Monitor Audio Platnium II

I'm heading to a dealer in Virginia this weekend to listen to the PL300II for the first time.

I'm eagerly awaiting your thoughts here gents..

D3 as in Raidhos? I have been very interested in the PL 200 II, but there are literally no dealers in the NYC/NJ areas that I have come across.  The previous models are being sold everywhere at steep discounts but I'd rather listen to the current model.

I've owned MA PL500 II's for almost a year. It's the last speaker I will own. 

hahahahaha Ricred, I hope for you that you will be here for a much longer period. Time goes on and I think after time you will get a new speaker again.

And that says a person who also owns the Pl-500. I think it is possible to keep it for a very long time in your situation. And it still will be very good in technique and sound quality.

B&W has a huge problem that their D3 speakers are outdated compared to the Platinum II series. This is based on different facts.

- first of all the diamond tweeter of the D3 series is the same as 10 years ago, only they use a new housing of it. The AMT tweerer is in each part superior.

The crossovers of the D3 series can build a stage till maximum 1 metre in depth. This is a hifi stereo parameter. And no one can change this.

The Platinum series 2 are not only able to create a huge 3-dimensional stage in depth and width. But the new AMT tweeter also is exeptional in creating diversity in height. 

In timing the Platinum series II are superior in timing compared to the D3 series. You also hear more layers.

Instruments and voices are more physical apparant and they stand a lot more free in space compared to the D3 series.

We audtined the D3 series many times. All the demos showed a 2-dimensional stage. And also voices and instruments stand on the same height. And again this is a hifi stereo parameter.


The new Platinum series is a different world compared to the 1 series.

read this review:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/monitor-audio-platinum-pl300-ii-loudspeaker#k12OD8cC0plUSkqD.97

We compared the Wilson Audio Sasha 1 against the Pl-200 II. The Monitor Audio outperformed the Sasha with ease.

The used technique, drivers, AMT tweeter (no voice coil anymore) and cabinets are first class and way ahead of it's competitors.They are very addictive in their performance. 

When you use them with the right amps and sources, you can create a 3-dimensensional holographic stage to die for. 

Did anyone get to audition the PL300II's yet?

@ps68 Sorry I dropped off this thread for so long. I had the opportunity to audition the PL300 IIs back in March at a shop in Virginia called Evolution Audio Video. It was my first visit there. Damn, it is a seriously high end place! Sorry i didn't take detailed notes and have lost some of the aural memory to time, but it was very impressive. First of all, the PL300IIs were driven by a stack of top of the line Simaudio electronics and the room was the biggest I've ever seen. Due to the sheer size of the room, the bass could have used a bit more reinforcement for my taste. I usually like a subwoofer with most systems, so keep that in mind. The bass was very well controlled though. My other slight slight nitpick is that the midrange and treble was a tad dry for me. I think these speakers would pair very well with tube electronics as long as you provide enough power and think through the electrical matching. Having said all that, this was one of the most holographic soundstages I've ever heard. Similar to experiences I've had with KEF Blades and Arial Acoustics 7T. To use an overly used reviewer's line, "The soundtrack was vastly wide and deep with excellent center fill and instrument placement". That was the best aspect of these speakers. I'd also say they were very revealing of details on the recording without being fatiguing or bright. They're also one of the most attractive speakers I've come across. The fit and finish are divine. I wish the cabinets had a bit more curve to them, but I still really like them. Phenomenal speakers!

Hi no problem but thanks for the update, much appreciated :). Your impression ties in with some others that have heard these, especially with soundstage and holographic qualities. I'll rty and get to hear some but who knows what they will be partnered with here in the UK. Ironically, they are hard to find here which is a bit of a faux pas for Monitor Audio!

After owning the Monitor Audio PL500 II's for a while, I finally spiked them yesterday. What a difference a spike makes! In my room, there is more air and it's easier to place instruments/singers in the sound stage. So, why did it take so long to install the spikes? My wife stripped one of the threads and spikes when I initially received them. It's funny, but I contacted Monitor Audio and they said spiking them would make minimum difference. I'm sure in some rooms/systems it doesn't make a difference, but in my room, spiking them was significant.
After owning so many speakers, I just can believe how much more I enjoy the PL500 II's compared to the others that I've owned.

ricred1,

I have seen your other posts regarding the PL500 II's, and can only imagine how they sound. I won't ask how your wife came to 'rethread' the spikes but very glad you got them sorted and enjoying great results! I will be looking to try the 300 II's later this year, the 500's are just a bit tall for our room but if I could - I would.. :)

I should have added that I had do order a new spike and thread. It took a little longer than I expected, but I'm glad Monitor Audio took care of me.

Anyone compared the PLII to new Focal Sopra or Utopia line?

I have heard both at different dealers with different room and equipment but the initial impressions are that PLII creates a deeper soundstage, but fails with faster transients and is a bit softer on top, not so immediate and dynamic.

I’ve listened to the Sopra 2s, Utopia line, and I own PL500 IIs. I submit they’re different in the way they present details. The Focals remind me of Wilsons, were the sound comes at you; consequently they appear to be more dynamic. The PL500s have an uncanny ability to bring solo singers and/or instruments to the forefront. The performers appear to step forward. The PL500s create a 3D like soundstage unlike any other speaker that I’ve owned. They can sound dry, forward, lean, and too much bass all at the same time. It depends on the room, recording, and associated equipment. I submit that all component choices come down to individual preference...nothing is actually "better".

Thanks Richerd1 !

It confirms my impressions.
Do you remember what was the upward gear on PL500 ?

P.S. I also detected a dry nature and limited dynamics, but it was in MA PL I line not so much in II.

Richerd1,

I`m based on Europe so Wilsons and other beautiful US speakers are basically very expensive and hard to find a dealer/demo here.

I suppose that you probably prefer Sopra or Utopia to PLII?

I live in a log house and I also want the best bang for the buck. Therefore Utopia III is too modern looking (+ overly expensive) in my house. Maybe you have some experience with Alto Utopia?
I have a JLf112 sub, but still like to play loud, especially on weekends :=))
I`m familiar with Focal house sound, but I`m really confused what to buy in the 4-10K range (used or demo).

I currently use Pass 250.5 and some say Sopra is better and more enjoyable with SS than Utopia 3, that mates better with tube gear.
What`s your impressions on Sopra vs Utopia 3 ?

Thanks in advance!
Plutos

Plutos,

I prefer PL500 to the Sopra and Utopias that I listened to. I can’t recall the Utopias that I heard, but they were between 30K - 50K. I prefer speakers that to my ears are neutral or on the slightly dark side of neutral and that’s why I love the PL500s. You may prefer Focal! There are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. My advice is to listen to everything in your price range and let your ears decide.

My system: PL500 speakers, JL Audio F112 V2, Jeff Rowland(JR) 625 S2 amplifier, JR Corus preamp, JR Aeris DAC, Bryston BDP2, Torus Power Conditioner, Wireworld Platinum Power Cables and Interconnect Cables. I have Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 Speaker Cables.

You never should use any Monitor Audio loudspeaker without spikes. The plateau where you put the spikes is especially made for all the loudspeakers of Monitor Audio. You need to connect the spikes. Without this the music comes a lot less free from the loudspeaker. I have sold all series of Monitor Audio in the last 10 years of time.

But a spike is still not the best way to decouple a loudspeaker. I use the Stillpoints Ultra SS under they Pl-500 II. It creates a totally different level in quality.

It makes the stage wider and deeper. Voices and instruments a lot more physical tangible. More details and a much better timing.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158292112975083&set=ms.c.eJxd0ckNAwEIA8COIgyYo~%3B~%3B...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158295840090083&set=ms.c.eJxd0ckNAwEIA8COIgyYo~%3B~%3B...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158217308945083&set=ms.c.eJxdz9EJBEEMAtCOFs3ExPTf2MHBw...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158125089550083&set=a.10153863939765083.1073741831.588...

I had a client who owned teh Wilson Audio Sasha 1, but the Pl-200 II outperfromed the Wilson Audio in almost each part.

