Audio T Verdict
The PMC Cor is a deliberately focused integrated amplifier for listeners who value analogue purity, precise control and long-term build quality over an extensive list of digital features.
Its Class A/B power amplifier delivers 95W per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 140W per channel into 4 ohms. This gives it the current delivery and control required for a wide selection of high-quality standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
Four RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input, a variable pre-amplifier output and a direct power-amplifier input provide useful system flexibility. The Cor also includes a dedicated Class A/B headphone amplifier and unusual motorised bass, treble and balance faders that can be controlled from the supplied metal remote.
There is no built-in phono stage, DAC, network streamer, Bluetooth or HDMI. These facilities must come from separate source components, allowing the Cor to concentrate on being a high-quality analogue amplifier.
For the right system, particularly one built around passive PMC loudspeakers, it is a powerful, transparent and beautifully made centrepiece.
PMC Cor Pure Analogue Integrated Amplifier
The PMC Cor is a hand-built British integrated amplifier designed around the same principles of transparency, neutrality and low colouration that PMC applies to its loudspeakers and professional monitoring systems.
The name Cor comes from the Latin word for heart, reflecting its role at the centre of a complete music system.
Its principal features include:
- Pure analogue Class A/B amplifier design
- 95W per channel into 8 ohms
- 140W per channel into 4 ohms
- Four unbalanced RCA line inputs
- One balanced stereo XLR input
- Direct power-amplifier input
- Variable stereo pre-amplifier output
- Dedicated Class A/B headphone amplifier
- Motorised volume control
- Motorised bass, treble and balance faders
- Remote control of volume and sound adjustment
- Tone-control bypass
- Mono listening function
- Gold-plated relay input switching
- Custom 360VA MuMETAL-shielded transformer
- Black and silver finish options
95W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
PMC rates the Cor at 95W per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load when operating from a 230V mains supply.
Output increases to 140W per channel into 4 ohms, demonstrating the amplifier's ability to provide additional current as speaker impedance falls.
The real-world result will also depend on:
- Speaker sensitivity
- Nominal and minimum speaker impedance
- Electrical phase characteristics
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Required playback level
- Speaker position
- The dynamic range of the recording
The Cor should be demonstrated with the intended loudspeakers wherever possible, particularly when building a system at this level.
Class A/B Power Amplification
The Cor uses a pure analogue Class A/B power-amplifier design.
Class A/B operation is intended to combine low distortion at modest signal levels with the efficiency and power required for demanding musical peaks.
The amplifier's output stage is based on a Darlington circuit arrangement, with modern output devices incorporating internal temperature sensing.
PMC combines this with its own first-stage module to maintain accurate temperature tracking, low distortion and stable operation.
The Cor Is Class A/B, Not Class A
The amplifier uses Class A/B output circuitry. It should not be described as a pure Class A amplifier.
Its dedicated headphone amplifier also uses a Class A/B design.
Designed and Hand-Built in Britain
The Cor was designed and is assembled by PMC in the United Kingdom.
Its substantial aluminium enclosure, internal construction and control system are intended to provide long-term mechanical stability as well as a distinctive appearance.
PMC supplies each Cor with a performance certificate documenting the unit's final quality-control checks, build information and serial number.
A Pure Analogue Amplifier
The Cor's audio path operates entirely in the analogue domain.
It does not include:
- A digital-to-analogue converter
- Optical digital inputs
- Coaxial digital inputs
- USB audio
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Network music streaming
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- AirPlay
- Spotify Connect
- A built-in phono stage
- A radio tuner
Digital conversion, music streaming, television connectivity and phono amplification must be provided by separate source equipment.
This focused design allows the Cor to concentrate on analogue source selection, volume control and loudspeaker amplification.
Four Unbalanced RCA Inputs
Four stereo RCA line inputs accommodate conventional analogue source equipment.
Suitable sources include:
- CD and SACD players
- Network streamers with analogue outputs
- Digital-to-analogue converters
- External phono stages
- Radio tuners
- Cassette decks
- Open-reel tape machines
- Televisions with suitable analogue outputs
The source must provide a conventional line-level analogue signal.
Balanced XLR Input
One stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided for a compatible source component.
