Moving on from PMC 23s

Wazza69 posted:

I have a NDX/Supernait 2 and PMC23s (and LP12/Stageline). I really like it in terms of speed, overalll cohesion and detail but feel its almost too much of a good thing - both the amp and speakers are fast, dry, lighter and dynamic. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for alternative speakers which would add more texture and weight.

 

I was inspired by the Harbeth thread but I do really love rock so would something more dynamic than Harbeth but with some of their qualities (i.e. halfway between the PMCs and Harbeth). Any suggestions? Would need to be floor standing (small children) and up to say £3k.

Speakers I have owned or tried before for info:

Kudos C1 - Great but dry

Proac D2s - Again try dry and lacking in cohesion versus the 23s. A bit more texture though

Naim Nsats/SBLs/Ovators - I just don't like Naim speakers sorry!

Thanks

Waz

I have not listened to the PMC 23s before but have owned the PMC LB1 Signatures. Obviously you need to listen to the speakers and decide for yourself which is the best thing. If that is not an option, most advice here to stick with the PMC and upgrade the electronics are good.

This is just my opinion. Harbeth speakers, they can surely rock. But a caveat. I still find the highs to be not as extended as I wished them to be. Also, they rock better with the 282/200 than the 202/200. The level of control with the 282/200 especially with rock music is just wonderful. The 282 brought a nice level of control to the bass. Basically everything in the spectrum improved - the refinement, energy and coherence in music. The music is easier to follow.

I am currently on the older SHL5 and was told that the current SHL5 Plus rock better. I am going to audition the SHL5 Plus soon and if the claims are proven to be true, I might make the switch.

FWIW due to the slight rolled off or rounded treble of Harbeth loudspeakers, one can listen to rock music at higher levels without hurting the ears. That is one advantage of the Harbeth, especially when some or most rock music recordings are lean sounding and all detail with some tilt in the treble.

If you like the twenty 23, then obvious contenders that are likely to give more weight are, in order of likely weight (and cost), twenty 24, twenty 26 (or their latest Twenty5 series equivalents), Fact 12 and MB2SE. All PMCs,  (Likely not all will fit room or budget)  Fact 12 are amazing for their diminutive size.  Or if looking secondhand, as I would, there are of course a number of discontinued PMCs as well

I preferred the Focals to the 20:23s with my SN2 although the latter were good.  May be woorth trying some of the bigger Focals to see what you think