Monitor Audio Silver 200 AV12 Speaker Review

Monitor Audio Silver 200 AV12 Speaker Review

Monitor Audio is a UK audio company that has been making stereo and multi-channel systems compatible speakers for more than 40 years, from entry-level to high-quality, and high-end products. The Silver 200 AV12 2.5-way, bass-reflex, floor-standing speaker, the sixth generation of the Monitor Audio Silver series, is the smallest of the three floor-standing speakers, and weights approx. 20 kg.

Features

The recommended amplifier power is 60 to 150 watts, the frequency transmission is between 38 and 35,000 Hz, and a gold-plated tweeter and C-CAM subwoofer / midrange provide impressive sound. Ceramic-coated engines made of aluminium-magnesium (C-CAM), precious metal vaporized high radiators, and special airflow reflex ports are custom-designed by Monitor Audio to focus on quality sound. For the exterior, elegance and minimalist style are paired with the characteristic compact size of the speakers. The company’s engineers have worked to tune the speakers so that there is no significant difference in performance, regardless of where we place them.

The different tuning of the subwoofers in the two separate acoustic chambers of the loudspeaker housing, and the optimal sharing of the crossover frequencies guarantee efficient operation even in the lower frequency ranges. Because only mid-range frequencies cross tones from the tweeter, the sound image remains accurate in all situations. The speaker delivers the performance of three-way systems and, despite its small housing, delivers high levels of efficiency and comprehensive low-frequency sound.

The drives using a rugged magnetic systems are capable of a wide range of bass extensions. The Silver 200 also delivers outstanding performance when placed close to a wall. The speaker can also be used with The Cinema Designer software designed specifically for home theatres.
In the case of the Silver 200, the best sound is obtained when the speakers are placed approx. 50 cm from the wall.

The company also used a precision laser scanner to create the speaker boxes to minimise resonances, moreover, the internal stiffeners ensure low vibration and optimum rigidity for the device.

The transmitter is made of ceramic-coated aluminium and magnesium alloy anodised with gold. The 25mm tweeter has been upgraded for cleaner, smoother and distortion-free high frequencies and a grille has been placed in front of it for protection purposes. The DCF switching mechanism between the sound coil and the cone is designed to reduce distortion and achieve a clearer sound. The subwoofer is made of rigid, ceramic-coated aluminium-magnesium with a diameter of 133 mm.

The Silver 200 series products also feature a pair of rear reflex connectors that speed up airflow and reduce turbulence, moving air more efficiently and quickly resulting in a stronger bass sound. Their semi-hexagonal design comes in handy when placed in a room. They produce a comprehensive sound space. Double cabling is also possible.

Power and Modern Technology

Powered by a 500W Class D amplifier and a large black 75mm audio coil, Monitor Audio says it provides more power management and low distortions. The minimum frequency response is 20 Hz, the maximum frequency response is 120 Hz, the RMS output power is 500 watts, and the DSP works with digital signal processing. It also has a USB connection.

It also offers three EQ settings, as well as a top-mounted control panel that makes it easy to adjust the low-frequency volume without having to adjust it through the amplifier each time. Monitor Audio offers the Silver 200 in five colours: black oak, walnut, rust hazelnut, natural oak and satin white, so everyone can find a speaker to suit their taste.

Monitor Audio Silver 200 AV12 test

We tried the pair of speakers in a medium-sized living room. The acoustics of the room were quite fair, but the ceiling would still need a few diffuser front panels to make the sound really perfect.

We paired the Silver AV12 speakers with an Anthem amplifier and tested them in terms of musical sound. We listened to Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse’s duet Body & Soul. The dynamics could have been better and the high frequency frequencies did not ring with the expected clarity. Accuracy and detail, on the other hand, were fine.

We also wanted to try out the speaker while watching a movie, so we watched the fantasy film, the Monster Hunter. We experienced definite, strong, rumbling basses, precise and detailed sound, and excellent surround effect.

Conclusion

Very precise and detailed sound characterises the Monitor Audio speakers. It is a good choice for both listening to music and watching movies. The bass sounded loud and clear, the surround sound was also ideal. During our listening test, we found some flaws in dynamics and treble. The exterior design of the speaker is modern, sleek, and available in a variety of colours. Due to its size, it can be placed in smaller rooms, even close to the wall and the sound quality does not deteriorate. High quality components and state-of-the-art technologies were used to make these speakers. We also recommend it to smaller and medium-sized rooms and home cinema rooms.

When choosing a speaker, you need to consider how much room is available to accommodate it, what purpose you want to use it for and what acoustic features the room has. If we don’t deal with acoustics, even the best audio and hi-fi devices can’t deliver maximum performance.

G.H.

Written by Róbert Polgár