Monitor Audio PL200 3-Way Floor Standing Speaker

The latest addition to Monitor Audio's flagship Platinum range is a compact version of the universally acclaimed PL300 loudspeaker, designed for an even broader range of environments. In a skilful re-sizing of the PL300 (the PL200 occupies approximately 1/3 the volume of the PL300), Monitor Audio's engineers have taken great care to preserve all the sonic virtues and design excellence of the larger speaker. By utilising a re-scaled 6.5" version of the Platinum 8" bass driver and by re-configuring the Platinum mid-range Tapered Line Enclosure (TLE) to align co-axially with the PL200's HiVe®II bass reflex port, they have endowed the smaller PL200 with the spiritual essence of its universally admired range-mate.

Just how successful Dean Hartley and his team have been in this endeavour can be measured by the near parity of PL200 and PL300 performance specifications, despite the new design's significant re-scaling. For all the practical advantages conferred by the smaller enclosure, the PL200 surrenders only a little bass extension to the PL300 and cannot quite match SPL and power handling. In other performance parameters the PL200 and PL300 are comparable, proving that within the new PL200 design there is little compromise.

Standing at just under a metre in height (99.8cm x 25.5cm W x 28.5cm D), the compact three-way PL200 speaker features dual 6.5" RDT bass drivers, a single 4" RDT mid-range driver and Monitor Audio's proprietary and superlative Platinum C-CAM® ribbon transducer.

As with other Platinum speakers, the PL200's innovatively shaped and braced cabinet is finished in a choice of exotic lacquered Santos Rosewood and Ebony natural wood veneers, and in a rich piano black lacquer. The front baffle is upholstered in high quality leather.

• Single Ported HiVe® II technology    
• Sealed Mid-range TLE®
• 2 x 6.5” long-throw RDT® bass drivers
• 1 x 4” RDT®  mid-range driver
• 1 x C-CAM® high frequency ribbon transducer
• All cabinet finishes have hand-upholstered front baffles in Ingleston Black premium grade leather.

Reviews

Stereophile had this to say: Read full article here

The ideal loudspeaker would have no sound of its own: the sound that it made would simply reflect the input signal, communicating all of the detail and nuances present in the source. If such a speaker exists, I haven't heard it—but the Monitor Audio Platinum PL200 comes closer to this ideal than most.

Techradar gives full 5 star: Read full report here (stunning pictures)

However, provided some care is taken to ensure that the bottom end works well in the intended listening room, the Platinum 200 is something of a star. Though undoubtedly costly, this is at least partly due to the almost obsessional application of top quality ingredients and partly justified by the outstanding voicing, sweetness and freedom from boxiness throughout the midrange and the treble. 

Specification

Model	Monitor Audio PL200
Discription	3 Way Rear Ported HiVe®II technology
Built From	#
Power Handling	250 watts
Recommended amplifier power	100-250 watts
Frequency range	35Hz
Frequency response	35Hz - 100kHz
Sensitivity	90 dB
Nominal impedance	4ohms
Tweeter	1 x C-CAM® high frequency ribbon transducer
Midrange Driver	1 x 4" RDT® mid-range driver
Midbase Driver	n/a
BASS Driver	2 x 6.5" long-throw RDT® bass drivers
LOW to MID-FREQUENCY CROSSOVER	600Hz
MID to HIGH FREQ CROSSOVER	3600 Hz
External Dimensions excl Stand (H x W x D)	998 x 360 x 375 mm
Terminal Input	4 Terminal Bi Amp
Weight	33Kg (72.7lbs)
Configuration Options (Stereo and.or HT)	Stereo and Home Theater
FINISHES	Piano Black Lacquer
	Santos Rosewood Real Wood Veneer
	Ebony Real Wood Veneer
	Leather