At PMC, we believe that music is what really matters; it’s what moves us and
gives us the passion for what we do. The company was founded because there
wasn’t a loudspeaker that was transparent enough to convey all of music’s
expressive power – and we knew we could remedy this.
One of our core beliefs has always been that the same loudspeaker can be used
throughout the entire audio chain, from composer to studio or lm stage, through
post-production and mastering, right to the listener at home. Discerning listeners
all over the world agree. Our designs are involved in every link of the music-
making chain, from the recording studio to listening at home, which means we
know exactly how to present music as transparently as possible, just as the artist
intended. This knowledge, combined with our love for music, drives us to create
products that you listen through rather than to. We want you to share the thrill of
the original recording because there is nothing like the emotional impact of true
musical communication.
Loudspeakers are where science meets art; we understand the science so that
you can connect with the art.
Peter Thomas, Owner &
Oliver Thomas, Head of Design
Congratulations – You have joined the elite
Stevie Wonder
ESPN
BBC
Tony Bennett
JVC Studios
EMI
SONY
Coldplay
elbow
For over twenty-ve years PMC has
earned an unrivalled reputation for
creating the world’s nest professional
loudspeakers. Simply put, our speakers
provide a reference for the world’s
highest prole productions and events.
They are found at every stage of the
creative process, from conception
to recording and broadcast and, of
course, in the home.
Our client list reads like a who’s who
of the sonically aware, with John
Newman, Elbow, Stevie Wonder,
Coldplay, Brian May, Universal, EMI,
Sony, Pinewood Studios, Dreamworks,
Deutsche Grammophon and the BBC
among the makers of movies and
music who use our products.
Our loudspeakers were also used in
the production of Titanic, Spiderman III,
James Bond’s Skyfall and Spectre,
Finding Nemo, Pirates of the
Caribbean III, and during broadcasts
of the Beijing and London Olympics.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Thomas Newman
Afrojack
Kraftwerk
Royal College of Music
Warner Music
Pinewood Studios
Capit Studios
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Contents
General usage guidelines
TM
PMC’s ATL
Laminair
Our meticulous attention to detail
Unpacking
Resonance-absorbing plinth bar installation guide
Dedicated twenty5 series stands
Connections - plugging them in
Running in or breaking in
Positioning
Fine tuning for perfect bass
Stereo set up
Surround sound specic set up
Ideal 5.1 surround sound set up
(Advanced Transmission Line)
TM
Ideal 7.1 surround sound set up
Service
Specications
Warranty on-line
Warranty certicate – Part 1 – Your copy
Warranty certicate – Part 2 – Our copy
Help us improve – Your comments
Inspection certicate
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General usage guidelines
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Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
Heed all electrical safety warnings, including any on the loudspeakers themselves.
Do not use the loudspeakers near water.
The cabinet should only be cleaned with a dry, lint-free, cloth. Do not use solvents,
abrasives, waxes or liquids as they may be detrimental to the nish.
Four soft, self-adhesive feet are included with the twenty5.C. These can be
attached to the base of the unit to provide vibration-free operation.
Floor spikes are sharp; treat with great care during installation and use.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, ovens or other equipment
that produce excessive heat.
Unplug this product from both source and power during electrical storms, or when
unused for extended periods of time.
Packing material can pose danger to the young and vulnerable. Ensure these
items are kept or disposed of safely.
High volume audio signals, however short their duration, have the potential to
cause hearing damage. Use care when setting the system volume level to ensure
playback sound pressure levels remain within safe comfortable limits.
Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Please refer all servicing to PMC authorised personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus is damaged, exposed to moisture,
or exhibits a distinct or sudden change of operation or audio performance.
PMC has made efforts to provide accurate installation information and good
quality xings. PMC will not be held responsible or liable for injuries or property
damage – direct, indirect or consequential – arising out of use or inability to use
this product safely and properly.
twenty5 loudspeakers contain very powerful magnets and therefore may have
a detrimental effect if left in close proximity to magnetically sensitive items.
Do not use the Laminair vent as a grip to lift the loudspeaker as this may result in
damage.
TM
Advanced Transmission Line
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The source of PMC’s legendary natural and wholly
realistic sound is the Advanced Transmission Line
(ATLTM) bass-loading technology.
TM
is an ingenious design which uses energy
ATL
generated by the bass unit in a much more
intelligent and efcient way than speaker designs
based on ported or sealed boxes.
