COST OF "TL" SPEAKERS CRASHES DOWN! PMC Prodigy 5 Speaker Review

[@C-man553]

This is an intelligent and educated man, maybe the best reviewer on YT.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Dave. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@C-man553]

@@user-jp3vl5jx1j Agreed, absolutely…..frequently a sycophancy fest. There are rare occasions,however when I think it’s warranted. I’m usually a grim curmudgeon, especially when guys demo their systems by miking the speakers. Horrendous.

[@WhiteRvssian2023]

I really like your vids. You're relaxed, knowledgeble without venturng into stupid audiophile nonsense and you're looking at accesible stuff in a real life situation! Thank you.

[@divertiti]

What do you mean, you are watching audiophile non-sense.

[@WhiteRvssian2023]

@@divertiti stupidly expensive cables and such. Puttinig stupidly expensive blocjson the floor to keep thee cables off it, that kind of thing. Plying vinyl with stupidly expensive elements, 3000 US phono amps. Need I go on?

[@RennieAsh]

​@@WhiteRvssian2023that's just stupidly expense audiophile nonsense. You can still have cheap audiophile nonsense ;-)

[@divertiti]

@@WhiteRvssian2023 This speaker itself is stupidly expensive audiophile nonsense

[@jyewhin]

@@divertiti Can you explain why?

[@andrewmeredith9909]

I first heard these at Cranage and they were the stand out of the whole show for me. I loved them and ended up getting a pair of pmc’s after.

[@Planardude]

We share a mutual love of transmission lines. When I first heard the IMF speakers back in the 70s I was totally smitten. I had both IMF TLS 50s and 80s. My other love was electrostatics. Being somewhat poor ESLs were not in my economic realm. Being a lover of speakers I chanced upon the articles of Roger Sanders in Audio Amateur and Speaker Builder Magazines - he combined my two loves of ESLs and TLS. He mentored me in building my own systems. For about 20 years I built my own hybrid systems. These went thru a few iterations. The ELS were stacked panels 7 ft tall. The TLS were initially 12 inch Dynaudio drivers feeding dual ~12 foot transmission lines. A subsequent version added another 7ft cabinet with 2 6.5 Dynaudio drivers feeding separate 12 foot transmission lines. Bach Toccata and Fugue never sounded so good or so house shaking. Due to age and downsizing I parted with this incredible system. However my love of these did not change. I now have the Sanders 10es which have much better ESL panels than I ever built as well as TL bass which is spectacular but much more compact than my dual 7 ft bass cabinets. I also have rebuilt my beloved IMF TLS 80s. Falcon Acoustics has resurrected the discontinued KEF bass and midrange drivers and the xovers have been rebuilt. This is my "legacy" system. It is powered by a Threshold 400a that has been rebuilt by one of the original Threshold engineers, an old Bryston preamp and my original Ariston turntable with rebuilt phono cartridges. 40 year old system that still sounds great and transports me back to my "youth" It is unfortunate that so few companies build TLs. Back when I built mine it was hit or miss but now there is extensive design parameters to do it right. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@C-man553]

I have the Tens. The panel, despite some ingenious design elements, are terrible. Very high Q stators and poor mechanical support/damping ruin what probably would very good performance But they are also hampered by 14 micron Mylar. I’ve used 4 micron in well damped stators and the difference is enormous. Quad 57s also very thin Mylar and the result is legendary. Roger also uses graphite coating which, well … I’ll leave it there. His customer support is excellent and he has been incredibly patient with me over 40 some years. A frustrating cocktail.

[@Totalplonker]

When watching one of your videos the amount of knowledge you pass on to us viewers is astonishing. You do it in such a way it's so captivated even though at times it can be quite technical, it's still comes across enjoyable to listen to. Perfect for us avid music listeners, who would rather listen to music then do the research. Weather all this knowledge sticks is it different matter 🤪

[@chimps4gimps]

I demo’d some PMC speakers with my current setup but found them too (for want of a better description) precise. I could see how they would be perfect for professionals trying to understand the intricacies of the tone and balance etc. But for home listening, they lack the energy/timbre I yearn for.

[@cremersalex]

Would love to hear its smaller brother, the Prodigy 1.

[@Hendeesh]

Build quality/ reliability and finish play heavily into consideration for me with speakers. I also like a philosophy of "as few voice coils as possible" or good image/stereo spread when listening critically. I've always liked TL designs for their "deep whilst musically nimble" approach to bass reproduction. Working in theatre live sound and in larger rooms this is definitely an element that is sadly not always available/ possible. I recently put in a show that called for some practical vintage hi-fi speakers on the set and we ended up with a VGC pair of B&W dm2 transmission lines from the 1970's. They comfortably outshone the main theatre meyer sound system with their bass presence and speed during playback! I was astonished that a pair of moderate size domestic hi-fi speakers nearly 50 years old could do this on their own compared to a modern active system costing thousands of pounds! Obviously midrange and treble accuracy and overall spl is a slightly different matter but for the overall pleasure of their bass presence I was willing/able to overlook other potential shortcomings as these would not have been an issue in a smaller setting and for the age of them, simply remarkable! Transmission lines can make a small driver sound a lot bigger and more capable over a wider band than any other box design i have come across, yet!! Very interesting and informative video. Thanks 👍

[@MrCitizenKaned]

Man, you have really gotten very good at this, I nearly bought a pair, and then felt sad that I just can't spare the dollar right now and I really do have enough speakers to be going on with, seriously though it is as always a pleasure to hear you wax lyrical about the subject that you have so much passion for, well done, very well done.

