Audio T Verdict
The PMC Active twenty5.22i provides the control and system simplicity of PMC's active technology in a substantial standmount speaker capable of filling larger listening spaces.
Each cabinet contains two dedicated 100W amplifiers. One powers the 170mm g-weave midrange and bass driver, while the second drives the 19mm soft-dome tweeter. A model-specific analogue active crossover divides the signal before amplification, allowing PMC to optimise the drivers, crossover and amplifiers as one complete system.
Compared with the more compact Active twenty5.21i, the 22i offers a larger bass driver, a longer two-metre Advanced Transmission Line and deeper published bass extension down to 39Hz. The result is greater scale and low-frequency authority while retaining a relatively compact standmount format.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs provide useful system flexibility, but these are not wireless all-in-one speakers. They require a suitable pre-amplifier, DAC/pre-amplifier or streamer with volume-controlled analogue outputs, plus mains power for both cabinets.
PMC Active twenty5.22i Standmount Speakers
The PMC Active twenty5.22i is a pair of two-way active standmount speakers designed for medium-to-large listening rooms and systems where strong bass performance, dynamic scale and reduced equipment clutter are priorities.
Each speaker combines:
- A 170mm PMC g-weave midrange and bass driver
- A 19mm PMC and SEAS SONOMEX soft-dome tweeter
- A dedicated 100W amplifier for the midrange and bass driver
- A dedicated 100W amplifier for the tweeter
- A precision analogue active crossover
- PMC Advanced Transmission Line bass loading
- A two-metre effective transmission-line length
- PMC Laminair aerodynamic vent technology
- Balanced analogue XLR input
- Unbalanced analogue RCA input
- Two selectable input-sensitivity settings
- Driver filtering and dual-band protection
The complete stereo pair contains four dedicated power-amplifier channels and a total published amplifier output of 400W.
A Volume-Controlled Source Is Required
The Active twenty5.22i does not contain a conventional user volume control, remote-controlled source selector, network streamer or digital-to-analogue converter.
Connect it to a suitable pre-amplifier, DAC/pre-amplifier, analogue-output streamer or another source with properly controlled variable analogue outputs.
Do not connect a fixed-level CD player, DAC or streamer directly unless a suitable pre-amplifier is placed between the source and the speakers.
What Is an Active Speaker?
A conventional passive loudspeaker receives an amplified full-range signal from an external integrated amplifier or power amplifier.
A passive crossover inside the cabinet then divides that amplified signal between the tweeter and midrange or bass driver.
The PMC Active twenty5.22i operates differently:
- A line-level analogue signal enters each cabinet through XLR or RCA.
- An active analogue crossover divides the signal before power amplification.
- The high-frequency signal is directed to a dedicated 100W amplifier.
- The midrange and bass signal is directed to a separate 100W amplifier.
- Each amplifier connects directly to the drive unit it controls.
This allows PMC to specify the crossover, amplification, protection and drive-unit behaviour as one integrated design.
200W of Amplification per Cabinet
Each Active twenty5.22i contains:
- High-frequency amplifier: 100W RMS
- Midrange and bass amplifier: 100W RMS
The complete pair therefore contains four 100W amplifier channels.
This should not be interpreted in exactly the same way as connecting a passive speaker to a conventional 200W amplifier.
Each internal amplifier handles only the frequency range required by its connected drive unit. The tweeter amplifier does not reproduce bass, while the midrange and bass amplifier does not reproduce the highest frequencies.
The direct amplifier-to-driver connection also removes the passive crossover components normally placed between an external amplifier and the speaker drivers.
Model-Specific Analogue Active Crossover
The precision analogue active crossover divides the incoming signal at approximately 1.75kHz.
The crossover is engineered specifically for the Active twenty5.22i and operates before the power-amplifier stages.
This allows:
- The tweeter amplifier to handle high frequencies
- The larger amplifier section to handle midrange and bass frequencies
- Direct connection between each amplifier and its drive unit
- Model-specific frequency and phase integration
- Filtering and dual-band driver protection
The crossover remains within the analogue signal path and does not perform digital signal processing or analogue-to-digital conversion.
170mm g-weave Midrange and Bass Driver
The Active twenty5.22i uses PMC's larger 170mm long-throw g-weave cone driver in a rigid cast-alloy chassis.
The driver handles bass and midrange information including:
- Vocals
- Guitars and keyboards
- Acoustic instruments
- Drums and percussion
- Bass guitar and double bass
- Synthesised low frequencies
- Film and television effects
Compared with the 140mm driver used in the Active twenty5.21i, the larger 170mm cone can move more air and contributes to the 22i's greater scale and deeper published low-frequency response.
