Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Impressive scale and authority when producing output, going loud and deep
  • Clear, manage to dig up a fair amount of detail, doing a good job of separating instrumental strands
  • Decently precise, with voices well-projected and securely placed
  • Feature a 200mm mid/bass driver, an unusual find for standmounters, which results in larger drivers that move more air more effortlessly
  • Good bass integration, integrating that extra bass into the soundstage
  • Supreme tonal balance

Product Considerations

  • Lack rhythmic coherence and the ability to express dynamic nuances with great skill, so songs that should fizz with energy fall flat
  • The updated tweeter can sound a little crude and harsh if provoked
  • Really deep bass is a little soft
  • The cabinet isn't the sturdiest in the world, nor is it heavily braced
  • Sharp edges and pointed corners make it easy to damage

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Q Acoustics 3030i, an extra level of balance allowed the bass to take a fuller and more significant part in and around the soundstage
  • Vs Wharfedale 12.1, they created a larger soundstage to work from so there was more space for the instruments to work within—which meant they felt a little less cramped
  • Vs Martin Logan 15i, they showed that they walked the same path, that of quality sounds

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers are capable of producing a big, detailed sound with impressive bass for their size. They could be a good fit for someone looking for a speaker that offers a balance of power and clarity.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Bronze 100

reviews

[{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/monitor-audio-bronze-100","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Bronze 100 Speakers From Monitor Audio","link":"https://theaudiophileman.com/bronze-100-speakers-from-monitor-audio","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Blown Away by Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/system-one/1671-blown-away-by-monitor-audio-bronze-100-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Loudspeaker Review","link":"https://stereonet.com/reviews/monitor-audio-bronze-100-loudspeaker-review","source":"StereoNET","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1073-monitor-audio-bronze-100-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Access","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers – best with more space","link":"https://audiofi.net/2020/09/monitor-audio-bronze-100-speakers-best-with-more-space","source":"audioFi.net","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 and Bronze 200 review: next-gen compact and floorstanding speakers","link":"https://blog.son-video.com/en/2020/09/review-monitor-audio-bronze-100-and-bronze-200-speakers","source":"Son-Vidéo","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/monitor-audio-bronze-100-loudspeaker","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Review","link":"https://cracklingsound.com/monitor-audio-bronze-100-review","source":"Crackling Sound","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Bookshelf Speakers: A Comprehensive Review\n\n","link":"https://www.stereophonic.com.au/blog/monitor-audio-bronze-100-bookshelf-speakers/?srsltid=AfmBOor_pYlcVTk-YnvoYpCOmGYZzfBd0wiEthE4dY_Z3lPIL9ivBpLO","source":"Stereophonic","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"AFFORDABLE, FUN BIG Sound!! Monitor Audio Speakers - BRONZE 100 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_057vpAHBY","source":"Andrew Robinson","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Review - Dropping Fun Bombs!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY7v9pf435c","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"A Review of The Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Bookshelf Speakers","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be-_-2DK7Mk","source":"GenerationBehindHIFI","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Big for a reason: The Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8kfH-k1zcA","source":"Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE 100 REVIEW VS BRONZE 50, WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12.1, Q ACOUSTIC 3030i & MORE!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Jdehx9jCo","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Big-Sound Bookshelf Speakers! Monitor Audio Bronze 100 Loudspeakers Review (Take 2, Ep:19)","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvVMIpJZD34","source":"SoundStage! Network","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • System Format: 2-Way
  • Frequency Response (-6 dB): 52 – 25,000 Hz (Free field), 37 – 30,000 Hz (In room)
  • Sensitivity (2.83v @ 1m): 87 dB
  • Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
  • Minimum Impedance: 4.5 ohms
  • Maximum SPL: 110 dBA (pair)
  • Power Handling (RMS): 100 W
  • Recommended Amplifier Requirements: 30 — 100 W
  • Bass Alignment: Bass reflex - HiVe II port system
  • Crossover Frequency: 2,200 Hz
  • Drive Unit Complement: 1 x 8" C-CAM bass/mid-range driver, 1 x 25 mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter with UD Waveguide
  • External Dimensions (H x W x D): 376 x 231 x 325 mm (14 13/16 x 9 1/8 x 12 13/16")
  • Weight (each): 7.8 kg (17 lb 3 oz)
  • Sold As: Pair
The Bronze 100 speakers are the natural step up from the Bronze 50s and feature larger cabinets and renowned Monitor Audio speaker construction to give a larger and more compelling performance. Recent winners of the Hi-Fi News 'Outstanding Product' and EISA 'Best Product' Awards.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Monitor Audio's C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) drivers, specifically their "Gold Dome" tweeters and mid-bass drivers, are consistently praised for their unique combination of lightness, rigidity, and damping, resulting in clear, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.
  • The "Rigid Surface Technology" (RST and RST II), employed on Monitor Audio's driver cones, enhances their stiffness and reduces distortion, leading to a fuller, more textured, and controlled sound, especially in the bass frequencies.
  • They've developed a signature sound that balances detail, clarity, and a lively, energetic presentation while being smooth and non-fatiguing, making their speakers suitable for long listening sessions across various music genres.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
191
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
23
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
58
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Monitor
Studio 89
2499
2499
/
13
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Detailed, agile, and polished sound with clarity and precision
  • Excellent build quality and attention to detail, with a luxurious gloss black finish and copper/bronze accents
  • Large, well-defined, and immersive soundstage
  • Natural and balanced tonality that is neither forward nor thin
  • Impressive bass control and extension for its compact size

