PMC, of course, is no stranger to building highly regarded active studio monitors. However, this is the first time home hi-fi fans can enjoy this expertise through PMC's domestic offerings.

As with the existing twenty5i series of passive speakers, the Active twenty5i line features four speakers – two standmounters, two floorstanders - and are all two-way designs. The main difference is that the latest range has built-in amplification. The models are called Active twenty5.21i and twenty5.22i for the standmounters, and Active twenty5.23i and twenty5.24i are your floorstanders.

These are not an all-in-one streaming system; you still need to add your choice of source(s) and, perhaps, a pre-amp. The new Active twenty5i does remove the need for a power amplifier, as each drive unit has a "dedicated and perfectly matched" 100W amplifier, resulting in 200W of power per channel.

PMC tells us the direct coupling of amps to the driver allows for superior control and increased transient response. These work in concert with a custom-designed analogue crossover that "splits the frequency bands of the incoming line-level signal, from the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs, and ensures each amplifier only amplifies the signals appropriate for its drive unit". Moreover, PMC states that each crossover is specific to each speaker model, ensuring seamless integration, wide dispersion and low distortion. Additionally, the active crossover allows for tighter component tolerances and higher precision. According to the British company, this should allow for greater clarity, transparency and a more natural sound from the speakers.

Already own a set of twenty5 or twenty5i speakers but want in on the active action? Great news for you, then, as PMC offers an upgrade kit. The active upgrade module is DIY-able and slots straight into the back panel of the same two-way speaker models from the twenty5 range (21, 22, 23 and 24). All it takes is to replace the back panel with the new input/crossover/amplification back panel connected to the speaker's drive units with a single multi-pin plug. PMC claims it should take five minutes.

PMC says the upgrade module's "crossover network has a unique setting for each model, ensuring the flawless integration of the drive units. A simple 'model selector' connector is plugged into the socket corresponding to the speaker model to ensure the correct crossover settings are applied".

We've been told an active version of the centre channel and digital input options are yet to be explored. Sorry, home cinephiles. Never say never, though.

Oliver Thomas, commercial director and head of design, told StereoNET:

Our active studio monitors, used to create much of the world's best music, have been built around our in-house designed amplifiers and active crossovers from day one and with over 30 years experience. It is the best way to power a speaker, and we know our audiophile customers are going to love the huge improvements in performance they will experience when they make the switch.

The new PMC Active twenty5i speakers and upgrade kit are available from March/April 2024. The upgrade kit for all the models costs £1,795, and the Active loudspeakers are priced as follows:
Active twenty5.21i – £3,975
Active twenty5.22i – £5,275
Active twenty5.23i – £5,975
Active twenty5.24i – £7,975

Visit PMC for more information