Monitor Audio Studio 89 Speakers: A Modern Homage to a Classic Legacy

Monitor Audio Studio 89 Speakers: A Modern Homage to a Classic Legacy

Monitor Audio wants you to see the Studio 89 as a new speaker that evokes memories of past greats, particularly the Studio 15 model introduced in 1989. Clever naming aside, the Studio 15 was a large, two-way standmounter, notable for its black high-gloss finish and distinctive gold anodised drivers. The new Studio 89 mirrors this finish combination and looks stunning, but beyond the colour choice, there's little linking the old with the new.

The Monitor Audio Studio model released in 2018 is a more credible ancestor to the Studio 89. The two look nearly identical at a glance, aside from the new model’s distinctive colour scheme.

Technical Highlights

A standout feature of the Studio 89 is the third-generation MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) tweeter. This in-house AMT (Air Motion Transformer) design has a folded diaphragm that moves concertina-style to produce sound. This design is claimed to be more responsive and deliver lower distortion than conventional dome alternatives, due to its lighter mass and broader driven surface. This tweeter boasts an extended frequency response to 60kHz (compared to the typical 40kHz for conventional AMTs) and even dispersion characteristics, thanks to a carefully shaped waveguide and intricately patterned tweeter grille borrowed from the flagship Hyphn.

The twin mid/bass drivers are equally impressive. These are the latest RDT III C-CAM units, featuring a composite diaphragm with a Nomex honeycomb core, ceramic-coated aluminium magnesium (C-CAM) layer, and carbon-fibre weave. The result is a light, rigid, and well-damped cone, which bodes well for sound quality. These mid/bass units are designed to handle high power (Monitor Audio claims 150 watts RMS continuous) and accommodate deep bass and dynamic swings at high volume levels.

Given the drivers' small size (10.8cm in diameter), using two of them increases bass output and volume potential. Doubling up on drivers gives a radiating area similar to a single 15cm unit, but with the advantage of better dispersion and integration, as they can be placed above and below the tweeter. The bass is tuned by two rear-firing slot-shaped ports.

Crossover and Build Quality

All three drive units are mounted on an aluminium front baffle, and the complete sub-assembly is clamped into the cabinet with long bolts from the back panel. This arrangement enhances rigidity and provides a clean look without fussy fixings.

The drive units cross over at 2.4kHz using a high-quality, simple network. Monitor Audio hasn't skimped on parts, using polypropylene and polyester capacitors and a combination of air core and low-loss laminate steel core inductors to minimize distortion. The crossover design, achieved through measurement and extensive listening, results in the Studio 89 having a sensitivity of 86dB/W/m and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms (with a minimum of 4.2 ohms at 220 Hz).

Performance and Compatibility

Monitor Audio’s build quality shines in the Studio 89. The slim, solid cabinet is finished to an exceptional standard, with meticulous attention to detail, from the name badge that folds around the cabinet corner to the luxurious single-wire terminals. Available only in a gloss black finish with gold drive units, the Studio 89 exudes class compared to its competition.

The performance of any standmount speaker relies heavily on quality support. Monitor Audio offers dedicated stands for the Studio 89, which look remarkably elegant by industry standards and are priced at £500.

Conclusion

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 Speakers embody the brand's dedication to high-fidelity audio and exquisite craftsmanship. Despite their price increase and the legacy of their predecessors, these speakers offer impressive technical advancements and a sleek design that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Whether you’re looking to buy Monitor Audio Studio 89 or exploring the best bookshelf speakers for 2024, these speakers are worth considering for their refined sound quality and elegant aesthetics.

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