British company PMC has upgraded its entire home-use speaker range, replacing the existing ‘+’ models with new ‘i’ versions, running from the little DB1is to the big floorstanding OB1is.
The drive units have been replaced or upgraded, and work has also been done on the crossovers, while the cabinets are now veneered on all surfaces – yes, even the backs! – with a new sheen finish which now extends to the plinths on the floorstanders, and metal badges.
All the speakers – both the main stereo models and their centre channel derivatives – have a new Solonex soft-dome tweeter with a custom dispersion plate, the drivers having been developed in conjunction with Norwegian company SEAS. The new design claims better detail, better power-handling and improved off-axis response.
The mid/bass units have also been replaced with new PMC-built units giving increased power-handling and a smoother midrange with lower distortion, while the crossovers have been optimised for the new drivers. The circuits use French-made Solen capacitors, and are hand-built and matched.
The overall effect is said to be better soundstaging, a more tangible vocal character and faster, cleaner bass.
The range starts with the £770/pr DB1i, also available as a single centre channel speaker, the £425 DB1M-Ci. The TB2i standmounter is £950/pr, with the TB2M-Ci centre at £500, while the compact floorstanding GB1i is £1275/pr.
The larger FB1i floorstander is £1850 a pair, with the flagship OB1i at £2950/pr and the matching CB6i centre at £1500.
