PMC is actually a brand we all know. Both from their beautiful, professional speakers that countless studios use, as their beautiful models for consumers. Now it was true that the bulk of PMC’s were not really feasible for the “common man”. That has changed with the Prodigy line. But in case you want to go a step further, but not pay ‘FACT’ money…? They now have the Prophecy line!
The event surrounding the new PMC line-up and the addition of the Arcam Radia line was organized by Dutch importer Terrason. The event was held at the STMPD studio – yes the studio of Martin Garrix – where PMC is also widely used. So our first listening session is on the large PMC MB3 towers. Downright impressive how easily this system plays. And who ever dares to claim that good gear is not used in studios…. nonsense. This is pure high-end. And not only the speakers, but also the mixing console, dacs, adc’s, et cetera.
Prophecy
But what matters, of course, is PMC’s new Prophecy lineup. This lineup is for the consumer, but it also makes use of everything that PMC uses in their pro monitors. Think of the transmission line with the “laminar” technology, mid-dome, special wave-guide for the tweeter, et cetera.
The line consists of five models: a center-the Prophecy C-a monitor-the Prophecy 1-and three floorstanding models: the Prophecy 5, 7 and 9.
Prices are 2999 for the center, 3699 for the monitor and 5899, 8499 and 11999 for the 5, 7 and 9. Prices are per pair.
We had a demo on the large Prophecy 9 on an Arcam SA45. We have to say: it sounds particularly complete, tight and comprehensive. The midrange in particular is particularly open and transparent. So we estimate that you really want to own a model with the mid-dome. This is also the case with ATC. The midrange makes these speakers.
Of course we will test a set as soon as they are available. To be continued!
Arcam Radia complete
Arcam also had news. This is an addition to the Radia series. New is the SA35 and SA45. These two “brutes” are basically all-in-one solutions for consumers who just want to pair speakers and be done.
The Arcam SA45 (5000 Euro) is truly a beast with 2 x 180 watts into 8 Ohms and a large power supply that powers the entire Class G power amplifier stably and with speed. The SA35 (3500 Euro) does the same thing but with 2 x 120 watts. Enough in most cases of course.
These amplifiers also feature a streamer that can stream over both wifi and cable. Of course there is also a dac incorporated and it is possible to connect a turntable. Both the Arcam SA45 as the SA35 are very nice devices that look really good!
Atmos
The last demo was a “full throttle” Dolby Atmos demo in STMPD’s Atmos cinema. Now your author was not really convinced around surround for music. And still not entirely, but the fact is: it is extremely impressive. Especially if the music is written for it AND it’s decently mixed and mastered. It should not be a demo of technology where all sorts of things shoot around the head.
Some tracks work particularly well. Some just not so much. Time will tell if this will catch on!
I’m sure those PMC’s sound sweet. I bet the Arcam’s would be surprising to most people…or at least their older model was to me.
I had their top of the line All-in-one with Dirac built in SA30 a couple years ago. I was impressed by it but my unit eventually had a channel issue. The built-in phono was no slouch for the overall cost of this integrated. I liked the amplification so much I went for their top dog 2ch Class G power amp instead of keeping the integrated after repair. The PA240. First 25watt x 2 is supposedly class A. I was truly impressed by the power amp as well.
I thought Arcam was more of a Home Theater outfit but I really enjoyed that power amp & still own it. Not a lot of bass grunt but what it has is fast & nuanced for its price. Sweeter top end vs the Hypex Nilai I was also enjoying around that time.
I would love to try their new SA45 in my living room. Would love to have some PMC’s as well 😀