PMC prophecy5 vs twenty5.23i: A Compact Speaker Showdown

PMC prophecy5 vs twenty5.23i: A Compact Speaker Showdown

When PMC releases a new speaker, we pay attention. PMC doesn't mess about – their badge tells you everything you need to know. They do what it says on the tin. These aren't speakers designed to flatter your music; they tell you the truth about it. That brutal honesty has earned them a devoted following with both audio engineers and music lovers worldwide.

PMC don’t churn out new models every year. We've been stocking the original twenty series at Fanthorpes since late 2011, and we didn't see its successor until mid-2016. The refined twenty5i models finally appeared in late 2018. Five years between generations – PMC will only release new products when they can deliver a significant improvement over the existing models.

So, when the new prophecy5 arrived in our demo room, there was something we needed to know. How would it stack up against the twenty5.23i? - A speaker we respect enormously and an important part of our company portfolio. Both are compact floorstanders, PMC's transmission line DNA, and both promise that uncompromising sonic honesty the company is famous for.

The Setup

We wanted to hear these speakers at their absolute best, so paired them with our reference Bryston system:

• Innuos Next-Gen ZEN streamer
• Bryston BDA-3 DAC
• Bryston BP-19 preamp
• Bryston 4B³ power amp

This setup is very neutral, offers vast amounts of clean power, and won't impose its own character on the sound. Perfect for revealing what these PMCs are really about. We set the volume at -14.5 dB on the Bryston, giving me around 89 dB average – loud enough to get serious, but not so loud that your ears would give up after an hour.

What We Heard

"Lazarus" – David Bowie

Right from the opening bars, the prophecy5 announced itself with authority. The bass line was tighter, more articulate, and Bowie's voice cut through the mix with startling clarity. There's an emotional immediacy to the prophecy5 that grabbed me straight away. The twenty5.23i handled the track beautifully but seemed almost too polite by comparison.

"Tamacun" – Rodrigo y Gabriela

This is where the prophecy5 really showed up. The super-fast guitar work had more snap, more body, more weight. Each transient hit with greater impact, and the sound had a bite that made you sit up and take notice. The twenty5.23i remained composed and refined, but lacked that same sense of urgency and attack.

"Otomoto" – Bonobo

Complex electronic music can trip up lesser speakers, but both PMCs sailed through this dense, layered track. The prophecy5, however, painted a bigger picture – the soundstage felt taller, wider, more immersive. Bass dug deeper but stayed controlled, and the whole presentation had more drive and scale.

The Bigger Picture

Something that impressed us: the prophecy5 didn't need any toe-in to image properly. I could point them straight ahead and still get a coherent, wide soundstage. That's down to the new n-compass waveguide, which gives you a much bigger sweet spot – brilliant for real-world listening where you're not always glued to that perfect central position.

The twenty5.23i remains a superb speaker. It's slightly more laid-back character will suit listeners who prefer a smoother, more relaxed presentation. But the prophecy5 does something better – it reconnects with PMC's studio heritage in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.

Back to the Studio

What struck me most about the prophecy5 was how much it reminded me of PMC's professional monitors. There's a clarity and presence that is reminiscent of the company's early days, when Peter Thomas was developing speakers at the BBC's Maida Vale studios thirty years ago. This isn't just hi-fi prettiness – it's monitor-grade honesty with the kind of dynamic punch that makes music feel alive.

The new driver complement plays a big part in this. PMC has clearly drawn heavily on their professional audio work, and the result is faster transients, greater dynamic contrast, and significantly more physical impact. The prophecy5 doesn't just play music – it performs it.

Then there's the LaminairX port, PMC's latest evolution of their aerodynamic venting technology. On the 23i, this was a plastic spoiler. On The prophecy5 this is a slab of extruded aluminium. This redesigned transmission line exit cuts turbulence and back pressure, giving you bass that's not only deeper but also faster and more articulate. Even at higher volumes, the low end stays clean and controlled.

The Verdict

Both speakers are excellent, but they're aiming at slightly different targets. If you want a domesticated PMC, the twenty5.23i will serve you beautifully. However, if you're after bold dynamics, immersive scale, and a direct connection to PMC's studio DNA, the prophecy5 is the more compelling choice.

PMC doesn't release speakers lightly. The original twenty series ran for five years before the twenty5 appeared, and the twenty5i followed 3 years later. The Prophecy series isn't just a routine refresh – it's a carefully considered step forward, nothing is continued but rather built on a decade of development and refinement.

It's a bit like upgrading from 1080p to 4K. The twenty5.23i already sounds fantastic, but the prophecy5 brings more depth, detail, and realism. You might not think you need it until you hear it, but once you do, there's no going back.

For more information about the PMC Speakers call us on 01482 223096 or email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk

Trade In

At Fanthorpes we love to trade in, so if you want to trade in your existing HiFi against new HiFi, contact us and we will let you know what it is worth as a trade in.

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We can also offer buy now pay later on orders above £400, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year.

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When you buy equipment from Fanthorpes HiFi, we will provide a nationwide delivery and installation service within mainland UK. Our installer will drive to your house and install your new HiFi. For more information about our delivery and installation service email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call 01482 223096.