PMC Twenty5

I'd start saving for an XPSDR. That will make a huge difference to the sound, whereas the new speakers are likely to be different rather than lots better. 

+1

A huge difference to my wallet.

And that certainly doesn't answer the initial question... has anyone heard them yet, and what do they think of them?

Have a look on PFM - some members attended the PMC event at Hifi Lounge last weekend

I always felt you can get better for the same money.

Of course thats just my opinion, but whenever I auditioned PMC speakers something just was not right.

I'm keen on having a listen. I've got no problem with my 20.23s though. Space is a problem and the only speaker in the new range that would be truly doable is the 25.23 but if I was going to upgrade I would rather wait until I have more room and then listen to the 25.26, Fact.8 and some interesting models from ATC and Harbeth.

I'm kind of bessetted with the PMC sound but I think it pays to be open minded. Before PMC I was of the mindset that for me, Linn speakers were the way to go since I loved them in the past and they had traditionally worked well with Naim. I'm glad I listened to alternatives.

That said, PMC and extremely popular here and far easier to demo than the others, so never say never I suppose. I do have a friend that wants my 23s even though I ain't selling at the moment.

I heard the new PMC speakers at the hifi lounge event. The 25.24s were much better than the 25.23s to me. However I have not heard the 20.23s so can't really comment on your specific query.

I was not convinced the speakers were fully run in. The treble on the 25.23s sounded rather splashy.

I was there at the Fanthorpes PMC demo day on friday and felt the biggest step up was from the old 23s to the new 23s when they were comparing old and new ranges of each speaker back to back. Much bigger soundstage, more dynamic and natural. The new 24s had better low end definition but seemed a tad zingy at the top end. Could be due to number of hours on the relatively new speakers though or my unfamiliarity with the Bryston rig they had in situ.

I'm going back for a longer listen to compare the new 25.24s with my current 20.24s in a few weeks time.

With the pound where it is right now (in my favour), I'm tempted to make the cardinal sin of buying Twenty5.23s on a punt. It looks like I will still be where I am for a few more years (so no Facts or even 26s) meaning short of space. I'd probably get a good deal on my 23s here too since they are rare yet sought after where I am. And since I have to run in a newly upgraded 250.DR when it comes back it may make sense to run in two things at the same time and get it over with.

The 25 is only ever going to be an evolutionary change over the 23. I'd go for a revolutionary change or stick where I was. My speakers that replaced the already excellent 23s are just so much better than the 23 that they cannot really be compared, yet as a used buy there were about 65% of the cost of the new 25 version. I'd be looking for a used example of something really, really good. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

The 25 is only ever going to be an evolutionary change over the 23. I'd go for a revolutionary change or stick where I was. My speakers that replaced the already excellent 23s are just so much better than the 23 that they cannot really be compared, yet as a used buy there were about 65% of the cost of the new 25 version. I'd be looking for a used example of something really, really good. 

Completly agree HH. And my first comment in the thread says pretty much the same thing.

However, my dealer thinks they are a nice bit better in every respect and the pound has put me in a position where I can get a pair for minimum expense when combined with selling the 23 (even for a bargain price) with the deal I can get on them. Possibly well under a grand.

By no means have I made up my mind but the evolutionary change cannot happen until we move and that might not happen for 5 years. There is no flexibility for different sized or placed speakers where I am. Besides, when a move happens, I would use them for a second system in the dining room. You have to admit, in the specific circumstances they are a tempting option.

Yes, I can see why it's tempting. Actually, what you are considering is analogous to what I did when I went from GB1i to 20.23, with the latter being PMC's direct replacement of the former. The cost to change was about £800 I think, and the 23 gave a much more satisfying sound. So it sounds like you should go for it - by the time you read this I expect you will have done the deal anyway!

FWIW, having discussed the new range with PMC, they consider the range to be nearer to the Fact range.  Pretty much all components are new.

Jude

The Twenty.23 is a fine loudspeaker but the jump to Ovator S400 in terms of scale and resolution was quite marked for me.

G