In 1976, Monitor Audio moved its operations to Essex, home to Rega Research. Not long after that, they relocated again to larger digs in nearby Rayleigh (also in Essex). Today, Monitor Audio employs 100 people at that location, keeping the business running and designing and developing new products. The manufacture of Monitor Audio speakers was moved to China over a period of several years; Silver-series manufacture was moved to China in 2004—about which, more later.
I remembered reading a couple of favorable Stereophile reviews of Monitor Audio speakers, written by Kal Rubinson. I looked them up: Kal reviewed the $2000/pair Silver 8 in 2014 and the similarly priced Silver 300 in 2018 (footnote 1).
In 2018, Monitor Audio bought Roksan, the British company behind 1985's legendary Xerxes turntable; I'd lost track of the company rather quickly after. I mention this not because it's directly relevant to this review but because I remember it fondly. Monitor + Roksan seemed like an auspicious marriage. It felt earthy, rootsy, principled.
"Phenomenal audio is more than the sum of its parts." These words greet visitors to the "About" page on the Monitor Audio website. "Yes, it's about the finest metals and craftsmanship, but it's also about the warmth: the flesh and blood of the listener. The connection. That's why, at Monitor Audio, our mission is to make audio human."
Nuts and bolts and other parts
Over the course of this review, I had several exchanges with Charles Minett, Monitor Audio's product design director, and Michael Hedges, the company's technical director. Both insist that the best cones are made of metal and metal composite—that such drivers have the greatest potential for lifelike sound. When I asked if Monitor Audio ever considered using paper or plastic as a substitute, the idea was dismissed out of hand (footnote 2).
"There are generally two types of cones," Hedges said. "Soft, well-damped ones and hard, less well-damped ones. The design aim for a soft well-damped one is to accept that the material will ripple and cause distortion in the passband and work with that. In the case of a harder material, like metal, the idea is to create a cone rigid enough so that the audible effects of cone-rippling occur outside the passband so that the frequency response sounds very smooth. We've become very good at achieving this."
Monitor Audio uses Multiphysics simulation software—Hedges wrote a conference paper on the software a dozen years ago—to perform complex simulations that start at the electrical input and end at its acoustical output, allowing the company to test in silico a multitude of crossover/cabinet/driver scenarios. The most promising virtual designs are pursued outside ex silico, in real life. "The simulator gets us in the vicinity of very good sound, but listening tests are still critical when it comes to fine-tuning a design to sound its best," Hedges said.
The three-way, four-driver, bass-reflex Silver 500 7G is top dog in the company's Silver series. Like its smaller siblings, the 500 incorporates proprietary features in its cones, most notably the C-CAM (ceramic-coated aluminum/magnesium) material, said by the company to be "extremely rigid, yet light enough to yield high overall efficiency," and Rigid Surface Technology (RST), now in version II, which refers to the cones' shape and the dimpled hex pattern across the surface, said to "allow the radiating surface to resist mechanical bending forces, which can twist the shape of conventional driver cones to produce distorted sound. The RST patterns also help to displace standing waves that can collect on the cone's surface."
I asked Hedges to name the biggest differences between the 6G and 7G versions. "These are hard questions to answer," he cautioned, "because we design a speaker as a system, so it's less about a better tweeter or midrange and more about how changes in these areas bring greater improvements in other areas. I would say though that the biggest changes are in the all-new tweeter and its waveguide, and the midrange driver, which is now smaller"—it's 3"—"and uses a neodymium magnet. These changes allowed us to build a better crossover, which is really where we got the biggest benefit, specifically when it comes to the 7G's tonal balance."
Changes were also brought to the cabinet design and its finishes, mostly wood veneer. Two new finishes were added; the speakers I received were in the new Black Oak. The 500s are said to be ideal for midsize to large rooms, in stereo or home theater setups.
The 500's frequency response is specified as 27Hz–35kHz, –6dB, with crossovers at 800Hz and 2.7kHz. The specified sensitivity is 90.5dB/2.83V/m. The nominal impedance is 8 ohms, with a dip at 150Hz to a minimum of 4.1 ohms. That should make the Silver 500 a fairly easy load for an amplifier, although Monitor Audio recommends an amplifier that outputs 80Wpc or more.
Listening
The owner's manual, which is included in the box (yes!), recommends placing the speakers 6'–10' (1.8m–3m) apart, with front-wall proximity set by listener preference. The manual is adamant, though, that the speakers should be a minimum of 3' (91cm) from the sidewalls—not a problem in my basement listening room.