In ATLTM loudspeakers, the highly braced cabinet
is lined with a multitude of custom-designed
acoustic materials that absorb all but the very
lowest frequencies. These are guided to exit from
a vent on the front-panel, extending the low-
frequency response and creating the impression
of a far larger speaker with an extra, ultra-high
quality bass unit.
TM
improves more than just the bass response:
ATL
because the low end is clean and clear it doesn’t
mask the rest of the music. Vocals in particular,
are beautifully projected and ultra-vivid.
TM
loudspeakers offer another benet. The ATLTM
ATL
bass extension does not change with volume
level – so even when listening quietly the bass
sounds balanced and well dened.
This cross-sectional view of the twenty5.24
loudspeaker shows the ATL
arrangement and the unique Laminair
TM
cabinet
TM
vents
Taking ATL
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TM
to the next level
With the launch of the twenty5 series, loudspeaker audio performance has been taken to the
TM
next level with the addition of the Laminair
TM
The ATL
design involves air moving under pressure at high speeds, and PMC’s Head of Design,
aerodynamic vent.
Oliver Thomas was able to apply aerodynamic principles transferred from his previous industry,
Formula 1 to the ATLTM concept.
The result is the unique LaminairTM aerodynamic vent which creates an even smoother, laminar
airow at the exit from the transmission line.
This innovative solution
reduces turbulence and
drag at the ATLTM vent,
reducing resistance,
increasing efciency,
eliminating air noise, and
provides bass with supreme
timing and the ultimate
dynamic range.
‘Nothing else comes close to the clarity, timing, and dynamics.’
Our meticulous attention to detail
All PMC loudspeakers are hand-built in the U.K. using individual components
that are matched to our reference model; this includes the structural integrity
of every cabinet and the testing and recording of each component. This
guarantees it will be within our strict tolerances and ensures your purchase
sounds identical to the original design. Each completed loudspeaker then
undergoes a set of objective and subjective measurements - frequency response
sweeps ensure that the design meets our exacting performance criteria, and
then listening tests are conducted against the reference model using a wide
variety of material, from a benchmark BBC speech test to classical music,
pop and rock.
“Computers don’t tell the full story. As well as a full frequency
analysis, we listen to each speaker we make and run a
benchmark BBC speech and music test on every single one.”
Unpacking
!
Please retain your packaging for future use as all PMC
cartons are durable, reusable and can be employed
to safely transport your loudspeakers should they be
relocated or returned for servicing.
Much of the packing is constructed from recyclable
materials, so if you are to dispose of it please do so in an
environmentally friendly manner.
Packing materials can pose danger to animals, the
young and vulnerable. Ensure these items are kept or
disposed of safely.
Resonance-absorbing plinth bar installation
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Resonance damping plinth bars are provided for the oor-standing loudspeakers,
with spikes to enhance the performance and stability of these models in the twenty5
series range. The plinth bars attach to the base of each speaker using M8 bolts. The
twenty5 series one-piece stainless-steel spikes can be used on carpeted ooring, and
the supplied protective pucks can be used to protect more sensitive hard ooring.
Carefully invert the loudspeaker so that its base is uppermost. Take care not to
damage the top of the loudspeaker when it is upside-down; the use of a soft
cloth or square of carpet is suggested.
Place four isolator rings over the four holes in the base of the cabinet.
Locate the plinth bars on top of the isolator rings, ensuring that the inserts in the
cabinet base, the isolator rings, and the holes in the plinth bar, are all aligned.
Locate the large M8 bolts and tighten them gently using the supplied allen key
until the heads of the bolts are ush with the plinth bar’s surface. Once the bolts
are ush, tighten each bolt carefully by half a turn.
N.B. Do not over-tighten. Over-tightening will reduce the effect of the
resonance absorbing material.
Fully thread each spike through the plinth bar. The spikes can then be attached
to the plinth; they should point upwards whilst the cabinet is inverted.
Caution: The spikes are sharp and should be treated with great care; they may
damage hard ooring if in direct contact. N.B. You have the option of using the
protective pucks on more sensitive hard ooring.
Re-invert the loudspeaker so that the spikes and plinth bars are at the bottom.
Once in position, level the loudspeaker by adjusting each spike in turn.
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Dedicated twenty5 series stands
The twenty5 series compact models are designed
to offer exceptional clarity while taking up minimal
space, and can be used either on stands or within
audio/video furniture.
However, they will realise their optimum
performance when used in conjunction with PMC’s
dedicated high-mass stand that positions them at
the ideal height and with complete stability.
Stand Features
• Unique, damped, 3-layer sandwich construction.
