Thoughts On The PMC OB1?

Thanks Cinematic. I agree entirely with your differentiation between bass depth and output. The Proac D25, for example, goes down to 20hz but the 6.5 inch woofer simply cannot move a lot of air. You get to "hear" the deepest notes but not "feel" them. This is why if I go with Proac I may have to hold out for the D38, which has two woofers. I haven't been able to scare up an audition yet to see if they are the ticket. I did very much like other aspects of the D25, however, and am also a fan of the Sophia. Since you do not seem to care for either of these I'm not sure we are looking for the same thing from a loudspeaker. I'm not into detail retreivers that are tonally lean. I like a bit of warmth because I think that is the way live music sounds and because it makes up for shortcomings in many of the recordings that I own. Also, domestic constraints make room treatments out of the question.

I'm curious--do you have any additional thoughts on the Proac's or ideas about the Fried Studio 7 or the Vandersteen Quatro?

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?

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.

Thanks Alun. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this thread even though it has been idle for a while. I agree completely with what you have said. I got a chance to hear the OB1 and agree that, to my tastes, it is overly analytical. In fact, I really did not feel that this speaker distinguished itself at all. I really wanted to like it but it left me feeling flat. I'm particularly interested in your views on the D38 which I have heard. I've currently got a pair of D25's in my system that I am struggling to enjoy. They do some things really well but I am coming to the conclusion that the new D series simply does not have the midrange magic of the models they replaced. While the D38 is considerably better than the D25--I compared the two head to head--neither has the warmth and naturalness of the older series. I auditioned the 3.8 some time ago and really enjoyed the sound. The new series is good--and with really high quality tubes may be very, very good--but with my solid state gear and other lesser electronics I think the 3.8 provides a better sound. Best of luck with them and enjoy.