Britain’s Monitor Audio has been releasing products this year at a fast and furious pace, and the flurry of new speakers continues with their announcement of a new Bookshelf, simply called “Studio”. The speakers seems to follow a similar design DNA to the Silver series, and that is a good thing, because this new speaker looks really classy. Cabinet is made of MDF, and comes in Satin Grey, Black or White finishes. They also have a matching stand called “Stand,” that looks pretty nice as well.
I haven’t found any pricing yet, but it seems to fall in between the Gold and Platinum lines, which would put it between $2500 and $4500 per pair I estimate. Should be hitting stores in March.
(Update: Looks like these will be going for a lot less than $2500…probably closer to $1500, which is nice since they borrow tech from the Platinum Series which starts at $4500)
From the Monitor Audio Website:
The Studio speakers are a stunning addition to any room. Featuring technologies from Monitor Audio’s range-topping Platinum II series, they offer a truly high-end listening experience that will delight even the most demanding ears!
The grille-less design ensures the speaker’s voice is clear and true and lets the drivers become an eye-catching focal point. The two metallic-silver RDT II speaker cones deliver an optimum high-end performance that will delight audiophiles. The honeycomb tweeter cover adds a contemporary edge to the speaker’s form and the bespoke solid-metal logo at the cabinet’s base gives a stylish design touch.
Hand-crafted and available in a sleek satin black, white or grey finish, Studio are a timelessly elegant pair of speakers. To ensure a superlative performance an optional black or white dedicated floor stand (STAND) is available.
Driver Design
Studio’s dual 4″ drivers are modified versions of those used in Monitor Audio’s flagship Platinum PL500 II speaker. Their sound is clear and natural, with a deep bass and plenty of mid-range detail.
The drivers are designed to be incredibly low in distortion and use the same magnetic design principles and material choice as the class-leading Platinum speakers. An MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) high frequency transducer has been designed to provide incredible articulation due to its low mass diaphragm. MPD transducers work in the same way as a super-fast accordion by rapidly squeezing the pleats to produce a smooth, wide and naturally fast response way into the ultra-sonic band. As a result, the sound is more lifelike, releasing the high harmonic spectrum of every note without the distortion that blurs definition.
Mechanical and Visual design
Studio’s elegant cabinet is tuned using two rear mounted HiVe II ports at the top and bottom of the cabinet. The dual ports ensure the pressure inside the cabinet is symmetrically balanced and that there is no turbulence and subsequent air noise. HiVe II technology ensures air moves in and out much quicker than a conventional port, resulting in fast, powerful bass coupled with superior transient response.
High-grade polypropylene film capacitors, air-core and laminated steel-core inductors have been selected to preserve the best possible signal integrity. The purist electrical chain is complemented by a pair of precisely machined terminals developed for the Platinum Series. These are rhodium plated to provide the lowest contact resistance and long-term consistency.
The drivers are surrounded and clamped by a rigid die-cast aluminium sub-baffle to provide rigidity. The mechanical structure is enhanced further using renowned bolt- through driver technology to provide the ultimate cabinet bracing.
I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My thirst for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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