NSC222/PMC 23’s

Hi-Fi Corner
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Morning everyone, I’m in a bit of a quandary with my system..currently consists of NSC222/NPX300.

So obviously I need some loudspeakers although headphones are my primary listening choice at present.

I’ve always really liked PMC speakers and the 23’s in particular and have had several pairs over the years.

I’m tempted by a ex demo pair of twenty5 23i’s in active configuration but then I’m wondering if a NAP250 with Prodigy’s or Prophesy’s passive would be a better bet?

Any advice much appreciated.

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Obvious I know, but go listen and let your ears decide. Everyone here will have a different view.

I tried active Twenty5 24i but much, much preferred a pair of nap 350s into a pass8ve pair of Twenty5 24i. But of course there us a huge price difference. Active is convenient, but for me it was about the sound.

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I noticed your profile mentions active ATC 40s — did they not meet your needs?

As Thegreatroberto suggested, perhaps arrange a demo and let your ears decide.

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I’m a huge fan of actives. For me they bring the music alive in a way passive setups never quite manage. However, my experience is mainly with ATC rather than PMC. So, obviously, go and audition but I would include active SCM20s or 40s from ATC’s range in your audition list.

Roger

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The ATC’s were amazing but never really worked in my small room.

I’ve had 23’s in there previously and I thinks they were better suited.

I also found the ATC’s ruthlessly revealing..good as the 222/300 is perhaps an even better source was really needed..

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Those 40’s do need a little bit of room to breath especially if in a room with stud walls.

I ended up moving mine on once I had demoed the 20’s - tried them active and passive with nc250.

I preferred the active version by a country mile and the 20’s worked so much better than the 40’s.

If you want active speakers I would try and demo bothered pmc and the atc20

Oh and for the record the 50’s overpowered my room so much it was silly which I was gutted about as I really wanted them!

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ATC’s SCM20s will likely work better in a small room, but I reckon they’re even more revealing than the 40s which I find a tad more “relaxed”.

I’d have thought 222/300 more than adequate for either. Mind you I got my 40s before NC came out and initially tried them with my then 272/XPSDR and preferred an Auralic Vega G2. As always auditioning is key.

Roger

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Key thing I found with ATCs (passive and active) is they need volume to perform. PMCs are much better and more consistent for late night listening. The 23i/24i/26i all have a hot treble though. The Prophecy series is much better balanced and for me, sounds closer to the natural tonality of instruments. I was impressed with ATCs at higher volume but they lose energy when turned down.

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I never really experienced this per se and really enjoy late night listening at low volumes with my active 20’s.

To a fair I think most speakers I’ve owned over the years (including pmc although not active) sound better at higher volume.

Back to OP doing some demos is the correct answer, take your time as it can be tricky getting the best match for your room and electronics…

2 Likes
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Not my experience with active 20s at all. Perhaps you refer to passive?

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Should have been clearer - was talking about the scm40s.

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I have a pair of active twenty5.21i and they are excellent, tight, fast and very engaging. As to whether you’d prefer a 250 and a pair of Prophecy I’ve no idea and only a demo will resolve that. The advantage of the active 23s is that they’d be a lot cheaper, which may or may not be an issue here. The Prodigy pair are probably a bit too budget for consideration alongside the twenty5 or Prophesy ranges.