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PMC cor integrated
The cor integrated is an amplifier that adds no sonic character of its own to the music. The role of the amplifier, like the company’s speakers, is to reproduce the music exactly as it is meant to be heard.
The cor integrated is an amplifier that adds no sonic character of its own to the music. It follows exactly the same design ethos for high resolution playback as used in the creation of all PMC’s loudspeakers, namely musicality, transparency and neutrality, where nothing is added and nothing is taken away. The role of the amplifier, like the company’s speakers, is to reproduce the music exactly as it is meant to be heard.
Designed and hand-built by PMC in the UK, the cor - the dictionary definition of which is: (anatomy) heart; (figuratively) soul, mind - is an integrated amplifier that works entirely in the analogue domain.
Every element of the cor has been developed with purity of sound at the top of the criteria list. The four unbalanced RCA analogue inputs are joined by one pair of balanced XLR inputs and a set of direct inputs that connect straight to the power amplifier. The cor integrated does not feature any digital inputs and is unashamedly an analogue amplifier for the purist.
All the components were specified without compromise after extensive listening tests, including the black PCBs and the volume control, which, together with the tone and balance faders, are motorised using the finest technology from professional mixing consoles, and are remote controllable. This provides flexibility to achieve the perfect sound on every track, without moving from your armchair.
Hear all the magic of music, with the cor integrated amplifier.
"If you’re looking for a top-class integrated amplifier, the Cor deserves a place near the top of your list. Highly recommended."
- PMC’s first stand-alone domestic amplifier is a superbly musical performer, WHAT HIFI AWARDS 2018
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PMC cor integrated — a resolutely analogue, transparent heart for serious systems
The PMC cor integrated amplifier is built around a pure Class A/B topology and designed to be sonically invisible, delivering remarkable transparency and neutrality that lets sources and speakers define the sound. Reviewers from SoundStage Solo, HiFi Choice and The Ear highlight its spacious imaging, natural midrange and controlled, taut bass that belies its 95W rating. The solid extruded-aluminium chassis, motorised faders for bass/treble/balance and thoughtful heatsink design underscore its build quality, while a quiet, capable headphone stage adds flexibility. Ideal for audiophiles who prioritise an all-analogue signal path and uncompromised fidelity, the Cor excels as a long-term system centerpiece that rivals much pricier separates.
Pros
- Exceptionally transparent, neutral presentation that reveals source and speaker character without adding coloration.
- Strong dynamics and bass control for its class — delivers punch, low-frequency extension and authoritative drive that compete with more powerful amplifiers.
- Robust chassis and tactile controls (motorised faders, substantial volume knob) with quiet operation and a capable headphone output.
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Cons
- Strictly analogue feature set — no digital inputs, phono stage or network streaming, which limits flexibility for modern digital-first systems.
- Remote and control ergonomics have drawbacks: directional IR, fiddly battery access on the metal remote and occasionally sluggish volume response.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
91/100
As a Class A/B ~95W amplifier it nonetheless delivers strong control and punch: reviewers reported it "never got flustered" (The Ear), and that it held its own versus much more powerful kit with "powerful and taut" bass and authoritative control (Audiophilepure, SoundStage Solo). High damping factor and low output impedance in specs support reviewers’ take on controlled dynamics and headroom.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
The Cor is repeatedly praised for spacious, well-focused staging and imaging: SoundStage Solo describes vocals "palpably present, floating dead center" and The Ear calls the soundstage "enormous" with easy separation of ensemble members. Reviewers note excellent depth and instrument placement, making it strong for revealing recordings.
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Build Quality
90/100
Build is robust and thoughtfully executed: reviewers note a substantial, rugged feel, effective ridged heatsink design that dissipates heat without getting too hot, tactile controls and a five-year warranty (HiFi Choice, The Ear, SoundStage Solo). Finish and chassis quality are praised and the unit inspires confidence in long-term use.
Features Connectivity
87/100
An analogue-focused feature set: 4x RCA inputs, 1x balanced XLR, Direct (preamp bypass), preamp out, AV bypass and a 6.35mm headphone output plus bass/treble/balance sliders are included (HiFi Choice, SoundStage Solo, The Ear). No DAC or digital inputs by design; the connectivity rewards purists but limits those wanting integrated digital/streaming.
Value for Money
91/100
Reviewers consistently praise the Cor as a strong value in its segment: SoundStage Solo and HiFi Choice say it rivals or equals pricier separates and is "easy to recommend", and The Ear highlights effective system matching versus much more expensive speakers. The consensus is that it justifies its price for listeners seeking high-quality, all-analogue amplification.
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