Devore Gibbon 88 v. PMC Twenty-23

Ladok - thanks for the input. I was really impressed with the Gibbon 88s, and listened to them close to the back wall and with partitions in place to sort of mirror the size of my listening room. I actually started out that listening session with the KEF LS50s because they've been so highly reviewed, but found them a little slow for my tastes. Switched to the Gibbon 3XLs (standmounts), also very highly reviewed, and found them just a little bright really. Then moved to the 88s, which have the identical tweeter but a larger woofer, and I think that combined with the cabinet size really made things fall into place. They are certainly fast and revealing enough for me, although I could tell they don't go really low. If I end up going with them I could always add a sub, which I already own (one of the smaller RELs). Still intrigued by the PMCs because I think they might have that additional bit of low end but I've never actually listened to a transmission line speaker and haven't found anyone whose heard them. They're really well-reviewed overseas (What Hi-Fi's Best in its price range two years in a row). Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it.

That's why I went with the 9s, I felt the 8 (which I think was replaced by the 88) would have been a touch lean for my tastes. My understanding is the bass has been extended from the 8 to the 88s. You might want to actually look into finding a pair of used 9s, they would still work well in your room and I doubt if you'd want a subwoofer.

That's not a bad idea, looking for a pair of used 9s. The frequency range for the 88s is improved over the 8s, down to 33Hz, compared with 32Hz for the 9s, but it looks like the bass in the 9s is probably a higher quality due to the additional woofer. May still make the long trek to audition the PMCs; still hoping someone might be able to give me some feedback on those one way or the other, as they're definitely not as sensitive as the 88s.

Well that's another consideration. Not only are the Devores more sensitive, but they have a very benign, 8-ohm impedence and match well with tubes. I also use the Prima Luna Dialogue and it's a wonderful combination. And 33 hz ain't too shabby. Best wishes, let us know if you get to hear the PMCs.

Joseph Pulsar