Product Considerations

  • A quality amplifier with decent power is required due to its lowish sensitivity and impedance
  • The gloss black finish may require frequent dusting and can cause reflections
  • Matching stands are recommended, and often considered essential, but are an additional cost
  • Some listeners may prefer a more assertive or punchy sound
  • Deep cabinet dimensions may not suit all spaces

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF R3 Meta: The KEF R3 Meta renders scale and authority better
  • Vs Neat Petite Classic: The Neat Petite Classic is more exciting, although not as neutral or clean
  • Vs B&W 707: The Studio 89s have a much beefier bottom end and a more natural presentation from the highs
  • Vs Klipsch: The Monitor Audio Studio 89 provides more heft

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Studio 89 combines retro-inspired aesthetics with modern engineering, delivering a detailed, balanced, and engaging sound. It's a great choice for those seeking studio-monitor quality in a stylish and compact package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Monitor
Silver 100 7G
1269
1269
/
5
Reviews
Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Stunning aesthetics, especially in ash finish or real wood veneers, make them display-worthy and stylish
  • Surprisingly full-range sound for a bookshelf speaker, with impressive bass extension for its size
  • Articulate and detailed midrange, excelling at transmitting nuance and inflection
  • Clear and detailed sound with excellent transparency and crisp dynamic attack
  • Versatile and unfussy in terms of positioning, adapting well to different room setups

Product Considerations

  • Rear-ported design requires careful placement to avoid bass overload, needing about a foot of space from the wall
  • Can sound slightly cool or dry, and is not particularly forgiving of poor recordings
  • At higher volumes, low bass notes can lose some definition, and subtle port resonance might be audible in certain situations
  • The treble, while detailed, is not as forward or aggressive as some other speakers
  • The sound is precise, which may be a weakness if paired with the wrong equipment—potentially sounding clinical

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Silver has a better fit and finish than the Bronze 100, but the performance jump isn't huge, making the Bronze a strong value alternative
  • The Graham LS6 sounds better overall with more palpable detail, deeper bass, and richer tone

Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Silver is a stylish and refined bookshelf speaker that delivers a surprisingly big and detailed sound. Its attractive design and versatile performance make it a great option for those wanting both quality audio and a speaker that looks good in their living space.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
R3 Meta
2430
2430
/
18
Reviews

R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths

  • Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
  • Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
  • Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
  • A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
  • Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences

