Naim XS + Dali Grand Coupe vs. PMC Db1 Gold

Posted by: K.Sulek on 22 November 2018

Hello

I own Naim setup consisting of Nait XS + Flatcap XS + Cd5i and Naca5. My speakers are Dali Grand Coupe, which Nait XS is struggling to drive properly, I am guessing.

They sound too slow and veiled to my ears, also somehow too polite. I don't know if its amps fault (too weak) or Dali's just sound like that, being very warm and relaxed speakers.

As a remedy I've been offered PMC DB1 Gold. My room is aprox. 17m2 (3,5mx4,5m)

What can I expect from PMC's ? Will the bass disappoint me comparing to Coupe's low end ? I've read many reviews recently and they seem to rock. Dali's price 20 years back was something about 3k euros or 2k pounds and they are seriously well built with really good drivers worth alone close to 1k Ł on todays market. So I am leaning towards amps weaknesses.

I cannot audition PMC's thats why I am asking for advice. Thanks

Posted on: 22 November 2018 by hungryhalibut

I’d suggest looking at a CD5x or XS, which could be powered from your flatcap. The CD player looks like the weakest part of your system.

Posted on: 22 November 2018 by PSAN

Many moons ago I owned the same speakers. I don't remember them as slow or veiled, but they do like a decent amount of power and they won't go very loud without losing control. Apart from that they're great speakers. Given the size of your room I would think that a Nait XS would be sufficient.

Posted on: 22 November 2018 by K.Sulek

thanks for your advice, I am happy to accept that my amp is fine with power in my smalI room, so then how would Pmc's compete with Dali's ? Will it be a step down ?

Posted on: 23 November 2018 by PSAN

I don't know the PMC's so can't say. In any event you should let your own ears be the judge.