19mm SONOMEX Soft-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a 19mm PMC and SEAS SONOMEX fabric soft-dome tweeter.
The tweeter is ferrofluid cooled and incorporates a 34mm surround and dispersion grille.
PMC publishes horizontal and vertical directivity of 90 degrees, helping the speaker maintain a consistent high-frequency balance across a useful listening area.
The tweeter reproduces information including:
- Vocal detail
- Cymbals and percussion
- String harmonics
- Room ambience
- Spatial and reverberation information
PMC Advanced Transmission Line
The Active twenty5.22i uses PMC's Advanced Transmission Line, commonly abbreviated to ATL.
Energy from the rear of the 170mm driver enters a folded, acoustically damped internal line with an effective length of approximately two metres.
The internal damping is designed to absorb unwanted upper-frequency energy while allowing useful low-frequency output to travel towards the front vent.
PMC uses ATL technology to pursue:
- Extended bass from a relatively compact cabinet
- Controlled low-frequency decay
- Reduced unwanted midrange output from the vent
- Consistent bass character at different listening levels
- Clear integration between bass and midrange frequencies
Two-Metre Effective ATL Length
The Active twenty5.22i contains an effective transmission-line length of approximately two metres, despite the cabinet standing only 410mm high.
The internal line is folded within the enclosure and terminates at the Laminair vent on the front baffle.
Compared with the 1.72-metre line in the Active twenty5.21i, the longer line contributes to the larger model's deeper published bass extension.
Laminair Aerodynamic Vent
The transmission line terminates in PMC's Laminair vent at the front of the cabinet.
Laminair uses shaped internal vanes to promote smoother airflow as air leaves the transmission line.
Reducing turbulence at the vent is intended to:
- Reduce audible airflow noise
- Improve bass definition
- Maintain clarity at higher playback levels
- Support more consistent low-frequency output
39Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
PMC specifies a frequency response of 39Hz to 25kHz.
The 39Hz low-frequency figure gives the Active twenty5.22i considerably greater bass extension than many conventional compact standmount speakers.
Actual bass performance in the room will also depend on:
- Speaker position
- Distance from rear and side walls
- Room dimensions
- Room construction
- Listening position
- Playback volume
- The low-frequency content of the recording
A dedicated subwoofer may still be useful when reproducing the deepest film effects, electronic music or organ recordings, but it will not be necessary in every stereo system.
Designed for Larger Listening Spaces
The Active twenty5.22i is intended for larger rooms than the more compact Active twenty5.21i.
Its larger cabinet, 170mm driver, higher sensitivity and deeper bass response allow it to provide:
- Greater low-frequency authority
- More physical scale
- Higher comfortable listening levels
- More effortless reproduction at longer listening distances
- Greater impact with larger-scale music
The correct model will still depend on room acoustics, placement, listening distance and preferred volume rather than room size alone.
Balanced XLR Inputs
Each speaker provides one balanced analogue XLR input.
A balanced connection can be particularly useful when:
- The source provides balanced outputs
- Longer cable runs are required
- Signal cables must pass near mains equipment
- Improved rejection of common electrical interference is useful
- A professional-style connection is preferred
One XLR cable is required for the left speaker and a second XLR cable for the right speaker.
The signal remains analogue. The use of an XLR connector does not make the connection digital.
Unbalanced RCA Inputs
Each speaker also provides one conventional unbalanced RCA input.
This allows the Active twenty5.22i to connect to suitable domestic Hi-Fi components including:
- Analogue pre-amplifiers
- DACs with variable RCA outputs
- Network streamers with volume-controlled outputs
- Headphone amplifiers with pre-amplifier outputs
- AV processors with analogue pre-outputs
One RCA interconnect is required for each speaker.
Use either the XLR or RCA inputs according to the available source outputs and system requirements.
No Digital Inputs or Built-In Streaming
The Active twenty5.22i is not an all-in-one wireless music system.
It does not contain:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Network music streaming
- AirPlay
- Spotify Connect
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Optical digital input
- Coaxial digital input
- USB audio input
- A digital-to-analogue converter
- A phono stage
- A source selector
- A remote-controlled volume system
A digital source must perform digital-to-analogue conversion before sending a volume-controlled analogue signal to the speakers.
Active Does Not Mean Wireless
Both speakers require mains power and an individual analogue audio connection.
They do not communicate with each other wirelessly and cannot receive music directly from a phone, tablet or home network.
Two Mains Connections Are Required
Each cabinet contains its own crossover and amplification module, so each speaker requires a separate mains connection.
PMC specifies universal mains operation from 90V to 260V through an IEC C14 inlet.
