Price Paid:  $700.00 from Audio Encounter

Summary:
An excellent all around speaker. I use these as my primary speakers and the front outside channels for my home theater (with a matching Monitor Audio CC300 middle channel and Monitor Audio 2.5 in the rear). Unfortunately, I been powering the system with Sony's ES 333 (complete with AC-3 decoding). It's not a bad receiver, but these speakers deserve better. However, given the power supply, these speakers have performed EXTREMELY well and I am very satisfied. To hear the DTS versions of Santana's Abraxas, Steely Dan's Gaucho, Eagles' Hell Freezes Over or any of the DTS DVDs has been a shear pleasure. I listen to a great deal of Frank Zappa's music, and these speakers have kicked ass handling the various layers of music and melodies common with his music. I got a good deal when I purchased the set and anyone who sees these speakers used for sale (no longer available new), should audition them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Please note that I have rated them as 4 stars on the overall rating because these (technically) are an entry level speaker for an audio enthusiast and therefore, must be rated as such when compared to other speakers that an enthusiast would purchase. For a novice looking to purchase speakers, I would rate 5 stars compared to the speakers sold by the giant audio/record superstores.

Strengths:
Very well balanced speaker that presents an excellent soundstage. Monitor Audio's gold dome tweeter!

Weaknesses:
Not as fast as I would like. Polypropolene mid/bass drivers are good for theater applications but can be challenged in the music arena.

Similar Products Used:
Krell, Other Monitor Audio products.

Summary:
I bought these at a 50% reduction also. I am very pleased with the performance of these speakers. The clarity of sound and the soundstage are rich. There is full bodied sound with a pleasurable mixture of highs, midrange and lows. I have been using these with a Klipsch KSW 10 subwoofer and KG 1.5 bookshelfs as surrounds. I have had to adjust the subs output down to match the richness of the lows coming from these speakers. Certainly I think that the speakers have enough bass on their own to not need a sub.
I especially like the punch from the bass that I hear on more dynamic jazz pieces with a lot of bass. The highs are dynamic but not harsh.
Acoustic music sounds transcendant with strings resonating with a full rich sound.
I have these powered with a Denon 3300.
The size of the cabinets are small enough to fit a smaller listening room if needed Yet the sound is big enough to fill a larger room.
I would not hesitate to recommend these speakers.

Strengths:
Clarity, highs, midrange and lows.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Auditioned energy C-6, energy Audissey 3+2, Klipsh KF10,

Summary:
I recently sold my much loved NEAR 15Ms to buy a discontinued pair of Monitor Studio 4s with 2 6-1/2" woofers and a gold dome tweeter. I was looking for something with a richer low end than my NEARs. Not only did I get what I wanted, I also got a tamer high end and much improved midrange detail. While I got lots of high end zip with the NEARs, the Monitors were no less extened but much smoother. I have no plans to add a sub as there is plenty of bass for my tastes. I rated the NEARs five stars a few years ago, and these are definitely better in nearly every aspect. Audio Advisor sold me mine for $500, 50% off retail price. Outstanding value.

Strengths:
Great bass for small floor-stander. SIlky smooth sound

Weaknesses:
None yet

Similar Products Used:
NEAR 15M

Summary:
I tried out a set of Monitor Audio Monito 4 speakers and a Audiolab 8000 A amp.I found that the speakers performed very well with good imaging and a well controled bass.
I would like to know if someone could offer some comments on these speakers