At first glance, the new Monitor Audio Studio 89 had us reaching for the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 DeLorean Edition Network Amplifier to complete this homage to the 1980s.
Building on technologies and features used in their Platinum Series 3G and Hyphn speakers, Monitor Audio has announced what is already a rather controversial loudspeaker because of what it might do in the stand-mount category.
The Studio 89 is compact with a unique visual appearance that hints at the Monitor Audio Studio 15 but is designed with the latest technology to fill large rooms with natural clear sound.
It also offers a unique finish and borrows from the Transparent Design Philosophy used in the Hyphn.
KEF, Focal, Dynaudio, Paradigm, and DALI must have awakened this morning and pulled the covers back over their heads when they heard the news.
Can this speaker be a category disruptor?
Features
A speaker can look good, but it’s what’s inside that makes the difference. Here are the key technology features that produce the results that Monitor Audio is aiming for.
Cabinet Design: The Studio 89’s cabinet geometry features thick walls and carefully positioned internal cabinet bracing, combined with through-bolt technology. The result is that the cabinets provide an extremely rigid housing that lets drivers do their job without unnecessary limitations.
RDT III Cones: Used in the midrange and bass drivers, RDT III Cones produces piston-like control even with the most extreme performances, providing a more precise, lifelike tonal balance and lower distortion.
C-CAM: The twin bass-mid driver cones are made up of three ultra-thin layers to ensure rigidity and strength. A C-CAM outer skin, ‘ceramic-coated aluminum magnesium’, sits over a Nomex honeycomb central core with the underside skin made up of woven carbon fiber. This results in a lighter driver with enhanced strength.
3RD Gen MPD III Tweeters: These high-frequency transducers employ a Micro Pleated Diaphragm (MPD). Using a square radiating area, this design reduces distortion, widens pass-band capability, and flattens frequency response for a wider, cleaner more consistent, and lifelike Sound.
Crossovers: Monitor Audio has engineered the crossovers with high-quality components, and voiced over many iterations. This ensures that the drivers are provided with the best possible signal path.
Specifications
- Speaker Configuration: Two-way with MTM (Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange) Driver Array.
- 1 x MPD III Tweeter
- 2 x 41/4” RDT III, C-CAM bass-mid drive
- Baffle: Rigid die-cast aluminum baffle with through-bolt driver fixings
- Ports: Ported (Bass Reflex) cabinet design featuring twin velocity reflex HiVe II slot ports
- Port Tuning Frequency: 58 Hz
- Sensitivity: (2.83v @ 1m, Free-Field): 86dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: (RMS into 4 Ohm, Music Signal): 50 – 300 W
- Continuous Power Handling: (RMS into 6 Ohms, Pink Noise with 6dB Crest Factor): 150 W
- Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
- Minimum Impedance: 4.2 Ohms @ 220 Hz
- Frequency Response Free-Field (-6dB): 53 – 60 kHz
- Frequency Response, In-Room (-6dB): 48 Hz – 60 kHz
- Maximum Peak SPL: 113 dB
- Crossover Frequency: 2400 Hz
- Speaker Terminals: Precision-machined rhodium-plated.
- External Dimensions w/Speaker Terminals (HWD): 340 x 157 x 361 mm (133/8 x 63/16 x 143/16”)
- Weight (Each Speaker): 7.6 kg (16 lbs 12 oz)
- Finishes Available: High-gloss black with gold drive unit cones
Studio 89 Stand
The optional Studio 89 Stand provides placement versatility and assures that the Studio 89 speakers reach their full potential by delivering the best in terms of sonic punch, detail, and rhythm.
- Base Construction: Die-cast aluminum base
- Top Plate: Bespoke top plate with bolt fixing points specific for Studio 89
- Pole: Extruded aluminum pole, fillable for mass loading
- Spikes: Chrome-plated spikes for carpeted floors. Rubber feet provided
- for use on hard floors
- External Dimensions w/Spikes (HWD): 626 x 296 x 325 mm (24 5/8 x 11 5/8 x 121 3/16”)
- External Dimensions 2 w/o Spikes (HWD): 606 x 296 x 325 mm (23 7/8 x 11 5/8 x 121 3/16”)
Initial Impressions
The early word on the street is that the Monitor Audio Studio 89 really deliver sonically for only $2,500 USD. In a category filled with some rather worthy competitors like the KEF LS 50 Meta, Q Acoustics Concept 300, Focal Aria Evo X No1 ($2,398/pair), and DALI RUBIKORE 2 — the British loudspeakers will have to be more than just very good to differentiate themselves. We suspect that they might be one of the more intriguing loudspeaker releases of 2024 and we can’t wait for our review sample to arrive.
Pricing & Availability
Available through authorized Monitor Audio retail, online, and installation dealers.
- Studio 89 (Pair): $2,500 / £2,000 / €2,350 / $2,500
- Studio 89 Stand (Pair): $625 / £500 / €600
UPDATE JUNE 20, 2025: Beginning July 2025, Studio 89 and Stands will be available with a High Gloss White finish in addition to High Gloss Black. The prices for the speakers and stands are the same as the original High Gloss Black finish.
For more information: monitoraudio.com
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GM
July 3, 2024 at 10:37 pm
KEF, Focal, Dynaudio, Paradigm, and DALI more likely awakened this morning and said “meh…nothing extraordinary in the specs”.
Ian White
July 3, 2024 at 10:55 pm
Gord,
Editors speak behind the scenes and we’re hearing really good things about these.
Monitor Audio makes really good speakers and I would give these a listen before passing any judgement.
IW
Dave J
July 6, 2024 at 3:55 pm
Extremely attractive…