Quote:
Originally Posted by Sounds Simple
PMC is on my list of speakers to audition before the next upgrade. I will be looking at a 5-channel setup most likely with FB1 or GB1 fronts. Can anyone compare the sound of these two speakers, especially in terms of midrange clarity.
Unfortunately, I need to drive to CA to audition these and never seem to find the time.
Bob |
Bob
If you will alway be using a sub and thus have your speakers x-overed. Then I would go for the TB2's as they use the same driver complement as the FB1. The TB2's are 1/2 the price of the FB1's at least when I bought my TB2s and are much easier to place because they are bookshelves. The only time I would consider the FB1's is if I wanted to run them full range and had 5 identical ones for SACD / DVD-A. The GB1's are the floor standing version of the DB1+'s. Not the same bottom end as the FB1's
PMC recently updated their lines. Previously the TB2, FB1 and DB1 all used a Vifa metal dome tweeter. Very easy to see.
The current models use a black soft dome tweeter (Vifa I think) and made a small change in the cross over and use new dampening material. These speakers are not called TB2+, FB1+ and DB1+. The GB1 always had the soft dome.
The mid range clarity on the PMCs are why I bought my TB2's (similarly voiced to the FB1s). Apparently it is better now with the "+" models. If you really want to get spoiled listen to the IB1's or IB2's (much more $) and you will be spoiled for life in terms of midrange clarity. There is no to very little compression in the midrange on the IB1 and IB2s so you can crank the system and the mids and highs and the bass for that matter are still crystal clear.
Edit.
I recently found some TB2's on close out at a pro mixing studio. My buddy snapped them up. I was at his house on Wed and even using two TB2's on a first gen JVC DTS / DD receiver these things sounded great. We took the 2nd pair and hooked them up to his analog rig (Antique Sound Lab pre and monoblocks) and with a Rega P3 and Rega phono stage - these things were very detailed in the midrange especially with the female voice. I was going to keep these 4 new found TB2's along with a spare TB1C I had for my second system but I was a nice guy and decided to share the joy with friends.