• Mass ll-able – sand or shot.
• Built-in cable management.
• Essential to complete the dynamic twenty5 series look.
Stand Dimensions
H 599mm +25mm spikes
W 229mm
D 364mm
Connections
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Plugging them in
Caution
To avoid potential damage, please ensure that your power amplier(s) or
receiver is turned off before connecting or disconnecting your loudspeakers.
Cable & connectors
When selecting cables for use with your twenty5
that their construction is of a high enough standard to withstand the rigors of
everyday use and that they are suitably terminated. While bare wire can be
accommodated by the twenty5 series binding posts, we recommend the use
of either spade lugs or 4mm ‘banana’ plugs in order to maintain an electrical
connection of the highest integrity and avoid the possibility of short circuits.
Please consult your dealer for more information regarding cable lengths and
termination options.
series loudspeakers, ensure
Do not use tools to tighten the binding posts
Polarity + &
It is of vital importance to observe the polarity markings and maintain
positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative connections from amplier
or receiver to the loudspeaker. The twenty5
aid in their identication: positive terminals are red, negative terminals are black.
–
series terminals are colour-coded to
50+ hours to run-in
Running in or breaking in
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11
10
1
2
9
8
7
6
When loudspeakers are new they will take time to reach their full potential.
It is often debated whether any solid-state equipment, such as CD players
or transistor-based power ampliers change with use, but the characteristics
of mechanical devices such as loudspeakers do alter and improve their
performance signicantly after a short ‘running in’ period.
The science is simple; as the soft material surrounding the dome or woofer
cone is exed it will eventually reach a point where it has optimum compliancy
allowing the drive unit to move more freely. This translates to greater accuracy
and speed of attack in the bass region and the mid and high frequency
produces a far more vivid audio picture. This short ‘running in’ period takes
approximately 50 hours of normal use.
3
4
5
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Positioning
Positioning
With their unique
low distortion and smooth bass roll-off, PMC loudspeakers are more forgiving of
difcult room conditions and placement constraints than conventional designs
so you will be able to achieve a superb sound throughout the room with little
effort. We do encourage you to spend some time experimenting in your own
room in order to achieve the very best results. Remembering that small changes
in location can often inuence system performance.
Room shape, size, construction and interior decoration vary immensely and
therefore inuence sound in different ways. The following guidelines are
suggestions for the starting point to locate your new speakers. Fine-tuning of their
positioning can start from here.
Advanced Transmission Line design, wide dispersion, ultra
ATLTM
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Positioning
• Place the speaker so the front face is slightly forward of any large object that
protrudes into the room – eg. a replace, bookcase or television.
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See stereo set up diagram
• Ensure that stereo pairs of loudspeakers are equidistant from the listening position.
• It is best to position the front left/right pair (and centre channel loudspeaker if you
have a surround system) at the same height, usually at ear-level when seated at
the listening position.
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If any of the speakers are mounted above or below ear level, then angle the
speaker towards the listening position.
• The distance between your left/right speakers and the listening position should
ideally be equal. As a general rule, the width of the audio picture will be narrow
if the speakers are too close together. If they are too far apart the picture will be
wide but there will be less central denition.
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Use a well recorded vocal track to judge the ideal spot.
• To enhance the audio picture/soundstage and sound balance, the speakers can
be angled/toed-in. With the speakers facing straight ahead play a well recorded
vocal track. Gradually toe-in both speakers by small increments (max 5° at a time)
(see stereo set-up diagram) until the voice is vivid and centrally placed. You can
ensure this is best position by going ‘one step too far’ then returning. Then, use
a track with extended high frequencies such as cymbals, check that they sound
clear but not overpowering. If they sound too loud or harsh subtly toe the speakers
out by very small increments until you achieve the ideal balance; then repeat
both listening tests to conrm.
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A simple, well-recorded band with vivid vocals will help to nd the best position.
Fine tuning for perfect bass
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Bass / LF (Low Frequency adjustment)
Solid boundaries (i.e. walls, ceilings and oors) reect sound and help to contain
it within a room. They make a speaker sound louder the closer they are to them,
especially in the low frequency (bass) region.
This diagram shows the areas, that if a speaker is positioned, will either increase
or decrease bass – The darker the shading the more bass will be heard.
Placing the speakers in the corners will generate the most bass, and in the centre
of the room, the least bass.
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Stereo set up
Surround sound specic set up
5.1 Systems
The twenty5 series has been designed for perfect multi channel music or movie
playback and the following diagrams display the ideal layout for the speakers.
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No doubt the constraints of room size and shape will vary the distances from
the listener to the speakers. Therefore use of the time alignment function of your
surround processor will be important.
The guidance given in the ‘Stereo set up’ and ‘Fine tuning for perfect
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bass’ also apply to the set up of a surround system.
7.1 Systems
In a system capable of full 7.1 Dolby
Blu-ray™ or HD DVD™ playback there will be two sets of surround speakers.
The rst pair should be positioned at 100º and the second set at 150º. (The centre is
considered 0º while directly to the rear of the room is 180º). See Ideal 7.1 surround
set up diagram.
®
Digital Surround EX™, DTS® ES™,
Other Immersive Surround Formats
DTS:X™, Dolby Atmos™, Auro 3D® – we have models to suit every format.
With our vast array of product options it is easy to create a bespoke state-of-the-
art home cinema to take full advantage of the latest surround sound formats,
regardless of the number of channels or placement of the speakers. In addition to
the choices from the twenty5 series we produce in-wall and on-wall wafer models
and both active and passive subwoofers. See www.pmc-speakers.com for more
information.
Dolby® Digital Surround EX™ and Dolby Atmos are registered trademarks of Dolby® Laboratories
DTS® ES™ and DTX:X™ are registered trademarks of DTS®, Inc
Auro 3D® us a registered trademark of Aurio Technologies
Blu-ray™ is a trademark of the Blu-ray™ Disc Association
HD DVD™ is a trademark of the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC)
Ideal 5.1 surround set up
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Four soft, self-adhesive feet are included with the twenty5.C. These can be
attached to the base of the unit to provide vibration-free operation.
Ideal 7.1 surround sound set up
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For the Dolby Atmos™ system height channels are required. We produce a range
of products to accommodate this. See www.pmc-speakers.com
Service
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!
We are condent your twenty5 loudspeakers will afford many years of trouble-free
listening of the highest order. B ut in the unlikely event that one or more requires
repair, our unique manufacturing procedure, wherein the precise value of each
component together with the response of the system as a whole is recorded,
will ensure that any replaced parts will exactly match the performance of those
originally included within each individual loudspeaker.
For any issues that might arise, or for advice and service requirements, the primary point
of contact should be your knowledgeable and authorised PMC dealer/distributor.
If you do not have a local representative please see www.pmc-speakers.com
and click on ‘where to buy’.
Alternatively you can view our FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and servicing
section on our website. (Click on the contacts section and select FAQ).
Important Note: Please do not return any products to PMC directly
without rst contacting our service department.
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Specications
Freq response 46Hz – 25kHz
Sensitivity 86.5dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power 30 - 150W
Effective ATL™ 1.72m (5.6ft)
Impedance 8 Ohm
Drive units LF PMC twent y5 series 5.5” / 140mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 1.8kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 340mm (13.4”)
W 162mm (6.4”)
D 284mm (11.2”) including binding posts (+ 9mm grille)
Weight 6kg (13.2lbs)
Freq response 39Hz – 25kHz
Sensitivity 89dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power
Effective ATL™ 2m (6.5ft)
Impedance 8 Ohm
Drive units LF PMC twenty 5 series 6.5” / 170mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 1.8kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 410mm (16.1”)
W 192mm (7.6”)
D 373mm (14.7”) including binding posts (+ 9mm grille)
Weight 10kg (22 lbs)
30 - 200W
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Specications
Freq response 28Hz – 25kHz
Sensitivity 86.5dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power
Effective ATL™ 2.4m (7.8ft)
Impedance 8 Ohm
Drive units LF PMC twenty 5 series 5.5” / 140mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 1.8kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 907mm (35.7”) — +20mm spikes
W 162mm (6.4”) — 238mm including plinth bars
D 330mm (13.0”) — + 9mm grille
Weight 15kg (33 lbs)
Freq response 27Hz – 25kHz
Sensitivity 89dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power 30 - 200W
Effective ATL™ 3m (9.8ft)
Impedance 8 Ohm
Drive units LF PMC twenty 5 series 6.5” / 170mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 1.8kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 1015mm (40.0”) — +20mm spikes
W 192mm (7.6”) — 275mm including plinth bars
D 419mm (16.5”) — + 9mm grille
Weight 23kg (50.6lbs)
30 - 150W
Specications
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Freq response 27Hz – 25kHz