[@stuartthurston4765]

Outstanding review as always. I have the fact 12 signatures and these P5 are closer than most would think in a normal room. The 12s need so so much room to breathe that they are pointless in most houses. These P5s are in my second system with a Naim SN3 hi cap ndx2 xps2 and I get just as much from them.

[@moonwrasse]

I have run transmission line speakers for 25 years. IPL acoustic, Kit build. Outstanding speakers and easy to build

[@SuperMcgenius]

Yes, Transmission line speakers are something special if design properly. Years ago I owned a pair of IMFTLS 50 in the 1970s I got a chance to hear a pair again a few years ago, they still sounded really good considering the speaker is 50 years old. My Vandersteen fives use a transmission line loading for the mid base, it may not be the best speaker, but I’ve never heard them ever make a mistake. Nelson pass designed pair of transmission line subwoofers that were 12 feet high called L Pippo😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@joestarkie5597]

Opening shot a retrospective at the AR,s designed by Edgar Vilchurr, Henry Kloss and Roy Allison. Fabulous technical explanations in this review.All you need now is a crystal ball to see the future.Great job.!

[@AjaySharma-tt6so]

Hi Tarun, lovely review. I love how you explain the engineering so one doesn’t need to be an engineer to understand. Can’t wait till the next review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ajay 🙂 👍

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, I think I told last year that I had built my own transmission line cabinets about 40 years ago, the end of last year I replace the drivers with SEAS SPEAKERS, 8” Bass and 3” tweeters, 150w , they fire out the bottom, the line for tunnel is around 14’, and the stand just over 5’ tall, I only have a NAD 30w , 3020 , hopping to so to purchase a NAD C275 or C375 or C389, I live in France, and I often have people round to listen to music, some classical, heavy rock music, and the blues, and just recently I’ve been listening to Viking War music, and I definitely feel movement in the air at around 5 m away, could say not for the faint hearted, I have listened to speakers costing thousands of pounds, or euros, and they all deep bass, very interesting subject, TL SPEAKERS, Phil from the moulin France.

[@andrewwebb4635]

Congratulations on your viewer numbers going up so well! Loads of others are coming to appreciate your knowledgeable but not overpowering videos. You’ve helped me a lot in the last two years. Thank you. The success amongst several reviewers of the folded Voigt Sibelius has inspired me to look into Voigt pipes and transmission line speakers. I’m always keen to get nearer to the effect of a concert hall in my home and I think these designs may help! I’m not able to buy new but I’m learning from yourself and others on KZbin that PMC is a reliable manufacturer of TL speakers. Thank you again and keep up your excellent reviews.

[@flotinaway7]

Nice review and always loved PMC's but never owned any. I used to have Nightingale NM1's with TL many years ago and just got a pair of Dali Rubicon 6's which sound beautiful to my ears.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Tarun, back in the 80's I really liked the transmission line. There was one particular design going around with a 4" Focal mid woofer and an Audax tweeter that bunch of friends and me have build all for our self. Today, I would like to build a Voigt Pipe with either a Fostex or a Tang-Band full range driver. (BTW, nothing can stop someone from adding a top mount super tweeter to a full range driver. Even if it is a factory product.) It is still on hold, as I am trying to figure out the carpentry issues. My current speakers are BR and I am happy with those which does not help me to get on with it. As for the review, thanks for binging this speaker to our attention. As you describe it, the Outstanding score is well deserved. Tip for people on a tight budget: Though these speakers are already offering a lot for their sticker price, in general floor standers do not hold their value as well as compact speakers, due to transport issues. If you want them but don't have the money, keep looking on e.Bay and one day you may be lucky.

