Monitor Audio Studio 89 Standmount Speakers

Monitor Audio Studio 89 Standmount Speakers (Pair)

Based on the legendary studio series that was born in the 1980s and reviewed as one of the most neutral and transparent speakers of its time. The Studio 89 is reimagined for today.

The Studio 89 stand-mount speakers may be small & compact but the sound they offer is anything but. Utilizing technology developed for Monitor Audios reference speakers such as the Hyphen and the Platinum. Their ambition was to build a speaker that would bring "Studio monitoring quality" to the home

The goal was to produce a speaker that could extract as much sonic performance from its compact design as possible. To make this happen Monitor audio utilises the Hyphen and Platinum 3G RDT III driver unit technology. The two 4 1/4 drivers use a powerful motor system to enhance the bass-mid range performance. High frequency is handled by the latest MPD III transducer which offers stellar HF execution. All of this is underpinned by a newly designed crossover, HiVe II slot bass ports as well as a super rigid cabinet.

Key Features

• Point source design
• RDT III C-CAM Cone
• MPD III HF Transducer
• RDT III C-CAM Cone Bass-Mid drivers
• New crossover design
• Through bolt driver bracing
• High-velocity HiVe II slot bass ports
• Precision-machined rhodium-plated speaker terminals

The Monitor audio point source design places the HF transducer between the two bass mid-drivers to help the speaker produce a balanced sound in perfect symmetry. Careful consideration has gone into the design of the 89 to ensure that you get the most from its compact design. The topology ensures that even when used in a large room, the imaging, detail and soundstage belies its diminutive size creating an enveloping high-fidelity sound.

An important element in this remarkable sound is the Monitor audio's MPD II high-frequency transducer. The lightweight, pleated design works similarly to an accordion, producing a wide linear high-frequency presentation. Precise, lightning-fast clarity is produced with ease, from the lightest note to the loudest shout. 

Every drive unit must work in harmony and the frequency transition between each needs to be seamless. The crossovers have undergone hours of listening and part selection, using the best bespoke polypropylene and polyester capacitors, air-core and low-loss laminated steel core inductors to provide maximum signal transfer and reduced distortion for best sound performance and delivery.

We've produced a quick blog post regarding our first impressions of the Studio 89 speakers which you can find on the link below. 

Studio 89 review

The front of the Studio 89 features a unique aluminium baffle that houses the 2 RDT III bass drivers and the MPD III high-frequency transducer. The reason for using this is that the baffle & the drivers have less physical interaction with the cabinet of the speaker.

Below is an unboxing video of the Studio 89 speakers and the building of the optional stands. 

Who is Monitor Audio?

Starting in 1972 with the charismatic Mo Iqbal, Monitor Audio began loudspeaker design and production using tried and tested methods available at that time - plastic cone materials, fabric dome tweeters and reflex-loaded braced cabinets. The speakers were welcomed by enthusiasts both in the UK and throughout the World.

Following a management buyout in the 1980s, over the next decade, Monitor Audio expanded its speaker ranges into stereo, surround and in-ceiling/ in-wall plus outdoor speakers to meet the needs of a more diverse, emerging market. At the same time, it embraced metal C-CAM driver technology which can respond to audio signals more faithfully than traditional materials, thanks to its inherent strength and rigidity.

The current Monitor Audio range of speakers is a very successful line-up including the entry-level Bronze range, the mid-market Silver series using C-CAM drivers, the new Gold range delivering high-end performance and lastly the Platinum II range for those buyers who do not wish to compromise sound quality.