I hooked the speakers up to the Grandinote Shinai integrated amplifier, which was fed by the Cambridge EVO 150 streaming integrated amplifier via its line-level outputs. The manual says to allow 50–70 hours for the speakers to loosen up and start sounding their best. With the Cambridge's volume low, I pressed play to start the run-in process, fully prepared to leave the room and go about my daily business for a few days as the speakers settled in.
"Sit your butt down and listen," the Silver 500s said to me. I did. And what these speakers said was spoken with a clarity and expressive ease that slid out to me as if from a backyard water slide—as if their sound had flown past the cones, independent of them. Dynamic and transient-fast, it sounded almost hornlike.
Which made me wonder if I wasn't imagining things: With their shiny, dust-cap–free surfaces, these cones did sort of look like horns. A little, in the right light; was this the power of suggestion? I stopped the music, stood up, and paced while trying to wash out my mind with thoughts unrelated to audio. (Should I prune the pole beans today?) Then I sat back down in a Samurai state. No, it wasn't my imagination; there really was a sense of clarity and ease to the sound—a pristine effect that seemed to originate some distance from the cones. And yes, it reminded me of horns.
Was this, as Monitor Audio's website says, the result of metal that's been molded until it's "capable of extraordinary things"? Maybe. I was getting ahead of myself. It was too early to tell anything. I got off my dilapidated orange couch and returned to my family.
Ten days later, I adjusted the 500s' placement with the aid of the Stereophile Test CD 2 (CD, STPH 004-2, no longer available), particularly the pink noise track, #15, and the "Music Articulation Test Tone" one, #19, the latter intended to help evaluate listening room/speaker interactions but that also happens to be a fun subterranean romp that rises from the gurgling depths through the floor like a spaceship beam into the heavens.
With my Simaudio Moon CD transport plugged into the Cambridge Audio's S/PDIF digital input, I started my review listening with "Utopic Cities" by Solis Lacus, off one of my favorite jazz releases of 2021, the compilation Utopic Cities: Progressive Jazz in Belgium 1968–1979 (CD, Sdban SDBANCD15). Through the 500s, this live-in-Brussels concert sounded sophisticated—clarion-clear, elaborately alive, with tones finely layered above and below the primary one. Richard Rousselet's trumpet solos flared out with real-world élan and bite then shifted away and broke off into shards—all clear as a bell. Synthesizer notes rolled fast and free, loping and scrambling. Every parcel of the bigger picture that my stimulated mind landed on was laid bare, but then it left just as soon, running off to somewhere else. I'd never heard sound travel so fast across longer distances. It was like hearing light.
Footnote 2: Although Monitor Audio's earliest speakers, way back in the 1970s, used polymer-coated fabric-sandwich membranes.—Jim Austin
COMMENTS
Going to Asia amounts to abandoning your loyal employees that make quality products at a fair price : for Profit !
Made in China also means horrendous Re-Sale value.
China gear is what sits on the shelves at Goodwill
Tony in Florida
ps. nice writing Mr. Robert S.!
Hi
Can't agree more, my friend. Some manufacturers put profit over & above anything, even employees' livelihood !!!!!
For yours truly, no FOOD, nothing substantial, e.g. audios from China. Maybe minor disposable sundries, like toothpick, first aid bandage from dollar stores. For cheapie pricing where durability is not a concern.
Jack L
I smile. Met with Mo in NYC way back in the day to negotiate US distribution rights for Monitor Audio, a British speaker company producing well made but undistinguished loudspeakers at the time. They had no stable presence in the States at that time. Young and naive, I thought I had a chance to help, noting my Dad was distributing the British JR-149 speaker then with some success. It was not to be. Monitor Audio eventually went on to produce excellent home theater oriented products on the way to first class audiophile loud speakers. Oh well, just reminiscing retiring as a psychiatric nurse shortly.
"Should repairs be needed, service would be provided via the distributor (Kevro in North America), which keeps a large inventory of spare parts, even for discontinued models."
How I wish Kevro/Monitor Audio would show the same level of commitment towards Roksan as they do with their MA speakers. Product support with Roksan's products, especially their iconic Xerxes 20+ is non-existent in North America. I know because they've told me over the phone. Would be nice if that changed, the brand deserves a better presence in North America.
Hi
"Assembled in China" is NOT same as "made in China".
If ALL the electroic parts, e.g. loudspeaker units, cross-overs & inter-wiring were exclusively supplied bt Monitor Auido UK to its China OEM which only builds the wood box. That is called "assembled" in China. I would buy the idea of saving the wooden box & electronic assembly costs for the consumers.