[@michaelbutterworthphotographer]

Nice to see TL speakers featured. I designed and build some TL which also have a Mark Audio full range single drive, couple with BJT/VALVE/FET hybrid amp I refined and built they have exactly the characteristics you described. Love the combination.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@mrmwrsmith]

I have the Neat petite classic speakers (atm) for a year now, I had the pmc twenty 21's p previously. I still miss that transmission line type of bass, it's hard to put your finger on it, it's fast, it's tuneful and detailed as is the seas tweater....I will get another pair at some point.....or maybe even the standmount prodigy....thanks for the review Taron, you keep your reviews detailed and well explained without us viewers needing a Electronics degree to get the gist of it all. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. I have owned transmission line speakers for almost 30 years. My Celestion 300s still have the best bass of any speaker I own 👍

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Great video. Proud PMC owner. Back to your question I prefer the prodigy 5 size, not into large cabinets and also class a friendly speakers. Cheers

[@NeilBlanchard]

I think that another factor that leads to cleaner midrange with a TL, is the much lower air pressure inside the cabinet. The lower "air spring" does two things: the driver is able to operate closer to how an open baffle does; and it puts much lower stress on the cabinet. In addition, the internal baffles that form the TL also work as braces that placed asymmetrically. So, you get much lower level of cabinet resonances, and they are distributed to a more broad spectrum.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I agree 😊

[@snoopyboobs]

this is inaccurate. Why would there be less pressure in a TL vs ported?

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@snoopyboobs Because a TL is essentially a narrow column of air that is open at one end. Only the closed end of the TL is pressurized like a sealed or ported box - and even there it is lower pressure than other types of box speakers. The whole point of a mass loaded transmission line is that the air couples with the back of the woofer cone and it *moves* back and forth; rather than acting as a spring.

[@justed4131]

An interesting review indeed, Tarun! I remember a work buddy asking me to pick him out a stereo system back around 1980. His only rule was that I couldn't spend over $3500!!! Seriously!?! I'd have paid him! Anyway, we got him a system, set it all up, and balance was restored. About 2 months later he walked up to me looking like he just lost everything. Turns out he moved his system downstairs and into the rec room. Problem was, he thought he could move his speakers simply by lifting them by their overhung wooden tops. It appeared he got less than halfway down the stairs when the lid's glue let go of the cabinet, and it went tumbling down the rest of the stairs. These speakers were DCM "Time Windows'. I used to drool over them while hanging out in the shop with the owner! I believe they cost my buddy $1500.00 for the pair. These were transmission line speaker enclosures as well. He ended up in his workshop making 2 new lids to replace the ones that got trashed. And fortunately we got lucky regarding new tweeters locally. Yes, one of the originals got stabbed by something while bouncing down the stairs. And get this. The 1" dome tweeters were made by Philips. In the parts shop where I picked some up, they cost less than $12.00 each!!! This was a 2-way speaker design with each enclosure in the shape of a piece of pie. It used rounded sonotube for the back of the enclosure. Plus 2 matching sheets of (particle board?) attached at the arc, while tapering to a point in the front. This design allowed for 2 tweeters, and 2 mid-drivers(6 1/2") per cabinet. My buddy never did get his speakers looking good again. But the pair I made after seeing how his was made turned out sounding pretty darn good for costing $160.00!!!

[@richardparnell6551]

Thanks for the review. I heard these at the Bristol show and was impressed, but wondered whether they would sound as good outside the odd surroundings of a show. I listen for a sound that allows me to enjoy an engaging performance in a home setting. This means at a lower volume, doing battle with whatever furnishings soak up the sound. I use (now old) Martin Logan’s which I don’t think are totally accurate and, being older, the integration of the cabinet speaker and the panel are probably not perfect. Regardless of their undoubted limitations, they offer the compromise that works for me - clarity, excitement and the ability to work well at lower volumes. I suspect the PMC’s might be a suitable replacement.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to learn about your experiences 😊

[@RoSh-i8k]

Excellent content. It's refreshing to get quality advice without so many "special offers" being pushed every few moments on other channels. Coming back to hifi after a very long hiatus - my very first speakers were Mordaunt Short Carnival III's (I think)being fed with a "pre-loved" Quad and Michel Focus One. Ahh those heady student days :) Keep up the excellent content, much appreciated.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@claudechasle4154]

Hi Tarun. While in University in Sherbrooke Qc half a century ago, my preferred speakers were large IMF transmission lines. Had the opportunity to listen to the PMC Prodigy V at the recent Montréal Audiofest. Agree with you that these are excellent especially for the price. Thks for the recommendation.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@cesarjlisboa7586]

Another honest , good review. Congratulations Tarun 🎉

[@breezebreeze699]

Great content.....TL are PMC's specialty. They actually get it right...that and their soft dome mids....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I agree 😊

[@FergusORorke]

Happy my recent Prodigy 5 purchase has been validated by none other than your good self. Your comments about them being complete and their ability to disappear into the background are spot on. I was toying with the idea of getting KEF R3 Metas, which are no doubt very good too but the deceptive simplicity of PMC's transmission line technology appeals to my inner minimalist. These are my second upgrade of the year, having got hold of a Mojo2 to act both as a DAC and pre-amp which it does brilliantly. The combination of the Mojo2 handing steaming input and the Prodigy 5s delivering the sound is deeply satisfying (pardon the pun). I will no doubt eventually get round to changing my amp - a modest NAD C320BEE with the Mojo2 connected directly to the poweramp section - but I'm in no hurry as the quality of what is being produced by the system is pretty impressive as it is.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 👍

[@paulknight1248]

