly different:

PMC: 50Hz-25kHz

Harbeth: 75Hz-20kHz

Would I really notice the -25Hz from the low end and the -5kHz from the top end of the Harbeths? Could the LF be reinforced somewhat with closer wall proximity placement? The wall proximity trick seems to work with the PMC’s as I tried an experiment on Friday and pulled them away from the wall on stands and they became very anaemic so went back onto wall brackets pretty quickly, (seems I got the placement right four years ago). Not interested in adding a sub.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Al ears]

Haven't heard your PMCs but I should think there's going to be a fair bit of difference in presentation and I don't mean detrimentaly.
I would pick the Harbeths all day long for the way they present music however you really must audition as they aren't exactly cheap

 

[gasolin]

Nothing under 100-80hz and it will feel thin, not really feel like it can play deep bass, look at the difference at -10 db and at 30 hz (-25db and -13db)

PMC DB1i loudspeaker Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

www.stereophile.com

Harbeth P3ESR loudspeaker Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements

www.stereophile.com

 

[davidf]

You’ll find the DB1s a more exciting and lively sound compared to the Harbeths, it’s just comes down to your preference in your room. The PMCs will be an easier load too, but if you can drive the Harbeth’s well, you’ll find these a more neutral listen.

 

[Al ears]

You’ll find the DB1s a more exciting and lively sound compared to the Harbeths, it’s just comes down to your preference in your room. The PMCs will be an easier load too, but if you can drive the Harbeth’s well, you’ll find these a more neutral listen.

My main concern was they state easy to drive yet their own figures go against this.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Gonna approach some dealers to see if I can get a home loan/rent for a week arrangement with them.

 

[Al ears]

Let us know if you have any joy. Always wondered if my amp could drive them or not.

 

[rainsoothe]

Home dem is best, let your ears decide. I, for one, love what Harbeth do in the midrange and highs, but the P3esr are too lacking in the bass department to make a credible listening experience. I like the PMC more.

 

[insider9]

Mini monitor experience. Lovely for many things and useless for others. The depth of bass will not be there. 40-80Hz is an octave. My Red Rose Rosebuds were like this and that's why I ended going for floorstanders.

You did the best you could by arranging home dem. Keep us posted really curious of your findings.

 

[gasolin]

less than -10db at 40 hz for the harbeth is pretty good

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Looks like I could be chasing a rainbow due to time/work commitment as the current model is being replaced. There is a new model out priced at £2495, a little too rich for my pocket

 

[gasolin]

You shouldn't forget that you have the gold version which may make a difference on the sound quality over the regular version and if you sell them.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

You shouldn't forget that you have the godl version which may make a diffrence on the sound quality over the regular version and if you sell them.

Appreciated Gasolin, but I would give the DB1's to my sister so no cash from selling.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Mini monitor experience. Lovely for many things and useless for others. The depth of bass will not be there. 40-80Hz is an octave. My Red Rose Rosebuds were like this and that's why I ended going for floorstanders.

You did the best you could by arranging home dem. Keep us posted really curious of your findings.

Point taken. You're more of a head-banger, I'm more of a get down and boogie kinda guy 🙂

 

[insider9]

Looks like I could be chasing a rainbow due to time/work commitment as the current model is being replaced. There is a new model out priced at £2495, a little too rich for my pocket

That's an opportunity to get the old one at a discount

 

[Deleted member 108165]

That's an opportunity to get the old one at a discount

We are on the same page my friend 🙂

 

[davidf]

My main concern was they state easy to drive yet their own figures go against this.

And they generally use Hegel at shows...

 

[Deleted member 108165]

And they generally use Hegel at shows...

Calls into question that they may need a more gutsier amp than I currently own to get the best out of them.

 

[gasolin]

Ha ha i think a Marantz: PM-KI can drive just about any speaker