Monitor Audio will debuted the Platinum II at CES 2016.
The new line deploys a new MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) high frequency transducer, supported by next-generation RDT II bass and mid drivers, improved crossover design and bespoke speaker terminal designs.
Platinum II has a seven-model line-up that includes the flagship PL500 II tower; two further floor standing models, the PL300 II and PL200 II; the PL100 II stand-mount monitor; matching centre-channel speakers in two sizes: the PLC350 II and PLC150 II, and a 1400W, twin 15” subwoofer: the PLW-215.
The MPD High Frequency Transducer uses an extremely thin, low-mass pleated diaphragm with a surface area eight times larger than that of a traditional dome tweeter, offering greater accuracy and efficiency. The design represents a wholesale reworking of an established technology, introducing a greater number of diaphragm pleats while reducing plea height to eliminate the typical dip in response around 40kHz. Consequently Monitor Audio’s MPD tweeter, developed through intensive testing and listening over many months, operates with uniform output to over 100 kHz and therefore qualifies as an entirely new and proprietary drive unit application.
RDTII is a composite ‘sandwich’ structure made from ultra-thin low mass skins, bonded to a honeycomb Nomex core material. Unlike the original RDT construction for Platinum I, which used two C-CAM skins, RDTII employs C-CAM for the front skin, while the rear skin is made from a woven carbon fibre material. Monitor Audio’s engineers discovered that the new structure reduces distortion by over 8dB above 300Hz, which makes RDTII the lowest distortion cone technology in Monitor Audio’s history. The new RDTII diaphragms have a shallower ‘dished’ profile formed without a centre hole to create a radiating surface of greater strength and structural integity. The voice coil and motor sit behind the cone, producing more efficient excursions, lower distortion and a wider response.
Monitor Audio’s engineers have reduced distortion at the upper end of each driver’s range by coupling the voice coil with the cone using a nylon ring in place of rigid aluminium. This ‘Dynamic Coupling Filter’ acts as a ‘solid’ part up to the crossover frequency, faithfully transmitting the motion of the voice coil directly to the cone. Above the crossover frequency it acts like a damping spring, reducing the transmission of energy between the voice coil and cone. The DCF mechanism effectively adds an additional mechanical filter to help the crossover, reducing output above crossover frequency by 18dB per octave.
For the finish, natural wood veneers in Santos Rosewood or Natural Ebony are pair-matched, applied and hand-coated with eleven layers of clear gloss piano lacquer, polished to reveal the glowing lustre in the grain. Platinum II models are also available in a penetrating piano black gloss lacquer, which will offer a luxurious contrast with room décor. The front baffles are hand-upholstered with the very highest quality Inglestone leather supplied by Andrew Muirhead. Such is the level of care lavished on the Platinum II enclosures that each requires as many as 144 hours to complete.
The Platinum II will available in February 2016.
www.monitoraudio.co.uk