But if the key electrons were also "made in China" together with the wooden box, it is a different ballgame all together, IMO.
It would be much better for the UK manufacturer for saving substantial cost, hence boooosting its profit than the price saving for the consumers. Consistency of product quality control could be of concern, IMO.
Jack L
Distinct and measureable improvements for a price equal to what the supply chain problem has done to us. Looking forward to a demo between this and the Martin Logan 60Xti. Nice job by the reviewer.
I disagree with "that a number" statment. I count two serial China-bashers, and they a both in this thread. There are any number of reasons to bash China, but the quality of made or assembled in China audio gear (such as Monitor Audio) is not one of them.
Hi
How do YOU know so decisively ???
FYI, I fixed a few tube power amps built in China bearing whatever Chinese brandnames for my audio friends. I know how good (or lousy) they were built, let alone the sound quality.
Please learn more about how Chinese manufacturers run their business COMMERCIALLY & technically before you comment.
Thanks but no thanks.
Jack L
"How do YOU know so decisively ???"
By reading reviews in Stereophile and others of Chinese made gear.
"FYI, I fixed a few tube power amps built in China bearing whatever Chinese brandnames for my audio friends. I know how good (or lousy) they were built, let alone the sound quality."
Off brand EBay specials are not playing in the same leage the speaker in question is. Stereophile does not review black plastic crap or disposables.
"Please learn more about how Chinese manufacturers run their business COMMERCIALLY & technically before you comment.'
The Chinese can make any level of quality your QA forces them to do.
Simple question for you; is the speaker under review in this article inferior in your mind, despite the good results, simply because of where its from?
Blanket-statements about the quality of products coming out of an entire country is just misleading and misinformed. I'm sure the poster is telling the truth about his experiences, but nonetheless those experiences are to one person.
I agree with MatthewT here; QA can be and is controlled by manufacturers running these facilities. Moreover, there are Chinese manufacturers themselves that also have excellent quality control and products. Topping and Denafrips come to mind and have been vetted by way of reviews in Stereophile. The truth does come out over time. Follow-Ups reinforce that.
While I don't buy Chinese gear purposefully, I can see why many value-minded audiophiles do.
Making powerful, absolute statements may feel good to the speaker, but they are rarely true in these modern times. Too many grey areas...
Wondering if MA upgraded this speaker to compete against the Revel Performa3 F206 or the ML 60Xti? I find things like this to be of far more interesting then somebody’s frankly boring flatulence about China. Let’s not lose sight of a nice review and an outstanding speaker with this kind of pontification.
As the country western song says “Here’s quarter, call someone that cares.”
I'm old enough to remember when "made in Japan" was a joke, a euphemism for cheap crap. I'm also old enough to remember when American made cars went through a period when they were, basically, disposable, intentionally poorly engineered and designed to keep the wheels of capitalism greased by unsuspecting consumers through planned obsolescence. Before we Americans go pointing a finger abroad, we would do well to look at what's happening in our own country. How many of you China bashers own TV's "made in America"? How many of you own air conditioners and other major appliances "made in America"? How many of you own Japanese cars, even those "assembled in the USA or Canada"? Have you looked under the hood of a Ford or a Chevy lately? How many of those parts are "made in the USA"? It always kills me when Americans refer to the USA as "America". The United States (not that we are united anymore) is NOT America! We are, or should be, the United States of America. Yeah, USA! Let's not forget our Canadian brothers & sisters, much less our South American brothers & sisters. If our captains of industry weren't such greedy in-bred SOB's supported by equally greedy power-hungry corrupt politicians, our working people could get paid decent, livable wages and we would be making the world's best stuff right here in River City! It's the decline of the Roman Empire all over again! We are our own worst enemies! Time... no, long past time... to wake up, smell the coffee and stop fighting with one another! How 'bout a little... just a little... more love, tolerance and understanding and just a little less hatred, grumbling and blaming?
Sorry! This kind of tripe always rubs me the wrong way!
..during the latest lockdown I bought a chinese dac/headphone amp compo from Wuhan no less and man its awsome alright. Futhermore my 12yr old german loudspeakers featuring chinese made transducers have admirably resisted all attempts to destroy them by force. And let me not speak about my precious chinese made cans that I repeatedly crushed on concrete floor or the lately acquired 0.5K turnkey turntable that puts anything analog to shame. Chinese people are intelligent and hard-working and we should all better follow suit - as they once did with us - instead of bitching around like stray dogs.
