I hate to even post here because I think this thread has gone on long enough, but I do want to answer the question about what the surface treatment of the PMG series bottom plate is and why it looks different than others we have done in the past that use galvanized steel (with that shiny look).
On the PMG, we use a material called galvanneal. Like standard galvanized steel, it begins with a protective zinc coating applied to the steel, but then it undergoes an additional heat-treatment step called annealing. This fuses the zinc with the underlying steel to create a tougher zinc–iron alloy surface. The result isn’t the bright, spangled finish of galvanized steel, but a matte, mottled gray that is harder, more durable, and less prone to flaking over time. We chose galvanneal for the PMG bottom plate for its superior performance: it gives us a robust, corrosion-resistant foundation with reliable electrical grounding that will last for decades.
Perhaps in the future we’ll add a layer of paint to keep the crowd noise down.
Considering the environment that it lives in, I would gladly trade corrosion resistance to a finish that doesn’t negatively draw attention to itself. The PMG is beautiful. But the bottom plate should be at the worst, unremarkable.
I’d swap for just an average finish. Not sure if we really need a finish that will outlast us all. My BHK pre was coming onto 9 years I think. Always kept inside … never outside, never in the rain! ;-)No dramas with the bottom plate.
This sounds like it was an expensive process … maybe overkill ?
Of course Paul thinks this thread has gone on too long because its a bad look and it doesn’t promote the PMG line of equipment! But the fact remains, PMG signature series lower panel isn’t up to PS Audio’s usual high standard of finish. Simple As.
The OP asked a perfectly reasonable question and the first few replies were in complete agreement with the OP… Paul posted an explanation! The faithful adhering firmly, devotedly, and in reverence.
Incredulously, it was even suggested the thread should never have been allowed, an absolutely ridiculous thing to say.
Not exactly the extended hand of Alphonse and Gaston. OP buys an $8K - PMG, his first forum post. What a welcome, eh!!
I’m willing to bet the bottom plate will be brought up by many reviewers in the future.
Personally if I was to purchase one and it totally blew the socks off everything else in it’s price range, including products costing even more, I wouldn’t have an issue with it. It would be an acceptable compromise.
But for many non PS Audio owners out there, this could wind up being a thing that sways them to look elsewhere if it’s pointed out by a reviewer. Especially if the photo of the product in the glossy ads doesn’t match the looks of the actual product.
I am surprised I have long been silent about this burning controversy!
My take is: it wouldn’t matter to me, as the superior method of grounding would outweigh any appearance issue with me. I agree that it would be more proper for the product picture to accurately mirror the product, and an explanatory mention of the galvaneal process made on the product page.
If it does not effect the sound and is not seen why spend the money. Do that a few times on different things and the price stays lower (hopefully). Even if it means a bit more profit that’s fine with me too as the company will last longer.
When I saw the bottom plate of the PMG Signature preamp during unboxing, the first question that came to my mind was: Did PS Audio send me a refurbished unit while I paid almost $10k (tax included) for a brand new unit? I had never seen such unique look of the bottom plate throughout my audiophile life for almost 40 years. That is why I posted this asking if other new owners had the same bottom plate. I want to make sure I am not the only one who has such bottom plate. So far no new owner has answered my question.
However, Paul, you answered my question earlier on. I highly appreciate it. If the PS Audio forum didn’t exist, I could have posted the same question in other forums. It is very cool that the CEO answered my question in his own website. The PS Audio forum is unique.
The bottom plate is perfectly fine with me after reading your explanation. Looks like galvanneal is more durable and reliable with electrical grounding. If years later you come up with PMG Signature preamp MKII with the same bottom plate but improved sonic performance, would I buy it again? It will be a resounding “Yes”. Once installed, I already forget the bottom plate look. The preamp’s sonic performance is outstanding. I think this preamp is a success.
From this Paul I apologize if I said anything to offend you and I see your concerns of the unit possibly having a second hand part. I hope you find the PMG a great performer and gives you hours of enjoyment. Welcome to the forum!
For the folks who demand designer bottoms, just for looks,– not for functionality, consider the humble iPhone case. You buy one of the world’s most exquisitely designed pieces of equipment, often agonizing over which color phone you should buy, and then plunk the poor phone into a cheap case made from recycled rubber, leather, plastic, etc., so the beautiful phone is never to be seen again.
Maybe one of you can get rich designing a bottom case–diaper/fig-leaf, for the poor naked PMG series!
My Chord Dave is beautifully finished on all sides. It’s about twice the price of the PMG pieces. I bought one of the Chord Choral Stands. Beautiful and beautifully finished, they are about $2100. Gorgeous Aircraft grade solid machined aluminum. My point is PSA is also about being frugal. How much of the price of a Dagastino is that awesome metal work?
Thanks for further explaining! So, the new plate delivers long term reliable grounding.
Does the superior performance also clearly pay off e.g. sonically or in electrical or resonance measurements?
When you pick one of these up you do not feel cheapness. They are very front heavy too. That designer plate is where psaudio decided to put the money in. Not the bottom. The rest of the body besides the bottom has very nice treatment as well. I prefer the full size body of the PMG vs the smaller Dave. Fight to fit cords and has to be on top shelf. Does not work for many. But yeah for over twice as much you can get all sides bullet aluminum.
but that comparison of DACs Dave vs PMG would be a really nice shootout.
I don’t understand why some people feel that this or any thread should be shut down. If you find it offensive in some way, don’t click on it. Problem solved.
I think threads should be allowed to just drift off into the sunset, after all interested parties have had their say. Please don’t restrict people from voicing their opinions.
I agree with your statement, however, I am not aware of any intent to shut this thread down. I do wish we would let it die though. There have been more contentious threads on this forum that were allowed to continue - at least until personal insults started to immerge.
