Thoughts On The PMC OB1?

Kw6. I do like the Sophia--very much. However, while I find it very attractive, my wife does not. It really is a bit large and too modern looking for our living room. It is also a bit beyond what I would like to pay. If I had a dedicated room and a few more dollars it would be near the top of my list. I've gotten the list down to the Proac D25 or D38, the Fried Studio 7, and the Vandersteen Quatro. I just ran across some reviews of the PMC OB1 and wondered if all the accolades are justified. Do you know the speaker?

outstanding speakers in terms of performance. However, I won't spend 10K for such an ugly box.

OB1 is deserving of all the accolades and may be one of the best designed speakers under $5,000. Incredibly flat phase response (flatter than most tube amplifiers) in the midrange make these speaker honest and transparent, my favorite amps now that Warner Imaging is gone would be the YBA Passions or for something more affordable the Acoustic Reality amplifiers would be awesome too.

Proac and Wilsons are not competitive so don't waste your time unless you like equipment more than you like music. Use a Behringer 96/24 crossover EQ ($400) on an ATC Concept 4 subwoofer (room EQ and 48db slope with the OB1's and you not only have a system that can best the Sophia's you have a system that can begin to take on the Maxx's.

Some people advertise loudspeakers, some people engineer loudspeakers. Don't pay for advertising. ;)

Thanks Cinematic. Are you suggesting the use of a subwoofer with the OB1? I figured with the transmission line enclosure and rated response down into the 20hz region one would not be necessary in my 15 X 26 X 9 room. I would prefer a full range floorstander that can hold its own without a sub. Also, none of the electronics you mention are familiar to me. How much experience do you have with the OB1? What would you say are the primary needs for these speakers with regard to electronics? Can they be driven with a moderately powerful amp? Do they sound best with tubes or solid state gear? How would you describe the tonal balance--are these typical BBC style speakers with a warm, rich midrange, warmish balance, midbass bump, and rolled off highs? As a Harbeth owner I'm not necessarily opposed to much of this description. Just really curious about these since they seem to offer quite a lot for the money.

Hi Dodgealum,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!

Audio Ideas Guide magazine on the internet has a good review of the OB1 with measurements which will pretty much answer most of your questions. I agree with Cinematic that PMC are a very competent design. When you audition check to see if the bass is to your liking, it could be a bit lean per review and friend.

Good Luck!