Before installation, confirm that:
- A suitable mains socket is available near each speaker
- Mains cables can be routed safely
- Signal cables are not placed under tension
- Cables do not create a trip hazard
- The rear electronics and connections remain accessible
- The equipment support can carry each 10kg cabinet safely
Low and High Sensitivity Settings
PMC provides two input-sensitivity settings:
- Low setting: 1V RMS produces 99dB SPL at one metre
- High setting: 1V RMS produces 109dB SPL at one metre
The appropriate setting depends on:
- The source component's maximum output voltage
- The available range of its volume control
- The required playback level
- The listening distance
- The room size
- Whether RCA or XLR outputs are being used
Both speakers should normally use matching settings.
Begin with the system volume turned down and confirm the complete gain structure before increasing the listening level.
Input Impedance
PMC specifies an input impedance greater than 14 kohms.
The connected source or pre-amplifier should have a suitably low output impedance and be capable of driving the chosen cable length.
Audio T can confirm compatibility where the source manufacturer's output information is unclear.
Suitable Sources and Pre-Amplifiers
A suitable partnering component must provide:
- Left and right analogue outputs
- Safe and predictable volume control
- An output level compatible with the PMC sensitivity settings
- RCA or balanced XLR connections
- Sufficient volume-control resolution for everyday listening
Potential partners include:
- A dedicated analogue pre-amplifier
- A network streamer with variable analogue outputs
- A DAC with an integrated pre-amplifier
- A phono pre-amplifier with volume control
- An AV processor with calibrated line-level pre-outputs
Using a Network Streamer
A suitable network streamer can provide the source selection, digital-to-analogue conversion and volume control required by the active speakers.
The Bluesound NODE ICON Reference Music Streamer is one possible partner because it provides volume-controlled balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs.
A streamer-based system can add:
- App-controlled network music
- Compatible streaming services
- Internet radio
- AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth
- Digital and analogue source inputs
- Remote volume control
The streamer output level and PMC sensitivity settings should be configured together before normal use.
Using a Linn Selekt DSM
A suitably configured Linn Selekt DSM Classic Hub can provide a modular network source and pre-amplifier.
The Selekt DSM must be fitted with the appropriate DAC and stereo line-output cartridge to provide analogue XLR or RCA outputs for the PMCs.
Depending on its configuration, it can add:
- High-resolution network streaming
- Analogue and digital inputs
- Turntable connectivity
- HDMI television integration
- Linn Space Optimisation
- Balanced or unbalanced variable outputs
Audio T will confirm the required Selekt DSM output modules before ordering.
Connecting a Turntable
A turntable cartridge cannot normally connect directly to the Active twenty5.22i.
A complete vinyl system requires:
- A turntable
- A suitable cartridge
- A compatible moving-magnet or moving-coil phono stage
- A volume-controlled pre-amplifier
- Analogue cables to both speakers
The phono stage and volume control may be combined within one suitable component, but both functions must be present before the signal reaches the active speakers.
Do Not Connect a Cartridge Directly
A turntable cartridge produces a very small signal that requires phono amplification and RIAA equalisation.
Connecting it directly to the PMC's line-level input will not provide a usable result.
Connecting a Television
The speakers do not contain HDMI ARC, optical or coaxial digital inputs.
Television sound requires an intermediary component such as:
- A network streamer with HDMI eARC and variable analogue outputs
- A DAC/pre-amplifier with an optical input
- An AV processor with line-level pre-outputs
- A television with suitable variable analogue outputs
Confirm that the system provides proper volume control and cannot unexpectedly send a fixed full-level signal to the speakers.
Home Cinema and Multichannel Use
The Active twenty5.22i can be integrated into a multichannel system when the AV processor provides suitable analogue pre-amplifier outputs.
The processor should provide:
- A dedicated pre-output for each active speaker
- Master volume control
- Individual channel-level adjustment
- Speaker-distance and delay adjustment
- Bass management
- Room calibration where required
Each speaker still requires an individual mains socket and analogue signal cable.
Professional planning and calibration are recommended for a multichannel active system.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The Active twenty5.22i does not contain a dedicated subwoofer output or user-adjustable bass-management system.
A subwoofer can be added when the connected pre-amplifier, network streamer or AV processor provides a suitable variable subwoofer output.
The system controller should ideally provide adjustment for:
- Subwoofer level
- Crossover frequency
- Phase or polarity
- Time alignment
- High-pass filtering for the main speakers where available
The 22i's 39Hz published response may provide sufficient bass for many stereo systems, so a subwoofer should be selected and configured according to the room and listening requirements.