Asian people are superb artisans,
can make outstanding quality,
can compete against any other human craftsman from anywhere on the Planet !!
but
There are serious manufacturing problems sourcing in Asia ! bottom line profit seems worth it -- short term .
and
For investing Audiophiles, there are financial issues in buying Asian -- resale being the biggest ! future service is an additional worry. ( can you speak any of the Asian Languages ? ).
Try to get the bulk of the Asian stuff serviced, is there a diagram ? , Can the device be opened up ? is there any support print in English ?
What ever is purchased from Asia is likely worthless in a few years.
Tony in Florida
Hi
Yes, as discussed above, some audio manufacturers take the SHORT term business approach - profiteering by assigning OEM offshore, sacrificing the livelihood of their local employees. Profiteeering, I say it again !!!!
Also as already stated in my above post, it is the consistency of quality control of the end products made over there. I have heard enough horse stories about it.
I know enough China trades. Decades ago, the largest building constuction electrical cables manufacturer in USA who supplies cables & wires to all major hardware stores in USA & Canada. This company intended to hire me to market their entire electrical
product range in China. I was invited to visit the huge company campus of the size of a small town. 2-day fully paid orientation for me there. I lost the job to a Chinese employee there who also wanted the China job. I am glad I did not get the job otherwise I would have missed my family for years, being 15 hours non-stop flight apart.
As a consumer, cost saving is a good reason to own a merchandise wherever it is made as long as it is backed up with effective warranty locally.
But for yours truly, I am skeptical about anything hi-tech 100% made in China as I already said above re my repair of a few power amps made in China "let alone the sound quality" !!!
Jack L
Dear Tony:
If your Parasound or Marantz or Monitor Audio, etc. device needs service, would you write in mandarin or write a request in English to the manufacturer ?
Who is obliged to do the service: the Asian manufacturer or the company?
Who fulfills the guarantee: the Asians or the company?
I would like to know. Like others, I have asian made goods with USA brands...
Asian Service has always been dubious, speaking as a Manufacturer and Importer.
I sell used gear to an Asian Market.
Asian Brands can become Name Brands here in the States i.e. Toyota, Honda, Kia, Sony but they have to have a Full Service Center with Phones that a English Speaker answers.
The Chinese Woo Audio is right here in NY and make magically performing Audio gear that never seems to get reviewed by Stereophile ( for some reason ). Woo firefly is more gorgeous than anything this Mag. has ever put on it's covers.
China makes darn good gear.
We USA DIY Audiophiles need a little English Speaking Hand Holding
Tony in Florida
ps. Mr.HR did just try a Woo design for Electrostatic headphones ( triple ultra-niche )
If there is anyone to blame for the poor quality of products manufactured in China for Western High End Audio companies or otherwise, it is the companies themself. They, not the Chinese manufacturing companies specify the quality to which their product is built. From what I have seen, Chinese manufactures who either design and build for there own domestic market, or manufacture products for Western companies, can produce products of high quality.
Hi
I would not dispute it BUT for how long ???
Jack L
Hi Jack,
If you are referring to Asian OEM's manufacturing products for a US Audio company, it is up to the US company itself to ensure they choose a reliable OEM partner.
This includes ensuring a ready supply of spare parts to support the life of their equipment beyond the warranty period.
As far as the warranty goes, it is up to the US company, not the OEM manufacturer to specify the terms of the warranty. I only mentioned this because others have commented about warranty concerns regarding Chinese made equipment. This may be an issue for Chinese branded equipment they manufacture for their own domestic market, but that is not the issue we are discussing here.
Hi
Yup, you have just dugged up the very concern we audio consumers have in mind.
What IF that US manufacturer has chosen a not so "reliable OEM partner" in term of product OEM technical standard, consistent quality control, & long term quality performance after its warranty period ???
Who would suffer upfront ? Its WE, the consumers. Who made most of our hard-earned money we paid for that product - the brandname orginal owner. I called it again - profiteering.
Let's be realistic in this real world. There is no free lunch for paying less for a product made somewhere else other than the original brandname manufacturer.
Would you buy a Mercedes made somewhere in Eastern Europe other than in Germany ?? I would never want to own a car not made in its country of origin. Period.
Jack L
My apologies to all concerned who are tired of this conversation. This will be my last post on the subject.
My question to you Jack, does that also go for a Mercedes Benz manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama ?, just asking.
