Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Monitor Audio GR10 Speakers by jonbee

Model:	GR10
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1500
Description:	two way stand mount monitor
Manufacturer URL:	Monitor Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on February 18, 2005 at 19:30:39
IP Address: 24.19.41.189

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for the GR10

I've been aware on Monitor audio for many years, and have admired their construction quality and their obvious engineering prowess, but have never owned a pair. Their driver designs I believe are at the edge of what can be expected of conventional radiators in many ways. Recently a pair of Gold Reference GR10s (the only standmount in their top end Gold series) came my way for a near garage sale price, so I jumped on them. The finish was cherry, which matched my office furniture, so I decided to give them a whirl as an alternative to the Triangle Titus 202 which have been on my desk for the last year or so.
I must say I've enjoyed the Titus- they have a well deserved reputation for speed, resolution, and low coloration. The only weaknesses I noted was an elevated, slightly grainy top end and no real bass. I use a sub so the bass isn't an issue in this application, but I wouldn't be able to use them in a medium or large room w/o one.
That said, it took all of 10 seconds to realize the GR10s are in a whole different league. For me the Titus is the least expensive speaker I've found that I could live with and spend a lot of time listening to, but the GR10 betters it substantially in every parameter I can think of. It goes much deeper (I think strong to about 50 hz. or below compared to 60-65 with the Titus). The top end is at least as airy and extended as any dome tweeter I've heard (MA claims flat to 30khz!) and beautifully detailed- very close to a really good ribbon. The mids offer superb harmonic accuracy and instrumental definition, against a clearly depicted hall ambience. The midbass is cleaner and better defined than any speaker I've heard, with very snappy transients, as fingers snapping double bass strings. There is a great sense of coherence, that there is no coloration present anywhere to alter the harmonic or dynamic balance of the instruments.
The only real competition for these in my experience are the $2k class monitors. I've owned Aerial 5s, Revel M22s, Buggtuseel Cingulates, Merlin TSM-Ms, Paradigm Active 20s, and a few others that come to mind. The MAs outperform the Aerials in most ways, and I also prefer them to the Revel. While the Revel goes deeper, the midbass on the MA is cleaner, the midrange clearer, and the top end smoother and airier. The Buggtussel has a warmer, more burnished sound; I think they are overall on a par, but with a different presentation. The Merlin is still top of my pile, with the most enticing soundstage delineation of any smaller speaker I've owned.
These are all very fine speakers, with few flaws but different strengths and character. I think the MA actually has the fewest observable sonic flaws and coloration of any, and very little character of its' own. If some would fault it, it is the near lack of character that may not appeal to everyone. They are almost photographic, and the effect may be to dry for some listeners.
Personal preference, equipment and room matchups rule the realm of listener satisfaction, but I would recommend these highly for audition for those looking for a no compromise standmount.

Product Weakness: May be too "dry" sounding for some; no extra warmth or smoothing over.
Product Strengths: Clean, uncolored, lightning fast. Will play pretty loud, too. Nice veneers. Almost photographically accurate. No harhsness of their own that I can detect.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Panny xr50,NAD 7020, PS Audio HCA2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	PS PSA2
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Modwright "Signature Truth"Sony 999ES
Speakers:	Titus 202, Thiel 3.6,Buggtussel Cingulates
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade Golden Helix
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 10 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Hard room. sits on desk 3 feet from listener
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	May be too "dry" sounding for some; no extra warmth or smoothing over.
Product Strengths:	Clean, uncolored, lightning fast. Will play pretty loud, too. Nice veneers. Almost photographically accurate. No harhsness of their own that I can detect.