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.
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Climate 80
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz — 30 kHz
- Sensitivity (1W@1M): 89.5 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Maximum SPL: 111.1 dBa
- Power Handling (RMS): 120 W
- Recommended Amplifier Requirements: 20 — 120 W
- Drivers: 1 x 203 mm (8") C-CAM bass/mid-range driver, 1 x 25 mm (1") C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 405 x 230 x 221 mm (15 15/16 x 9 1/16 x 8 11/16")
- Environmental Protection Rating: IP55
- Weight (packaged): 6.53 kg (14 lb 6 oz)
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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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a heavy and dense cabinet and refined design
- Detailed and balanced sound across the frequency range, the MPD III tweeter renders immersive detail and instrument separation with clarity
- Good bass extension, rivaling some small floor-standing speakers, with well-defined and controlled lows
- Expansive and well-defined soundstage, creating a sense of space and scale
- Voices sound natural and engaging
Product Considerations
- Not very easy to drive, requiring a quality amplifier with sufficient power (75W or more)
- The low end can be a little forward or enthusiastic, potentially requiring adjustment of placement or use of port bungs
- Larger size for a standmount speaker by modern standards
- Some reviewers noted that it may not have quite as much dynamic impetus, though the sound is big and potent
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF R3 Meta, the reviewer prefers the sound of the Monitor Audio Gold 100s due to more character
- Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4, the Gold 100s offer better value at half the price and are more versatile for everyday listening
- Compared to the SVS Titan Towers, the reviewer would keep the Titan Towers because his room accommodates their size and bass capabilities
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G is a well-built and attractive speaker that will deliver a detailed and engaging sound experience, especially with a quality amplifier. It is a great option for those seeking a high-performance standmount speaker with a full sound.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Good bass impact, coupled with a mildly more pronounced top end
- Visually stunning, with a classy, high-end look, especially in the ash finish, described as both modern and classic
- Clear and intelligible midrange
- Energetic, extended, and detailed tweeter performance without being overly aggressive
- Good soundstage width and depth
Product Considerations
- Bass performance is source material dependent, and may need a sub-woofer for the deepest bass all the time
- The feet look like an afterthought
- Not the best center image
- Midrange is not wholly neutral, described as a touch cool or lean
- Needs some space from the wall, too close to your front wall and bass may become overpowering—potentially even boomy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against the Focal Chora 826, the fit and finish of the Silver Series was preferred, especially in the ash finish
- The Monitor Audio speaker is built better than the Magnat Transpuls, but the more neutral sound of the Transpuls was preferred
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G is a lively and fun speaker that provides an engaging presence for both music and movies. With stunning looks and sound quality to match, these speakers are a classy addition to any living room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
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Powerful, rich sound in a compact design. Designed for both digital and analog sources, Duetto is a versatile combination of Italian style and contemporary function. Big sound in a compact design, Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
Double the sound, not the size. Inspired by a harmony produced by two instruments, Duetto sets a new standard for wireless high-fidelity sound in a compact design.
Ultra Wide Band Technology
Duetto employs Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, enabling communication between the two speakers. The wireless transmission avoids latency and interference by other home networks, while guaranteeing a wide frequency spectrum to send data signals at high speeds.
SENSO™ Technology by Sonus faber
The leather top panel allows the user to control and set up speaker functions — such as playback, volume, input selection, and connections — with a buttonless interface through simple fingertip gestures.
Sonus faber's iconic lute-shaped design takes inspiration from musical instruments. Crafted from wood, the cabinet ensures structural solidity, rich timbre, and musicality, while effectively eradicating internal resonances to shape the unmistakable Sonus faber Natural Sound.
Hear – and see – to believe. Duetto takes note of Sonus faber's most iconic design cues and natural materials.
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
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Our Summary
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
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive detail and clarity across the entire audio spectrum
- Refined and elegant aesthetic
- Wide and deep soundstage, with spot-on image specificity
- Balanced and detailed sound with impressive stereo imaging
- Solid and tuneful bass response
Product Considerations
- Speaker grills feel cheap
- Some reviewers feel that the bass needs a subwoofer to fill in the low end
- The boxy design may not appeal to everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers better price-to-performance value than Paradigm Founder 120H
- Sounds clearer than Paradigm Premier 700F
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G is a great speaker that sounds good and looks beautiful, making it a great choice for people who care about both sound and appearance. It is a good option for people who want high-end speakers without spending too much money.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Massive sound despite its moderate size, widening the soundstage effectively
- Excels with bass guitars, delivering them in a fantastic way
- Voices are very clear and shine through
- Easy to position, particularly forgiving of placement, and highly attractive
- Capable of generating a huge soundstage with surprising drive, pitch precision, and speed
Product Considerations
- The tweeter can sound a bit bright or sharp at times, especially without the grill
- The bass needed to be a little bit louder to support the tweeter
- May not be ideal for small rooms due to the airy and spacious sound of the tweeter
- The tweeter may be prone to dust accumulation
- Finish, while trendy, may be marginally less luxurious than predecessors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Bronze 500 is considered to have a brighter sound than KEF Q950, which has a more neutral to warmish sound
Takeaway: The Bronze 500 is a powerful speaker that delivers a big sound with clear voices and fantastic bass, making it enjoyable for various music genres. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a speaker that combines quality performance with ease of use.
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Our Summary
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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Slim speakers with good build quality
- Radius 270 floorstanders bring extra presence to the front soundstage
- The metal/polymer matrix cone bass drivers and the 25mm gold anodised alloy dome tweeters are top of their class
- No false emphasis of high frequencies, and the mid-band is solid, with a real sense of depth and power when called upon
- The radiused corners add real class to the black, gloss finish
Product Considerations
- A subwoofer is needed, because the frequency response starts at 50 hertz, which is not very low
- The system is not exactly sensitive, and it requires a solid, powerful amplifier before it delivers good performance
- It would not be advisable to leave very small children alone in a room with the R270 floor-standers, or the RE90 rear speakers on the accessory stands
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio Radius speakers offer a combination of style and substance with impressive, detailed sound and elegant design. They are a worthwhile option if you want both style and substance in an audio system.
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