During the 2024 Guangzhou International Audio & Visual Exhibition, within the exhibition hall of Hong Kong’s New Han Leaden Company, the renowned British loudspeaker brand PMC showcased its newly launched Active twenty5i active speaker series and Ci custom installation series. Live demonstrations of the BB5 se speakers were also conducted. Mr. Michael Lu, PMC’s Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific, North America, and South America, graced the exhibition scene and accepted our interview. During the conversation, he addressed questions related to the Active twenty5i active speaker series and the Ci custom installation series, and shared his insights on the development prospects of custom installation.

Regarding the Active twenty5i Active Speaker Series
At the 2023 Guangzhou International Audio & Visual Exhibition, this journalist had interviewed Mr. Lu, who hinted at the possibility of PMC launching new active speakers. True to his word, a year later, PMC introduced the active version based on the twenty5i series – the Active twenty5i series. This series includes two bookshelf speakers, the 21i and 22i, and two floor-standing speakers, the 23i and 24i. Each speaker in the Active twenty5i series incorporates optimised power amplifiers, allowing users to build a high-end audio system simply by pairing them with a preamplifier or streamer equipped with volume control.

According to Mr. Lu, the built-in power amplifiers in the Active twenty5i series are consistent with those used in PMC’s professional studio monitor, the result6. He shared his views on active speakers, believing that this type of product offers users great convenience. Although some users might miss the enjoyment of matching amplifiers with passive speakers, one of the advantages of active speakers is that the signal passes through an electronic crossover directly to the power amplifier, which then drives the speaker drivers directly – this method is optimal. Furthermore, the power amplifiers used in PMC’s active speakers are not off-the-shelf purchases but are custom-designed according to the company’s own specifications to achieve the best possible integration. Regarding active speakers, this journalist also expressed to Mr. Lu the view that, looking at development trends, the younger generation of users will increasingly favour such products. Moreover, the pace of modern life is very fast, and people don’t have much time for extensive equipment tweaking. Therefore, the launch of the Active twenty5i series undoubtedly represents a convenience for audio users.

Given the pursuit of convenience, why don’t the Active twenty5i series integrate WiFi streaming and Bluetooth reception functions? Mr. Lu explained that PMC’s active speakers are not ordinary active speakers. To maintain excellent sound reproduction quality, PMC insists on using wired signal transmission methods to maximise the strengths of PMC loudspeakers. Indeed, for a product of the Active twenty5i series’ calibre, integrating WiFi and Bluetooth is unnecessary; these functions can be entirely handled by front-end equipment. Mr. Lu emphasised that when it comes to sound reproduction, PMC cannot compromise for the sake of functional convenience.

This journalist mentioned that PMC’s uncompromising approach is also reflected in the entry-level prodigy series. Although they are entry-level speakers, their sound performance remains excellent. In response, Mr. Lu told this journalist that the prodigy series has sold very well since its launch. These are products manufactured in the UK, allowing users to experience the same DNA as the flagship series. Speaking of this, Mr. Lu revealed that in 2025, PMC will continue to launch new speaker series aimed at younger people, positioned above the prodigy series, and incorporating new technologies. However, regarding speaker finishes, offering consumers more colour options is not being considered for now.

Returning to the Active twenty5i series itself, according to Mr. Lu, its crossover points are essentially consistent with the passive version, and it employs analogue electronic crossover circuits. The built-in power amplifiers are Class D. Addressing potential consumer prejudice against Class D amplifiers, Mr. Lu stated that Class A amplifiers are naturally the best, followed by Class AB. However, for active speakers, even with Class AB amplification, the power cannot be made too high (limited by heat dissipation and size). Current Class D amplifiers already offer excellent sound performance, making them the preferred choice when high power and small size are required. Mr. Lu emphasised that the Class D amplifiers built into the Active twenty5i series are custom-designed by PMC specifically for professional speakers, achieving an excellent degree of synergy with the Active twenty5i series in practical application.

The Versatile Ci Custom Installation Series and the Prospects of Custom Installation
When mentioning PMC’s Ci custom installation series, Mr. Lu indicated that this series has a wide range of applications, not limited to home cinema systems, but also extending to areas such as gaming entertainment, watching sports events, and studio audio mixing. In this regard, PMC’s agent, New Han Leaden Company, collaborates closely with major domestic custom installation companies and distributors. They have established an excellent demonstration room to showcase the practical application effects of the Ci series, rather than just static displays, providing a great example for the application of the Ci series.

Mr. Lu stressed that despite being a custom installation series, the Ci series maintains a close connection and consistency with PMC’s traditional products. For instance, the Ci series also incorporates PMC’s proprietary ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) technology and Laminair vent design. These technologies ensure cleaner and more articulate low-frequency reproduction while extending the low-frequency response range, thereby achieving superior sound reproduction.

Looking ahead to the prospects of custom installation, Mr. Lu, who now concurrently serves as Business Development Manager for North and South America, first mentioned the development in the US market. He stated that PMC has deep roots in the professional sector in the US, but its development in the consumer market has been relatively weaker. To increase awareness of the Ci series and enhance brand visibility, PMC collaborated with multiple brands at the 2024 CEDIA exhibition to create an impressive home theatre demonstration.

Mr. Lu also pointed out that the North American custom installation market started earlier and has formed a mature market system. In contrast, the Chinese market holds immense potential due to its large population base. Thanks to the unremitting efforts and promotion of New Han Leaden Company over many years, PMC has secured a certain market share in China. Furthermore, New Han Leaden Company has established a dedicated custom installation department and plans to set up more experience centres. It is believed that driven by this market, the custom installation sector will witness further changes and development.

Finally, Mr. Lu specifically reminded consumers to be cautious of counterfeit products online. He urged consumers to purchase PMC products from authorised dealers of New Han Leaden Company to ensure product quality and after-sales service.

Through this interview, we have gained a deeper understanding of PMC’s new product series and the prospects of the custom installation market. It is believed that with the joint efforts of Mr. Lu and the team, PMC will continue to bring users more high-quality and innovative audio products.