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing: Made in the USA
Several Mercedes-Benz models are manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant located near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This factory produced its first vehicle in February 1997. The models that are still produced at this facility include:
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Here, you’ll also find the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center, which features a museum showcasing cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history.
Hi
So would YOU buy a made-in-USA Mercedes ? If so, be my guest.
For yours truly, I've never ever buy buy & drive any car built off shore.
That's why my first car I bought some 30 years back here was Toyota Camry, made in Japan. I never buy any Toyota any more as most of them are made in USA.
Todate I am still a proud owner & driver of Subaru Forester All-wheel-drive SUV which are ALL built & imported from Japan.
My first Forester lasted me 14 years (!!!) which I traded in for the same model of much better built in Japan, of course. It navigates like a chime on icy roads no sweat ! It never fails to start up instantly in deep freezing temps, having parked on my house driveway. -25C this morning !
Be a wise consumer, pal !
Jack L
You may wish to re-read your post Jack.
The second sentence seems to contradict the rest regarding where your cars came from?
Hi
Sorry for my sometimes lousy wording. I missed repeating "other than built in its country of origin."
Thanks for pointing it out.
Jack
is Bowers & Wilkins. They have been making the speakers in their closely managed factories for over 20 years. Lots of other examples with similar success. Monitor Audio is another... lol.
That Stereophile’s readership in 2022 is reduced to a bunch of dinosaurs squabbling over Made in China gear is sad and out of touch but entirely accurate. Why even feed this discussion in the review, RS? Why is Stereophile allowing know-nothing bigots like tonykaz and Jack L to keep coming back to spew their nonsense? Step up and do something. Somehow the magazine still gets published and the measurements from JA are always appreciated, but the community around the magazine is in shambles. It’s like the feeling you get when you’re certain you’re in the last operating Kmart in existence.
...it's a bit of a sensitive topic. It's about manufacturing, but it's also about politics. And a lot of people, not just dinosaurs at the world's last Kmart, have concerns, which is one reason Stereophile publishes the country of manufacture of the products it reviews, and why some manufacturers like to tout the fact that their products are entirely made in the US, or Canada, or Germany, etc.
I was also curious to see how a Western company would answer my question. What I was told may not be totally surprising, but I think it's good to be reassured as consumers that QC is an ongoing concern for the manufacturer that will not be overlooked.
I think you guys need to lead the way on changing things. You name something like the NAD M33 product of the year, made in China. Same with its little brother the NAD C298 which made the short list this year. KEF LS50 Meta and its predecessor are instant classics, made in China. On and on, the gear proves its worth, but you let these same guys poison the comments section. It’s time for you to say this isn’t a place where “the community,” what’s left of it, is allowed to bash gear for being made in China. I mean, just look at the embarrassment that was the D’Agostino M550 monoblock measurements. That’s a product with the highest American pedigree possible, made in USA at an insane premium, and it’s just a complete gremlin-infested disaster. Time to shut these guys up who can’t deal with reality and who drag you, your work, and all the rest of us down.
...... are entirely made in the US, or Canada, or Germany" quoted rschryer
Hi
Indeed.
I take proud of yr candid & impartial comment, reflecting the concern of many consumers.
Keep it up, my friend.
Jack L
Hi
So if I were a "know-nothing" bigot, you would be a "know-ALL" pigot, right ???
So please show me "know-nothing" bigot WHAT you know about audio that I don't "know nothing" at all.
Awaiting !
Otherwsie, I consider yr such statement above as inflamatory personal attack !!!!!
Jack L
I’ve suddenly remembered why I shouldn’t bother. You write like a 70 year old impersonating a six year old. Carry on. Stereophile is you and your ilk’s to keep.
HI
Be civil. Vent yr spreen somewhere else !
I hereby request yr apology for yr imflammatory big-mouthed personal attack in a public venue here. It stinks like a toddler's poop !!!
Jack L
Sadly, many Corporations and media have eagerly looked the other way regarding China's abuses. The last abuse was a real doozy. Chasing increasing revenues/profits is the goal. For those that have no problem buying their products, buy them. For those that "get it" and don't buy, well, good for you.
Hi
Bingo!
Profit is the name of the audio game.
Abuses? Not their business !