A balanced connection can be useful when:
- The source provides genuine balanced analogue outputs
- Longer interconnects are required
- The signal cables pass near mains equipment
- Improved rejection of common electrical interference is useful
- A secure professional-style connection is preferred
Whether XLR or RCA sounds preferable will depend on the design of the source component and complete system rather than the connector alone.
Audio T can demonstrate both connection methods where suitable equipment is available.
No Built-In Phono Stage
The PMC Cor does not include a moving-magnet or moving-coil phono input.
A vinyl system therefore requires:
- A turntable
- A compatible cartridge
- A suitable external phono stage
- An RCA or XLR line connection from the phono stage to the Cor
The external phono stage must provide appropriate gain and electrical loading for the selected cartridge.
Do Not Connect a Turntable Cartridge Directly
A cartridge produces a very small signal and requires RIAA equalisation.
Connecting a turntable directly to one of the Cor's standard line inputs will normally produce sound that is extremely quiet and tonally incorrect.
Adding a Network Streamer
A network streamer can provide modern music services while leaving the Cor's analogue amplifier architecture unchanged.
A suitable streamer may add:
- App-controlled music playback
- Compatible subscription services
- Internet radio
- AirPlay
- Bluetooth
- Music stored on a local network
- Digital source inputs
- Television connectivity
The streamer can be connected through RCA or balanced XLR, depending on its available outputs.
When the Cor is being used as the system's main integrated amplifier, the streamer should normally be configured for fixed output so that volume remains under the Cor's control.
Avoid Using Two Volume Controls Accidentally
A streamer with variable output can still be connected, but using both the streamer and Cor volume controls can create confusion and reduce the available signal level.
Choose one component as the normal master volume control and configure the system consistently.
Adding a DAC
A separate digital-to-analogue converter allows digital source equipment to connect to the Cor.
Potential digital sources include:
- CD transports
- Computers
- Network transports
- Televisions
- Games consoles
- Streaming boxes
- Digital radio tuners
The DAC must convert the incoming digital signal into a conventional analogue line-level output before it reaches the amplifier.
Connecting a Television
The Cor does not contain HDMI ARC, optical or coaxial digital inputs.
A television can be incorporated through:
- An external DAC with an optical input
- A network streamer with HDMI ARC or eARC
- A television with a suitable analogue line output
- An AV processor with analogue outputs
Where a separate DAC or streamer is used, television volume may need to be controlled using the Cor rather than the television remote.
Motorised Volume Control
The large front-panel volume control is motorised and can be operated manually or using the supplied remote.
The motorised arrangement allows the physical position of the control to follow remote commands rather than using a separate electronic volume system with no visible reference.
Begin with the volume turned down when changing sources, connecting headphones or using the direct power-amplifier input.
Motorised Bass, Treble and Balance Faders
The Cor uses motorised faders more commonly associated with professional mixing consoles.
The three controls adjust:
- Bass
- Treble
- Left and right balance
Each fader provides a clear visual indication of its position, while an indicator shows when the control is centred.
The bass and treble controls provide an adjustment range of plus or minus 10dB.
They can be useful for:
- Thin or excessively bright recordings
- Older recordings with limited tonal balance
- Small room-boundary corrections
- Low-volume listening
- Compensating for unavoidable speaker placement
Room positioning and speaker matching should be addressed before relying on substantial tone adjustment.
Tone-Control Bypass
The bypass function removes the bass, treble and balance circuitry from the active audio path.
With bypass selected, the signal is routed through the source-selection and volume-control stages without passing through the tone controls.
This provides a more direct path for recordings and systems that do not require tonal adjustment.
Use Bypass When
- The system is naturally well balanced
- No tonal correction is required
- A shorter signal path is preferred
- You are assessing the source or loudspeakers
- The recording sounds correct without adjustment
Use the Tone Controls When
- A recording is unusually bright or thin
- The system cannot be positioned ideally
- Low-level listening needs additional weight
- A small channel-balance correction is required
- Personal preference favours a modest adjustment
Mono Listening
A front-panel mono function combines the left and right channels.
This can be useful for:
- Genuine mono recordings
- Checking system balance
- Assessing central image stability
- Identifying unusual phase behaviour
- Reducing some differences between channels on older recordings
Normal stereo playback can be restored using the same control.