Great review with easy to understand terminology of how TL speakers work ,I'm wondering how these would compare to pmc GB1 (which I own ) these I would describe as being neutral with a bass response that never over reaches but are fast and agile ,the biggest criticism is if you have a bad recording these guys will let you know which can be a bit frustrating with all these poor remasters that are being chucked out these days.i use mine with naim equipment and changing from an old nap 140 to a nap 250 you notice the change mainly in control of the sound bass becomes tighter and faster ,again enjoying your reviews keep up the great work 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate you sharing 👍

[@LuisTorres-he4lo]

I love a good Two Way!!!! There is something magical about this design….✌🏽

[@bobthompson5363]

Another clear , very informative and I’d say passionate (you love your ‘hobby’) vid. I can almost hear some of the products you review. I brought a pair of Paul Barton speakers, a bedroom amp and streamer/ Dac in part because of your reviews and for now my systems are done. But I continue to watch your channel as it is so enjoyable.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bob. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@nickwilliams1065]

I was lucky enough to have spent a whole day with both these PMC's at my local dealer The HiFi lounge in Biggleswade. The owner of which is friends with the guy who owns PMC. While a friend and I found the smaller pair a tad bright these Prodigy 5's left us both seriously considering a change of speakers, I use MA silver 300's and my mate has some Castle Howards which we are both very happy with but such was the delivery from these small floor standers. Still mulling it over if I am honest and will take a few months more before sticking or twisting on the speaker front. Keep up the excellent reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for sharing 😊

[@TheBrigar]

I heard PMC for the first time with the Twenty5.23's last weekend. There is a lot to like: size, bass extension, good tone and body in the mids. Would love to hear more of your reviews of PMC speakers

[@vynleshmynle7372]

This guys as close as you can get to a paid spokesman without him admitting it.

[@adsph]

Well done review. Explained in a way for everyone to understand.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@IAN-ie5zh]

hi tarun so glad you reviewed some transmission line speakers i have a pair of Castle Harlech Tl had them since 1990s love em get down to 40 with a mahogany finish never change them .enjoyed all your reviews with your vast knowledge and expertise.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@morrisgallimore1173]

Brilliant reviews. Much appreciated honest and knowledgeable opinions. I have a small room 4m wide by 3.6m deep. I have currently Hegel Mohican CD, Rega Planar P6, Hegel Røst and Dali Opticon 6. I am considering PMC Prodigy 5 but am aware that my sitting position has a wall being it which can be susceptible to bass reflection. I place a pillow behind my head to reduce this. Also Epicon 2 is on my list. I listen to classical, jazz, rock, pop literally everything and spend around an hour a day. What are the benefits of each speaker and would the Dali Epicon be the better solution?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. The Prodigy 5s need some space to sound their best. I think a standmount may be a better solution in your room 😊

[@carlitomelon4610]

I say Tarun, enjoyable presentation, thank you! Well , this persuaded me to slide the LRS aside for a couple of weeks and warm up the tube amp driving my ($2300/1999) Rega Naos TLs. I was peasantly surprised they sounded full bodied and image well 6ft apart and only 8in away from the wall behind (as designed i believe). Jazz bass lines are deep, tuneful and easily followed. A visiting friend thought i had the REL subs running......Nope. They have output to 27hz. Not bad for an 8in paper driver. When i looked inside i found the 'line was formed simply with a triangular sectioned vertical duct filled with long stranded wool wadding, propa' like;-) Listening the TLs I just forget hifi and enjoy the music. I would consider the PMCs based on my experience with the Naos 🎶🤫🎶

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@007soedal]

Good review! I heard these at a hifi show a month ago. I found them to be more linear in the treble than the Twenty5 series. Very nice speakers.

[@rog86]

Was that the Twenty5 i series?

[@007soedal]

Yes mostly. That was the worst one. I used to own the original Twenty5 22 and that one was quite energetic in the treble. My impressions when hearing the "I" version was that the magic was gone as the treble was even more exaggerated . This newer, less costly series seems to me to have a more linear response than both the original Twenty5 and the later version. I guess this will be apparent when the first measurements comes out.@@rog86

[@Carl2402]

I heard pmc speakers for the 1st time last week when I was have a demo on a naim streamer I was blown away by the sound of them for such little speakers,they were 23i but may have a demo of the prodigy’s to see what they are like,great review and I’ve subscribed to your channel

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Carl2402 great. I appreciate your support 😊👍

[@kevinstephenson9887]

Brilliant channel I would like to see more retro amplifier reviews from makers of Revox ,Luxmam, Hafla and speakers from spender and Quad (Esl 63) I have got a Quad 406 pre and power amp Meriden 😅206B CD player and spendor Bc1.I am a big fan of the Linn Kaled speaker.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kevinstephenson9887 thank you 😊👍

[@carlitomelon4610]

