In praise of the company’s Studio Series of the 1980s, Monitor Audio introduces Studio 89, a standmount speaker paying homage to the highly acclaimed series while capitalising on the company’s latest technologies.
The new Studio 89 is a refreshed take on the Studio Series and inherits many of the technologies introduced by Monitor Audio on its current Platinum Series 3G and the Hyphn flagship. This is achieved by the company’s MTM (Mid-Tweeter-Mid) Array driver configuration which is designed to act as a point source.
The MTM array’s high frequencies are handled by Monitor Audio’s MPD (Micro-Pleated Diaphragm) tweeter which is protected by a gold metal mesh grille. The MPD tweeter has been optimised for delicate detail retrieval and excellent dispersion properties.
Above and below the tweeter sit two RDT (Rigid-Diaphragm Technology) III 108 mm (4.25 inch) C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium) bass-mid drivers. The C-CAM drivers feature ultra-thin layers of Nomex and woven carbon fibre in the advanced sandwich diaphragm technology while being driven by large magnet systems. The sandwich diaphragms are, therefore, extremely stiff yet, at the same time, very lightweight. Further low frequency support is provided by two high-velocity ‘HiVe II’ slot reflex ports on the Studio 89’s rear panel. All the drivers are controlled via an improved third-order crossover network populated by high quality components.
Monitor Audio has paid meticulous attention to the cabinet construction, both in terms of its stiffness and solidity (18 mm baffle with 15 mm panels supported by a bracing scheme), and in terms of the bespoke finish. The multi-layer high gloss black paint makes for an attractive contrast to the gold coloured drive units, making for a visually elegant tribute to Monitor Audio’s Studio 15.
The Studio 89’s specifications for frequency response state an ‘In-Room’ spanning of 48 Hz to 60 kHz -6dB. Sensitivity is quoted as 86dB (2.83V at 1 m Free-Field) while nominal impedance is said to be 6 ohms (minimum of 4.2 ohms at 220 Hz).
Monitor Audio states, “Every Monitor Audio product is the result of intense collaboration, drawing on decades of experience within the design team and ensuring that all the elements of performance, technology and design work in harmony. Studio 89 is the physical manifestation of this approach.”
The speakers can be supported atop the new bespoke Studio 89 Stand which has been constructed with a laser-cut steel top plate, extruded aluminium columns, a die-cast aluminium base plate, and the choice of custom designed chrome plated spikes or domed rubber footers.
The new Monitor Audio Studio 89 loudspeakers are available at Australian distributor Interdyn’s select audio specialist dealers around the country.
Monitor Audio Studio 89 Loudspeakers
Price: AU$3999 (AU$999 for Stand)
Australian Distributor: Interdyn
+61 3 9426 3600
www.interdyn.com.au
