PMC twenty5.23i

Reviewers repeatedly find the bass extraordinary for such a compact floorstander. HiFi Pig praises its precise extension and detail, The Ear calls it fast, deep and tuneful, and HiFi Choice hears impressive speed, impact and urgency from the transmission-line loading. What Hi-Fi? also notes more punch and weight than the cabinet size suggests.

Voices, strings and acoustic instruments are a major strength. HiFi Pig finds the midrange warm, detailed and naturally quick, while The Ear highlights terrific vocal accuracy with emotional expression; What Hi-Fi? similarly praises vocal clarity and articulation. The tonal balance can lean slightly light, but the midrange is consistently described as clean, realistic and well integrated.

The new soft-dome tweeter is widely regarded as agile, precise and detailed without routinely sounding etched. There are reservations: Sound Advice found the upper registers initially bright and forward before run-in, while HiFi Choice considers the speaker less forgiving of edgy recordings and responsive to careful partnering. Even so, reviewers generally find the treble refined rather than harsh.

Spatial presentation is an outstanding feature. Reviews describe a wide, deep and layered stage with sharply located performers, while Sound Advice reports a notably broad listening area that remains convincing off-axis. The Ear goes further, finding the stage consistently exceptional and occasionally holographic with well-recorded material.

The PMC is praised for speed, rhythmic drive and its ability to remain transparent from low listening levels to very loud ones. The Ear reports that it does not harden when pushed, and HiFi Choice finds enough impact and urgency to make demanding rock tracks convincing. What Hi-Fi? adds a sensible caveat: larger rivals deliver greater dynamic contrast and outright authority.

Cabinet construction and finish receive consistent praise. What Hi-Fi? describes the braced enclosure as beautifully made and impressively rigid, while The Ear calls the walnut veneer impeccable and the overall build outstanding. Sturdy plinth bars, adjustable spikes, protective floor discs and magnetic grilles reinforce the impression of a carefully executed speaker.

At roughly £4,575 to £5,890 depending on market and finish, the twenty5.23i attracts both praise and caution on value. Hifi Pig and Sound Advice consider its performance and improvements over the predecessor strongly justified, and 13th Note regards the price rise as fair; however, HiFi Choice and What Hi-Fi? both feel the asking price is high against slim rivals and makes its limits in scale and authority harder to overlook.