The PL500 II is a three-way, seven-driver floorstander in a D’Appolito configuration. The tweeter, a micro-pleated diaphragm (MPD), was created by Monitor Audio as an improved version of Dr. Oskar Heil’s Air Motion Transformer (AMT). Typical AMTs have a null in frequency response at around 40kHz, but with the help of FEA modeling Monitor engineers figured a way around this issue. As explained in the white paper, the larger rolls (or pleats) in the AMT diaphragm were causing phase cancellations at progressively higher frequencies. The resulting null, which reached a –3dB point at roughly 28kHz, could be eliminated by reducing pleat height and increasing the number of pleats. Incorporated for the very first time in a Monitor speaker, this new MPD driver reportedly functions with uniform output to over 100kHz.

Another advantage of this advanced transducer is its low mass, lower inertia, and larger radiating surface area (eight times the area of a typical dome tweeter), which together produce transient response that’s more similar to an electrostatic driver than to a dynamic design. Indeed, I found the speaker possessed a satisfying sense of speed of attack as well as snappy overall energy and pacing (traits which of course are also linked to the electronics in the chain powering the speaker, more on which later). The MPD has a pair of neodymium/iron/boron magnets front and rear to reduce distortion, provide greater uniformity of response, and increase efficiency; the micro-pleated diaphragm only needs to move one-eighth of the distance of your average dome tweeter to produce the same output. These factors contribute to the PL500 II’s power handling and high sensitivity of 91dB @ 1W. (This surprising sensitivity allow to drive the PL500s with a relatively low-powered tube amp—to very ear-pleasing effect.)

Monitor’s newly upgraded Platinum II technologies have also resolved the coherence issues that plague large-scale multiways. For starters, the crossover networks have been redesigned using air core inductors for the tweeter and midrange, and laminated steel cores for the woofer. All cone drivers in the Platinum II line also use underhung voice coils for lower distortion. For more efficient driver and voice-coil coupling, the speaker’s drivers feature Monitor’s new patented Dynamic Coupling Filter (or DCF) mechanism, which is a pliable nylon ring that is calibrated to stay rigid up to the crossover frequency, but above that wavelength to act like a spring to dampen excess HF energy.

The post Monitor Audio Platinum PL 500 II Floorstanding Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

This high-performance, medium Tier 3 in-wall loudspeaker is designed to deliver pristine, engaging acoustics where pristine sound quality is desired. It is a three-way model based on the Platinum Series 3G and features the very latest acoustic technologies from Monitor Audio. This includes an MPD II high-frequency transducer, developed for the THX Certified Ultra Cinergy range. The precision specification of the Micro Pleated Diaphragm technology is designed to produce accurate, lifelike sound without any distortion. This is coupled with a C-CAM midrange driver and two RDT III bass drivers.

This combination ensures levels of acoustic transparency and detail found in Monitor Audio’s premium loudspeaker ranges, where much of his acoustic technology was developed. This really is the last word in installed performance.

It has a cut-out dimension of 527 x 198 mm and uses the Quik-Link speaker cable connector, which revolutionises the ease and speed of speaker installation. Tri-Grip has also been evolved for simple, reliable, and strong fitment.

Features at a glance:
Ideal for installations where high-performance acoustics are desired  | Three-way design  |  1 x 1″ MPD II transducer  |  2 x 5″ RDT III bass drivers  |  1 x 3″ C-CAM midrange driver  |  Quik-Link speaker cable connector for quicker installation  |  Tri-Grip II for easy and secure fitment

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Desire
The SoundFrame range gives you a perfectly minimalist way to energise the choicest of interiors with breathtaking audio.

By blending Monitor Audio’s most imaginative driver and cabinet technologies Monitor Audio have created a miraculously thin loudspeaker that answers the call from interior designers world-wide for an easy way to combine great style with high-impact home entertainment. Having a fraction of the depth of even the smallest conventional speaker, and with a discreet in-wall option, the innovative SoundFrame design will preserve the look of a room while reproducing the pulsating audio quality of Monitor Audio’s world-famous speaker ranges.

Design
SoundFrame is an ultra-discreet loudspeaker available in a choice of three models, each with an on-wall or in-wall option. SF1 has a portrait aspect ratio; SF2, a longer landscaped look, and SF3 is a diminutive square-shaped surround speaker. SoundFrame’s white or black matte cabinet has been developed to sit stylishly around wall-mounted flat screen displays for captivating home theatre sound, or in pairs as part of a high-quality music system.

Frames pre-prepared in high gloss black/white piano lacquer or primed* for your choice of colour, help SoundFrame speakers to co-ordinate beautifully with every room design. For the complete custom effect choose a complementary or contrasting grille colour or image from Monitor Audio’s Grille Gallery, (page 8) or why not have your OWN image printed onto your grilles, for the ultimate custom effect. Such versatility means the SoundFrame models can make a striking statement to compliment your décor or utilise their chameleon-like ability to blend in, despite their performance being anything but discreet.