Dedicated PMC Speaker Stands
The Active twenty5.22i can be placed on PMC's dedicated STD-twenty5-2122 High Performance Speaker Stands.
The stands use a rigid twin-column construction and provide:
- A stable support for each 10kg speaker
- A top plate designed around the twenty5 standmount cabinets
- A fillable front column
- An internally damped rear column
- Internal cable-routing capability
- Adjustable floor spikes
Because the active speakers require both signal and mains cables, cable routing should be planned carefully before filling or permanently positioning the stands.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with the speakers:
- Placed at equal height
- Positioned the same distance from the listening seat
- Separated enough to create a clear stereo image
- A similar distance from rear and side walls
- Angled towards the listener where required
- Supported on stable furniture or suitable stands
The front transmission-line vent provides useful placement flexibility, but wall distance and room boundaries will still influence bass performance.
Moving the speakers closer to a wall may increase perceived bass weight. Moving them farther into the room may improve low-frequency definition and stereo depth.
The 22i produces more low-frequency energy than the smaller 21i, so careful placement is particularly important in compact rooms.
Active twenty5.21i or Active twenty5.22i?
Choose the Active twenty5.21i When
- The listening room is small or medium sized
- Compact cabinet dimensions are important
- A shorter listening distance is expected
- 46Hz bass extension suits the system
- A lighter and more discreet speaker is preferred
- The available stands or furniture suit the smaller cabinet
Choose the Active twenty5.22i When
- The listening room is medium or large
- Greater bass extension is required
- A larger 170mm driver is preferred
- Greater scale and output capability are useful
- A two-metre ATL is appropriate for the room
- The larger and heavier cabinet can be accommodated
Explore the PMC Active twenty5.21i Standmount Speakers to compare the more compact model.
Active or Passive twenty5.22i?
Choose the Active Version When
- A separate power amplifier is not required
- PMC-matched amplification is preferred
- A suitable pre-amplifier or variable-output streamer is available
- Balanced XLR connections are useful
- A more compact system is wanted
- Each speaker can be connected to mains power
Choose the Passive Version When
- An existing integrated or power amplifier will be retained
- Amplifier choice remains part of the system
- Speaker-level cabling is easier to install
- Mains sockets are not available near both speakers
- A conventional passive home cinema system is preferred
- Future amplifier changes are important
Explore the PMC twenty5.22 Passive Standmount Speakers to compare the conventional passive alternative.
Active Upgrade for Existing PMC Owners
Owners of compatible passive PMC twenty5 and twenty5i speakers can convert them to active operation using the PMC Active twenty5i Upgrade Kit.
The upgrade replaces the passive rear connection and crossover panel with a module containing:
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- A model-specific analogue active crossover
- Two 100W amplifiers per speaker
- Driver filtering and protection
- A selector configuration for the compatible speaker model
Audio T can confirm compatibility and arrange installation.
Diamond Black, Oak and Walnut Finishes
Audio T currently offers the Active twenty5.22i in:
All finishes provide the same drivers, amplification, crossover, inputs and published performance.
Key Features
- Active standmount speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Two-way active design
- Four amplifier channels per pair
- 200W amplification per cabinet
- 400W total published amplification per pair
- 100W tweeter amplifier per speaker
- 100W midrange and bass amplifier per speaker
- Model-specific analogue active crossover
- 1.75kHz crossover frequency
- Dual-band driver protection
- PMC Advanced Transmission Line
- Two-metre effective ATL length
- PMC Laminair front vent
- 170mm g-weave long-throw driver
- Cast-alloy bass-driver chassis
- 19mm SONOMEX fabric soft-dome tweeter
- Ferrofluid-cooled tweeter
- 34mm tweeter surround
- Tweeter dispersion grille
- 39Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 90-degree horizontal directivity
- 90-degree vertical directivity
- Balanced analogue XLR input
- Unbalanced analogue RCA input
- Low input-sensitivity setting
- High input-sensitivity setting
- Greater than 14-kohm input impedance
- 90V to 260V universal mains operation
- Separate mains connection for each speaker
- No external power amplifier required
- No built-in network streaming
- No built-in DAC
- No wireless inter-speaker connection
- Suitable for medium-to-large rooms
- Suitable for dedicated stand placement
- Suitable for stable furniture placement
- Compatible with suitable pre-amplifiers
- Compatible with variable-output streamers
- Compatible with suitable DAC/pre-amplifiers
- Potential home cinema integration
- Diamond Black finish available
- Oak finish available
- Walnut finish available
- 410mm cabinet height
- 192mm cabinet width
- 357mm cabinet depth including connectors
- Approximately 10kg per speaker
- 20-year registered PMC warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the PMC Active twenty5.22i speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. The product is supplied as a stereo pair.
Do they contain built-in amplification?
Yes. Each speaker contains one 100W amplifier for the tweeter and another 100W amplifier for the midrange and bass driver.
How much amplification is built into the pair?
The pair contains four 100W amplifier channels, giving a total published output of 400W.
Do I need a separate power amplifier?
No. The power amplification is built into the speakers.
Do I need a pre-amplifier?
Yes. A suitable pre-amplifier, variable-output DAC or network streamer is required for volume control and source selection.
Can I connect a fixed-output CD player directly?
No. A fixed-level source requires a suitable pre-amplifier.
Do the speakers have a volume control?
No conventional user volume control is provided.
Do they include a remote control?
No. Remote operation is provided by the connected source or pre-amplifier.
Do they include network streaming?
No. A separate network streamer is required.
Do they have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
No.
Do they support AirPlay or Spotify Connect?
Not by themselves. These can be added through a suitable network streamer.
Do they have HDMI ARC?
No. Television sound requires a suitable streamer, DAC/pre-amplifier or AV processor.
Do they have optical or coaxial digital inputs?
No. Their inputs are analogue.
Do they contain a DAC?
No. Digital-to-analogue conversion must be performed by the connected source.
Which analogue inputs are included?
Each speaker provides one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input.
Do I need two signal cables?
Yes. One cable connects the left-channel source output to the left speaker and another connects the right-channel output to the right speaker.
Do the speakers connect to each other?
No conventional speaker cable or wireless audio link runs between the cabinets. Each receives its own line-level signal.
Does each speaker require mains power?
Yes. A suitable mains socket is required for each cabinet.
What is the mains operating range?
PMC specifies 90V to 260V through an IEC C14 connection.
What is the crossover frequency?
Approximately 1.75kHz.
Is the active crossover digital?
No. PMC uses a model-specific analogue active crossover.
What is PMC ATL?
ATL stands for Advanced Transmission Line. It uses a long, damped internal acoustic line to manage energy from the rear of the midrange and bass driver.
How long is the transmission line?
Approximately two metres.
What is Laminair?
Laminair is PMC's aerodynamic transmission-line vent, designed to promote smoother airflow at the line exit.
What size is the midrange and bass driver?
Each speaker uses one 170mm long-throw g-weave cone driver.
What size is the tweeter?
Each speaker uses one 19mm SONOMEX fabric soft-dome tweeter.
What is the frequency response?
PMC specifies 39Hz to 25kHz.
What are the sensitivity settings?
A 1V RMS input produces 99dB SPL at one metre on the low setting or 109dB SPL at one metre on the high setting.
Which sensitivity setting should I use?
The correct setting depends on the source output, room, listening distance and required volume range. Audio T can configure the system safely.
Can they connect to a turntable?
Yes, but a suitable phono stage and volume-controlled pre-amplifier are required.
Can they be used with a television?
Yes, through a suitable HDMI, optical or digital source component that provides controlled analogue outputs.
Can a subwoofer be added?
Yes, where the connected pre-amplifier, streamer or processor provides a suitable subwoofer output or bass-management system.
Can they be used in a home cinema?
Yes, where the AV processor provides suitable line-level pre-outputs, volume control and channel calibration.
Are dedicated stands available?
Yes. PMC's STD-twenty5-2122 stands are designed for the twenty5 standmount models.
How do they differ from the Active twenty5.21i?
The 22i uses a larger 170mm driver, a longer two-metre ATL and extends down to a published 39Hz. It is larger, heavier and intended for greater scale in medium-to-large rooms.
What are the dimensions?
Approximately 410 x 192 x 357mm per speaker (H x W x D), including the rear connectors. Add approximately 9mm for the grille.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 10kg.
Which finishes are available?
Diamond Black, Oak and Walnut.
What warranty is included?
PMC offers a 20-year warranty when the speakers are registered within 10 days of purchase, subject to its full terms and conditions.
Related PMC Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- PMC Active twenty5.22i demonstrations
- Active twenty5.21i and 22i comparisons
- Active and passive speaker comparisons
- Streamer and pre-amplifier matching
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection comparisons
- Source-output compatibility checks
- System gain and sensitivity setup
- Turntable and phono-stage integration
- Television and HDMI system planning
- Home cinema pre-output configuration
- Subwoofer integration
- Dedicated PMC stand matching
- Speaker and listening-position guidance
- Mains and signal-cable planning
- PMC Active Upgrade installation
- Home demonstrations where available
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- PMC warranty-registration guidance
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss source components, pre-amplifiers, stands, cables, room placement and system setup for the PMC Active twenty5.22i.