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PMC EB1i v. Thiel CS3.7 v. Pioneer S1-EX v. ???

I'm starting to look at speakers in the $10-16K range, new. These three are high on the list, along with used Vandie 5As. Tyler D20s and the new AZ Crescendos also interest me. Anyone have the chance to compare some or all of these fine speakers?

They'll be driven by Mac MC501 amps + C2300 pre. I listen mostly to '50s &'60s jazz, with some classic rock, bluegrass, and folk. 90% of the time I listen to vinyl on this rig. The room is 28x17x8, opening into hallways at both corners along the long wall behind the speakers (so no real bass issues in those corners). It's a hard room softened with 9 acoustic panels and two bass traps.

My listening priorities for this system are macro- and micro-dynamics, nuance, tonal purity, and realistic scale. I'd like the speakers to disappear while projecting a 3D soundstage and solid low frequency pressure into the room. (The Thiels would likely need a sub.) They'll also have to serve the 60-inch plasma TV on the wall 4 feet behind them in a 2-channel, pseudo-home theater set up. Not much to ask, I know.... :)

I can get a great local price on EB1is but I don't want the deal to make the call. Of course, I'll audition all of them eventually but it's impossible to find them all in one place--or even more than one. So I'd like to draw on the experience of this knowledgeable group as I make my way.

Thanks,
Bill
wrm57
sashav
72 posts
 
I prefer ATC SCM50ASL and larger models to passive IB2S.
Some may prefer an apparent low end extension of IB2S, but that comes at price. Active ATCs give you better window into the recording, the line of hearing things never heard before is what comes to mind, but not through hyped up presence region or higher frequencies, there is a clear separation of instruments, even when they occupy space near each other, individual drivers never calling attention to themselves, I am convinced all being the product of superb integration of drivers not being possible with passive cross-over. On passive speakers you simply do not hear what you do on active ones or on headphones.
ssolman
16 posts
 
I have owned both PB1i's and EB1i's but thanks to the advice from Sashav and others on earlier Audiogon discussions I took the leap over 1 year ago to the IB2i's. It was the best decision I have made. The real test for me was an Alison Krauss track. At one point in the song she really lets it out. With every other speaker I have owned I feel like turning down the volume with that passage. The IB2i with the PMC mid made the difference. It is just so overbuilt. Absolutley magnificant. I also purchased (since sold) a pair of PMC AML1 active monitors to experience an active design. I was impressed and can only imagine that the active version of the IB2i is equally impressive. PMC is a true believer in active designs. There is an interesting write up in HIFI Critic VOL 3 NUM 4 by PMC's Peter Thomas on the benefits of active speaker designs. Sashav, could you please elaborate on the IB2S active as compared to the passive IB2i? I might be interested in selling my IB2i's if someone is interested....
sashav
72 posts
 
Ssolman, what you described with the track from Alison Krauss is what I found generally with all good recordings, you keep increasing volume and it makes you want more of it.
I have not yet received active IB2S-a, they are on their way.
Note that I will have them side by side with active ATCs, not passive IB2S or IB2i, but I am very familiar with passive ones since I owned them.
ssolman
16 posts
 
Sashav, I understand these IB2S-a's are brand new and will be Class D digital amplification? I'm curious as to why Class D? It is also interesting that the transmission line path terminates in the upper portion of the cabinet. There is also an oval shaped grill placed on the side of the mid and tweeter. Any idea what this is? Lastly, have you found the ATC actives (50/100's) to be comparable to PMC actives. PMC actives almost never show up on the used market, but ATC does. I look forward to your comments.
sashav
72 posts
 
Yes, amplification is Class D, I am not certain but I believe it is Hypex. The choice was probably driven by space, low heat generation and power consumption. It is quite possible that digital cross-over is also Hypex job, but it is only my somewhat educated guess. I believe it is beneficial to have TL on the opposite side of LF driver and this was part of the redesign. The oval shaped grill is there to minimize diffraction. All in all it seems well thought out design.
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