Their Composure Is Impressive And Absoulte

Clean, Detailed sound; Huge scale; great Bass; build

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We reviewed the first generation of Monitor Audio’s Platinum PL300s back in 2008. At that time, the company didn’t have much of a reputation for high-end speakers, but out of nowhere came a pair of luxury floor standers that could stand toe-to-toe with the best at the price.

We were impressed enough with the results to use a complete 9.2 Platinum package (PL300s as fronts) as a reference set-up for many years. There’s no doubt in our minds the range succeeded in establishing the company at the top end of the market. It also did well enough to ensure that the idea of £8000 Monitor Audios doesn’t seem strange at all.

Some may be disappointed to note there’s little to surprise in the new 300s. That fits perfectly into the company’s way of doing things – good products are evolved rather than scrapped – yet no part of the original has survived. Everything from the cabinet and drive units to the spike assembly is brand new, all designed with a view to improving the performance. To a large extent, we think Monitor Audio has succeeded.

Curved, braced and damped

The PL300 II’s cabinet is an elaborate affair. It’s impressively inert thanks to a combination of multi layered curved panels, extensive bracing and the clever use of damping materials. These are heavy speakers at almost 55kg each, and large too, standing 111cm – tall so make sure you have help unpacking them.