Much enjoyed this review Tarun, thx ! I remember how stunned I was hearing a friend's Rega Ela's in the late 80s compared to my ProAc Tablettes. Same size 4" drivers. Where did that bass extension come from ?? A few years ago I allowed that memory to persuade to snap up an old pair of Rega Naos TLs with 8" drivers for a second system. 27hz bass extension without the usual bloat of ported designs. They just go low when it's there. Using with an EL34 Silk Audio valve amp occasionally. No match for the Magnepan LRS in the same room for scale with a pair of REL subs, however. I'd encourage you to review (BUY!!) the LRS....great speakers to test any amplifier's mettle🎵🎶🤔 You can always slide them off to a wall when not in use, but you won't want to! 🎵🎶😁🎶🎵

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 👍

[@fredericktennant9151]

good review, I choose my speakers with great care and only replace my speakers when they become faulty as years of great service often means that I can no longer get spare parts for them. My current speakers are Wharfedale Lintons as they just work really well with my current kit, I don't listen to my hifi I just listen to music and at the moment its all working fine. The funny thing is that I have gone full circle as my first quality speaker back in the day was the Lintons.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Me too: That's the whole point. Being transported to the event....Stop right there!

[@gt4viking789]

A great review Tarun and very interesting for me personally (Don’t know how I could have missed this, but did 🤷‍♂️). As you say there is something very special about PMCs TL offerings literally in all aspects of creating great musicality. My PMC Fact 12s are placed with front baffles just over 5 feet from the front wall and in combination with both Townsend Podiums and acoustically treated room delivers fast and clean bass, with as you say no colouration up into the mids. They have equally responded well with amplification upgrades. Thanks again and keep well 👍🏼

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@cinqiwc]

Thanks for yet another interesting video. I enjoyed the PMC LB1’s for about half a year and really liked them. As for your question about speaker design I have a probably weird one. My right speaker is almost directly in front if the door to the livingroom so my primary concern was finding a speaker without outriggers and sharp corners. Secondly, it would be nice if it looked good from the back too. I found a great speaker in the B&W 803D4. Extra bonus is the weight, you won’t easily tip these over if you happen to stumble in the back of it if you run into them entering a dark livingroom at night 😂

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@paulwg2112]

Thank you sir for your review and “Ted Talk” on transmission line design. Now I wish I had another room to get a pair of these.

[@francois3684]

Hello Tarun, great review, I love those PMC speakers! I own a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 5 speakers. They are an isobaric (compound) type design (3 way closed box with an internal woofer in phase with the external one, creating a theoretical infinite volume inclosure). The bass is very fast and tight and although limited at around 47 Hz you can really feel those lower frequencies (in a very controlled way) when you get the speakers placement right. Rated at 83 dBs efficiency with an 4 Ohms impedance, you need to pair them with a current capable amplifier (Hegel H30 in my case). Add to this an Esotar tweeter plus a soft dome midrange and WOW!!! My next move will be to add a Rel S510 subwoofer to the system to get the full lower frequencies experience and hopefully open up the soundstage (like so many are talking about when adding a good sub). Not shure if there is a lot of compound design speakers out there anymore… Francois

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@RichardMathieson-j3l]

Thank you for pointing out these speakers. I do prefer sealed box and transmission line speakers for their ‘clean’ signatures and I’m looking to replace my venerable Linn Kans driven by a Benchmark AHB2 power amp. Premium Sound are my favoured store so a visit is in order. BTW your reviews are excellent with a good balance between objective and subjective description.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@RichardMathieson-j3l thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@geoff37s38]

Many decades ago I made a pair of TL speakers based on a design in Wireless World by Dr A R Bailey. I used KEF drivers and filled with long fibre wool. These speakers were quite large and sounded amazing but had limited power handling. Bass from the opening at the end of the line was clean and subtle, not like room pressurising bass from a conventional box woofer. I sold the speakers as we were moving to Australia. The only speakers I have heard that better the TL’s are my present large electrostatics made by E R Audio here in Australia.

[@CanberraProtest-dm6hu]

I live in Sydney and have not heard of ER Audio. And I just visited a friend in Roleystone in Western Australia who lives just around the corner from ER Audio. Bugger I would loved to have had a listen. I might send my friend

[@vic2kmy]

Great review Tarun. Fully agree with your assessment of the Prodigy 5. Recently had the opportunity to listen to them side by side with the PMC Fact Fenestria at the KL International AV Show. We were treated to an A/B comparison of both speakers playing and the Prodigy 5 had no problems to fill the rather large demo room with stupid levels of music. Except for the deeper bass and bigger sound of the Fenestrias, everything else could almost match the big speakers. Its top end was just a touch less refined and airy. At the asking price of about 30 times less than the Fenestria, they are impressive, even at the volumes they were pushed to perform. Will be keeping my eyes on these from now on.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Vic. Very interesting 👍

[@stephenclay6852]

Thanks for your review I’ve just purchased a pair of these speakers and a Bluesound power node.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great 👍

[@petergraves3086]

Another aspect of transmission line speakers is all the internal line or labyrinth makes the speaker box very rigid and non-resonant compared to reflex port speakers which might have some internal bracing and little else in what is an empty box .

