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  1. Home
  2. Monitor Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Monitor Audio Studio 89
Monitor Audio Studio 89 Review
Monitor Audio Studio 89 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • MPD III (folded ribbon) Tweeter
  • 2 x 4.25" RDT III Woofer
  • 48-60k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 50-300 watts
  • Weight: 16.76 lbs / 7.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13-3/8"x6-3/16"x14-3/16" / 340.0 x 157.0 x 361.0mm
MSRP: $2,500 (list price)
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Monitor Audio Studio 89 Review
Monitor Audio Studio 89 Monitor Audio Studio...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Monitor Audio · United Kingdom · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Monitor Audio. It was released in 2024. It features a MPD III (folded ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 4.25" RDT III Woofer.

Two 108 mm RDT III bass-mid drivers either side of an MPD III folded-ribbon tweeter, in a cabinet narrow enough to disappear. The technology comes down from Platinum 3G and Hyphn.

The speaker has a frequency range of 48-60k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Monitor Audio Studio 89 has an MSRP of 2500$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Frequency Response of the Monitor Audio Studio 89 Speaker

Monitor Audio Studio 89 has a Frequency response range of 48-60k Hz and Power Range of 50-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, Studio 89 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Studio 89's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Studio 89
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Monitor Audio Studio 89?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 48 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the Monitor Audio Studio 89's 48Hz:

  • Wharfedale EVO5.2 with Low Frequency of 44 Hz (Compare w/ Studio 89)

Crossover frequency of the Monitor Audio Studio 89?

The crossover frequency of the Studio 89 is set to 2400Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Monitor Audio Studio 89 driver frequency bands48-2.4kWoofer 4.25"2.4k-60kTweeter20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Monitor Audio Studio 89's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 4.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Studio 89
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Monitor Audio Studio 89 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Monitor Audio Studio 89 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

Minimum Impedance of the Monitor Audio Studio 89

Even though the nominal impedance of the Studio 89 is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Monitor Audio is 4.2 ohms Monitor Audio Studio 89 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 25–150 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Studio 89 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Monitor Audio Studio 89 External Dimensions and Weight

Monitor Audio Studio 89 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13-3/8 x 6-3/16 x 14-3/16inch (340.0 x 157.0 x 361.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Monitor Audio Studio 89 is approximately 566.8cm2 / 87.9inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Studio 89's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Studio 89
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
Monitor Audio Studio 89
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Monitor Audio Studio 89 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/High gloss, veneer or satin paint finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Monitor Audio Studio 89 is available in High Gloss Black and High Gloss White.

Wall Mounting

Studio 89 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 come with a Grille?

Studio 89 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Monitor Audio Studio 89.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Monitor Audio Studio 89 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Monitor Audio Studio 89

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Monitor Audio Studio 89 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Wharfedale EVO5.2
Compare
3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 44-24k Hz
AE500
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 45Hz - 28kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Monitor Audio Studio 89

What amplifier do you need for the Monitor Audio Studio 89?

Monitor Audio rates the Monitor Audio Studio 89 for 50-300 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Monitor Audio Studio 89 easy to drive?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 need a subwoofer?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 reaches down to 48Hz (full range 48-60k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 use?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 is a 2-way design using a MPD III (folded ribbon) tweeter and 2 x 4.25" RDT III woofers.

Is the Monitor Audio Studio 89 sealed or ported?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Monitor Audio Studio 89 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Monitor Audio Studio 89 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 come with grilles?

Yes. The Monitor Audio Studio 89 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Monitor Audio Studio 89?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs each and measures 13-3/8 x 6-3/16 x 14-3/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Monitor Audio Studio 89 cost?

The Monitor Audio Studio 89 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,500 per pair.


Monitor Audio Studio 89 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMonitor Audio
Full Model NameMonitor Audio Studio 89
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range50-300 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Max SPL113 dB
Frequency Response48-60k Hz
Release Date2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4.25-inch
Woofer CompositionRDT III
Tweeter TypeMPD III (folded ribbon)
Crossover freq2400Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height340.0mm ( 13-3/8-inch)
Width157.0mm ( 6-3/16-inch)
Depth361.0mm ( 14-3/16-inch)
Height340.0mm ( 13-3/8-inch)
Weight7.6 kg (16.8 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/High gloss, veneer or satin paint
Available ColorsHigh Gloss Black, High Gloss White
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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