Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Review: Affordable Bookshelf Speakers That Are Dynamic and Musical

Summary:

Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Review: The Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Bookshelf Speakers are a compelling option for audio enthusiasts seeking a balanced, engaging listening experience without breaking the bank. The speaker comes in two wood finishes and has a 170 mm bass-midrange driver with a coated paper cone for dynamic bass and a good tweeter connection. It also features a new 25 mm fabric dome tweeter with a specially developed flange for proper dispersion. These speakers deliver dynamic sound reproduction and impressive detail retrieval for the money, making them suitable for various music genres and home entertainment setups. However, slight coloration in the mid-bass may turn off some particularly fussy audiophiles.

Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Specs:

Type
2 way bass reflex

Power Handling (RMS/MAX.)
100 / 200 Watts

Sensitivity (2.8V/1M)
91 dB

Impedance
4 – 8 Ohms

Freq Response
34 – 40000 Hz

Recommended Amplifier Output
30 – 200 Watts

Dimensions (WxHxD)
215 x 354 x 273 mm

What we dig:

• Dynamic and Engaging Sound For the Money: The combination of a 25mm fabric dome tweeter and a 170mm coated paper cone woofer results in a sound signature that’s both captivating and organic. The speakers handle complex musical passages effortlessly, providing an immersive listening experience at a bargain basement price.
• Impressive Detail Retrieval: The Monitor Supreme 202s are pretty good at revealing subtle nuances in your favorite recordings, bringing out the finer details and textures that often go unnoticed with lesser speakers, especially at this price point.
• Controlled Bass Response: Despite their compact size, these bookshelf speakers produce a surprisingly deep and controlled bass response, adding weight and impact to your music and movies.
• Elegant Design and Build Quality: The speakers sport a sleek, modern aesthetic with a high-quality Black or Mocca (like a Mahogany) finish. The cabinets’ solid construction (these things are heavy) and quality components contribute to the remarkably clean sound.
• Easy To Drive: I’ve seen some impressions about these speakers stating they are hard to drive, but I didn’t find them that way. To the contrary, I believe any quality high-current amp, which is all I recommend regardless (I tested them with an 80w model), should have no problem driving these to ear-splitting levels. They’re pretty sensitive for the size.

What to think about:

• Some Distortion in the Midrange: While the Monitor Supreme’s midrange is generally lovely and sounds quite detailed (and natural), on some material, it can sound a little congested in the midbass, which can be a little distracting to the most discriminating of listeners.
• Limited Placement Flexibility: Due to their rear-ported design, these speakers require some breathing room behind them for optimal bass performance. Placing them too close to a wall can result in a boomy or muddy low-end.

Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Review: Should You Buy It?

• Yes, if you’re looking for: Dynamic and detailed sound reproduction at the lowest price possible, a well-balanced sound signature, and an elegant design.
• Consider alternatives like: Triangle Borea BR03 Hi-Fi Bookshelf Speakers or ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 if you want more refinement in the midrange (Triangle) or a warmer sound signature (ELAC).

Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Review-Conclusion:

Overall, the Magnat Monitor Supreme 202 Bookshelf Speakers offer an impressive combination of dynamic sound, detail retrieval, and elegant design at an attractive price point. While they might exhibit a slight distortion in the midbass, their strengths make them compelling for budding audio enthusiasts seeking a balanced and engaging listening experience. If you’re willing to invest in a suitable amplifier and accommodate their placement requirements, the Monitor Supreme 202s will reward you with a captivating and enjoyable sonic performance for chump change.

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