_{Prices listed in CA$.}

Importer Motet Distribution had a few exhibits at the show this year. One of them was showcasing two systems, situated side-by-side but separated by a large divider. After greeting representatives from PS Audio, Kimber Kable, Kennedy HiFi, and PMC, I settled in to have a listen to the first system.

It featured two models from PMC’s new prodigy series (prodigy with a lower case “p”, according to the company’s website), the prodigy1 standmount ($2500/pair) and prodigy5 floorstander ($4000/pair), which use the same tweeter as the company’s Result6 active monitor. The system, wired with Kimber Kable ($various), consisted of a PS Audio StellarGold preamplifier ($5600), a PS Audio StellarGold DAC ($5600), and a pair of class-D, 350W PS Audio M700 monoblocs, said to be stable (briefly) at 2 ohms ($4500 ea). Providing streaming via Tidal was a PS Audio AirLens music streamer ($3000), while AC regeneration was handled by a PS Audio 6-outlet Stellar P3 PowerPlant ($3300).

With both prodigy models, the system sounded well balanced, but, unsurprisingly, the prodigy5 offered more bass and sounded more harmonically full than its smaller sibling. Both speakers’ high frequencies were airy and detailed. It was apparent to me that the speakers’ Advance Transmission Line (ATL) design and trickled-down tweeter technology really shines in this new series from PMC.

System 2 featured a pair of the latest PS Audio aspen FR20 tower speakers ($26,000/pair), whose cabinet was designed by Canadian company Studio 63. Handling streaming via Tidal was a Lumin T3 network music player ($7500) feeding a PS Audio DirectStream Mkll DAC ($11,000), which converts every one of its galvanically isolated input signals to pure DSD. Other products in the chain included an Accuphase C-2300 preamplifier, a class-A, MOSFET-based, 65Wpc (520W into 1 ohm!) Accuphase A-80 power amplifier, two PS Audio P20 PowerPlants ($14,700 ea.), while Kimber Kable handled cabling ($various).

This system sounded awesome! I heard excellent detail retrieval, high frequency extension, a smooth treble response, a deep soundstage, and a transparent, full-bodied midrange. Imaging and also excellent, while bass was solid and extended. With the speakers pulled halfway into the room, vocals and instruments had a holographic, near-field presence.

Two fantastic sounding systems and a great demo experience hosted by helpful, informative company reps. What more could one want?