High End Novum
PMR Premium III

The Art of Sound

The Passive Multivocal Resonator (PMR) is a system which is highly vibratory, comprehending a broad spectrum of audio frequencies. It is designed to guarantee a genuine reproduction of music and film. Most of the times even high quality stereo systems are not able to fully reproduce music with all its vibes and liveliness. This leads to a listening experience which can hardly be called natural as it is merely a – somewhat soulless – copy of a live performance on a CD or LP. The problem of this lack of authenticity could be compared to a pixelated digital version of a masters’ painting. Listening fatigue or less involvement in the music is also noticed…

It is mainly the overtones of acoustical instruments which disappear when music is being recorded and reproduced the usual way. The loss of these overtones can not be fully compensated, even by installing expensive equipment or by modifying the stereo systems’ acoustical environment. This is where the PMR comes in: it is an acoustical instrument that makes it possible to complete the tonal spectrum of a piece of music by reflecting the important overtones. Friends of music from all over the world will be happy to discover a truly colourful and fine-tuned sound picture comprehending every single frequency of an instrument or voice. When listening to his favourite CDs/LPs, the PMR-user will recognise a more natural sounding recording and it seems as if the music has got more space. Different voices, instruments and sounds in general can be distinguished better from each other. The PMR creates a deeply emotional listening experience. During a film, conversations will be much easier to understand, while ambient and effects are presented in a much more faithful way.

Regarding its compatibility with stereo systems, basically all types of hi-fis can profit from a PMR – whether it is used with a transistor-, a tube-, or home theatre set. An important reason for the PMR being compatible with so many stereos is the fact that it uses physical laws making it nearly independent from electric features, the loudspeakers and the listening room.
The geometry and design of the PMR are based on the so-called golden ratio. On exactly this basis, many musical instruments are built. However it is not only traditional knowledge which is used for the development of the PMR. The Resonator is also approved by the finite element method – a modern mathematical testing method providing solutions to complex questions in the field of solid-state physics. In fact, this method proved the PMR’s theoretical principal of operation to be useful for the production of a fine-tuned resonator. Another important aspect of the PMR’s function is its unique material. A wide variety of metals as well as synthetic and natural materials was tested in order to find the ideal material for the PMR. In this process, one material appeared to be far above the other test objects: bronze which is normally used to cast church bells. Using many listening sessions, the ratio of copper-tin was optimized strongly. The copper-tin-alloy of traditional bell bronze comprises harmonizing elements which are crucial for the optimal function of the PMR (as described earlier).

The comparative analysis of frequency responses makes it possible to detect fine distinctions surrounding the resonant frequency. This analysis shows that the PMR accurately arranges the whole frequency spectrum of loudspeakers and reflects them in a less elusive way. Moreover, measurements on its effects state the fact that the PMR is able to reproduce overtones far above 20 kiloHertz. With the PMR, a more balanced sound radiation can be seen in the important midrange between 200 and 3000 Hertz. Thus, the PMR creates a deeply emotional listening experience.

Considering the results of the metrological control only, the changes caused by the PMR are moderate – however the audible changes continue to fascinate inexperienced listeners as well as experienced ‘Audiophiles’. The differences might even be described with the sound of a Stradivarius violin compared to a usual violin. As a handmade product, every PMR is extensively ’prelistened’ to and manually processed so as to create a resonator whose acoustical behaviour can meet the metrological requirements. This time-consuming process is necessary to ensure that every PMR works identically when installed in different environments.

The Passive Multivocal Resonator is the discerning listener’s access to new and exciting soundscapes which can even be experienced at home through HiFi and home cinema, lending the sound liveliness as never heard before. No other accessory will be able to match this effect. An absolute must-have for every music lover and serious audiophile!