Dynamic
Monitor Audio have utilised their most advanced driver technologies to raise the quality of on-wall speaker performance. Music and film sound, rich in detail and dynamic impact, is delivered by a true 3-way full-range driver configuration featuring a pivoting Inverted Dual Concentric (IDC®) 4-inch mid-range/1-inch tweeter module and a 6.5-inch C-CAM ® bass driver (SF1 & SF2). The innovative IDC module is able to pivot in all directions allowing you to precisely direct crucial frequencies toward the listening area for greater detail, imaging, and fidelity. At the same time sound is directed away from room boundaries, eliminating the unnecessary reflections that can cloud performance. Conventional speakers do not possess this level of control. The drivers, including the large high-power bass speaker, feature advanced RST® cone technology, developed by Monitor Audio for Monitor Audio’s flagship speakers. RST’s surface topology adds rigidity and strength but keeps the cone light and agile for a super-fast life-like response. Having been designed for covert surround sound duties, the little SF3 SoundFrame model employs a specialised two-way system of four” MMP® II bass driver and pivoting one” C-CAM tweeter, custom-tuned for the role. Despite its very modest proportions, SF3’s technology is refined to deliver the wider bandwidth and greater audio detail required to blend beautifully with other SoundFrame speakers in a potent but deliciously discreet surround sound system.

You’ll enjoy the rhythmic wideband fidelity of SoundFrame systems in any room, but if any high frequency ‘boost’ or ‘cut’ is required to meet personal taste or to adjust for room acoustics in softly furnished or hard reflective spaces, the high frequency switch on both SF1 and SF2 models will raise or lower levels by 3dB.

Discrete
For the finest blend with décor and the latest ultra-thin wall-mounted TVs, the SoundFrame in-wall (i-W) models offer an easy, elegant way to conceal the entire cabinet in a wall cavity.

In technology and performance the three in-wall models are identical to their on-wall versions but achieve the ultimate flush-fitted look. Prefixed brackets and a redesigned surround facilitate the appearance of a hanging photo frame, which is possible only by mounting in-wall.

SoundFrame’s i-W design is quick and easy to install. The unit simply slides into the wall cavity and is secured on four pre-fixed corner brackets. The high-gloss lacquer frame clips into place, concealing the corner fixings for a super-clean union with décor, just 19mm from the wall. As with the on-wall SoundFrame models, the connecting cable runs in the wall cavity, enters from the back, and is connected at the front to provide the essential wire-free look.

Definitive
Whether on-wall or in-wall, an ingeniously easy front connection system allows for uncomplicated installation in three steps.

Discover
Partnering Monitor Audio’s in-wall, on-wall, floor, and stand-mounting speakers, the SoundFrame models deliver a seamless fusion of acoustic and interior design to achieve the perfect and hitherto elusive blend of superior sound and décor that all style conscious home entertainment lovers seek. The path to better high-fidelity music and film sound solutions for the home begins right here.

The post Monitor Audio SOUNDFRAME 1 On-Wall Speaker appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
RST II mid-bass driver design  |  1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  8″ C-CAM mid-bass driver  |  Compact and bookshelf-friendly  |  Rear-ported  |  HiVe II port system  |  Perfect for smaller stereo music set-ups  |  Wide range of high-quality finishes

The post Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G LE *Limited Edition* Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
Rigid Surface Technology  |  1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  Uniform Dispersion Waveguide II  |  1 x 3″ C-CAM mid-range driver  |  2 x 6″ C-CAM bass driver  |  3-way design  |  Dual HiVe II port system  |  Rear-ported  |  Increased stability with sturdy feet

The post Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G LE *Limited Edition* Floorstanding Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
Rigid Surface Technology  |  2x 1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  Uniform Dispersion Waveguide II  |  6″ C-CAM mid-bass driver  |  Switchable di-pole/bi-pole configuration  |   Keyhole wall-mounts  |  Angled baffles

The post Monitor Audio Silver FX 7G Surround Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  Uniform Dispersion Waveguide II  |  3″ C-CAM mid-range driver  |  2 x 5¼» C-CAM bass driver  |  3-way design  |  Perfect for home cinema  |  Fit easily on shelves or wall units

The post Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G Center Channel Speaker appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
RST II mid-bass driver design  |  1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  5¼» C-CAM mid-bass driver  |  Compact and bookshelf-friendly  |  Rear-ported  |  HiVe II port system  |  Perfect for smaller stereo music set-ups  |  Wide range of high-quality finishes

The post Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
Dolby Atmos® approved  |  Rigid Surface Technology  |  1″ C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter  |  5¼» C-CAM mid-bass driver  |  Sealed cabinet  |   Keyhole wall-mounts

The post Monitor Audio Silver AMS 7G Dolby Atmos® Enabled Speakers (Pair) appeared first on HiFi Market - Premium Hi-Fi Selection.

Features at a glance:
Two-way design  |  MPD III transducer  |  6-inch bass-mid driver  |  HDT, C-CAM cone technology  |  Ported cabinet design  |  Integrated wall mounting fixings  |  Magnetic grilles’ included  |  Finishes available: Macassar wood veneer, High-Gloss Black and Satin White

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