WAVE AV Experience 2025 Show – a) My Top 5 Systems & b) Malaysian Innovation

Posted by Tan

The WAVE 2025 Show (10/10/25-12/10/25) has concluded. Here, in no particular order, are the five systems that impressed me most. 

1. The Majestic Statement : MSB, Vitus, Marten

The Swedish Statement room was a clear crowd-pleaser. It must be one of the most popular room at the Show and had gone onto the favorite list of many of my HiFi buddies. The combination of MSB and Vitus electronics driving Marten Mingus Septet loudspeakers was quite spectacular. Playing in a large conference room, the system showed exquisite refinement and effortless resolution. At the same time it delivered a room-filling soundstage and immense scale. Whatever acoustic challenges there might be in such a big room, the musical enjoyment delivered by this system was never diminished, It was a performance that appealed to both the head and the heart.

2. Italian Soul, Swiss Precision: Nagra and Sonus Faber

Perfect HiFi showcased the new Sonus Faber Amati Supreme loudspeakers, with technology adopted from its flagship loudspeaker the Suprema in the mid and high sections. Paired with Nagra's impeccable electronics, the system showcased Sonus Faber's legendary musicality - especially a midrange that rendered vocals that were beguiling and palpable. Yet it could unleash dynamics and scale when the music called for, proving itself to be quite the all-rounder. 

3. A Refined Partnership: Luxman and Audiovector 

Audio Perfectionist acquired the distributorship of Luxman recently. This is the first time I heard the Luxman-Audiovector combination, and the synergy between them was a delightful surprise.. This system, consisting of Luxman electronics and Audovector R6 Arrete loudspeakers, wasn't the type that shout for attention, it did not highlighting certain aspects of the sound to grab the listeners’ attention, instead it invited deep listening. The sound was refined, nimble, and highly resolved, allowing the music to unfold naturally and reveal its details at its own pace. 

Worthy of mention too was the Audivector flagship R10 Arrete loudspeakers paired with Soulution amplification in a bigger adjacent room. They sounded formidable, though I found myself personally drawn to the more intimate and utterly coherent performance of the Luxman and Audiovector R6 Arrete combination just a tad more.  

4. Unbridled Power: ATC

Many exhibitors focused on delivering refinement and smoothness from their sysems, in contrast HiWay Laser's demonstration of ATC gear was a thrilling jolt of raw energy. The ATC SCA2 preamplifier and SCM100ASL active loudspeakers delivered music with unbridled impact and lightning-fast dynamics. This system wasn't just playing music; it was recreating the visceral excitement of a live performance. It was a powerful, exciting, and utterly compelling reminder of music's primal forces that would startle many listeners. Impressive and exciting.

5. A Rich Tapestry of Sound: Rega, Melody HiFi, and Canton

Choy Audio Visual weaved a uniquely attractive sonic tapestry. Was it the British Rega CD player, the tube-driven Melody amplifier, or the German Canton speakers? It was impossible for me to pinpoint. The result was a combination that produced slightly voluptuous imaging, and rich, saturated tonal colors. The overall presentation was simply attractive, offering a warm, musically enjoyable experience that was easy to love.

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Spotlight on Malaysian Innovation: It was inspiring to see homegrown talent making making its presence felt. I’d like to give two Malaysian designers special mention:

1. CCY Engineering

CCY Engineering designs and manufactures class A power amplifier. Their SS300B-25C amplifier, specifically designed for full-range loudspeakers, delivered a sound that was creamy smooth through the midrange and highs. Despite a small driver on the fullrange speakers, the system produced quite a prominent bass. The overall result was a relaxed, a little laid-back and musical presentation that will delight full-range enthusiasts and many audiophiles alike. https://www.ccyengineering.com/

2. JW Speaker Lab

I finally got to listen to a JW Speaker Lab’s HiFi loudspeakers in this Show as I only managed to catch their AV setups previously. This experience did not disappoint.  Utilizing drivers from SB Acoustics' Satori line, including a rare Beryllium tweeter at this price point, their MTM loudspeakers were sounding clean and detailed, especially in the mids and highs. Coupled to 2 of their own subwoofers, the system also sounded strong in the bass. Overall, it was a well-balanced and musically coherent performance. For those who are looking to go beyond entry-level, JW Speaker Labs is definitely a brand worthy of your consideration. https://www.jwspeakerlab.com/

PMC Prophecy Loudspeaker Line Launch at AV Designs - Pushing the Boundary of Transmission Line

Posted by Tan. 

The recent launch of the new PMC’s Prophecy loudspeaker line at AV Designs aimed for both audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts alike. Held in acoustically optimized settings for home theatre and stereo music, the PMC showcases offered the attendees a close look into the British brand’s latest innovations, with the Prophecy series testifying to PMC’s latest innovative pursuit of sonic perfection.

At the heart of the Prophecy line is PMC’s groundbreaking Laminair X vent, a precision-machined evolution of their Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology. PMC’s ATL designs have long been known for their ability to deliver deep, controlled bass. With Laminair X, PMC has advanced the transmission line design further. As the company explains, “ATL designs involve air moving at high speeds and complex fluid dynamic, and introducing the precision machined ultimate aerodynamic control of Laminair X negates turbulence and drag which in turn reduces resistance, reduces harmonic distortion by up to 3dB, eliminates air noise and provides bass with superlative timing and an unparalleled dynamic range.”

The Laminair X vent not only improves airflow efficiency but also adds a structural advantage. Its all-metal and weighty construction, acts as an anchor, enhancing cabinet stability and reducing unwanted resonances. This dual-purpose design—acoustic and mechanical—underscores PMC’s inventiveness and engineering prowess.

A Versatile Lineup for Music and Movies

The Prophecy range, comprises of five models: one bookshelf (Prophecy1), three floorstanders (Prophecy5, 7, and 9), and one centre speaker (ProphecyC), is clearly designed to cater to both stereo music lovers and home theatre aficionados. AV Designs made this dual-purpose line-up evident in the demo sessions, with the different models used for HT and music duty.

Price list of the PMC Prophecy Range

In the midsize home theatre setup that AD Designs demo'ed, the Prophecy7 and ProphecyC centre speakers were paired with PMC surround speakers and atmos speakers to deliver a thrilling movie experience. I found that explosive action scenes were handled with ease and dialogue was crisp and intelligible. Dynamics and attacks were rendered impactfully, even scary at some points. It was a clear demonstration of how the Prophecy line can anchor a serious home theatre system without compromise.

In Prophecy1's stereo music demonstrations, the speakers were set up in a smaller room. Driven by PMC’s own integrated amplifier, I found the Prophecy1's delivery outstanding. It delivered a performance that was imbued with warmth and musicality—hallmarks of British loudspeaker design philosophy, vocals were rich and emotive, instruments well-defined, and the bass output was quite surprising for such a modest cabinet. It’s the kind of speaker that would disappear into a room.

PMC Prophecy1 demo session

If you were looking for bigger scale, more depth, and greater authority, then just move up to the Prophecy1’s bigger brothers, the Prophecy7 and Prophecy9. Both proved to be a significant step up in these parameters yet retaining the warmth and musicality so evident in their smaller brother. The video below is evidence, showing the Prophecy7 set up for home theatre purpose, playing 2-channel stereo:

The PMC Prophecy line reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering emotionally engaging sound. Whether you’re building a reference-grade stereo system or a high-performance home theatre, the Prophecy range delivers.

Contract AV Designs at 03-62411237 to arrange an audition.