[@riccitone]

Another excellent review. I'd been eying the stand mount versions of these before settling in on some Spendor 4/5's. And comment on the Spendors in design, would have say the power and presence that they are capable of delivering at such a small size and being a sealed design is incredible. Those drivers can go from authoritative to beautifully nuanced at the drop of a hat. Also love the special cabinet in how it lends to the sonics, but at a caveat...Just wish I did't have to now look for special open frame stands that won't dampen them tonally!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️ THANKS TARUN ,AND PREMIUM SOUNDS FOR SPONSORING THIS ONE 👍😎💚💚💚

[@rapier5]

I like best the basic aesthetic of narrow towers like this. In that regard the pictures of the Sibelius and its solid oak is now by far my most desired speaker, by appearance. However I'm stuck with Pioneer SP-F 552's. I will pencil in these on my shopping list.

[@paulbruce3779]

Great Review Tarun! Have you seen the Dayton Audio MK442t? They are a slim tower that also utilizes a transmission line. Has some great reviews - $400/pr here in Canada.

[@markcarrington8565]

Hi Tarun, I didn’t need my crystal ball with this one 😂. When I had the luxury of a large room I would have loved to try a transmission line design for their fabled bass response. Not just depth but grip. So my choice of speaker is based not on how they’re constructed but how they sound in the room. Until I found my Elites, I was resigned to finding a stand mount to keep room resonances at bay. They would no doubt have had all the detail and spaciousness I look for, combined with a beautiful tone. What the floorstanders have brought, apart from the obvious freedom from pesky stands, is bass that plays tunes effortlessly. Great job.

[@gdwlaw5549]

Incredibly the official local PMC reseller in Montpellier ( France ) refused to order them for a demo! The owner mentioned that she had a pair at home of the more expensive models. I had already made my decision to get a pair as I already own bookshelf PMC’s They tried to sell me a pair of KEF meta. Excellent review…as usual.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is an odd stance from an official PMC retailer 🙂

[@gdwlaw5549]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 They do have the more expensive models in stock. I contacted the French distributor and will try them soon in another city. The bookshelf models work very well for my office setup even though it’s quite an old model. My main loudspeakers are Jean Marie Reynaud Cantibile which are also transmission line concepts.

[@andyandrews6850]

Well you asked what I look for in a speaker. After 50 years of HiFi I am convinced that small rooms 12’x12’ or less, only really work with sealed boxes. And that severely limits choice.

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

I'm fond of transmission line type speakers as well. My single driver TQWP speaker cabinets have a twist at the bottom ~ a 'No Mass' passive radiator. It loads the 6 inch driver at frequencies below the cabinet tuning of 57Hz, reducing LF distortion to 1/3rd that of a traditional TQWP. However, to get the lowest octave notes, a opposed dual driver sealed box powered sub augments these speakers down to -3dB at 35Hz.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Nice. I was impressed by Pearl Acoustics implementation of a Taper Quarter Wave Pipe that I recently reviewed 😊

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

They look like my Totem Sky Tower. Great Review Tarun, thank you.

[@peterferrier5833]

Thank you Tarin. Another great review. Been a fan of PMC for a while, so it's nice to see you give an outstanding award. The biggest issue that I seem to see time and time again, is the problem of space. It's understandable that many people these days go for active speakers. Smaller homes and young people's desire for instant music seem to indicate that the traditional hi fi stack is no longer desired. It's frustrating for many people that want the sound to envelope a room, but have to rule out many speakers, because the room is simply too small. The PMC TL may just provide a solution, as it's not rear ported. Your channel really does shine a light, so thanks again.

[@bjwal6]

I think the view that active speakers are purely for cost saving or simplicity for young buyers is fundamentally incorrect - it’s primary benefit is sound quality from basically any professional account I have heard, and my own ears (I.e ATC passives with silly expensive partnering equipments vs their equivalent actives in the range)

[@andrewwebb4635]

Another really great video, thanks. That seems such a sensible approach to designing and building speakers: sub-out the woodwork overseas, keep the finishes cheap but maintain the electronics quality. You think speakers need lovely veneer, you do it yourself or pay for it! Voigt pipes, transmission lines and horn designs are the intellectual basis of speaker design. Sealed boxes, passive woofers and tuned ports are all compromised distortions to save money and fool the punters.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@thebingaling1105]

Great vid as usual. I’ve just been sorting a demo for the Prodigy 1’s as a possible upgrade to my Oberon 5’s. Looking forward to it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on.

[@thebingaling1105]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 will do. I’m expecting big things based on this review and what the dealer has said.

[@mikecampbell5856]

Thanks for showing me yet another product I didn't know about. Also I always meant to thank you for giving us the measurements in American!

