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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Diamond Monitor 15 mkII
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Impedance: 8 Ohm
- Frequency response: 48 Hz - 20 kHz
- Nominal power: 60 W
- Max power: 120 W
- Efficiency: 86 dB
- Woofer: Pylon Audio PSW 15.8.CA/P (Seas CA15RLY/P_CUSTOM)
- Tweeter: Pylon Audio PST 19.TN (Scan Speak D2010/852100)
- Dimensions (W/H/D): 165 / 380 / 317 mm
- Weight: 10 kg/pc
- Speaker grill: Included, magnetic
The high frequencies are handled by a new version of the iconic Scan-Speak tweeter, improved with a stronger neodymium magnet, reduced coil mass, and the elimination of ferrofluid. These changes have resulted in increased microdynamics and detail in the highest tones. The tweeter also received a new front made of black cellular rubber with increased durability, ensuring reduced wave reflections and an elegant appearance.
The crossover uses only linear components, such as air core inductors, polypropylene capacitors, and non-inductive resistors with 1% tolerance, ensuring high soun...
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:
- Pylon Audio emphasizes a holistic manufacturing approach, building their own cabinets and customizing drivers in-house for optimal synergy.
- The brand offers a high degree of customization, with a wide array of available finishes and the option for custom RAL colors, making their speakers uniquely adaptable to individual preferences.
- Pylon Audio's speakers are voiced with a well-balanced, natural, and coherent sound signature that caters to a broad range of musical tastes.
- They are praised for achieving high build and sonic quality while maintaining competitive prices, which stems from efficient manufacturing processes and a focus on in-house expertise.
Select products
Pearl 27
- Positioning: A compact, entry-level model designed for straightforward performance in small audio setups.
- Description: Offers a solid circuit design that delivers clear sound and reliable operation, setting a simple benchmark that is easy to integrate in limited spaces. Compared to Amber MKII and the higher-tier models, it focuses on ease of use and modest functionality for budget-conscious users with basic connectivity needs.
Amber MKII
- Positioning: A mid-range solution that bridges affordability with enhanced performance for dedicated listening rooms.
- Description: Features improved circuitry and refined build quality that enhances sound clarity and detail, making it a notable upgrade over the Pearl 27. When compared to the more complex designs of Jasper 25 MKII Active and Opal 30, it offers balanced performance and additional connectivity.
Zirkon 20
- Positioning: A product aimed at users seeking precise sound reproduction in compact environments.
- Description: Incorporates a high-precision signal path with an innovative layout that improves audio accuracy over the entry-level Pearl 27 and Amber MKII. In contrast to the fuller functionality found in the Jasper and Opal models, it focuses on delivering clear, no-frills performance.
Jasper 25 MKII Active
- Positioning: An active design that integrates preamplification and amplification, aimed at modern audio setups with digital connectivity.
- Description: Introduces a built-in active stage that enhances control and connectivity, offering a step up in versatility compared to Pearl 27, Amber MKII, and Zirkon 20. Relative to the more spacious and high-powered Opal 30, it targets users needing integrated digital functionalities in a more compact and efficient solution.
Opal 30
- Positioning: A high-end, premium offering designed for larger listening environments and advanced functionality.
- Description: Features state-of-the-art components and innovative circuitry that deliver a wider soundstage and richer detail, setting it apart from the simpler configurations of Pearl 27, Amber MKII, and Zirkon 20. When compared to the integrated approach of Jasper 25 MKII Active, it emphasizes high performance and expanded connectivity features.
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Used
Pylon Audio
What if you spend more?
The first generation of Diamond Monitor 18 set the standard in its category, making designing its successor a unique challenge. In the latest version, we have improved these speakers by equipping them with upgraded drivers, enclosures, and crossovers. Additionally, we have subtly updated their design to give them an even more refined appearance.
The woofer is a transducer heavily modified by our engineers and made by the Norwegian company Seas. Its powerful magnetic circuit, reinforced with an additional magnet, works in conjunction with a lightweight aluminum-copper coil, resulting not only in greater dynamics but also better precision in reproducing bass and mid-bass. The injection molded aluminum chassis with an openwork design allows for accurate sound reproduction.
The Diamond Monitor 18 mkII also features a bass-reflex port with an increased cross-section, while maintaining similar enclosure tuning. As a result, the lowest frequencies are reproduced more efficiently, eliminating audible turbulence. Through these improvements, the quality of midrange tones has also been enhanced.
The aluminum-copper coil wire is an ideal solution not only due to better optimization of the masses of individual vibrating system elements but also due to reduced effects of so-called skin effect currents flowing in the speaker coil. The use of a 1-inch voice coil ensures excellent microdynamics in the midrange. Additionally, instead of a traditional dust cap, the woofer has been equipped with a phase plug, eliminating resonances associated with the volume of air under the cap. The coated lightweight cellulose membrane allows for a tonally balanced warm sound over a wide frequency range. The gentle decrease in level at the upper limit of the mid-bass speaker range also allows for smooth transition to the range reproduced by the tweeter.
