Monitor
Audio, located in Cambridge England, was formed in 1972 by Molqbal. His
intention was simply to produce cosmetically appeealing loudspeakers that
accurately reproduce music while representing value for money.
M.Q.
Cabinets Limited, Monitor Audio's cabinet manufacturing facility, was
established in 1976, allowing Monitor Audio to fully control the quality of
workmanship that goes into every pair of their loudspeakers. M.Q. Cabinets
rapidly estabilished an impressive reputation for the quality of their solid
wood and real wood veneered cabinets. So much so that they have produced or
currently produce, cabinets for every well known (and not so well known)
British loudspeaker manufacturer.
However,
it is sound quality that is Monitor Audio's raison d'être. Committed to pushing the understanding of loudspeaker technology
forward, Monitor Audio have ready access to anechoic and other test facilities
at G.E.C. and Cambridge University. Their new metal-dome tweeter is an example
of this commitment. In several respects this unit is significantly more
advanced than competitor's comparable tweeters. It is a full size 25 mm, metal
dome made from aluminum with the dome and coil former formed as one piece. High
temperature wiring is used and the tweeter is vented in four places. It is
additionally ferrofluid cooled and damped leading to an increasse of up to 30%
in power handling. This is the first fully suspended metal dome, and as such,
works much like a normal non-metal tweeter, without the inherent distortion but
with the benefit of high efficiency levels and power handling capabilities.
The use of
Nitrile in their woofer assembly is also leading the way. This material
developed by NASA has, as its property, the ability to remain unaffected by
climatic changes. As the temperatures and humidity of the listening room
changes the loudspeakers maintain a level of consistent sound quality.
Critically
acclaimed designs, state-of-the-art. Materials and technology, and a finished
product fit to grace the finest surroundings need to be incorporated with an
eye for detail to ensure an equal level of sound quality. T-bolts are used to
mount the drivers into the cabinets securely. Speaker grilles have bevelled
edges to ensure minimal defraction and consequent distortion of the sound.
Optional stands are available which ensure the correct height from the floor is
obtained achieving an accurate tonal balance from the speaker. But when all is
said and done the proof is in the pudding. Simply select a model that siuts
your requirements and listen. You'll be convinced that Monitor Audio is truely
the symbol of quality.
Monitor Audio R100
The R100 is
a simple two-way enclosure design, utilizing a 1 inch soft dome tweeter and 8
inch woofer.
You will be
immediately impressed by the fact that even in this price range Monitor Audio
use real wood veneers, making the R100 a beautiful piece of furniture.
Special
attention is paid to components and construction to ensure the R100 sounds as
good as it looks. The speaker is internally braced for rigidity thus reducing
colourations that vibrating cabinets can add to the music. To this end, cabinet
resonances are further damped with an acoustic foam lining.
A simple
four element crossover that matches the woofer to the tweeter is hardwired
using Monitor Audio's own multistrand cable.
This minimal
crossover ensures high efficiency and low distortion, as the musical signal is
not required to negotiate a complicated network of electrical elements.
The result
is an undemanding loudspeaker that doesn't require high power to produce an
articulate, detailed and dynamic sound.
Specifications
System
Type: sealed Box
Frequency
Range: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Frequency
response: 60 Hz - 20 kHz ±3 dB
Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 89 dB
Recommended
Amp. Power: 15 - 60 watts
Dimensions
(H x W x D): 400 x 250 x 180 mm
Weight: 5,8 kg
Finish: Walnut Black