News

Monitor Audio Introduces Radius Loudspeaker Systems (30/11/2004)

Radical new four-strong range of multi-channel systems promises high performance and ultimate installation flexibility from ultra compact loudspeakers in a range of finishes

The new 'Radius' multi-channel loudspeaker systems have been styled and engineered to appeal to a love of space and design as much as a need for high quality music and movie sound.

Seriously compact, exquisitely made and completely flexible according to application and environment, each of the Radius systems is capable of delivering high-quality, full-range sound and yet blends into its surroundings with a vanishing subtlety that doesn't devour valuable living space.

In a market populated by many style-orientated speaker systems, Monitor Audio has aimed for altogether more exceptional results, both visually and sonically by designing the Radius loudspeakers as true Monitor Audio products, incorporating the brand's signature build quality and advanced driver/crossover technology.

The versatile Radius systems range comprises four systems of magnetically shielded Radius satellite loudspeakers combined with the stunningly powerful and compact R360 active subwoofer in a 5.1-channel configuration. Each is available in a choice of Beech and Rosemah real wood veneers, video silver and black or white lacquer finishes. A high quality, die-cast metal wall bracket is supplied with each satellite, together with black and silver grilles to customise both the speaker's appearance and its match with room decor.

The system configurations have been selected by Monitor Audio for the best match of sonic characteristics to achieve a seamless blend of multi-channel sound, and an unmatched choice of system-building options between £1000 and £1300. The R90AV system comprises four R90 satellites, the R180 as a centre-channel speaker and R360 active subwoofer. The R180AV system comprises three R180 satellites in the front three positions, two R90 satellites for surround and the R360 active subwoofer. The R225AV system comprises three R225 satellites, two R180 satellites and the R360 active subwoofer. The R270AV system comprises two floor-standing R270 loudspeakers, the R225 satellite as a centre-channel loudspeaker and the R360 active subwoofer.

In addition to the wall brackets supplied with each Radius satellite, floor stands are available for the R90 and R180 satellites and a desktop stand for the R225.

Radius Range Features:

á Build quality meets Monitor Audio's reference standards: rigid MDF construction throughout with additional rigid cross bracing where necessary to minimise cabinet resonance. Smooth radius cabinet edges reduce diffraction effects and give better imaging properties. á Magnetically shielded loudspeakers available in Video Silver, Black Lacquer , White Lacquer, and Natural Beech and Rosemah veneers. á Choice of black or silver grille colours supplied with each satellite except with white finish where the choice is silver or white. á Wall-mounting brackets supplied with each satellite á Floor stands available for R90 and R180 satellites á Desktop stands available for R225 satellites á R360 active subwoofer available in all satellite finishes á The 25mm "gold" alloy tweeter dome is made from Ceramic Coated Aluminium/Magnesium (C-CAM), originally developed by the aerospace industry for use as blades in jet engines. Ferro-fluid cooled, it exhibits ideal qualities for use as a tweeter dome, avoiding the break-up or bending modes of more conventional materials. The dome remains rigid and delivers pure pistonic operation to well above 25 kHz. á MMP¨ Mk2 is an advance in driver technology developed from Monitor Audio's original Metal Matrix Polymer cone material (essentially a polymer loaded with metallic particles to give high rigidity, coupled with high overall efficiency and ease of drive) and uses a high-pressure injection moulding process to achieve different thickness at critical points of the cone geometry. MMP¨ Mk2 provides better stiffness and consistency and tighter production tolerances resulting in superior sonic performance. á New cast bass-driver chassis is made from high-tech glass loaded engineering polymer. It provides better damping properties than metal and increased overall strength. á Crossovers use high-grade metalised Polypropylene capacitors throughout for increased clarity. Highgrade air core and laminated iron core inductors provide lowest possible distortion and low insertion losses. á Single though-bolt driver fixing provides mechanical de-coupling properties resulting in enhanced midband clarity and resolution. Through bolts also act as rigid cross bracing to give a very solid non-resonant cabinet. á Specially developed high-grade PCOFC internal cable used throughout for maximum signal transfer at all frequencies and low signal resistance.

Approximate retail prices:
R90AV = 4xR90, R180, R360: £1000
R180AV = 3xR180, 2xR90, R360: £1050
R225AV = 3xR225, 2xR180, R360: £1250
R270AV = 2xR270, R225, 2xR90, R360: £1300
Floor stand for R90 and R180: £125 pr
Desktop stand for R225: £60 pr

Availability: November 2004

www.monitoraudio.co.uk