[@johncallaghan3097]

Thanks for the excellent exposition on transmission line speakers as compared to other types of speaker. IMHO, There are at least three things one can pay attention to in the appearance of speakers: size, shape and colour. I find the Prodigy 5's, though their size and shape is fine, a tad off-putting because they appear to be available only in black. The standmount versions, the Prodigy 1's, are somewhat more aesthetically pleasing, at least to my eye, and like the 5's have the reported benefit that they sound good even at low volumes. When push comes to shove though, I don't care so much about appearance -- I do after all listen daily to a pair of self-built Decware open baffle clones (for less than the price of the Prodigy 1's). They have 15" full range drivers and for all the world look like 40mm thick, roughly (H)3' x (W)2'6" giant toilet seats in solid oak. Doesn't phase me at all. Still, I've always wanted to listen to and compare transmission line speakers, so I'm sorely tempted... Edit: Any plan to review the Prodigy 1's?

[@petergraves3086]

Great review . I have Castle Avon 5s another transmission line design from a few years ago which you alluded to recently in a review of a Castle speaker. I can confirm the bass quality of a TL is very special and far superior to the usual ported designs. The overall sound quality is helped by a ribbon tweeter in the Castles and a REL sub .The Castle TLs are partnered by a pair of bridged Myryad MA 240s . Thought you would be impressed .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I would love to review a new Castle TL speaker 🙂

[@ginomalavita69]

Very interesting review. I have ATC SCM20s, so a sealed speaker, which is great for its bass definition and tightness. But I've had the Rega RS7 transmission line and I liked them fine. They lack a bit of bass though, which goes against your analysis of the transmission line characteristics. I guess there's always some exception to any rule.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing. It would be interning to see what frequency Rega tuned the transmission line to 😊

[@joebass5163]

I have DCM TF500 and DCM Timepiece speakers. Both are vintage transmission designs. The TF500 sound great with a 6.5" woofer and Vifa D19 tweeter. These are easy to find in the U.S.A.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@joebass5163 thx for sharing 😊

[@BobTrainor]

Efficiency. I like high efficiency speakers with lots of dynamics. Run them with 2 w. That’s where all the excitement is for me.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@john-nx2pt]

I've leant more about speaker tech and associated physics watching this video than I've picked up over the decades of having an interest in hi-fi. Cheers 🍻

[@cobar5342]

Thank you for another great review

[@daviddeeks1044]

Great review, as usual. Best on the internet. I have a particular interest in transmission lines, loving my floorstanding IPLs that I built from kits several years ago - unlike the PMCs, topped off by excellent ribbon tweeters and sounding wonderful driven by my Mus Fid monoblocks. Shame Ivan P Leslie is now retired and his products no more. He quietly designed and sold a range of excellent kits over many years, mostly transmission lines. A hifi hero largely unsung.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you David. Much appreciated. Great anecdote 😊👍

[@daviddeeks1044]

Great news! A correction to my earlier comments - IPL are back! As of last July evidently. In my experience, any diy audiophiles out there could do definitely do worse than check them out. @@abritishaudiophile7314

[@robjones8733]

Thanks for reviewing these 🙂 running DCM Timeframe 600's on my modest rig.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@donk1822]

Great explanation of basic TL principles, also good to see somebody else running out of space to put Hi Fi ;).

[@damayor62]

WOW! I never thought of considering a 2-way floor stander when my current 30 year old Paradigm 3-way floor standers give up the ghost but these are very intriguing. The fact you gave them an "Outstanding" is even more evidence of their quality. I live in a condo so my speakers really need to be front ported and sound great at low level volume. Curious how these sound at low level with "loudness" engaged or EQ'd similarly. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@brendanxtrom]

Interesting. I’ve never heard of this technology. I’m wondering if the way the foam and other aspects of the build being so integral to the timing and sound mean that this speaker will not last as long as some other designs since the degradation of those materials would affect the overall sound.

[@ianbigsand7]

Very interesting Tarun. Years back a colleague had a pair of IMFs that I thought were pretty poor, particularly in the mid range which is so important. How would these compare to a small bookshelf with a decent subwoofer, say one of the Rels? I would expect that there would be fewer compromises.

[@laurieharper1526]

I've just bought a pair of PMC Result6, which are the smallest PMC powered monitor. I wanted new monitors for my laptop/home studio and thought I may as well get something I could use in the hi-fi as well. They're very impressive. I like the honesty of monitors. I know many think they're too forthright for home listening, but I disagree. They just tell it like it is and don't sweeten things, as some hi-fi speakers can be wont to do. Granted, cheap monitors can be a bit harsh and try to give you too much of everything, but nothing with a PMC badge on it will do that.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences Laurie 😊

[@plasticpenguin1]

I'm a fan of ATL having previously owned PMC TB2i. They were fabulous speakers and with 8 ohm & 90db they are impressive at low volumes. Even better than the TB2 are their smaller sibling DB1i. The ATL are vented at the rear, whereas the floorstander GB1i are front vented like the Prodigy range. If the price of the Prodigy range is too steep but you want the lovely ATL lower frequencies then the older 'i' range are a great option. I only change to my lovely Dali Rubicons because they are more compact, downsizing rather than a compromising the sound.

