Short answer: the PMC PMC12 on measured sound quality, the Grimani Systems Tau on price. The PMC PMC12 ranks #9 of 14 powered floorstanding speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $73,000. The Grimani Systems Tau ranks #10, rated 3.6/5, at $29,000, $44,000 cheaper.
The case for the PMC PMC12: A three-way active studio main monitor with a 12” woofer in PMC’s ATL transmission-line enclosure, a 75mm soft dome midrange and a 34mm soft dome tweeter, driven by an outboard amplifier and DSP rack. The tradeoff: PMC’s own measurements show an uneven on-axis response for a speaker at this level, for a preference score of 5.30 that reaches 6.09 with an ideal subwoofer.
Why pick the Grimani Systems Tau: A slim active tower with two 6.5” woofers and a 1” compression driver in Grimani’s Conic Section Array waveguide, driven by two 600W amplifiers with built-in DSP crossover and EQ. The tradeoff: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and the measured Grimani Rixos-L.
Buy the PMC PMC12 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Grimani Systems Tau when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
About the ratings: the Grimani Systems Tau’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.2 to 4.0, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| PMC PMC12 | Grimani Systems Tau | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73,000 per pair | $29,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 14 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers | #10 of 14 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Inputs | XLR analog, AES digital (via the master36 controller) | - |
| Drivers | a 12” woofer, 75mm soft dome midrange, 34mm soft dome tweeter | 2x 6.5” woofers, 1” compression driver in Conic Section Array waveguide |
| Amplifier Power | 2,600W per speaker (800W HF, 800W MF, 1,000W LF) | 1,200W (2x 600W) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB continuous, 125dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 110dB (manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (SoundAlign2 room EQ) | Yes (built-in DSP) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ATL transmission line | - |
| Dimensions | 34.3”H x 15”W x 21.1”D (870 x 380 x 535 mm) | 42.8”H x 7.4”W x 11.3”D (1086 x 189 x 286 mm) |
| Weight | 136.7 lbs (62 kg) each | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.30 (manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.09 (manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 24.6Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 20.1Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: PMC PMC12 (measured by the manufacturer) and Grimani Systems Tau (measured by an independent reviewer), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for PMC PMC12:
- PMC PMC12 vs PMC PMC10
- PMC PMC12 vs PMC PMC15
- PMC PMC12 vs PMC PMC10-4
- Grimani Systems Tau vs PMC PMC10
- Pitt & Giblin Superwax Mini vs Grimani Systems Tau
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
PMC PMC12: $73,000 per pair Sweetwater eBay
Same family: the PMC PMC10 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the PMC PMC15 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the PMC PMC10-4 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5).
Pros: A three-way active studio main monitor with a 12” woofer in PMC’s ATL transmission-line enclosure, a 75mm soft dome midrange and a 34mm soft dome tweeter, driven by an outboard amplifier and DSP rack. PMC’s own measurements show very deep bass, 24.6Hz (-3dB), and a fairly smooth listening window.
Cons: PMC’s own measurements show an uneven on-axis response for a speaker at this level, for a preference score of 5.30 that reaches 6.09 with an ideal subwoofer. The data has not been independently verified. It needs PMC’s master36 controller and amplifier rack, and it is a pro studio product sold through pro audio dealers.
Full PMC PMC12 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 2,600W per speaker (800W HF, 800W MF, 1,000W LF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 20.1Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 24.6Hz (measured, manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 34.3”H x 15”W x 21.1”D (870 x 380 x 535 mm) |
| Drivers | a 12” woofer, 75mm soft dome midrange, 34mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (SoundAlign2 room EQ) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR analog, AES digital (via the master36 controller) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB continuous, 125dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.30 (manufacturer spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.09 (manufacturer spinorama data) |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 136.7 lbs (62 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ATL transmission line |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Grimani Systems Tau: $29,000 per pair Estimated Grimani Systems eBay
Pros: A slim active tower with two 6.5” woofers and a 1” compression driver in Grimani’s Conic Section Array waveguide, driven by two 600W amplifiers with built-in DSP crossover and EQ. Grimani rates it from 35Hz to 20kHz and 110dB maximum SPL.
Cons: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and the measured Grimani Rixos-L. It is sold through custom installers rather than retail.
Full Grimani Systems Tau review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1,200W (2x 600W) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 42.8”H x 7.4”W x 11.3”D (1086 x 189 x 286 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 1” compression driver in Conic Section Array waveguide |
| EQ | Yes (built-in DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons