I have the studio6 for about 3 months now and I think I can make an accurate review. I've tested them with a lot of amps and cd players. I've got them working with some dpa amp, YBA integre dt, Tag McClaren, Krell 400, Triangle Nemo and some audiolab stuff. A little piece of advice, do not use them with audiolabs and Tags. I think the audiolab amps are great but they're simply not cut out to work with monitor audio speakers. The sound is to analitycal and cold. These babies want some tubes or some warm transistors. The Nemo is far out the best and the Studio6 really came to life. What I can say about these speakers is just how great they are. I'm a monitor audio fan but I know there are many of you who don't like. The high frequences are very special, only to some people tastes. The sound stage was as good as it could be and the transparency really amazed me. They play guitars like I've seen a similar priced speaker play and for what I guess, they're a 5 stars winner. Listen to these babies with the right amp, the Yba dt is great as well to work with them, and get some good tubes connected to them and they'll fly.

Holographic imaging
Excellent bass for a speaker of its size

none

You won't go wrong with this wonderful little speaker. It has a smooth, non-fatiguing sound with pinpoint imaging. The build quality is excellent. You will need sturdy stands to showcase this speaker to its best advantage and biwiring should also be considered a necessity.

Similar Products Used:

monitor audio 702pmc

Great clarity and imaging. Superb bass for the size

None so far for the price and size.

I had the fortune of obtaining a pair with piano finish - the quality really shines.
The sound stage, clarity, and dynamics of these speakers are really superb.
I beg to differ from the previous reviewer who criticised the dynamics and bass of these speakers. If matched properly (I have 2 sets of amp -- 200W and 450W) the bass is very tight, and well controlled. [Try playing Kitaro's Matsuri with a good set of amp and you will be impressed by the dynamics, soundstaging and bass].
For its price and size, I doubt you can find another speaker with such dynamic bass. I was initally worried about the quality of the bass looking at the specification (40Hz-30kHz). However, once run it, the bass quality really shines.

Oh, my God . . .

Whatever . . .

Wow, what wonderful monitor louds. I'll post more thoughts when I've had more time with them. Until then, I'll be listening to them carefully

Similar Products Used:

MA R700 circa 1992, others

Clarity, Bass, Soundstage, Depth, Build, Cabinet and Finish

None Yet

The Studio 6 bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio (MA) are, as far as I am concerned, perfect. In sound, build and looks they are perfect. These speakers are a pretty easy load for one's amplifier to drive -- 88 db and 8 ohms. They are front ported with gold plated biwireable connections and stand 13 3/4 inches high, 8 1/2 width, and 10 inches depth. According to the MA pamphlet, the speakers use aerospace grade materials along with a high degree of engineering precision, and are hand built by specialist craftsmen & technicians. MA also states that rigorous testing and detailed quality inspection at all stages in the production process are carried out.

The hand crafted cabinet is made from a high density composite material bonded to a real wood veneer. Multiple internal bracing is used with a special damping material bonded to the cabinet walls, resulting in a very rigid construction. I got the speakers with MA "Piano Rosewood" finish -- this involves a process where 9 layers of waxed polyester are applied to each cabinet, along with 2 further hand sanding processes together with 4 hand polishing processes, all of which guarantee a beautiful and very elegant finish. Upon close inspection of all sides of the cabinets, I can confidently write that the finish is flawless. Simply Exceptional!

The speakers woofer units incorporate low mass ceralloy diaphragms developed by MA, and combine a layer of pure ceramic to a magnesiam/aluminum alloy substrate. MA notes this material exhibits ideal acoustic properties. In addition, high temperature voice coil assemblies are wound onto high dissipation alloy formers. The 25mm gold dome tweeter also use MA composite ceralloy material to achieve tonal & dynamic consistency while allowing for a high degree of clarity and transparency.

How do they sound? The bass is sharp and quite deep for a bookshelf speaker, tonal accuracy & detail are second to none, rhythm & pacing are fast, and the clarity & transparency are wonderful. The sound from the Studio 6 are very detailed without sounding etched. From bass to mids to highs the musical dynamics are exceptional. The soundstage is quite wide, and with a great sense of depth in its presentation.

After about 5 months listening to these speakers, I have nothing but praise for them. Whatever listening fatigue means, there is none of it with the Studio 6. Anyone who is looking for a high-end bookshelf speaker ($3,000+ Canadian money) should absolutely audition them. They are detailed and smooth, and I confidently recommend them. I expect to have them forever!


Equipment:

Bryston B-60R Integrated Amplifier
Arcam FMJ CD-23
Teac 6030S Cassette
Speaker cable -- Kimber 8TC
Interconnects -- Kimber KS-1020; QED QNECT Silver Spiral
2 Pair Wireworld Aurora 3 AC Power Cords