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PMC twenty5.26i

Name: PMC twenty5.26i
Brand: PMC
SKU: https-pmc-speakers-com-home-audio-twenty5i-twenty526i
Rating: 4.6 (26 reviews)

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Bi-Wire Capable

The flagship twenty5.26i is the largest in the range and features a third driver dedicated to the all-important mid frequencies, where the critical detail is to be found in vocal recordings.

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Overall Score 93/100

Deliciously Crispy

A studio-grade sense of timing and midband clarity leads the twenty5.26i's presentation, delivering transparency, a controlled bass that reaches deep without bloom, and an expansive soundstage that wraps the listener. Reviewers from HiFi News and SoundStage Solo highlighted its detailed vocals, tight ATL bass and effortless dynamics, plus an easy-to-drive nature.

HiFi News — : Mark Craven

"Those seeking a speaker that works with the music, rather than unduly adding to it, will cherish PMC's premium-priced floorstander."

Audiophilepure — Audiophilepure

"the twenty5.26i laps up upgrades in source and amplification, making it clear that its transparency and neutrality are there to be exploited."

The Ear — The Ear Editor

"the timing on these PMCs is spot on which makes for a very engaging listening experience."

Audiophilepure — Audiophilepure

"The Twenty5.26i goes low but with zero overhang; bass is very clean, all the way down."

The Audiophile Man — platform81

"What first hit me about the PMCs was the envelopment. These speakers surround you."

Audiophilepure — Audiophilepure

"There's a cohesive nature to the twenty5.26i's performance that's addictive."

SoundStage Solo — Jonathan Gorse

"That's one of the characteristics of these PMCs: they create a lot of acoustic space."

hi-fi+ — hi-fi+ Staff

"PMC twenty5.26i loudspeaker produces clean bass"

hi-fi+ — hi-fi+ Staff

"the vents on the front that produce bass through a transmission line from the drivers to the vents."

Pros

Studio-like midrange and vocal clarity with outstanding transparency and nuance.
Tight, deep and well-controlled bass via PMC's ATL vents—extended low end with minimal overhang.
Wide, enveloping soundstage and precise imaging that create strong three-dimensionality and listening immersion.

Cons

Low end can sound a touch dry or lack upper-mid bass fullness on some recordings.
A slight top-end lift means very bright recordings can sound a bit hot or less forgiving.
Supplied plinth/stand arrangement can restrict ultimate performance; some reviewers recommend upgraded isolation or stands.

Sound Quality

93/100

Bass

93/100

Multiple reviewers praised deep, well-controlled bass from the ATL transmission line and the speaker's 27Hz spec (SoundStage, HiFi News, The Ear). Descriptions repeatedly note 'goes low but with zero overhang', 'very clean' and 'locked in' rhythm, though a few found the low end a touch dry or lacking upper-mid bass warmth (SoundStage, Audiophilepure). Overall excellent extension, control and speed for a dual 6.5" woofer mid-tower design.

Mid

95/100

Reviewers consistently singled out the midband and vocals as a strength: 'superb midrange driver', 'excellent transparency to the vocals', and 'voices comprehensively rendered' (SoundStage, The Ear, Audiophilepure). The 50mm chambered soft dome mid delivers precise timbre, nuance and liquidity, revealing texture and inflection across a wide range of material. This transparency is repeatedly praised and portrayed as a defining trait.

Treble

92/100

Treble is refined, detailed and airy with a new 19mm soft dome tweeter noted for sparkle and speed (SoundStage, HiFi News, The Ear). Several reviewers warned of a slight top-end lift that can make bright recordings sound 'hot' or less forgiving, but otherwise the highs are articulate and well-integrated. Good extension and transient clarity, with occasional notes on slight emphasis.

Soundstage Imaging

94/100

Across reviews the twenty5.26i is praised for wide, deep and enveloping soundstaging and strong imaging: 'creates a lot of acoustic space', 'surround you', and 'excellent imaging and soundstage depth' (SoundStage, The Audiophile Man, The Ear). Reviewers reported stable, layered images and strong three-dimensionality even off-axis, contributing to an immersive presentation.

Dynamics

93/100

Reviewers reported excellent micro- and macro-dynamics, fast transient attack and consistent performance from quiet to very loud: 'remarkably consistent', 'timing spot on', and 'excellent dynamic range' (SoundStage, Audiophilepure, The Ear). The transmission-line bass contributes to quick, well-controlled slam without bloat, supporting rhythmic drive and impact.

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Build Quality

94/100

Build is described as very solid and well engineered: inert cabinets, HDF construction, superb machined spikes and a clever spike-leveling arrangement, backed by a 20-year warranty (SoundStage, The Ear). Drivers and crossover implementation are described as high quality and the finish options and fit/finish are commended across reviews.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive baseline applied. Single pair of 4mm binding posts coupled directly to the crossover; no DSP/app or bi-wire features reported. Front-firing Laminair vents/ATL are the notable design features but do not alter the passive connectivity baseline.

Value for Money

86/100

Reviewers position the twenty5.26i as a high-end, performance-focused speaker with a price reflecting that tier (examples: US$15,950; £9,895 cited). Several reviews commented that for the money the speakers deliver studio-like transparency and longevity, but they are not bargain-priced and some rivals may be more visually 'eye-catching'. Overall solid performance-to-price for buyers seeking monitoring-grade neutrality.