PMC introduces the Active twenty5i series and Active upgrade

PMC is introducing the Active twenty5i series, four two-way models to provide an optimised solution for music lovers looking for PMC’s studio quality sound, with its ultra-high resolution and clarity, from a fuss-free system that dispenses with the need for external amplification.

An active upgrade will be offered to existing owners of two-way twenty5 and twenty5i speakers – 21, 22, 23 and 24 so they can also benefit from higher resolution, control, and transparency with a simple-to-install active upgrade pack.

Building on the company’s 30+ years of manufacturing class-leading studio monitors with active amplification, the Active twenty5i series brings the same approach to PMC domestic audio systems for the first time. With integrated electronics and perfectly matched amplification, the Active twenty 5i models enable a superb performance without requiring a separate power or integrated amplifier. All the user needs to do is add a pre-amp or a streaming device to create a complete high-resolution system.

Each drive unit in the Active twenty5.21i, 22i, 23i and 24i models is directly coupled to a dedicated and perfectly matched 100w power amplifier, designed to control the driver with grip and precision. In circuit before the power amplifiers is a custom designed analogue crossover, which splits the frequency bands of the incoming line-level signal, from the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs, and ensures each amplifier is only amplifying the signals appropriate for its drive unit. The design of the crossover has been computer modelled and is specific to each model, with finely tuned roll off curves to ensure the perfect integration of each drive unit, excellent dispersion and low distortion. Pre-amplification, filtering and a dual-band power limiter, for non-invasive driver protection, guarantee studio quality performance with a pure, natural, authentic sound.

 

Existing owners of the PMC twenty5 and twenty5i series models don’t have to miss out on the active revolution, with the launch of the simple-to-install active upgrade. All the owner, or their hi-fi retailer, needs do is to remove the existing back panel and its integrated crossover and replace it with the new input/crossover/amplification back panel, which is connected to the speaker’s drive units with a single multi-pin plug. The entire start to finish installation should take no more than five minutes.

The replacement active amplification module is designed to work with all two-way models in the twenty5 and twenty5i series. Its crossover network has a unique setting for each model, ensuring the flawless integration of the drive units. A simple ‘model selector’ connector is plugged into the socket that corresponds to the model of speaker, to ensure the correct crossover settings are applied.

Oliver Thomas, commercial director, and head of design, explains the thinking behind the new Active series and upgrade kits, “Active amplification allows for superior control of the drive units within a loudspeaker, for absolute precision of their musical reproduction. It improves transient response through increased damping factor and reduces colouration for greater resolution and detail.” He continues, “Our active studio monitors, that create much of the world’s best music, have been built around our in-house designed amplifiers and active crossovers from day one and benefit from over 30 years’ experience. It is the best way to power a speaker and we know our audiophile customers are going to love the huge improvements in performance they will experience when they make the switch.”

The Active twenty5i series and active upgrade kits for existing twenty5 and twenty5i owners will be available to the UK market (initially) from April 2024.