Sensitivity 86dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power 50 - 300W
Effective ATL™ 3.3m (11ft)
Impedance 8 Ohm
Drive units LF PMC twenty 5 series 6.5” / 170mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
MF PMC 50mm twenty 5 series dome mid-range
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
fabric soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 400Hz, 4kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 1040mm (40.9”) — +20mm spikes
W 192mm (7.6”) — 275mm including plinth bars
D 439mm (17.3”) — +15mm grille
Weight 25kg (55.1 lbs)
Freq response 45Hz - 25kHz
Sensitivity 90dB 1W 1m
Recommended amp power 30 - 200W
Effective ATL™ 1.8m (5.9ft)
Impedance 6 Ohm
Drive units LF 2 x PMC twenty 5 series 5.5” / 140mm long-throw
g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis
HF PMC/SEAS®, 27mm twenty 5 series, SONOLEX™
soft dome, Ferrouid cooled
Crossover freq 1.8kHz
Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts
Dimensions H 174mm (6.9”)
W 554mm (21.8”)
D 314mm (12.4”) incl. binding posts — + 9mm grille
Weight 11kg (24.3lbs)
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Warranty on-line
SIMPLY ACTIVATE YOUR 20 YEAR
WARRANTY ON-LINE
GO TO WWW.PMC-SPEAKERS.COM AND CLICK ON REGISTER PRODUCT
WARRANTY ON-LINE
If you do not have access to the internet ll in the
warranty form found on pages 30 & 31 and post it to us.
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WARRANTY CERTIFICATE - PART 1
Your Copy
to KEEP
Please complete and retain this page for your own records
Product
Serial nos
Date of purchase
Dealers name
Dealers address
Town
County
Postcode
Dealers telephone no
Servicing and warranty issues – Please read the following carefully.
Non UK clients: Contact your local dealer/distributor for the details of warranty repairs - see www.pmc-speakers.com and click on ‘where
to buy’ for their details.
UK clients: In the unlikely event of a fault occurring with your The Professional Monitor Company Limited (PMC) product rstly contact your
dealer where the product was purchased.
Do not return a product to PMC without rstly contacting our technical dept. If the product must be returned for service you will be issued
with a ‘Returns Authorisation Number’.
If a product is returned to PMC and subsequently is found to have no fault or a non-warranty fault it will be subject to a minimum of £50.00
plus the carriage for its return.
Proof of purchase is required for any claim covered by this warranty.
This product is warranted for a period of 20 years from the date of purchase or upon receipt of ‘our copy’ overleaf or on-line registration
within ten days of purchase or receipt.
The warranty covers defects due to faulty materials or workmanship but does not cover defects arising from accidental damage,
misuse or wear and tear. The warranty is void if any attempt has been made by persons not authorised by PMC to dismantle,
repair or modify any part of the product.
Products must be returned using original packing material. This warranty does not cover damage in transit.
Note that the cost of the carriage to PMC is not covered by the warranty.
Returned products that are defective that are covered by warranty will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of PMC.
Allow minimum of 14 working days for return of warranty repairs.
This warranty does not effect your consumer rights under statutory law. This warranty is only valid in the United Kingdom.
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WARRANTY CERTIFICATE - PART 2
Our Copy
Please complete and return this section – or simply complete the on-line
registration at www.pmc-speakers.com and click on register product.
Product
Serial nos
Date of purchase
Purchased from
Your name
Your email address
Your address
Town
County
Postcode/Zip code
Help us improve
our products
see over
Help us Improve Your comments
If there is one thing we should change, what would it be?
We value all our client’s comments. Please take a moment to help us improve:
Please tell us how your new PMC’s perform. Your comments may appear on
the customer quotes section for this product on our site. N.B. Don’t worry the
comments will be anonymous; your personal details will not appear.
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HiFi Choice Future Music T3 mixonline.com
What HiFi Sound on Sound Stuff gearslutz.com
Stereophile Audio Media GQ avreview.co.uk
HiFi World Pro Sound News EVO techradar.com
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We hope you enjoy your latest purchase as much as we enjoyed designing
and building them - Thank you.
the-ear.net
Inspection certicate
Every component that appears in a PMC product is measured, tested, matched
and recorded by hand. This analysis also applies to the nal product we build to ensure
you receive an identical replica of the reference model.
Crossover matching
Enclosure nish
Assembly & Wiring
Driver installation
Enclosure seal
Level - frequency
Impedance - frequency
Pair matching
Listening test 1
Listening test 2
Final inspection
Accessory pack
User Guide
All the above has been carefully checked by the builder of your twenty5 series loudspeakers