Jack L
The thing I find most troubling from all these comments from those that expect us to treat them as intelligent adults is the number of spelling and grammatical errors that would make a second grader ashamed. This is the intellectual decline of society on a massive scale, increasing exponentially. The more technology we have at our disposal, the more stupid and ignorant we become, to where we eventually won't be able to spell our own names without looking it up. How can I be expected to take any comment seriously from anyone who can't spell or type or form a sentence with proper structure any better than a grade school child? This is what troubles me most. If WWII occurred today, would the average man and woman off the street have the intelligence or other abilities required to go from what they're doing to building warships, fighter planes, bombers, explosives, missiles and other ammunition, tanks, artillery, ant-aircraft, radar and radio equipment, and other equipment needed to save the world from tyranny as quickly as is needed, as our parent's (and grandparent's) generation did? I have my doubts.
Hi
So may I ask YOU the same question you just raised above: Are you an "average man" ??
If SO, can you build warfare weapons ????? Otherwsie you would be an ordinary Joe Blow down the street. So why grumble for lacking the knowledge that needs professional training & experience ??
Jack LK
It's not a work of fiction, and we are halfway there.
Hi
That was a lousy bookoffice film for less than 1/2 million dollars:
"Sci-fi sex comedy".
Come on! Who would take such fiction comedy seriously ??
Jack L
Maybe.
I'm nothing if not average, and half of the US population is dumber than me. You should be worried, and DougM is correct is his opinion.
Hi
Please, please do not compare person to person, people to people.
So what even if you were the top genius of USA ? You want a medal from the president or whoever authorative ??
I'd stay low profile as an ordinary Joe Blow down the street. Showing off comes with a price.
Jack L
Apparently your reading comprehension skills are quite lacking or you'd see that I said that during the war effort ordinary citizens, housewives, secretaries, students, salesgirls, etc., men and women from all walks of life were able to be trained in those positions very quickly to make the military equipment needed to defeat Germany, Japan, and Italy. Others were trained in communications, radio, radar, etc., and I'm not sure the average person off the street would have the ability to be trained so quickly in those type positions today. As for me personally, yes, if not for my age and ailing health, I have no doubt that I could rise to the occasion, since I worked as a test technician in Silicon Valley for most of my working life, and as a machinist before that.
Hi
I am indeed honoured to be exchanging "intelligent" thoughts with your goodself. I wish you could mentally & physically returned back to the hayday of your youth.
FYI, both my younger son & in-law are working in 2 of the world's largest international hi-teck electronic firm in San Jose, the "Silicon Valley" for over a decade now as senior design engineers. Still I am affirmative they would not like going to warfare business - too ambitious !!!!
Money is not all, pal. Surely they both have made gooood money, owning 2 nice houses in San Jose for working only a decade !!! I am very proud of them both.
Jack L
I have no desire to support Communist China. But I have no idea if an audio company in China supports the CCP or if they hate the CCP and wish the CCP would be overthrown. I suspect that small entrepreneurs and dedicated music lovers there in our hobby are not fans of Xi Xinping.
This is different than buying mass market clothes, TV sets, processed food, and cheap furniture. I think. I prefer to buy from company in a free country but I won't automatically exclude my few hundred or a few thousand dollar purchase if it is China. But I will look hard for good "free country" or USA made shiirt. Or is it spelled shirtt.
Hi
BINGO !!!!!!
I would definitely spend my money toward a FREE country for anything substantial, e.g. audios.
Jack L
Hi. Based largely on this review of the Monitor Silver 500 7g I am purchasing them, but have a question please. I am intending to run them with a Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated amp. Should I connect the speakers to the 8 ohm or the 4 ohm taps? Thanks.
...but 8 ohms is the best bet.
Btw, as much as I like these speakers, if possible, nothing beats a trial period to listen to speakers in one's own system.
Hi
"Nominal" impedance seems to be the universal terminology used in all loudspeaker specification.
IMO, "norminal" is a pretty tricky word to use to protect the makers from claims. Instead of stating MININUM impedance, "norminal" means pretty similar to "mininum" but even provides more leeway to go.
It means the impedance of say 8 ohms is only an indicative value being one of the minimum values, IMO.
From the impedance measured data provided by J.A., my interpretion is the average value would be much much higher than 8 ohms. Is yr amp is a tube amp providing 16-ohm tap as well, I would suggest you to try the 16-ohm tap as well to hear the differnce.
Listening is believing
Jack L
Thanks for your reply Rob. I will try 8 ohms first. Fortunately I was able to get these speakers with a 60 day trial period. Based on your and JA’s positive reviews, I am hoping they will work out well in my space.
The follow up letter from the manufacturer was the weakest one I’ve ever seen. I read that first and thought they had gotten a shitty review. It was basically, thanks for reviewing our product, done.
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