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Review NaN of
, from UK Summary:
Monitor Audio is well known for producing some of the prettiest cabinetwork around, and this real-wood-veneered compact floorstander is no exception to the rule. However, in the context of this test group - and also the less expensive models in MA's PMC range - the £1,400 charged for this 705PMC does seem rather steep.
The 705PMC looks very similar to the 703PMC, but whereas that model uses a single main driver loaded by a large reflex port, this 705PMC has two main drivers operating in sealed-box mode. It stands a few centimetres taller too, but neither of those factors provides justification for the huge £600 price difference between two such similar models from the same stable. Still, it does have one of the nicest surface finishes around, and neatly softened edges that are tricky to achieve properly - those are bound to be reflected in the price tag.
Top-class ingredients include cast-frame, metal-diaphragm drivers, rebated into the front panel. However, their gilt anodising might be a bit too strong for some tastes, and the grille is best left off for acoustic reasons. The main drivers have 115mm metal cones, while the tweeter has a 25mm metal dome, well protected by a coarse mesh. Spikes are fitted directly (and most effectively) into the bottom panel, but there's no plinth, so the fore-to-aft footprint is limited.
The 703PMC delivered one of the smoothest in-room balances I've ever recorded, so it was disappointing to find that this 705PMC isn't really in the same ballpark. The tweeter looks to all intents and purposes the same, so the addition of an extra driver merely results in 3dB or so extra through the midrange - ergo the balance is now short of treble. The bottom end is more favourable, the sealed box loading improving extension and delivering a 'dry' balance which is well suited to close-to-wall siting.
Sound quality
Considering its shortcomings in tonal balance, the 705PMC didn't disgrace itself in the listening tests. The fine midband coherence of those metal diaphragms gives impressive focus, detail and delicacy, which drew decent enough marks and comments from half the panel.
The problems, however, lie outside the broad midband. There's simply not enough treble here, and the end result sounds determinedly shut-in and over-restrained. As one panellist put it: "thick and treacly". The bass, too, is a bit of an underachiever in the context of this upmarket group. It's clean and smooth enough, but is short of weight, drive and impetus, tending to plod on regardless of the subtleties musicians might be trying to convey. Dynamics, too, seem rather muted, and 'softened' leading edges do little to break down the barriers between the music and the listeners.
Conclusion
There's no denying that MA's metal cones have their own special and persuasive qualities, but price is the stumbling block with this implementation. It costs £600 more than its similarly-sized 703PMC stablemate, yet in crucial areas it's actually not as good. On this occasion, slapping in an extra main driver seems to have done more harm than good to the sound
Strengths:
Fine midband coherence. Weaknesses:
Inadequate treble. Pricey for the ingredients and performance. Similar Products Used:
703 PMC
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