[AdamW]

This is my first post here, so I'd like to say hello first 

Since the electronics for my "final"  system have been finally determined (B100 with BCD-1), speakers are the only missing element. I am in deep love with Harbeth SHL5 and know that they pair with Bryston very well. However, I am also aware that there is a very good synergy between Bryston and PMC. I could afford a pair of OB1i instead of the Harbeths. The problem is that there is no chance for head-to-head demo, neither home demo of both loudspeakers.

So, the question is - did any of you have a chance to compare these two speakers? What I love about Harbeths is their crystal clear sound, beautiful midrange and big, full sound. They are not perfectly neutral, but it helps with badly mastered/recorded CDs. What I don't like about Harbeths is their look  I listen to a variety of genres (from prog rock and dub to baroque and ambient), so my speakers must be very universal. My room is approx. 30 sqm.

Any help will be very appreciated.
Best regards, Adam

[Daniel Datchev]

Hi Adam,
I have BCD-1, B-100 and PMC OB1i. From my point of view the combination sounds incredible.
If I start building an audio system now I will go for active speakers.I have two passive systems at home and had many configurations in the past.The only things that matters occurs is the transducer(speaker). For malfunction of my player I have spent 2 months with the electronics from my back up system. Yes there is a difference between them ,but not as much with different speakers.My opinion about the price of the speakers is that the price of speakers should be bigger than source and amplifier. I have a DVD player which price is 20 time less than the speakers and only with a speakers of such caliber you will realize what you've got. Another suggestion about BCD-1 and B-100 is that B-100 accepts only unbalanced connection which is disadvantage as both units have three prone main supply. I use Jensen transformers to solve the problem with ground loop.Bear this information in mind.
Daniel

[AdamW]

Hi Daniel,
I also believe in the "transducers first" approach, although I also appreciate technical parameters, build quality, long guarantee and discrete look of Bryston equipment.
There is no doubt that systems with active crossovers should be better than passive ones. The problem with active speakers is that: 1) they are a lot more expensive (at least the ones I saw); 2) I need a preamp, which increases the costs even more. The only balanced preamp of Bryston is BP26, which costs almost the same as B100.
Moreover, Harbeths sound fabulous even in a passive system 
Cheers, Adam

[Daniel Datchev]

Hi Adam,
here do you live?
Daniel

[AdamW]

Poland, EU.
Adam

[Daniel Datchev]

Ah ha,
that`s the reason to think this way.
I live in Bulgaria, also EU and all american products are expensive in Europe.
Most of the members in Audio Circle are Americans so no problem with buying Bryston, they have other problem and it is that most good speakers manufacturers are from Europe.
The system costs me 5200$ for BCD-1 and B-100 and 3000 pounds for PMC OB1i.
I would say a lucky escape.
Daniel

[AdamW]

Oh yes, indeed, we have some good speakers here - Harbeth, ATC, Spendor, PMC, B&W, ProAc.. There are also very good sources and amplifiers from EU (eg. Linn DS and Sugden, respectively) but none of them has these impressive parameters and build quality as Bryston has. I have a pure British setup now (Sugden with Spendor), but the next one will be mixed for sure.

[Daniel Datchev]

There is information about new release from PMC AML2 soon.
I agree that and that moment there are few brands to oppose the Bryston quality, but not at his price.
Daniel

[Moon Doggy]

HI Adam,

The PMC OB1i and Harbeth SHL5 have been on my list as well. Recently I've added some Canadian speakers with a European design to my list. Built in Quebec City, the Verity Audio Finn or Rienzi are in the same price range. They do need to be 3-4 ft from the wall to sound their best. I  believe that most speakers esp. the PMC benefit from this positioning.

The Verity Audio Rienzi


The Verity Audio Finn


Now all I have to do is decide!

[Daniel Datchev]

Hi AdamW,
may I suggest the following solution.
USA company Digidesign RM1 and RM2. They are build with cooperation with PMC and was`t available in Europe when I bought my system.
Here are some links for online purchasing.http://www.thomann.de/gb/digidesign_rm2.htm http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/digidesign-rm2-bi-amplified-reference-monitor--42243 http://www.kmraudio.com/digidesign-rm2-pair.html
You can find and others. The only requirement for these speakers is to have AES digital output or XLR analog.
Daniel

[vegasdave]

Tough choice, I would go with the PMCs myself.

[Daniel Datchev]

Hi vegasdave,
The Digidesign are actually PMC with electronics from Digidesign.
As for class D amplifier I suppose this is either Flying Mole or the new class D custom made by PMC.
So nothing wrong as PMC AML1 is composed of PMC plus Bryston 2B-ST,3B-ST and B10 crossover.
Daniel

[AdamW]

Hi AdamW,
may I suggest the following solution.
USA company Digidesign RM1 and RM2.

Thank your for suggestion, but I would never buy any speakers without auditioning them, at least at a dealer.. I think that there are no audible differences (at least I can't find any major ones) between electronic (CDs, amps) and I can easily choose and buy one without demoing, picking the one that has batter parameters, build quality and design. On the other hand, speakers must be tested with the music that I like.. I remember listening to a pair of very highly regarded speakers made by a small Polish manufacturer. They were awful, artificial, unnatural and completely unlistenable for me..

[vegasdave]

Hi vegasdave,
The Digidesign are actually PMC with electronics from Digidesign.
As for class D amplifier I suppose this is either Flying Mole or the new class D custom made by PMC.
So nothing wrong as PMC AML1 is composed of PMC plus Bryston 2B-ST,3B-ST and B10 crossover.
Daniel

I understand that. I was saying to go with the OB1i's over the Harbeth. I feel Harbeth is overrated.

[jdandy]

My first contact with PMC speakers was hearing a pair of OB1i's at a friends home, powered with a Bryston 4B SST.  I was amazed at the presentation, the dynamics, and the overall frequecy response.  Besides the very smooth midrange and top end, the OB1i's were able to dig deep, and do it sounding very solid.  The Bryston 4B amp is a good match with these speakers.  I wasn't shopping OB1i's, rather EB1i's, but could not find a local dealer with demos.  I promptly returned home and placed an order for the EB1i's.  Amazing speakers.

[Levi]

I know you! 

My first contact with PMC speakers was hearing a pair of OB1i's at a friends home, powered with a Bryston 4B SST.  I was amazed at the presentation, the dynamics, and the overall frequecy response.  Besides the very smooth midrange and top end, the OB1i's were able to dig deep, and do it sounding very solid.  The Bryston 4B amp is a good match with these speakers.  I wasn't shopping OB1i's, rather EB1i's, but could not find a local dealer with demos.  I promptly returned home and placed an order for the EB1i's.  Amazing speakers.

[vegasdave]

VegasDave.
You ever heard any Harbeth speakers?

Mike

Yes sir. I just heard the 40.1's at CES. But, that was under show conditions so it probably wasn't a fair assessment. I would like to hear them again in at least a showroom. I'm not betting that I would get a home audition due to the price.

However, the PMCs sounded much better to my ear under the same conditions.

This is not to say the Harbeths stink, it's just that I feel there's some very strong competition in that price range, and I feel some of the competition is more satisfying and more bang for the buck. I find the Harbeths to be a bit dull and muffled.

I tend to think the Harbeths are overpriced for the US market for what they do. Part of that is the exchange rate of course, and part of that is distributor profit.

Anyway, that's my take.