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.
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
SoundFrame 3 (On-wall)
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 75 Hz — 35 kHz
- Sensitivity (1W@1M): 86 dB
- System Configuration: 2-Way
- Drive Unit Complement: 1 x 4" MMP II mid-bass driver, 1 x 1" pivoting Gold Dome tweeter
- Power Handling (RMS): 50 W
- Maximum SPL: 102.5 dBA
- Recommended Amplifier Requirements: 25 — 50 W
- Bass Alignment: Ported Box
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Crossover Frequency: 3.2 kHz
- Dimensions (Including Frame (H x W x D)): 289 x 289 x 77.5 mm (11 3/8 x 11 3/8 x 3")
- Depth From Wall: 77.5 mm (3")
- Weight (packaged): 2.76 kg (6 lbs)
- Sold As: Single Unit
Description
The SoundFrame series consists of three sizes of speakers that complement any room. SoundFrame 3 On-Wall is the most compact speaker of the three and it can be used on its own, as a rear to complement the SoundFrame 1 On-Wall and SoundFrame 2 On-Wall, or with a sub-woofer.
Release Timeline
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
$500
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.
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Used
Monitor
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What if you spend more?
Monitor
SoundFrame 1 (On-wall)
686
686
/
2
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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Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
- Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
- Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing
- Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
- Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
- Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
- SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 2 (On-wall)
686
686
/
1
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.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Discreet, stylish design allows the speakers to blend easily with room décor
- Slim cabinets make the speakers easy to hang on the wall
- Sophisticated and powerful sound quality defies the slimness of the cabinets
- Superb build quality ensures you get your money's worth
Product Considerations
- The SoundFrame system can be expensive as a 5.1 setup
- There is no table-top mounting option
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SoundFrame puts many floorstanders to shame
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is innovative and stylish, delivering great sound quality from a discreet design. It is a good choice for those wanting a speaker system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising sound.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Monitor
SoundFrame 2 (In-wall)
686
686
/
1
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.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Discreet, stylish design allows them to blend in with room décor, like hanging pictures
- Slim cabinets (87.5mm depth) make them easy to hang on the wall
- Sophisticated, powerful sound quality defies the slimness of the cabinets
- Stunning build quality makes one feel like they are getting their money's worth
- Wide choice of grilles and frames offers customization options
Product Considerations
- Expensive as a 5.1 system
- No table-top mounting option
- Some might find the speakers sport a stark, industrial look without the grilles
Takeaway: The SoundFrame speakers combine innovative style with impressive audio performance, delivering power and scale that is surprising for their slim design. For those who want a speaker system that blends seamlessly with décor, the SoundFrame is 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.
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M&K Sound
IC95
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The new compact IC95 integrated loudspeaker system is based on the well proven proprietary 6,5-inch mid-woofer, also used in Miller & Kreisel studio monitor system MPS1620P and in-wall system IW95. The mid-woofer in IC95 is a long time accepted key component in the Miller & Kreisel signature sound history, now appearing as the key component for the smallest and most compact format ever – to provide the real Miller & Kreisel sound. IC95 present a new developed axial mounted 1” soft fabric dome tweeter, designed with swivel function to angle and optimize the on-axis response to the listening positions.
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Product Strengths
- The IC95 is built with high-quality materials, including rigid push-button speaker terminals
- Sound field height, envelopment, and directionality are improved
- Speaker localization tends to disappear in the sound field
Product Considerations
- The cutout template included is slightly larger than the Revel c263, which may require some ceiling modification
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The IC95 improves sound field height, envelopment, and directionality over the Revel c263
Takeaway: The MK Sound IC95 is a phenomenal in-ceiling speaker that will give a lot for the money and is especially good as Atmos speakers. The improvements in sound quality are substantial and make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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What competes at this price?
Revel
W553L
425
/
Released
Revel in-wall loudspeakers provide unparalleled value and are known for their standard-setting low sonic coloration and their freedom from distortion over an extraordinarily wide dynamic range.