Dedicated Class A/B Headphone Amplifier
The front headphone output is driven by a dedicated Class A/B headphone-amplifier circuit rather than a heavily attenuated version of the loudspeaker output.
The circuit automatically senses a connected pair of headphones and is designed to provide sufficient drive while protecting against overload.
Begin with the volume at a low setting before inserting headphones or starting playback.
PMC does not publish a complete headphone-impedance or maximum-output table, so very unusual or exceptionally demanding headphones should be demonstrated before purchase.
Variable Pre-Amplifier Output
A stereo pre-amplifier output allows the Cor's source selection, volume control and tone facilities to feed another line-level component.
Potential uses include:
- Adding an external stereo power amplifier
- Feeding compatible active loudspeakers
- Connecting selected active subwoofers with stereo line inputs
- Bi-amplifying suitable loudspeakers with an additional power amplifier
- Feeding another suitable audio zone
PMC specifies a maximum pre-amplifier output of 10V RMS.
Compatibility should be checked with the connected equipment, particularly when combining the Cor's internal power amplifier with another amplifier.
The Pre-Output Is Not a Fixed Recording Output
The pre-amplifier output follows the Cor's volume control.
It should not be treated as a fixed-level tape-recording output.
Direct Power-Amplifier Input
The direct input bypasses the Cor's normal pre-amplifier section and connects to its power-amplifier stage.
This can be used with:
- An AV receiver with front left and right pre-outputs
- A home cinema processor
- An external stereo pre-amplifier
- A compatible source with a safe variable analogue output
In a home cinema system, the AV receiver or processor controls the front-channel volume while the Cor powers the main left and right passive loudspeakers.
The Direct Input Bypasses the Cor Volume Control
The direct connection feeds the power-amplifier section rather than the normal integrated-amplifier path.
Volume must be controlled safely by the connected pre-amplifier, AV receiver or processor.
Do not connect a fixed-level CD player, DAC or streamer directly to this input. Doing so could produce an extremely high playback level and damage the loudspeakers.
Home Cinema Integration
The direct power-amplifier input allows a high-quality stereo system and home cinema system to share the same front loudspeakers.
A typical arrangement uses:
- The Cor's normal inputs for stereo music sources
- An AV receiver or processor for films and television
- The AV processor's front left and right pre-outputs connected to the Cor direct input
- The Cor power amplifier driving the main passive speakers
- The AV receiver powering or controlling the remaining cinema channels
The AV system must be calibrated with the Cor operating through its direct input.
Professional setup is recommended so that front-channel levels, distances and crossover settings remain consistent.
Speaker Connections
The Cor provides one stereo pair of 4mm loudspeaker binding posts for passive speakers.
When connecting speaker cable:
- Switch the amplifier off
- Disconnect it from the mains
- Maintain correct left and right channels
- Maintain correct positive and negative polarity
- Prevent exposed conductors from touching
- Tighten each connection securely
- Check the speaker manufacturer's impedance guidance
Browse Hi-Fi cables at Audio T or ask your local store about suitable speaker cable and termination.
Passive and Active Speaker Compatibility
The Cor's loudspeaker terminals are intended for passive loudspeakers.
Active speakers must not be connected to the amplified speaker outputs.
A compatible active speaker can instead receive a line-level signal from the Cor's pre-amplifier output. However, this leaves the Cor's internal power amplifier unused, so a dedicated pre-amplifier or variable-output streamer may provide a more appropriate system solution.
Matching PMC Loudspeakers
PMC describes the Cor as a suitable partner for its passive loudspeakers up to the fact.12 Signature.
Potential partners include:
- PMC prophecy standmount and floorstanding speakers
- PMC twenty5 and twenty5i passive speakers
- PMC fact-series passive speakers
- Other compatible passive loudspeakers from suitable manufacturers
Explore the PMC prophecy5 Floorstanding Speakers or the PMC fact.8 Speakers as possible system partners.
The best match will depend on room size, required volume, speaker sensitivity and personal preference.
Internal Balanced Circuit Blocks
PMC links the Cor's principal internal circuit blocks using balanced connections.
