i spent a good a couple hours auditioning speakers yesterday (PMC twenty5.23 and Neat Motive SX1). I used a verity of tracks that I know well, reflect the music I listen to, and would demonstrate what I wanted to hear from the speakers. The tracks were:
- Can't Stand me now ~ The Libertines
- Remurdered ~ Mogwai
- Frozen ~ Madonna
- Spanish Sahara ~ Foals
To my ears, the Neat speakers were better at the indie music (The LIbertines and Foals) and the PMCs better at the electronic music. I think it was because the Neats added a little bit of warmth and smoothed out a little of the harshness in electric guitars. The PMCs would get a little fatiguing with indie music. Once a better amp was added (250DR) to the PMCs they did sound more cohearent however. With electronic music the Neats sounded a bit slow and base heavy, whereas the PMCs had loads of energy
The other thing I should note is that the sales man was really nice and a step up from the man in an other shop who showed me Focal (Electra 1008Be) and ProAc (D20R). Ultimately, I know the "sales experience" is only a small factor, but it is a factor, to me at least
Posted on: 22 March 2017 by Huge
The PMCs are ported as well, they are an open transmission line, the Neats are reflex, both are ported enclosures.
Posted on: 22 March 2017 by nickpeacock
Ah, but just wait till you hear a pair of panels (Martin Logan, Magnepan, Quad)...
Posted on: 23 March 2017 by Parlow
I've gone and ordered the PMCs. A year of speaker hunting has done my head in. In absolute terms I think I preferred the sound Focal Electra 1008be, but I just don't trust the dog with stand mounted speakers which is why I dis counted the ATC SCM stand mounts and the SCM40 was just too big. I've also gone and ordered a NAP250dr as PMCs sounded so much better with a power amp. My Uniti2 will remain on streaming duties until I can save up my pennies and get a NAC272.
Posted on: 23 March 2017 by ChrisH
Congratulations on your purchase Parlow.
I moved from Neat Motive 2's to PMC Twenty5.23's last October, a big step up, understandable when comparing the relative sizes of the speakers. But the bass detail, and overall level of detail top to bottom really won me over.
It took me a while to get the positioning right, you may need to experiment a bit compared to how PMC recommend the set up, their suggestion didnt work for me at all. And as HH says, running in did seem to take a while... But will sound great with NAP250DR Im sure - Enjoy!
