Monitor Audio has launched the new Studio 89, a “cutting-edge loudspeaker” that takes inspiration from the brand’s Studio Series, which brought studio monitor-quality sound to the home in the 1980s.
Small, compact, and visually unique, Studio 89 is an uncompromising loudspeaker capable of filling large rooms with pristine sound. It benefits from a host of cutting-edge Monitor Audio innovations, offers a unique finish, and is born of the same Transparent Design Philosophy as the statement Hyphn.
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Studio 89 may be inspired by the 1980s and the sense of excitement and creativity that decade represents, but in terms of technology, it is a very modern loudspeaker. Studio 89 is compact, but its topology ensures that even in large rooms, the soundstage, imaging and detail levels are completely enveloping and remain true to the ethos of bringing “studio monitoring quality” into the home. This is in no small part down to the “point source” MTM (Mid-Tweeter-Mid) Array drive unit configuration.
Positioning the latest MPD (Micro-Pleated Diaphragm) III high-frequency transducer between twin RDT (Rigid-Diaphragm Technology) III 4 1⁄4” bass-mid drivers, while a highly optimized third-order crossover ensures the perfect frequency response across each drive unit for total symmetry, which helps control sound dispersion. The resulting high-fidelity sound is of a scale and quality that belies Studio 89’s size.
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 a woven carbon fiber. The result: super lightweight and very, very strong.
Every drive unit must work in harmony with the others, and the frequency transition between each needs to be seamless. Therefore, the crossovers have undergone hours of listening and part selection, using only the very best bespoke polypropylene and polyester capacitors, air-core and low-loss laminated steel-core inductors to provide maximum signal transfer and reduced distortion for optimum sound delivery.
Studio 89 also benefits from an extremely strong and rigid cabinet structure. Its compact proportions include an 18mm front baffle with rigid 15mm side walls. Precisely calculated and positioned internal walls provide additional strength and bracing; their clever configuration allows airflow to funnel via the top and bottom of the cabinet through the high-velocity HiVe II slot ports, reducing potential turbulence and air noise.
The cabinet design was designed to work in harmony with the drive units and crossover — a total system, delivering on Monitor Audio’s Transparent Design Philosophy, an R&D philosophy of maintaining a balance between Design and Technology. One is never allowed to overpower the other and both play a vital role in delivering on the promise of musical neutrality and acoustic transparency. The physical speakers are designed to sit comfortably within their environment. They are a beautiful statement, but one where perfectly balanced design neutrality means they will blend in for a lifetime of use.
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.
Taking its inspiration from the original Studio 15, Studio 89 is resplendent in a high-gloss black finish, coupled with metal cone drivers finished in gold. Studio 89 is the only model Monitor Audio makes that is available in this luxurious finish.
To ensure optimum rigidity and a perfect listening experience, bespoke metals have been used for each section of the dedicated Studio 89 Stand. The top plate is laser-cut steel, the pole is extruded aluminum, and the base is die-cast aluminum. The four adjustable feet are supplied with both chrome-plated spikes for carpeted floors and domed rubber feet for hard floors, ensuring that the stands are anchored perfectly in all situations.
Studio 89 will be available at the end of July 2024.