This arrangement is intended to:
- Reduce susceptibility to radio-frequency interference
- Reduce electromagnetic interference
- Allow circuit sections to reference local grounding
- Maintain low noise through the amplifier
The internal use of balanced connections is separate from the choice between the rear RCA and XLR source inputs.
Gold-Plated Relay Input Switching
Audio input switching uses hermetically sealed, inert-gas-filled, gold-plated relays.
Sealing the relay contacts helps protect them against oxidation and contamination over time, while the relay arrangement provides electrical isolation between unselected sources.
360VA MuMETAL-Shielded Transformer
The Cor uses a custom-designed 360VA power transformer.
PMC surrounds the transformer with MuMETAL shielding, an alloy selected for its ability to absorb magnetic flux.
The shielding is intended to reduce electromagnetic interference reaching the surrounding audio circuitry.
The Cor also separates the power requirements of its audio and control sections to help prevent control activity from contaminating the sensitive audio path.
Wide Frequency Response
PMC specifies the pre-amplifier and power-amplifier sections with a frequency response of:
- 20Hz to 20kHz within +0/-0.2dB
- 5Hz to 80kHz within +0/-1dB
The wide bandwidth is designed to maintain accurate phase and amplitude behaviour throughout the audible range.
Low Distortion and High Damping Factor
PMC publishes power-amplifier total harmonic distortion of 0.001% at 1kHz at rated output into 8 ohms.
The damping factor is specified as greater than 160 into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz.
A high damping factor indicates low amplifier output impedance and contributes to electrical control over a connected loudspeaker's drive units.
The final bass performance will still depend on the loudspeaker, room and cable resistance.
Black and Silver Finishes
The PMC Cor is available in black or silver.
Both finishes provide the same aluminium enclosure, controls, connections and internal amplifier design.
Placement and Ventilation
Place the Cor on a strong, level and well-ventilated equipment support.
The amplifier weighs approximately 12kg and measures 401mm deep, so the supporting shelf must provide sufficient depth and load capacity.
Avoid:
- Blocking the fluted aluminium ventilation surfaces
- Installing the amplifier inside a tightly sealed cabinet
- Placing another heat-producing component directly on top
- Positioning it beside a radiator
- Exposing it to direct sunlight
- Allowing moisture or liquids near the amplifier
- Running exposed speaker conductors where they could touch
Allow additional rear clearance for the connectors, interconnects, speaker cables and mains lead.
Key Features
- Pure analogue integrated amplifier
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- 95W per channel into 8 ohms
- 140W per channel into 4 ohms
- Darlington output topology
- PMC proprietary first-stage module
- Temperature-sensing output devices
- 95W and 140W rated outputs
- Four unbalanced RCA inputs
- One balanced stereo XLR input
- Direct power-amplifier input
- Variable stereo pre-amplifier output
- One pair of speaker outputs
- 4mm speaker binding posts
- Dedicated Class A/B headphone amplifier
- Automatic headphone sensing
- Motorised volume control
- Motorised bass control
- Motorised treble control
- Motorised balance control
- Plus or minus 10dB tone adjustment
- Tone-control bypass
- Mono listening function
- Metal remote control
- Remote volume adjustment
- Remote tone adjustment
- Remote balance adjustment
- Hermetically sealed input relays
- Inert-gas-filled relay contacts
- Gold-plated relay switching
- Balanced internal circuit connections
- Custom 360VA transformer
- MuMETAL transformer shielding
- Separate audio and control power supplies
- 15dB maximum pre-amplifier gain
- 10V RMS maximum pre-amplifier output
- 5.5V RMS maximum pre-amplifier input
- 28.9dB power-amplifier gain
- Greater than 160 damping factor
- Less than 0.05-ohm output impedance
- 5Hz to 80kHz extended frequency response
- Hand-built in the United Kingdom
- Aluminium enclosure
- Black finish available
- Silver finish available
- 432mm cabinet width
- 87.5mm cabinet height
- 401mm cabinet depth
- Approximately 12kg weight
- 20-year registered PMC warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of amplifier is the PMC Cor?
It is a pure analogue Class A/B integrated stereo amplifier.
Is it a pure Class A amplifier?
No. The Cor uses Class A/B power amplification.