[@mikeyb6639]

Hi Taryn as always great review. these sound impressive. I M F speakers were transmission line speakers and very good used to own a pair. 👍🏻 Thanks for all your hard work and effort. Top notch.

[@basberends332]

Thank you so much. Very insightful! I love the AMT tweeter in a 3 way design, bi amped bass by audiolab 8300A and mid/high by an old class A power amp. Combines tight bass, articulated mids and sweet but still very articulated highs with enormous soundstage and spot-on instrument placement.

[@markjohnathanappleton8642]

Love your channel, always informative and helpful and always entertaining.i don't see all the fuss about pmc speakers i have a pair off them not that great,not fast enough for me .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mark 😊

[@xblade1x1x]

Very articulate in your review very well reviewed love the video

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@masoncnc]

I wish I could talk like this Gent.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is very kind 😊👍

[@PhotogPhotog-sk4ip]

Still the best audio channel

[@Mawfox_be_ite]

Tarun is easily the best audio reviewer on YT as one can always count on him for a trenchant, first-class analysis. I've wondered why your subscriber count is < 100k and I've long thought it was due to none-too-slick editing. Perhaps look at Darko for this - his video presentation is superb. Your older videos are particularly amateurish (in terms of the video work, never your analysis which always is rigorous) but this one shows you've come along way. This video in particular shows how the videos are improving with obviously more effort put into editing. One tip: work on the echo in the room you tend to speak from - acoustic wall treatments will improve your listening experience and also your youtube videos which can sound as though you've produced them in a corridor. Some music would also help. Regards, Adam.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Mawfox_be_ite thank you, Adam. Producing videos was far out of my comfort zone. I have learned a lot in the last few years about how to make them better 😊

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thanks, Tarun. Any chance of a review of the stand mount?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I would like to do that Jim 👍

[@cyberphonic]

It wou!d of been nice if you had included a comparison with thd ATC Speakers at around the same price.

[@jmxtra]

You should also do your own audio store!! your knowledge and experience would be attractive to potential clients and allow you to be an invaluable resource.

[@itk2493]

Can you really judge a good sound in that room? I ask because I can even pick up the high reverb from that room on your lav mic. It looks a very lively high ceiling room with a piece of large furniture right next to the speaker. I just wonder how accurate you can describe the sound with such a coloured room? ~ I see you mentioned it at the end😀

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

When filming, I have to remove some furniture and sit where the room opens up into a large kitchen space. This is not the listening position which is fairly decent acoustically 😊

[@Brett1334]

Great review, nice product, however I don’t understand why the finish options are limited only to black.

[@dowster64]

The only rule I couldn't break when buying my last set of speakers for our main listening room was that I couldn't buy any speaker that was taller than my wife. She has a passion for music and enjoys a great stereo set up. I got some second hand PMC MB2se's (which are shorter but aren't the smallest or prettiest speaker). They are our second set of PMCs. During Covid I got a pair of ex demo PMC Fact.3. They ran for a long time on open Epos ES14 stands. Looking very gothic with the exposed top spikes, but sounding fantastic. I matched the smaller PMC's with Cyrus Audio mono blocks and PS audio pre amp. The bigger ones play through a Macintosh setup. Superb bass and very natural, resolved sound. Okay a little coloured by the amplification etc but we like them!

[@simonjones8111]

My first speakers were KEF Cadenza’s, which had a T27 tweeter, B110 bass/midrange plus a passive B139 as a bass port equivalent. A bit boomy but very good bass for their size. Can you believe it, £110 in 1973!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@PanAmStyle]

I have heard these right out of the box and was not impressed - there was a mid-bass hump and strange distortion. With a lot of break-in they have improved dramatically. That said, I still hear what I think is an issue with the transmission line - a slight but annoying (to me) discontinuity somewhere in the mid-bass. They also seem a bit lean to me, but that could be down to personal taste and quality of amplification. I suspect they may need more power than some realize.

[@rutgergooszen9774]

Again a nice and concise review. I wonder how this PMC compares to the sound of your Celestion 300's?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great question. The 300s have even better bass, deeper and more dynamic. However, the Prodigy 5s have a much more refined midrange and highs 😊

[@ron521]

The speakers were demonstrated at CAF2023 in Washington DC suburbs. The base was very clear to me.

[@infn]

I've always felt that PMC speakers sounded a bit too dark for my liking. And it seems like these don't stray away from the house sound.

[@renatomorais8136]

Thank you for this review Tarun, I was really curious about these. Turns out I'm not so sure these would make me very happy, I think I'm more attracted to what you described with the Elipson Heritages you've reviewed a long time ago. Big square 3 way boxes with higher sensitivity... old times were far better and all that jazz :D

[@Dave67836]

Very nice review off a nice looking speaker , by the way did I see you the other day in a small village in Lancashire starting with a W if not you have a twin 😮