Frank Prowse Hi-Fi

05/08/2026

We have had a pair of eagerly awaited speakers land here on Friday that are rather special.

Some months ago now we recommended to a client he consider a pair of Franco Serblin Ktema speakers to replace his current Sonus Faber speakers. He had for many years greatly enjoyed his Sonus Faber's but it appears he was not connecting to their current offerings.

The Ktema was Franco Serblin’s final masterpiece project before his passing. It uses a distinct 4-way, 5-unit curved "proscenium" geometry where the woofers are compression-loaded and fire out of the rear of the cabinet.

There are only 50 pairs of Ktema speakers built each year, which is why it has taken some time to see them arrive.

These were until recently, the pinnacle offering from this company that was founded by Franco Serblin after selling Sonus Faber in 2006 to persue his own creative design concepts under his own name.

If I recall correctly, Sonus Faber has since been sold another 3 times across its history, passing through Italian, Japanese, and American corporate hands.
It is currently owned by the Bose Corporation, which acquired its parent company, the ⁠McIntosh Group, in November 2024.

Our client is however, currently travelling overseas and on advising him of their arrival, I asked if he would prefer them to remain in their boxes until we install them, or if he preferred that we get some hours on them, so that they are sounding perfect when we install them.

With his love of music so evident in all our dealings, it was not surprising that he elected to get some good run in time up on them.

So this has gifted us the opportunity to be able to have an extended listen to them ourselves, as well as being able provide the same opportunity to others as well, all while acheiving the end result for our client.

These are not only a beautifully designed speaker, (you would expect nothing else from Franco), but they have an ability to deliver an exceptionally engaging sonic signature that draws you into the music in a manner that few speakers can do.

If you have the ability over the next couple of weeks to call in, it will be well worth spending a moment in front of this remarkable pair of speakers as this is rare opportunity indeed.

Happy Listening
Cheers
Dave

06/06/2026

A customer asked me recently why Acoustic Energy speakers have managed to stay relevant for so long in such a brutally competitive industry.
Simple answer really.
They’ve never forgotten the music.

I first encountered the original AE1 many years ago and still remember the true surprise of hearing such scale and attack from a relatively compact enclosure. They had speed, transparency and an honesty that immediately separated them from the crowd. It is the speaker that put AE on the map and on buyers wish lists.

Fast forward to today and the current range still carries that same DNA.
The 100 Series offers astonishing value and is one of the easiest speaker ranges to recommend to somebody wanting to step into “real Hi-Fi” for the first time.

The new 300.2 Series adds refinement and sophistication, while the 500 Series with its unique Carbon Fibre drivers and Tweeter moves confidently into serious audiophile territory with tremendous composure and scale.

The AE1 40th Anniversary though… that one hits differently.
It’s one of those rare products that feels respectful to the original rather than simply borrowing the name. Beautifully judged, wonderfully revealing and deeply engaging to listen to.

And then there’s Corinium.
No gimmicks. No hype. Just Acoustic Energy quietly building one of the most musically convincing loudspeakers they’ve ever made and boy, are they putting some noses out of joint in the process. What Corinium is delivering for the asking price is nothing less that staggering.

That, to me, is how good brands survive.
They evolve without losing their soul.

We are very fortunate to be the only place in Perth where you can hear the entire range of Acoustic Energy speakers from the exceptional value AE100.2 all the way to Corinium.

Check out what AE may be able to offer to your own personal listening experience.

https://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/

Happy Listening.
Cheers
Dave.

21/04/2026

18/04/2026

Well, the wait for us is finally over.
Since exclusive German speaker designer Avantgarde Acoustic announced the release of the new Opus 1 fully Active speaker late last year, we have been anticipating their arrival and official Australian release.

Now in our showroom and beautifully run in, we now have the opportunity to offer a speaker from this award winning manufacturer, that can deliver the quality of sound that Avantgarde are so well known for that has the unmistakable family pedigree at a really great price.

There are some pieces of hi-fi gear that simply play music… and then there are those rare few, that “bring it to life” and that aptly describes the Avantgarde Opus 1.

I’ve spent my entire working life involved in the audio industry and around so many different sounding audio systems over the years, but every now and then something comes along that stops you in your tracks. Not because it’s loud, not because it’s flashy, but simply because it is effortless and feels real.
The Opus 1 does exactly that.

What strikes you first is those beautifully engineered horn drivers that don’t strain or push the music, they simply breathe. Vocals step forward with a presence that feels almost tangible, and instruments carry a weight and texture that reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place.

It’s not just about detail (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about dynamics — the quiet moments feel intimate and delicate, while the crescendos arrive with authority, yet never lose their composure.
There’s a sense of scale here that’s hard to put into words until you’ve experienced it.

And yes, they’re certainly a statement piece visually, unapologetically bold, but so beautifully designed.
Like all truly great Hi-Fi, their purpose is really simple, as it allows you a greater connection to your love of music.

If you have a moment to call in and sit in front of this pair of speakers, we would love to throw on some of your favourite music and just let you bathe in something rare and special.

The Opus 1 delivers you smiles when listening and isn’t that what it is all about in this passion we all share for great music.

Happy Listening.
Cheers
Dave.