This has nothing to do with personl stage. The facts proofed that the stage of the Pl-200 II was wider and deeper.

The realism in sound with classical music was also clear that the Pl-200 II was superior.

In timing and layering the Pl-200 II outperformed the Sasha as well. Againa this has nothing to do with personal taste.

The Pl-200 II also adds a great level in diversity in height. With the Saha the same recordings played the music at the same height. Again this has nothing to do with personal taste. When a loudspeaker is not able to let you hear the diversity in height of instruments and voices we are talking about an inferior level in this part. There is no discussion possible.

The AMT tweeter was more open and had so much more grip and control over the dome tweeter of the Sasha. Who had difficluties with different songs. The same music played on the Pl-200 II the harshness was gone. And again this has nothing to do with personal taste. Each speaker who is less open and natural sounding in the highs with more problems with different recordings is inferior...period!!

Hello Bo,

Please be so kind to PM me!

Best
Plutos

I own a pair of pl300ii’s and they’re sublime! I’ll never need to buy another pair of speakers now! They’re being pushed by 2 JC1’s. Although a little biased, I honestly don’t see how anyone couldn’t fall in love with these!  I also have a sub to get the lowest frequencies! If you’re into hip hop, and expect the kind of bass you can feel, you’ll need to a separate sub! I’d highly recommended the SVS Ultra PB16, for the sub duties!! 

Big,

They don't fit the "High end" mold. They are far too smooth and neutral, and perhaps at first listen a little dark. Compare to B&W 801s or Golden Ear speakers to hear what I'm talking about.  I'm not criticizing, I'm just saying, these are two different schools of speaker design.

If I absolutely could not build my own speakers, the top end MA are on my short list. AMAZING performance for relatively affordable speakers.

They absolutely deserve the best you can give them in terms of room acoustic treatment, you'll be rewarded.

Best,

E

E,
I never thought of it like you just express it, "They are far too smooth and neutral, and perhaps at first listen a little dark." I've owned my PL 500's for awhile and everytime I think their dark, I play something that has a little bite to it and I'm reminded that in my opinion their neutral. The detail is there,  it just doesn't hit you in the face.

ricred,

That's how I like them. For me, great speakers can play anything really well.

Other speakers I think are AS smooth, but cool is Magico.

Older MA silvers I have owned were quite musical, but punchier. Definitely jazz/rock speakers.

The monitor audio platinum's are world-class speakers the paradigm persona are definitely not. I have the platinum 200 generation 2 and I haven't heard anything at three or four times the price that's better.

I have heard the the Platinum 300 II ,They are not bad speakers but I was disappointed from their weak dynamics they sound too "polite" for my taste What Hi-Fi magazine conclude the same observation on their review of the 300 II .In general I am not a big fan of  MA sound signature.

Yes they are much better than the B&W D3. I purchased the Platinum 200 g2 after having the gold 300 g5 in my home. The g5 were amazing I was not prepared for them to have not much of an improvement over the 300 g4. They are about 80% as good as the Platinum but after having the platinum in my house to compare the Platinum are better and I purchased them. I had a chance to listen to the Platinum 500 g2 and all I can tell you is they will beat speakers that are 80 to $100,000. I can't believe they retail for $30,000 they're amazing.

I’m driving mine with a Luxman m900u amp and Linn Klimax/katalyst DSM.  Exceptional.  After a few months I swapped in some Isacoustics Gaia isolation footers and was stunned at how they further enhanced the overall sound.  Highly recommended.

Canadian. When a speaker stands out immediately there is something wrong with it. The very best speakers do not stand out. They disappear. 
Not my type of loudspeaker but some people like them. Always listen before you buy.

bo1972,

what do you think of the Magico speakers compared to the platinum Gen 2, I think they sound bright and edgy and nowhere near as three dimensional, just wanted to get your feedback on them if you've heard them.

bo1972,

I would like to know if you've heard the audio vector a r r e t e and how would you compare them to the monitor audio platinum I've listened to both and I think that the platinum's throw a much wider three-dimensional more enveloping sound stage would love to hear your comments.