Monitor Audio launches fifth-generation Gold Series loudspeakers

Monitor Audio has revised its Gold series loudspeakers for the first time since 2014, borrowing technology from its flagship Platinum II range to deliver what it claims is a 'high-end sound' and offer 'fulfilment for the senses'. The new lineup features six models, and is aimed at both hi-fi enthusiasts and home cinema fans.

The priciest new Monitor Audio Gold speaker is the £4,000-per-pair Gold 300, a 30kg floorstander with three-way driver configuration. Here, a pair of bespoke 8in bass units use lightweight RDT II cone technology, described by the brand as a 'specially developed sandwich cone technology using thin C-CAM, Nomex honeycomb core and woven carbon fibre back-skin to return incredible stiffness.' Joining these are a 64mm mid-range driver, closely positioned to the speaker's high-frequency transducer for 'point-source levels of accuracy'.

The Gold 300 claims a frequency response down to 30Hz and an HF reach of beyond 50kHz. Monitor Audio recommends it for larger systems, with at least 30cm breathing space between cabinet and wall for its dual HiVe II ports.

The cabinet uses an 18mm MDF construction, and is supplied with magnetic grilles. Bi-wire terminals are fitted, and accessories include metal out-rigger feet with spikes/rubber tips.

For less adventurous setups, Monitor Audio has introduced the Gold 200 (£2,900-per-pair). Again a three-way floorstanding design, here the LF drivers are 6.5in units, and the cabinet is more compact. Claimed low-end extension rises to a still highly respectable 35Hz, while sensitivity is rated at 88dB, rather than the 90dB figure of the Gold 300.

The only standmount speaker in the range is the Gold 100 (£1,400-per-pair), which uses a single 6.5in midbass and MPD HF transducer.

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For those building a multichannel home cinema setup, the series' Gold FX speaker (£1,700-per-pair) is a dipole/bipole angled-baffle surround channel design (with implementation changeable via a switch), using twin 4in C-CAM midbass drivers and pair of high-frequency transducers. Recessed terminals allow it to be mounted flush to a wall.

Rounding out an AV package would be the £1,100 sealed cabinet Gold 250C centre channel (2 x 6.5in bass driver; 1 x mid-range, 1 x HF transducer) and Monitor Audio's new Gold W12 subwoofer (£2,100). The latter uses a single 12in dished cone C-CAM bass driver powered by 600W Hypex Class D amplifier, and twin auxiliary bass radiators. Integrated 56-bit DSP wizardry handles signal filtering and runs the sub's Automatic Position Correction system for adjusting output depending on room environment. A top panel on the W12 offers control options, including configurable user presets.

Finish options for each model in the Monitor Audio Gold range are Satin White, Dark Walnut, Piano Ebony, Piano Gloss Black.

'Rich in both tone and build quality, these speakers have been carefully crafted to last a lifetime,' boasts Monitor Audio.

See www.monitoraudio.com for more info.

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