Floorstanding loudspeakers — Avalon Accoustics PM1

The PM1 is a floorstanding model from the Precision Monitor series of the American company Avalon Acoustics. Avalon describes it as a high-efficiency floor-standing reference monitor intended to reach high sound pressure levels and wide dynamic contrast from a compact cabinet. In the UK it sold at GBP 17,500 per pair, placing it above the entry-level Idea mk2 in the catalogue, and it was later replaced by the PM1.2, which kept the same height.

Key specs that matter

Avalon fits a 1 inch concave phase-aligned tweeter with a neodymium magnet and a pair of 7.5 inch woofers with Nomex Kevlar composite cones. Sensitivity is 93 dB and nominal impedance 4 ohm, and Avalon lists a response of 28 Hz to 25 kHz. Recommended amplifier power runs from 15 to 200 W. Each speaker is 94 cm tall, 25 cm wide and 43 cm deep, and weighs 25 kg. Connection is made through two-position binding posts.

Engineering and use context

Avalon designs the PM1 for a non-reactive impedance, which is what lets it work with low-powered amplification despite the low nominal impedance. The front panel is about 83 mm thick and forms an inert launch platform for the drivers. The enclosure uses Avalon's proprietary Silent Inert Cabinet material together with a constrained-mode damping system that absorbs panel vibration. The crossover is hard-wired with surface-only conductors instead of a printed circuit board, and it carries proprietary phase-linear filter and damping networks. The faceted top and bottom edges typical of Avalon cabinets, whose shapes are worked out with computer simulation, are there to reduce refractions from the baffle and reflections from the side walls and to support correct time alignment between the drivers. Standard finishes are Birdseye Maple and Polychrome, with Curly Maple, Quilted Cherry and Figured Walnut as upgrade veneers, and deep gloss lacquer or any RAL colour can be specified to order.

Pairing

With Avalon's guidance starting at low power, low-output amplifiers are acceptable partners, and powerful solid-state designs still stay inside the rated window. Because the nominal impedance is low, the chosen amplifier should be comfortable with such loads whatever its output rating. Owners who want more headroom can move toward the upper end of the window without exceeding what Avalon specifies.

Alternatives

The Avalon PM2 moves to a three-way layout within the Precision Monitor range, adding a 3.5 inch ceramic dome midrange and extending the range to 50 kHz at 89 dB sensitivity.