PMC FB1+ speakers

Darrenmcc · « **on:** 8 Aug 2010, 06:26 am »

Just curious if anyone has had any experience with the PMC FB1+ speakers? I currently have Anthony Gallo 3.1's but have found the base to be a bit thin and my dealer suggested the FB1+'s would be a good choice to fix that. I really love the Gallo's and don't get much time with the PMC's to demo. They need a really long break in period so I'm hesitant to make the switch. Any thoughts would be appreciated??? Rest of the gear is a Bryston BCD-1 cd player and an Esoteric AI-10 integrated amp.

betamax · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:24 pm »

The new version is the FB1i, and they're a great speaker, very neutral. The base is there and very tight. I'm not sure how they compare to the Gallo's though, sorry.

There's a fellow on www.canuckaudiomart.com who's selling a near-new pair. No, it's not me nor my brother-in-law. I only mention it because I bought a different pair of speakers from him before and he's a class act. When I went over to demo the speakers, he introduced me to the whole family, gave me a glass of red wine, and we sat down listened to a lot of songs real loud. It was the nicest buying experience I ever had. If I had extra money right now, I'd buy the FB1i's myself, but I just bought a new amp.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/185000-pmc_fb1_i_floor_standing_speakers/

vegasdave · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 10:57 pm »

PMC is just too damn tough with that price.

Darrenmcc · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Aug 2010, 03:31 am »

Quote from: vegasdave on 8 Aug 2010, 10:57 pm

PMC is just too damn tough with that price.

Not sure what you mean?

Stu Pitt · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Aug 2010, 08:01 pm »

I'm pretty sure he means that PMC's prices have increased a lot lately. Yeah, they were upgraded, but the prices have almost doubled on some models.

I haven't heard the Gallos, but I know a few guys who love them. You know them too from e-coustics. I hear the Gallo sub amp works wonders for those speakers, and not just better bass.

If you can get the PMCs for the right price and they sound the way you want them too, then obviously that may be your best bet.

davidrs · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Aug 2010, 09:03 pm »

Hi Darrenmcc,

I recently picked up a pair of used FB1+ speakers on Agon for a family member.

I was able to listen to them, in my system for a few weeks. They are wonderful speakers. Bass is everything reviewers and others say. Small footprint, really nice woodwork. Had I not ordered another pair of speakers, they would have stayed put in a secondary system. I would have to label them as a phenomenal value, used.

Cannot compare them to the Gallo's.

If you are happy with your auditions, then I would consider a used pair to save some dollars. The (i) version is current and is considered an improvement over the 1+ but then you will be looking at a lot more in expenses.

Eventhough they can be perceived as being 'expensive',
PMC holds value well and dealers are not allowed a lot of flexibility on pricing. Compared to other manufacturers, you are getting a product with a history of price stability.

All the best with your decision.

- David.

davidrs · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Aug 2010, 09:05 pm »

Your gear will match/pair well with the PMCs.

vegasdave · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 06:19 pm »

Quote from: Stu Pitt on 9 Aug 2010, 08:01 pm

I'm pretty sure he means that PMC's prices have increased a lot lately. Yeah, they were upgraded, but the prices have almost doubled on some models.

Correct. Allow me to add that they're way too expensive for the US market. Harbeth suffers from this as well.

Levi · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 06:45 pm »

+1

I have the OB1i and Bryston amps. The synergy with Bryston amps and the resolution of the PMC OB1i makes you want to listen to your CD collections over again.

You can't go wrong with PMC. They are smooth, detailed and fun sounding speakers.

vegasdave · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 07:30 pm »

How's the bass on those?

Stu Pitt · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 09:22 pm »

I really like PMCs and they pair up great with Bryston. But I think the VFM factor has gone down within the past year or so. The TB2+ was a great VFM. The TB2i is a better speaker, but improved enough to justify doubling the price IMO. Same can be said for a lot of other models.

Second hand and demos are a different story. They've got to be considered on a case by case basis.

Levi · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 10:26 pm »

Bass? Well the OB1i are well balanced full-range soundings speakers.

The PMC OB1i on a medium sized room will play hip-hop and rock n' roll like the way the music was engineered. Which makes them lots of fun to listen to.

Quote from: vegasdave on 10 Aug 2010, 07:30 pm

How's the bass on those?

vegasdave · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 11:40 pm »

That's cool. I figured you would have to at least go to the EB1i to get any real bass.

Levi · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 11:46 pm »

The EB1i will be an over kill in my room.

vegasdave · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 12:21 am »

Oh, alright. You have 7Bs, true?

Levi · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 12:29 am »

Yup! I have the 7Bs.

vegasdave · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 01:52 am »

Ok, cool. Well, I would think that they would control the woofers of the EB1i's so bass overhang wouldn't be a problem in your room.

Darrenmcc · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 03:49 am »

I should have mentioned that I listen mostly to rock/metal music and I'm now thinking the PMC's would be better suited to that kind of music. Also I would basically be trading in the Gallo's which are 3 years old for these new PMC's which involved other equipment being traded in.

vegasdave · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 04:45 am »

Yeah, probably.

Laundrew · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Aug 2010, 11:15 pm »

Quote from: Darrenmcc on 11 Aug 2010, 03:49 am

I should have mentioned that I listen mostly to rock/metal music and I'm now thinking the PMC's would be better suited to that kind of music.

I have always subscribed to the theory that an awesome speaker can sound stunning - regardless of the music genre.

Case-in-point, I have very specific music tastes - mostly Gothic and with-in this musical genre you experience many varied presentations of Goth. I deeply [emotionally] enjoy the flawless presentation of this musical genre from my speakers - and let us also not forget about the electronics.

I am by no means a Jazz aficionado, but I did enjoy listening to it during the auditioning of my equipment. Does this mean that I am going to run out and fill my CD library with Jazz? No - but I do respect the music because I could hear all its subtle nuances.

Be well…