YouTube:

Reviews:

HighEndNovum PMR Premium III & Initium II – ‘Magische’ intensivering’ door Werner Ero @ Music Emotion magazine & FWD online
… “een betere spraakverstaanbaarheid en een grotere helderheid en directheid van de muziekbeleving.”
… “er is meteen sprake van een grotere betrokkenheid. Ook kan ik dieper in het muzikale gebeuren ‘kijken’ en zijn de aanstekelijkheid, dynamische expressie en intensiteit hoger.”
PMR Mk II Referenz by HighEndNovum by Matej Isak @ MonoandStereo.com
“What the hell: the PMR – acting like my car sunshade – isn’t only a resonator, but also and more, a music focus enhancer, keeping the music texture intact without coloring or equalizing it, yet transforming any recording into the ideal recording…”
Novum PMR MKII REMARKABLE! by Greg Voth@StereoTimes.com
“We audiophiles tend to over-dramatize the effect of the slightest improvement by tweak… this is NOT one of those times. However esoteric the Novum PMR ll might appear, it’s the real deal, folks. I went home and tried making my own version, investing some pocket change in a gong . Things didn’t go as planned… if it worked at all, the effect was too subtle. The PMR llI works wonderfully as reported. I’ll have this PMR llI in my system from this point on!”
The strangest tweak ever by Paul McGowan@PSAudio.com
“Placed between your speakers, it stares back at you like some piece of Asian dinnerware or ornament. But holy cow, it works! Immediately, vocals get more lifelike, the sound sweeter and easier to listen to.”
A “Ring” of the Truth | Most Wanted Components 2011 Award | by Clement Perry/Ron Cook/Dan Secula@StereoTimes.com
Clement Perry: “The PMR is handily my pick for 2011 Most Wanted Component: Publishers’ Choice! The PMR does something that is singular and wonderfully complementary to my system. I cannot recommend it more highly.”
Ron Cook: “Suffice it to say, the improvements are NOT subtle and are easily discerned by even the most casual listener. Indeed, I have done A/B comparisons with a number of people, and on each (separate) occasion, the effect of removing the PMR was obvious: folks cannot believe it. The bottom line is that once you try a PMR on your system, you will be hard-pressed to listen without it. Highly recommended.”
Dan Secula: “With the PMR Premium, we have a significant, expensive, beautiful tweak that I feel will improve the enjoyment of your music collection. My decision to audition for the PMR made me feel wonderful, considering I had no idea what the results would be. Highly recommended.”
Klangggggggggschale von Jurgen Czerner@ars-music.de
“Die Seele der Musik. Nach dem Hörtest von Jürgen Czerner haben viele ars! Kunden die Möglichkeit genutzt und sich eine PMR Klangschale ausgeliehen, und dann einfach nicht wieder zurückgegeben! Aber halt, nicht dass, was sie nun denken: Sie sind so begeistert, das System musste einfach – trotz des nicht gerade geringen Preis – behalten werden!”
Stereo versus 3-D von Thomas Schmidt@LP Magazine
“Summarized you can say that the PMR has a proven audible effect. Of course it cannot replace a well arranged
hifi system, but on the other hand achieve an obvious sound enhancement.“
PMR – die audiophile Klangschale@audiophil-online.de
“Auch wenn es wie ein Märchen klingt: diese Bronzeschale lässt Sie vergessen, dass das gehörte Klanggeschehen von einer Audioanlage wiedergegeben wird. Reine Musik ohne technische Verfärbungen – für echte Musikliebhaber ist diese Klangschale ein absolutes Muss!”
Two accessories by HighEndNovum by Frank Hakopians@6Moons.com
Bowl! by Kurt Larssen@Fidelity magazine
“With the PMR in place the soundstage gets a considerably stronger timbre and a much better perspective. When we put the bowl on “bypass”, by simply adding a few large and thick towels over it, the soundstage was reduced dramatically, and became much more uninteresting! We tried it with a lot of different music, including blind tests, which was quickly done because you do not have to swap cables or other stuff. Just on and off with the towels. At the bowl that is! And all kinds of music got a bigger soundstage and a more beautiful timbre. It was a bit like being able to turn up the “Good Sound” button on the system.”