In the high-frequency range, the iconic Scan-speak tweeter operates in a new version, characterized by exceptional microdynamics and detail due to the use of a stronger neodymium magnet, reduction of the voice coil mass, and elimination of ferrofluid. The high-frequency speaker easily integrates with the mid-bass through a new dual resonance chamber design, which has allowed further reduction of the tweeter's fundamental resonance. These changes allow for a clean reproduction of the full instrumental soundscape.
The advanced crossover network in the Diamond Monitor 18 MKII has been constructed using only linear elements such as air coils and polypropylene capacitors, contributing to improved sound clarity. In the latest monitors, we have opted for a 4-ohm impedance. This means that the second-generation eighteens are twice as loud and fully utilize the power offered by the amplifier. As a result, dynamics significantly increase, and the speakers can be dedicated to slightly larger rooms.
The Diamond Monitor 18 mkII features a greater front tilt, improving the transducers' performance in the time domain. The overall shape looks much better. The black cellular rubber on the tweeter gives it an exclusive character and increased aging resistance. Meanwhile, the vertical veneer grain adds sleekness to the whole.
Vibration of the enclosure walls is significantly reduced thanks to extensive internal ribbing. Undesirable standing waves inside the enclosure are dampened by sheep wool and a new sound-absorbing material, specially selected during tests in our anechoic chamber using a laser vibrometer. Hence, the monitor sound is free from tonal impurities.
The Diamond Monitor 18 mkII is a speaker characterized by refined low-end dynamics, delivering controlled and subtle bass. Along with excellent balance of mid and high tones, it provides exceptional naturalness in both instrument and vocal reproduction. The acoustic space it creates allows for precise localization of individual instruments, resulting in clear and distinct sound for each note. The columns are dedicated to the rooms of 12 - 25 m2. The sets are provided with the branded stands that create an attractive proposition for people who would like to use the full potential of the columns in their spatial capabilities.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Discreet design, high-quality craftsmanship, versatile sound, seamless compatibility with a wide range of electronics, a rich variety of color options, and an affordable price
- Dynamics, speed, tangibility, transparency, and a three-dimensional, precise, perfectly organized space
- Bass-reflex tuning allows placement closer to the wall (25-30 cm) without creating major problems
- A balanced, neutral, and homogeneous sound with a slight warming in the midrange
- The drivers have been modified and improved with high-quality components in the crossover, which translated into clear qualitative progress
Product Considerations
- The oak veneer finish, achieved by coating with oil-wax, may appear cheap compared to lacquered versions or higher-end veneers
- The stands offered by the manufacturer are not the most stable construction
- May require higher-quality accompanying equipment to fully realize their potential
- The basic finish could be considered a flaw, suggesting opting for a RAL lacquer finish for a better aesthetic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The bass performance triggered associations with Naim rhythm and punch
- The character of the bass is spiritually bonded with Spendor Classic 2/3s
Takeaway: The Diamond Monitor 18 mkII speakers offer a balanced and versatile sound suitable for various music genres and amplifiers, making them a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded audio experience. With improved dynamics and bass response, they perform well even when placed closer to the wall, offering flexibility in room placement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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.
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
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
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
- Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
- Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
- Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ
Product Considerations
- The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
- A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
- Lacks Google Assistant support
- Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
- Isn't designed for outdoor use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
- Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
- Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cabinets
- Fluid and captivating articulation in the mids, with warmth and clarity to voices
- The bass is good enough that one could conceivably get away without ever having a subwoofer
- Excellent clarity and tonal balance
- Able to use so much high-performance technology in products that cost so little
Product Considerations
- Has aluminum wiring
- Lacks a little bit of detail at the very top—kicks, punches, and gunshots do not quite have enough "snap" to them
- Rated at 8 ohms, but in reality, they are 4 ohm speakers
- Do not have magnetic grills, they have a pin-and-cup grill retention system
- Tendency to sound bright with modern pop and electronic music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker, it is a noticeable step up in linearity
- The Ultra Towers' performance is beaten by perhaps only one or two other models in the same price range
- The SVS's more laid-back character and natural response remains composed compared to the JBLs, where the JBLs start to lose control and break up
Takeaway: The Ultra speakers are a good value because of their high-quality sound and build that offer performance often found in more expensive speakers. One can enjoy great sound without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and natural dialogue projection for movies
- Impressive bass performance, especially in small to medium-sized rooms
- Good imaging, with elements well-placed in the mix
- Durable finish on the cabinet that is scratch resistant
- Engaging sound quality for the price
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound a bit two-dimensional
- The tweeter can be a bit harsh at louder volumes
- Bass is not very refined
- Simplistic box design
- They are heavier than expected
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cerwin-Vega LA-165s, the tweeter on the Cerwin-Vegas is better, but midrange driver from the XT20 is nicer
- Vs Sony SS-CS5, Polk gives nicer bass than Sony
Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT20 is an affordable speaker that offers good sound quality, especially with its bass performance and clear dialogue, making it a great option to put smiles on people's faces when listening to music or watching movies. Its durable build and engaging sound make it a worthwhile consideration for those starting their audio journey.
Video review
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