Product Considerations

  • The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
  • The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
  • Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
  • The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
  • Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
  • Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
  • Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta

Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
PSB
Alpha iQ
1299
1299
/
18
Reviews
Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
  • Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
  • Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth

Product Considerations

  • BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
  • BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
  • Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
  • Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
  • Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
  • Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
  • Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers

Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canada's PSB Speakers combine psychoacoustic research with natural listening preferences to create a true-to-nature sound philosophy, accurately reproducing audio as originally recorded. Through collaboration with acoustic research facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada, they enhance their speaker designs using extensive measurement data.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Monitor
Silver 50 7G
979
/
Released
2021
The performance of a large speaker, now in a much smaller package. The Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G brings studio precision to your living room, in a design optimised to the acoustics of an ordinary home. For you, that means deep bass and stunning sound in a compact shape.
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Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exquisitely made cabinets for the price point, satisfying even the fussiest of interior designers
  • Clarity, transparency and musical insight
  • Above its weight class, particularly in low-end punch
  • Good for those who can only place a pair of loudspeakers on a low board, on a shelf, or on top of a cupboard, and do not have stands
  • Install-me-anywhere attitude, perfect partner for a bijou amp and easy to drive, too

Product Considerations

  • Treble was lifted too much when aimed directly at the listener
  • Can stumble with aspects of its midrange delivery
  • Horizontal expansion and integration is less impressive—there's only so much these diddy speakers can do to fill a space
  • Port limits total flexibility when it comes to placement
  • Midband details sometimes lack presence, giving a somewhat mushed feel to multi-instrumental moments

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Bronze 100: The Silver 50 7G's handling of bass is more even-handed and well-integrated
  • Vs LS50 Meta, Q Acoustic 3030i: The Silver 50 lacks cut and thrust compared to these speakers

Takeaway: The Silver 50 7G is a stylish and compact speaker that offers clarity, transparency, and surprising bass for its size. If detail and a rich sound in a small package are valued, this could be a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
Apex A10
750
/
Released
The ultimate style speaker, combining the best of Monitor Audio technology in a stylish, compact and rigid die-cast alloy cabinet.
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Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Intricately detailed, articulate, and powerful sound across the soundstage
  • Astonishing build quality with robust and weighty die-cast aluminium enclosures and a luxurious finish
  • The Apex system delivers audiophile standard sound quality without making huge demands on living space
  • The inert enclosures enable the Apex to deliver an astonishingly fast and detailed sound
  • High frequencies are smooth, speech is clear, and the rear soundstage is expansive

Product Considerations

  • Expensive compared to normal compact systems
  • The AW12 subwoofer is quite heavy despite its compact dimensions

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Apex uses the same tech as Monitor Audio's Silver RX range, but it is 'distilled' down to fit a more compact cabinet size
  • Apex is in a different league than other satellite systems, offering a level of sound quality not typically associated with satellite speakers

Takeaway: The Apex system offers detailed and powerful sound, with an astonishing build quality. It is a great choice for those seeking audiophile-level sound in a compact and stylish package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
/
Released
2021
Wharfedale's new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN. The primary focus is on the AMT development resulting in a radically different way of reproducing high frequency detail efficiently and accurately.
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Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
  • Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
  • Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
  • Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
  • Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price

Product Considerations

  • Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
  • Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
  • Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
  • Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
  • The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level

Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
5020
899
/
Released
2023
Experience all the scale and power of your favourite music without letting your loudspeaker dominate your room. The 5020 standmounting speaker will put your right in the heart of the music without putting itself at the heart of your space.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
  • Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
  • Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
  • Taut and agile bass performance
  • Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
  • Connectivity options such as binding posts

Product Considerations

  • Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
  • Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
  • Bass response is somewhat subdued
  • Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
  • Grilles muddle the sound

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
/
Released
2022
A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
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Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
  • Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
  • Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
  • Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
  • The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers

Product Considerations

  • Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
  • The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
  • Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
  • Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
  • The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
  • The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
  • There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
  • These two are actually pretty neck and neck
  • As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking

Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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