Andover Audio PM-50 Review

Sound – Intro

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So far we have already established that the PM-50 sounds best with the latest version of the large pads. At the same time it is also very important to match it with a good source and to feed it high quality files. Not doing so really impacts the listening experience in a negative way. I’ve seen some people saying weird stuff about these headphones, and I can only suspect they didn’t properly feed the PM-50. For the part on sound, this is the setup we used:

ROON Laptop > SoundAware A1 ROON Endpoint > Violectric V850 DAC > Niimbus Audio US4+

According to Andover audio, the PM-50 takes full advantage of Planar Magnetic benefits to provide a balanced presentation across the musical spectrum. They also say the PM-50 drivers reproduce music with studio-grade authenticity, though I personally wouldn’t go that far. From what we can read on their website, the PM-50 is supposed to have a large and clearly defined soundstage. This to me actually is one of the things I would improve first but ok, keep reading.

I do agree that when properly driven, the PM-50 is musically rich, with a natural balance between instruments and vocals, certainly with the largest pads.

Andover Audio PM-50

Sound – General

Calling the PM-50 a neutrally balanced headphone isn’t something I would do. Therefore 1) the delivery in bass and mids is too smooth, 2) the signature too warm and 3) the treble section is too soft. Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s not a neutral headphone like the HD800 or the HE-6SE just to name two.

When it comes to the sound stage, the PM-50 is a bit limited. Actually the spaciousness, especially in the mid-region, is really nice but it simply isn’t a wide sounding and out of your head kind of headphone. You get a more intimate presentation (for an open back headphone) and this is especially so because of the limited sound stage width and the treble section which isn’t the furthest extended. When it comes to depth and layering, the PM-50 is on the same level, it’s not the deepest or most layered headphone in our collection, but not bad either.

The clarity and dynamic levels are good but there still is margin for improvement. The PM-50 does sound more clear and dynamic in balanced mode when it gets more power. The overall presentation for me is on the warmer side and the delivery for me is smooth. The PM-50 in all cases is musical sounding and that’s probably its biggest strength. Fun, warmth, smoothness and good bass are characteristics a whole lot of consumers are looking for when it comes to sound.

I don’t feel the PM-50 is a very strong headphone when it comes to precision, detail retrieval and dynamics, but not everyone is looking for this. The PM-50 for me perhaps is more of a consumer headphone than it is one for audiophiles. I’m not sure Andover will like me saying this, but I don’t feel there’s any shame in that, it’s just a different kind of tuning for a different type of listener and these people read Headfonia as well.

Andover Audio PM-50

Sound Classics – Bass

To me bass is best with the latest pads. In that case you get a normal amount of bass with a good punch and kick when called for. Bass sounds natural with some warmth and it never overpowers. It has good speed and is very enjoyable. Bass isn’t the most detailed however and there is room for improvement regarding the depth and layering, though a good source gets the best out of it. Feed it with a high resolution file and you’ll see the layering is there (try an MQA version of Billie Eilish’s last album).

Sound Classics – Mids

The mids sounds spacious and have a smooth and airy presentation with a touch of warmth, which make the PM-50’s mids musical and natural to listen to. The clarity and dynamics, like in the bass region, can be even further improved however. The smoother yet realistic vocals sit perfectly in the mids and they sound really nice for all kinds of music. At the same time I really like the mid timbre and the note extension in this region. Listen to a good recording and you will see what I mean. Even the mid layering will be quite good in that case (Try Nick Cave’s Ghosteen in 24/96).

Sound Classics – Treble

The treble section isn’t the furthest extended as we said. Most of the consumers will really like this approach while the hardcore audiophile will want more clarity, extension and liveliness. It really does depend on your personal flavor but it’s safe to say the treble section in the PM-50 is very soft and easygoing.

Sound – Conclusion

So in the end we get an overall smoother and warmer kind of sound, where bass is addictive and the smooth mids very musical. It’s a very easy kind of sound and headphone to listen to, but it’s not the technically strongest performer in the segment. Clarity, precision and extension are not the key ingredients of the PM-50 in my opinion. The audiophile inside you might find it lacking in this regard but the music lover in you however will appreciate the bass, warmth and smoothness with excellent vocals on top of it.

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