Revel is a hifi speaker brand that uses beryllium tweeters and Deep Ceramic Composite cones, combined with Harman's extensive acoustic research, to achieve exceptional sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fairly neutral sound
- Good horizontal response, about plus or minus 45 to 60 degrees
Product Considerations
- Midrange can sound slightly thin at times
- Bass region is bumped up about 1 to 2dB, which may be why the midrange sounds thin
- Compression does some weird things at higher volumes, particularly with the tweeter
- Compression increases below about 80 Hz
Takeaway: The Revel W553L is a fairly neutral sounding in-wall speaker, and could be a good choice on a moderate budget. For side surround speakers, this could be a great choice because of its good horizontal response.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Revel is a hifi speaker brand that uses beryllium tweeters and Deep Ceramic Composite cones, combined with Harman's extensive acoustic research, to achieve exceptional sound quality.
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
RC85I
279
/
Released
2023
Build a completely stealth home theater system and use the floor space you save to add more chairs for those friends you invite some friends over.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good clarity in home theater and video game applications
- Punchy sound for in-wall speakers, especially in video games
- Good separation from left and right channels in video games
Product Considerations
- The 100-watt max can be limiting, especially for whole-house music listening
- Music performance is not as good, with clarity and separation being negatively impacted
- The template for installation might be a millimeter smaller than the actual opening
Takeaway: The RC85I speakers are great for home theaters and shine in video games, providing clear and punchy sound and are an affordable solution for surround sound. Due to their limitations, they are best used as rear speakers for surround sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Product Page
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Magnat
Interior IC 82
124
/
Released
The IC 82 is the larger of two strong-sounding built-in ceiling loudspeakers in the Interior series. As with all models in the series, the bass/mid-range cone has been manufactured from a carbon-glass-fibre mix – which guarantees extremely high stability and a very clear and dynamic sound. The two built-in coaxial tweeters make two circuit versions possible – sound directed over a wide area or at specific points. A sophisticated fastening system allows the loudspeaker to be quickly installed with extreme ease.
Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound quality receives positive feedback
- Impressive design
- Impressive size
- Bass quality is appreciated
- Usability is mentioned favorably
Product Considerations
- There are mixed opinions about the price
Takeaway: The Magnat Interior IC 82 appears to be a well-regarded speaker with a good design and size. It is worth considering if one needs a speaker with good sound and bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magnat stands out for its pioneering hybrid amplifier technology, particularly with the RV series combining tube preamps and solid-state power stages for precise, warm sound.
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
RC60I
199
/
Released
Want music around the house without the bulk of free-standing speakers? How about dynamic overhead sound effects in your home theater? Polk Audio's RC60i in-ceiling speakers do an awesome job in either application. These popular speakers feature an aimable tweeter so you can direct sound towards you. They also come with a lifetime warranty, so you'll enjoy great sound for years to come.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Low cost makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
- Swivel tweeter design allows them to be used in small to large rooms
- Easy to install
- Can be used in bathrooms or saunas
- Large dispersion design makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
Product Considerations
- Pairing with a sub is recommended for those seeking super deep rumble
- Reported to not perform as well with staging and precision as bookshelf or floorstanding speakers for surround sound audio or stereo fronts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- RC60i is voiced to match with the RTi series from Polk
Takeaway: The Polk Audio RC60i speakers are a good option for in-wall/in-ceiling use because they are low cost, easy to install, and have a swivel tweeter that works in different sized rooms. Their infinite baffle tuning enhances the bass response.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
Ci200QL
499
/
Released
The exceptionally stylish Ci200QL rectangular loudspeaker's narrow rim allows for flawless integration into your wall or ceiling. The wide dispersion of KEF's amazing Uni-Q driver gives your room more sound coverage with fewer speakers.
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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Our Summary
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.
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