PMC's new Prophecy series follows the naming convention of the recent Prodigy line of home audio loudspeakers and features cutting-edge technologies wrapped in a new aesthetic while promising greater scale, realism, transparency, and musicality.

The new range will gradually replace the current Twenty5i range of passive speakers. The actives will remain, although PMC's Commercial Director Oliver Thomas wouldn't confirm or deny that Prophecy will include active options in the future.

The five new models include the prophecy1 2-way standmount, and slimline 2-way prophecy5 floorstander, which will be released first. Meanwhile, the 3-way prophecy7 and flagship prophecy9, loaded with dual bass drivers, will follow closely behind. Completing the quintet is the prophecyC matching centre speaker for multichannel listening.

The new line boasts a major update to the company's Laminair technology, which works in concert with PMC's Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) design. The patent-pending Laminair X has undergone a "radical redesign" that unlocks the "true potential of the ATL" by negating turbulence, which reduces resistance and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. This improvement was discovered by PMC's R&D team, when new measurements were taken that showed if they lengthened the Laminair channels, the airflow could be better stabilised.

The newly developed aerodynamic vent is now incorporated into the heavy extruded aluminium base of the cabinet, which also serves to ground the speaker for better control, and eschews the requirement for outriggers, making positioning the prophecy floorstanders easier.

The keen-eyed amongst you may have noticed the midrange driver baffle waveguide of the prophecy7 and prophecy9 also resembles that found on PMC's midfield studio monitors such as the PMC6-2 and PMC8-2. This is another step to bringing the studio into the home.

The tweeters and specialist mid-drivers also sport distinctive new additions that we're told result in a less directional sound and a smoother crossover region achieved by matching the dispersion between the bass driver and tweeter. The Crossover frequency – 1.6kHz on the two-way - is remarkably low due to extra gain from the tweeter's dispersion grille. This has been achieved by the new tweeter grille adding a secondary load chamber, which boosts the top end of the frequency range, meaning a more even response instead of the usual dip in the high-frequency response of most speakers. It also assists with ultra-controlled directivity up to 180 degrees.

The 26mm ferrofluid-cooled soft dome tweeter is professionally proven and was initially employed in professional near and midfield studio monitors.

The three-way models incorporate a 55mm soft dome mid-range, also from the professional studio models and the Ci series—the reference for Dolby Atmos Music mixing worldwide and an apparent favourite with high-end home cinema installations. Its distinctive 'n-compass' sculptured profile surrounds the high-frequency and midrange drivers, enhancing their response and integration so they act as one unit with an ultra-wide and stable image.

Meanwhile, the long-throw 5.25-inch bass drivers have been developed specifically for the range and feature a mica-filled polypropylene cone perfectly matched to the ATL. They are an incredibly linear design that promises to deliver the lowest frequencies without imparting any colouration on the midrange, thanks to the combined effects of the Laminair X and ATL. We were told that the ultra-light, mica-filled cone material provides the perfect recipe of rigidity, damping, and weight, enabling it to respond instantly to even the most subtle audio signals.

The drive units are connected via PMC's well-known high-order, steep roll-off crossover design and a "military-grade circuit board" with ultra-thick copper tracks and gold through plating. PMC is proud of its careful component selection, precision matching, and optimised positioning, which results in low component interaction and colouration.  The steep filter slopes ensure that each drive unit works within its optimum range and presents a superb off-axis response for a wide listening window.

The drivers are protected by grilles held in place by concealed magnets. The bespoke open-weave, textured fabric completes the prophecy aesthetic. The series is also more sustainable thanks to PMC's new manufacturing methodology. The cabinet finishes are enhanced by the natural tactile features of Walnut, Mediterranean Oak and Black using minimally invasive techniques. The company has also addressed its reliance on foam packaging, so the new speakers are shipped in recyclable materials. Cardboard replaces polystyrene and cloth bags are used instead of plastic, all printed using non-toxic vegetable-based inks.

THE LISTENING

The demonstration of prophecy1, prophecy5 and prophecy9 took place at Wired Masters in Merton Abbey, South Wimbledon. This mastering and mixing studio complex employs Yamaha's NS-10M for nearfield work but also has an array of PMC studio monitors, including the BB6-XD monsters and an Atmos room utilising members of the PMC Ci range – such is the uniformity throughout the British company's speakers.

Prophecy1 is the most compact design of the new range, at 400x165x260mm [HxWxD]. It's a very even-sounding speaker, with impressive extension for its size alloyed to a detailed midrange and remarkable soundstaging. There is only so much that a cabinet of this volume can do, yet the wee PMC makes the absolute most of its modest dimensions. It proved just as happy playing Anouar Brahem's Stopover at Djibouti as it was Diagnosis by The Wildhearts.

The prophecy5 adds more weight and body to the overall picture but loses nothing of that lucid midband. While only a slender 2-way floorstander at 900x165x260mm [HxWxD], it presented with excellent dynamics and a well-balanced character. Last on the menu was the range-topping prophecy9. Standing at 1,030mm tall and 360mm deep, it boasts further finesse granted by its dedicated midrange and twin bass drivers, allowing for more scale and increased output in the lower regions. This translates to more effortless performance, especially when greater bass extension is required, as demonstrated by a slab of Chase & Status' Baddadan.

THE VERDICT

Every model in PMC's prophecy range shares a unity of voice – one which is crisp, detailed, spacious and musical. The wide selection of sizes means that most domestic applications, including casual home cinema – thanks to being able to create at least an LCR array – can be accommodated. The new line's style and range of finishes also means that classic and contemporary interior design will be equally well-suited. It's easy to see how the new range picks up where the Twenty-5i left off, yet thanks to the Laminair X tech and other refinements, it promises to do more. The range will be available globally from February 1st, 2025 and is priced as follows: prophecy1 €3,505, prophecy5 €5,585, prophecy7 €7,995, prophecy9 €10,945, prophecyC €2,775.

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