Flagship loudspeakers often fail to deliver the sonic performance one would expect for the astronomical asking price. We have heard more than a few $75,000 to $250,000 loudspeakers over the past 25 years that looked very impressive on paper and created a gasp when the curtain dropped. But once the euphoria of the moment was washed away by the reality that one would need to spend $250,000 for the rest of the system and that the performance did not outperform other loudspeakers that were 1/3rd the price — the crash to reality was somewhat unsettling.
That is unlikely to happen with the new Monitor Audio Hyphn; the 3-year project designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the award-winning British manufacturer has produced something truly extraordinary. This is one flagship loudspeaker that will not overwhelm your listening space with a 54″ high cabinet and an array of 2″ drivers.
The early impressions are that Monitor Audio took a huge chance with a design that deviated way outside of its comfort zone — and delivered a series ending overtime winner that will leave its customer base (and new customers) stunned by what it can do.
Hyphn takes its name from the architectural term ‘hyphen’ – a link connecting two separate structures. Each loudspeaker consists of two pillars, with the ‘hyphen’ between them housing the M-Array.
Originally introduced as the Concept 50 prototype in 2022, Hyphn is the production version ready for release. At the heart of Hyphn is the ‘M-Array’. This unique configuration, developed in-house by Monitor’s Audio engineers, comprises a single high-frequency transducer surrounded by no fewer than six 2-inch midrange drivers. The result is exceptional soundstage clarity, allowing the listener to precisely pinpoint individual instruments and vocals.
The high-frequency transducer adopts the new third-generation Micro Pleated Diaphragm III (MPD III) to deliver a larger, clearer and more consistent sound. Developed in-house by Monitor Audio’s acoustic engineers for the Concept 50 prototype, the same technology also appears on the range-topping Platinum Series 3G floor-standing loudspeaker.
The six 2-inch midrange drivers feature Monitor Audio’s Rigid Diaphragm Technology III (RDT III) cones, introduced in 2022, for enhanced clarity.
The M-Array is located squarely between Hyphn’s twin pillars, each of which houses a pair of powerful 8-inch bass drivers, facing inwards, in a force-cancelling configuration resulting in almost no vibration force from the drivers, either within themselves or being passed into the cabinet. Large diameter underhung voice-coils reduce harmonic distortion for clean, tight, high-impact bass performance.
Hyphn has been engineered to deliver enhanced bass control, response and dynamics, plus exceptional detail through the treble and upper midrange. Crossovers are specifically designed to ensure precise, controlled performance across the full frequency spectrum.
The cabinet is constructed in thermoformed, precision-milled mineral and acrylic stone to create a totally rigid structure. With built-in formed, port tubes, strengthening ribs and bracing, with internal and external wall thickness of ½-inch up to 1-inch for bracing around the force-cancelling bass drivers, the cabinet is almost vibration free. This minimises physical distortion and resonance, ensuring optimum sound clarity and accuracy from the drive units.
Specifications
- Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83Vrms @ 1m)
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 200 – 1,600W (RMS into 4 Ohm, Music Signal)
- Continuous Power Handling: 800 W (RMS into Nominal Impedance, Pink Noise with 6dB Crest Factor)
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Minimum Impedance: 3.5 Ohm @ 2.2 kHz (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
- Drive Unit Complement
- 4 x 8″ RDT III Bass Driver
- 6 x 2″ RDT III Midrange Driver
- 1 x MPD III Tweeter
- Frequency Response: 18 Hz – 60 kHz (In-room, -6dB)
- Maximum Peak SPL: 129 dB (single speaker @1m Z-Weighted)
- System Format: 3-Way
- Bass Alignment: Bass Reflex
- Port Tuning Frequency: 25 Hz
- Crossover Frequencies: 350 Hz, 3.7 kHz
- External Dimensions (Inc. plinth) (H x W x D)
- 1392 x 502 x 520 mm (54 13/16 x 19 3/4 x 20 1/2″)
- Weight (Inc. plinth, ex. packaging)
- 106.9 kg (235 lbs 10.7 oz)
Availability and Pricing
The Monitor Audio Hyphn loudspeaker will be available through selected retail partners worldwide from May 2, 2023 in three luxury finishes – Matte White, Matte Black, and Matte Heritage Green.
Prices are: $92,500 per pair / £70,000 / €82,500
For more information: monitoraudio.com/en/hyphn/
Related Reading:
