Напольная акустика — Avalon Accoustics PM1.2

The PM1.2 is the successor to the PM1 and the entry point to the Precision Monitor series from Avalon Acoustics. From outside it looks almost the same as the model it replaces, but it received a new set of drive units, a heavily revised crossover network and the newer Silent Inert Cabinet material and process, which makes it noticeably lighter than the original. Avalon calls it a high-efficiency floor-standing monitor built for strong dynamic contrast and convincing sound pressure levels from a modest-sized cabinet. The UK price is GBP 21,750 per pair.

Key specs that matter

The PM1.2 uses a 1 inch high-energy phase-aligned tweeter above two 7 inch fibreglass composite woofers. Rated sensitivity is 94 dB with a nominal impedance of 4 ohm, and bandwidth is given as 28 Hz to 25 kHz. Avalon recommends amplifiers between 15 and 200 W. The cabinet stands 94 cm high, 25 cm wide and only 33 cm deep, and each speaker weighs 25 kg. Speaker cable connects to a two-position binding post terminal.

Engineering and use context

An 83 mm thick front baffle gives the drivers a stiff, inert mounting surface. Avalon's constrained-mode damping system works inside the Silent Inert Cabinet walls to absorb vibration before it can radiate. The crossover avoids printed circuit boards entirely and is hard-wired, with proprietary phase-linear filter networks aimed at accurate phase and timing between the tweeter and woofers. The cabinet keeps the brand's faceted shaping at the top and bottom, which lowers baffle refractions and side wall reflections and helps line up the arrival times of the drivers. The design is credited to Neil Patel of Avalon. Polychrome or Birdseye Maple come as standard, while Figured Walnut, Curly Maple and Quilted Cherry veneers cost extra, as do deep gloss lacquer and custom RAL colours.

Pairing

Ease of drive is one of Avalon's stated goals for this model, so the lower end of the recommended window opens the door to small-output amplifiers, while stronger transistor amplifiers remain within the maker's upper figure. Any amplifier chosen must above all stay stable into this low impedance. Compared with the PM1, the sensitivity figure is 1 dB higher, so the amplifier power needed for a given level is slightly lower.

Alternatives

The Avalon PM2.2 moves this Precision Monitor floorstander concept to three ways, with a beryllium dome tweeter, a 3.5 inch midrange and a response reaching 50 kHz.