PMC twenty5.22i

The transmission-line loading delivers bass that reviewers call powerful, punchy, clean, tight and weighty, with no reported boominess. Alpha Audio found it very defined but noted that it could lack a little foundation in their lively room, while The Ear says listeners wanting the deepest extension or headbanging levels should look higher in the range.

Vocals are a particular strength: The Ear found them consistently better than expected across a wide range of singers, while Alpha Audio praised their purity and lack of coloration. Ecoustics similarly heard voices as magnificently flowing, clearly defined and emotionally communicative rather than artificially sweetened.

The soft-dome treble is repeatedly described as smooth, clean, sweet and natural, avoiding the edgy character associated with some metal-dome designs. The Ear also finds the newer PMC balance more sophisticated and less bright than past models, though Ecoustics suggests its softer top end may not suit listeners seeking a sharper, more aggressive presentation.

Alpha Audio reports an exceptionally wide image that remains coherent even with the speakers spaced nearly three metres apart, alongside ample air and clearly resolved layers. The Ear hears a deep, solid image with excellent separation and definition, while Ecoustics also notes clear instrumental separation.

Reviewers praise fast, smooth transients, excellent timing and an effortless sense of rhythmic drive rather than exaggerated leading edges. It remains composed at serious levels with very low measured distortion, although Ecoustics found that it benefits from an amplifier with meaningful power and gain.

The cabinet is handmade in the UK, uses precisely finished HDF panels, and is backed by a 20-year warranty; Alpha Audio specifically praises the exceptionally clean seams and lines. Reviewers also note robust driver construction, controlled enclosure resonance, real-wood veneer, a laser-etched stainless-steel rear panel and high-quality terminals.

At an MSRP of $4,499 per pair, it is positioned as a premium stand-mount, and reviewers regard its performance as competitive at that level rather than merely attractive for its appearance. Ecoustics says few audiophile speakers create this kind of "real" sound at the price and calls it well worth seeking out, while The Ear finds a great deal to like provided ultimate bass extension and maximum-output levels are not the priority.