Monitor Audio Studio

Engaging, demonstrative and thoroughly enjoyable sound ; Manage to be tightly focused and nicely open at the same time ; Distinctive looks, impeccable finish

Could conceivably sound more forward ; Stands look good but cost plenty ; Plenty of very capable opposition

Monitor Audio goes back to the future with rather more successful results than anyone might have imagined

Combine analysis with entertainment ; Open and nicely balanced sound ; Striking looks, flawless finish

Some may want even more assertive sound ; Not without serious competition ; (Admittedly elegant) stands are an extra cost

Looking backwards in order to move forwards is a bold and dangerous policy – but with the Studio 89, Monitor Audio has managed to combine a mildly retro aesthetic with some thoroughly modern engineering to create a speaker that both sounds great and...

Pristine presentation ; Impressively seamless and robust sound ; Excellent build and finish ; Compact

Need care in partnering ; These are small speakers but they work best with space to breathe

The Studio 89 showcases Monitor Audio’s speaker-making expertise superbly

I’ve had a soft spot for small speakers for years—decades, in fact. Experience tells me that an excellently engineered small speaker, on a suitable stand, can produce stereo imaging, tonal accuracy, and, absent deep bass, dynamic realism equal to or...