PMC DB1+ vs PMC DB1+s - differences?

[admin_exported]

Hi,

What are the differences between these 2 speakers?

Also, are they a refined sound in the treble etc?

 

[John Duncan]

I find the DB1+ pretty much the same as the DB1+.

But I haven't heard the DB1i, if that's what you mean.

Though if I had a job, I'd have had the 'i's that were on eBay on Sunday night for £425......

 

[Anonymous]

HI,

I know the i's are more expensive then the + model. But the + model is £625 and the studio version +s is only £525, so was wondering what the differences were?

I wish I had of seen them on ebay, as would of had them as well....

Are the PMC speakers quite smooth in the top end, as my epos are a bit bright?

 

[John Duncan]

I have the '+' and they're very smooth up top yes, though I understand that's where the main improvement was in the 'i' - the DB1i's didn't sell, even at 425 (no idea why), so have a look again as that was the second time he'd listed them - they may be on again. Walnut finish.

The studio version is matt black paint if I recall.

Consider also the AVI Neutron V, which are much cheaper and have a lovely top end.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your quick reply.

Would the db1+ be a big step up from epos m5's? Also, would the neutrons be a step up too?

Do you know of any deals on the pmc speakers at all?

I have creek evo amp and arcam 192cd, so hope the pmc would suit them?

 

[John Duncan]

Well I think PMCs suit everything

. In terms of top end refinement I think both would be an improvement on the Epos, but whether or not you like their presentation is another matter - the AVIs need rear wall reinforcement to get the best out of them for starters - the PMC less so, but then as you know they're a lot more expensive.

And no, there are no deals on PMC as far as I can tell (more a function of them being stocked mainly by more specialist dealers), unless you can find ex-dem ones (my +s were).

Edit - my +s started off with a Creek amp driving them and they sounded great, though it was the classic, which I think is a little bit more refined than the Evo, so whether it will match quite as well I can't say.

 

[Anonymous]

I will have to try and demo them. I have about 12 in from the side wall and 15 from the rear wall. Would this make them boom, or do you think this is more than enough room?

 

[John Duncan]

The AVIs or the PMCs?

I have tried the AVIs on wall brackets, inches from the rear wall and they don't boom, in fact is ideal for them - when I tried them in freer space they were a bit lightweight, whereas that suits the PMCs much better - they're actually not fussy at all on where they go.

 

[crusaderlord]

I did a review of a few standmount speakers following an audition earlier this year and posted on this thread.

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/123249.aspx

It included the PMC and the Epos M5 which i upgraded from and may help you.

 

[Anonymous]

I will try and demo the PMC speakers, as the jump up in price would give the most noticable difference I think.

Are the AVI's that good, do they come close to the PMC?

 

[John Duncan]

In terms of midrange and treble, they are that good, yes. The PMCs sound fuller low down though, without back wall reinforcement - I haven't compared the two side-by-side against a wall.

There are moves chez Duncan to adopt the AVIs as main speakers in the sitting room though (that conversation still has to take place), and this doesn't totally fill me with horror......

Note that the AVIs are single-wire only, if this is an issue for you.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't bi-wire so that wouldn't be a concern.

I like the look of the AVI's and that they are £400. I am debating if the PMC studio are worth the extra £125, or do I go for the nice wood ones at £680....

I just bypass the lady of the house, and worry about her moaning when things turn up. I find if I buy her a present as well, then she usually sits in the corner looking at the pink spangly things I got her.... Or in this case, a £200 hand bag!! How can you want a £200 hand bag?!

If I go for the studio versions, I am going to have to buy blind, as they are from a pro audio equipment place, so am undecided. Would they have to go near the back wall, or away from them, as I am not into over powering bass, but want to get the best for my cash?

Phil

 

[John Duncan]

seduct10n:a £200 hand bag

Mine cost a 400 quid bag, buddy, think yourself lucky.

seduct10n:If I go for the studio versions, I am going to have to buy blind, as they are from a pro audio equipment place, so am undecided. Would they have to go near the back wall, or away from them, as I am not into over powering bass, but want to get the best for my cash?

They're the same speaker, but the studios are ugly. They're gonna cost some shoes.

As for back wall, the PMCs can live in open space or against a wall, the AVIs need a wall really (but are beautifully finished if you like black).

 

[Clare Newsome]

seduct10n: How can you want a £200 hand bag?!

I have no idea - the decent ones cost at least double that

 

[John Duncan]

I refer the right honourable lady etc etc.

Anyway, seduct10n - phone Unilet and ask if their special offer £399 DB1s are actually the old one or the plus.

 

[Anonymous]

I am going to buy some expensive bags then!!

Damn, they were the + versions, but they have all gone now.... I am going to have to find somewhere else, but for £399 I would of snapped them up! Damn!!

 

[drummerman]

If it makes you feel any better, I think the tiny PMC's are to expensive, especially in i form. Ok if you have a small room but serverly limited by their size. Perhaps try some Kef iQ7 or SE's if you can (though I still think you should try a sub with your Eposes). Available for as little as £300 new now they are incredible for the money. Sound like good standmounts but with plenty of headroom and a lovely, thight and delineated bass. No woollyness there whatsoever. Treble is fine, not harsh and much better than say MA's silver range. They also benefited from a small sub, adding an even more solid foundation and warmth to it.

 

[John Duncan]

How very dare you

 

[drummerman]

Hi JD

Was that directed at me? -

I know it's far from an obvious choice and is much frowned up on by many people but they really are good. Obviously not everyone is going to like them but it suits my listening which has to be transparent as possible with good macro dynamics, not fatiguing and with good headroom. I also like my hifi to sound good at lower volumes.

Regards

 

[John Duncan]

It was, and I was being facetious. I can't speak for the Kefs, I defer to you on that one - they certainly seem a bargain at the moment, but I'm not allowed floorstanders any more. But you're right, the 'i' has become a bit too expensive I think (can't see it being 425 quid better than the AVI for example), and any small box has its disadvantages, though i think the DB1's transmission line is (or at least was at the price I paid) the best out there at overcoming those limitations if you have a small room and must have/prefer a standmount (tick/tick).

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:Though if I had a job, I'd have had the 'i's that were on eBay on Sunday night for £425......
I would save the money in this situation as the updates don't really warrant replacement from the +. What you need, JD, is a pair of Proac 1SC, like the Sigs but better

As long as you keep 'em away from a rear wall they're very nice. EDIT - apart from the 70's appearance!

 

[John Duncan]

No, suspect not, though they were so cheap was very tempting. Then I could sell seduct10n my +!

Have a feeling the 1SC is too big for me, I'd have to have a look.........

 

[John Duncan]

Edit - no, take it back, there's hardly anything in it.

Hit several branches of the ugly tree on the way down though, didn't they....

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:Have a feeling the 1SC is too big for me, I'd have to have a look.........

When I auditioned the Sigs and SA1s I thought I'd try the 1SC to see what they could do. The thing that put me off was the rear port given my room situation. I've given up using socks to tune speakers and for a pair that cost over £1200 I really shouldn't have to. Well worth a try.

Any luck on the contracts front?

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:Hit several branches of the ugly tree on the way down though, didn't they....
...oh yes! Come on Proac, take a leaf out of Spendor's book!!!