How powerful is it?
PMC specifies 95W per channel into 8 ohms and 140W per channel into 4 ohms from a 230V mains supply.
Can it drive 4-ohm speakers?
Yes. PMC publishes a rated output of 140W per channel into 4 ohms.
Does it have a built-in DAC?
No. A separate DAC or source with analogue outputs is required.
Does it have optical or coaxial digital inputs?
No.
Does it have USB audio?
No.
Does it include network music streaming?
No. A separate network streamer is required.
Does it have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
No.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. Television sound requires a suitable DAC, streamer or AV processor.
Does it have a phono stage?
No. A suitable external moving-magnet or moving-coil phono stage is required.
Can a turntable connect directly?
Only where the turntable contains a suitable built-in phono stage. A conventional cartridge-level output must use an external phono stage.
How many RCA inputs are included?
Four stereo unbalanced RCA line inputs.
Does it have a balanced input?
Yes. One stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided.
Are the XLR inputs digital?
No. They are balanced analogue inputs.
Does it have tone controls?
Yes. Motorised bass and treble faders provide adjustment of plus or minus 10dB.
Can the tone controls be bypassed?
Yes. The bypass function removes the bass, treble and balance circuitry from the active signal path.
Does it have a balance control?
Yes. The balance control is motorised and can be adjusted from the front panel or remote.
Does it have a mono function?
Yes.
Does the remote control the tone settings?
Yes. The supplied metal remote controls volume, tone and balance.
Does it have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. A dedicated auto-sensing Class A/B headphone-amplifier circuit is included.
Does connecting headphones mute the speakers?
The headphone circuit automatically senses a connected pair. Confirm the exact operating behaviour during installation and begin with the volume turned down.
Does it have a pre-amplifier output?
Yes. A variable stereo pre-amplifier output is provided.
Can an external power amplifier be connected?
Yes. The Cor's pre-amplifier output can feed a compatible external power amplifier.
Can active speakers be connected?
Compatible active speakers can use the line-level pre-amplifier output. They must not be connected to the Cor's amplified speaker terminals.
What is the direct input?
It connects directly to the Cor's power-amplifier section, bypassing its normal pre-amplifier and volume-control path.
Can the direct input be used with home cinema?
Yes. An AV receiver or processor with front left and right pre-outputs can control the Cor when it is powering the main passive speakers.
Can a fixed-output source use the direct input?
No. A safe external volume control is essential.
Does it have Speaker A and B outputs?
No. It provides one stereo pair of speaker terminals.
Can the Cor be bi-wired?
It does not provide separate Speaker A and B terminals. A compatible speaker may still accept two cable runs joined at the amplifier end, but conventional single wiring is normally the simpler arrangement.
Which PMC speakers can it drive?
PMC describes it as suitable for its passive loudspeakers up to the fact.12 Signature. The final match should be demonstrated in the intended room.
Can it drive PMC active speakers through the speaker outputs?
No. Active speakers require a line-level signal from the pre-amplifier output.
What is the damping factor?
PMC specifies greater than 160 into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz.
What is the extended frequency response?
PMC specifies 5Hz to 80kHz within +0/-1dB.
Is it made in the UK?
Yes. PMC describes the Cor as designed and hand-built in the United Kingdom.
Which finishes are available?
Black and silver.
What are the dimensions?
Approximately 432 x 87.5 x 401mm (W x H x D), including the feet.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 12kg.
What warranty is included?
PMC offers a 20-year manufacturer warranty when the Cor is registered within 10 days of purchase, subject to its full terms and conditions.
Related PMC Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- PMC Cor demonstrations
- PMC loudspeaker matching
- Comparisons with alternative integrated amplifiers
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection comparisons
- DAC and network-streamer matching
- External phono-stage matching
- Turntable and cartridge integration
- Home cinema direct-input setup
- External power-amplifier matching
- Active-subwoofer integration
- Headphone compatibility demonstrations
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- Equipment support and ventilation advice
- Home demonstrations where available
- Part exchange on suitable existing equipment
- PMC warranty-registration guidance
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss loudspeakers, source equipment, DACs, streamers, phono stages, headphones and home cinema integration for the PMC Cor.