Monitor Audio Studio 89: Inspired By The 80s, Engineered For The Future

Retro speakers are really popular these days, and brands like JBL, Wharfedale, and PSB have drawn from past designs, creating models like the JBL L100 Classic, Wharfedale Super Denton, and PSB Passif 50. In contrast, Monitor Audio tends to focus more on the future. Instead of releasing a nostalgic classic for their 50th anniversary, they introduced an innovative new flagship model—the $95,000 Hyphn. So, I was intrigued when I received an email from Monitor Audio’s North American distributor, Kevro International, about the new Studio 89 loudspeakers, priced at $2,499 per pair. These speakers are described as a modern tribute to the famous Monitor Audio Studio 15 from 1989. According to the company, the original Studio Series delivered studio-quality sound for home use, and the new Studio 89 draws inspiration from both that legendary series and the vibrant culture of the ‘80s. This decade was marked by incredibly fast technological advancements that became embedded in pop culture in ways that earlier generations hadn’t seen. Just think about how significant the first Apple Macintosh and Sony Walkman were, for example.

The Studio 89 certainly doesn’t exude a vintage vibe like the JBL, Wharfedale, and PSB speakers mentioned earlier. Instead, it evokes the sleek black high-gloss finish and gold anodized drivers seen in the larger Monitor Audio Studio 15, which was priced at an impressive $3,500 a pair when John Atkinson reviewed it for Stereophile in 1992. (This was the only model in the series to feature that finish). In contrast, the new Studio 89 is a more compact and distinctly modern design, both inside and out. The black and gold color scheme is the sole finish available, and although gloss black isn’t usually my preference, the Studio 89 resembles a young Sean Connery in a perfectly fitted tuxedo—radiating elegance and poise from head to toe. This is the only model from Monitor Audio that comes in this upscale finish. Longtime fans of Monitor Audio will notice that the physical design closely resembles the $1,400/pair Studio speaker from 2018. Although the shape and driver arrangement of the new speaker are quite alike, the Studio 89 has undergone a complete redesign, benefiting from advancements learned while creating the company’s Hyphn and Platinum Series 3G speakers. These innovations are most apparent in the new drive units, which feature two 4 ¼-inch mid-woofers and a custom Air Motion Transformer tweeter, set up in an MTM (Mid-Tweeter-Mid) configuration designed to approximate an acoustic point source. Monitor Audio claims that this driver layout “ensures that even in spacious rooms, the soundstage, imaging, and level of detail are fully immersive and stay true to the goal of delivering ‘studio monitoring quality’ at home, with a scale and quality that defy what you would expect from the compact size of the Studio 89.”

Introduced in 1989, the original Studio Series marked a significant milestone for Monitor Audio. It was the first time we integrated our essential technologies, including metal dome tweeters and metal cone drivers. We felt it was important to honor this achievement, especially as we celebrate 35 years since its launch. Our goal now is to revisit the impact this product line had on our company while also exploring a modern perspective for the future.

— Charles Minett, Director of Product Design at Monitor Audio

Monitor Audio highlights that their newly introduced third-generation MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) tweeter is a significant advancement, boasting a frequency range that extends up to 60kHz—substantially higher than the typical 40kHz of standard AMTs. It features a specially designed waveguide that improves sound dispersion compared to regular AMT tweeters, while still maintaining the quick response and low distortion qualities that AMT tweeters are known for. This is primarily because AMT drivers have less weight than traditional dome drivers and utilize a larger surface area for sound production. The waveguide, along with the intricately designed grille of the Studio 89’s MPD III tweeter, is derived from the premium Hyphn model, which also influenced the hexagonal design seen in the metal mesh. Additionally, the Studio 89’s mid-bass drivers utilize Monitor Audio’s RDT (Rigid-Diaphragm Technology). Also borrowed from the Hyphn, these cones consist of three super-thin layers to ensure they are both strong and rigid. The outer layer is crafted from C-CAM, a ceramic-coated aluminum magnesium material that Monitor Audio has used in its cone drivers for many years. Beneath this layer lies a central core made of Nomex honeycomb, and the bottom layer is constructed from woven carbon fiber. Monitor Audio claims that this layered material is "extremely lightweight and highly durable." Each of the dual 4 ¼-inch drivers offers a combined cone area comparable to a single 6-inch driver. However, the specifications indicate that the bass response tends to decline notably around 50Hz, which is expected considering the speaker's dimensions of approximately 14 inches high, six inches wide, and 14 inches deep. Some speakers in a similar price range may produce deeper bass, but those intending to use the Studio 89 alongside one or two subwoofers are likely to find it perfectly adequate.

In recent years, our engineering team has created some fantastic products. We launched the new Platium 3G series and introduced the top-of-the-line Hyphn. Throughout these projects, we’ve innovated new technologies and discovered better ways to enhance loudspeakers. We realized that by utilizing an existing platform, like the 2018 Studio speaker, and applying these advancements, we could craft a truly exceptional speaker.

— Michael Hedges, the Technical Director at Monitor Audio

Monitor Audio claims that the drivers work together smoothly thanks to a carefully designed third-order crossover. This design aims to achieve an ideal frequency response for each driver, resulting in complete symmetry, which aids in managing sound dispersion. The vertical MTM driver setup is also said to enhance sound dispersion and integration. Furthermore, in addition to thorough measurements, the crossovers have been subjected to extensive listening tests and component selection, using only top-quality custom polypropylene and polyester capacitors, air-core inductors, and low-loss laminated steel-core inductors. This approach is meant to ensure optimal signal transfer and minimize distortion for the best sound performance.

The Studio 89 features a sturdy and robust cabinet design, with an 18mm thick front panel and 15mm thick side panels. While these measurements may not seem particularly thick, their solid build contributes to a reliable feel, especially given the speaker's small size. Thoughtfully designed internal partitions enhance durability and support, while also being expertly arranged to enable air to flow through the dual slot ports located at the top and bottom of the cabinet.

The ports feature Monitor Audio's HiVe II technology, which helps minimize air turbulence and noise. The three driver units are securely mounted on an aluminum front panel, but they are acoustically separated from it. This entire assembly is further isolated from the main cabinet with gasket isolators. The driver unit connects to the cabinet using two long bolts that go all the way through to the back panel. These bolts effectively tighten the back and front of the cabinet together, increasing its rigidity and reinforcing the structure. This design not only enhances stability but also gives the front panel a sleek and clean appearance without any visible screws.

To enhance the setup, customers can choose to purchase the specialized Studio 89 stands, priced at a significant $749 per pair. With this investment, you receive a top plate crafted from laser-cut steel, an extruded aluminum column that can be loaded with mass and features integrated cable management, along with a die-cast aluminum base equipped with four adjustable feet. These feet come with both chrome spikes for carpet and rounded rubber caps for hard surfaces, offering versatility. Monitor Audio emphasizes that using various materials for different components of the stand ensures “optimal rigidity and an exceptional listening experience.” One thing is clear: the Studio 89 looks stylish on these stands, which can also be secured in place for added stability.

The Studio 89 delivers a remarkably natural sound. The low-frequency response is significant without being overwhelming; the bass is clear and precise, allowing rhythms to come through powerfully and maintaining a steady flow. Its design is intricate and detailed, yet also delightful and captivating, making it incredibly appealing to potential buyers. It’s definitely worth a listen.

— Simon Lucas, Stereonet

Additional details: Monitor Audio Studio 89

Unless stated otherwise, this article provides a preview of the highlighted product. A formal review may be published at a later date, but that's not guaranteed.