Monitor Audio has announced a new flagship range of speakers, the Platinum Series 3G, delivering the most accurate, clear and lifelike sound the company has ever produced.
The launch of the Platinum Series 3G is taking place in Monitor Audio’s 50th year, and the company has channelled all five decades of expertise into its development. The series builds on its stated vision of bringing the listener closer to sonic and visual perfection. A visceral experience for the ears as well as the eyes, the range deepens the connection between listening and making audio human.
Comprised of four premium models, the Platinum Series 3G is designed to satisfy both two-channel or multi-channel home theatre system configurations. The series consists of the Platinum 100 3G stand mount, Platinum 200 3G mid-sized floorstander, and the flagship floorstander, the Platinum 300 3G. Each speaker works independently in a high-performance two-channel system, or with the addition of the Platinum 250 3G centre-channel as part of a high-performance AV system.
Each model in the new range features the new 3rd generation Micro Pleated Diaphragm (MPD III) high frequency transducer. Developed by Monitor Audio’s acoustic engineers when creating the company’s ground-breaking ‘Concept 50’ prototype, this accurate tweeter was unveiled earlier this year as part of the company’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The MPD III introduces innovative technology that reduces distortion and flattens the frequency response, while the optimised waveguide provides highly controlled directivity, improving both soundstage and sensitivity. This all leads to a larger, clearer, and more consistent sound, allowing the Platinum Series 3G to create the ultimate immersive experience.
The RDT III cone is also used in all Platinum Series 3G midrange and bass drivers. An extremely strong cone, the RDT III cone is constructed from three distinct layers: a Nomex honeycombed core is sandwiched between an ultra-thin and ultra-rigid C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium) layer and a twin layer of uni-directional Carbon Fibre, which are layered and bonded at 90-degrees to each other for even greater strength. Ultra-light but also very strong, the RDT III cone works like a perfect piston, and when coupled to the latest optimised and contoured cone surround and black spider, it allows the Platinum Series 3G mid and bass drivers to boast the lowest distortion of any speaker in Monitor Audio’s history.
The dedicated mid-range driver utilised in the Platinum 200 3G and Platinum 300 3G models feature several significant enhancements that help to create a smoother transition across the frequency range, and deliver a more consistent crossover with the MPD III tweeter. Adding Monitor Audio’s innovative Dynamic Coupling Filter (DCF) mechanism helps control cone breakup, while there are also larger more powerful Neodymium magnets, a new motor-system, an underhung edge-wound voice-coil, and improved power handling. Plus, intricately calculated mid-range driver enclosures reduce internal standing waves, for much improved overall clarity within the midrange, making vocals and minute details precise and lifelike.
The new centre channel mid-range driver for the Platinum C250 3G maximises the speaker’s ability to provide the impact and precision needed for even the most dynamic soundtrack or film score. Taking its DNA from Monitor Audio’s flagship THX-certified Cinergy Theatre series, the mid-range driver utilises a carefully optimised motor system, providing high power. Though it only has a 2.5” diameter, the mid-range driver employs a very large voice coil to ensure high levels of power handling to deliver the dynamics of any music or film score while also producing a wide directivity in order to create a fully immersive soundscape.
The Platinum Series 3G cabinets are available in three finishes: Piano Ebony, Piano Black, and Pure White Satin. The unique curved front profile reduces diffraction, while also giving an elegant look, as do the new aluminium driver frames which feature tension rods that secure the drivers to the cabinet to make the cabinet almost completely inert and vibration free. Precision engineered outrigger feet complete the acoustic system design approach and form a solid platform for floorstanding models.
All available from December, the Platinum 300 3G is priced at £11,500 / €14,000 / $15,500 per pair; the Platinum 200 3G is priced at £9,000 / €11,000 / $12,000 per pair; the Platinum 100 3G is priced at £4,500 / €5,500 / $6,000 per pair; and the Platinum C250 3G is priced at £3,500 / €4,750 / $5,250 each.