Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G Review: Is the “Big Increase in Sound Quality” Real?
Monitor Audio Silver 100: For 45 years, Monitor Audio has been a significant player in the audio market. You can love their acoustics, you can ignore them, but it’s quite difficult not to encounter them at some point. Monitor Audio is well-known not only in audiophile circles; their speakers have been, and continue to be, sold in audio stores across the globe.
The British company has recently dramatically expanded its range, offering nearly every possible type of speaker, with the notable exception of active monitors. Crucially, Monitor Audio remains privately owned and British, a rarity in today’s industry where many large audio companies are acquired by Asian holdings, even if engineering remains in their country of origin. This truly cements Monitor Audio’s identity as a British company, despite its founder being of Indian descent.
Unveiling the Silver 6G Series: A Generational Leap
The new Monitor Audio Silver line, proudly bearing the “6G” prefix, comprises an impressive nine models and offers six distinct finishes. While “6G” might suggest the sixth generation, this is, in fact, the seventh iteration of these highly popular speakers. It seems Monitor Audio’s marketers made a slight miscalculation that went unnoticed until it was too late to adjust, a charming anecdote reflecting the brand’s focus on the product itself.
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I had the unique opportunity to extensively listen to the Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G bookshelf speakers and, more importantly, to directly compare them with their predecessor, the Silver 2. This direct comparison allowed me to discern whether the promised “big increase in sound quality” was truly audible. Let’s delve into the design and construction first.
“Gold” Without Gold: Tweeter & Driver Innovations
The classic two-way Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G system is equipped with two high-performance drivers: a 25 mm tweeter and a 203 mm mid/bass driver. Both diaphragms are crafted from Monitor Audio’s proprietary C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium alloy), a material renowned for its stiffness and low mass.
Redesigned Gold Dome Tweeter
The tweeter, still carrying the “gold” prefix in all marketing materials, is a nod to tradition and a signature feature, despite not containing actual gold for many years. This latest generation features a seriously redesigned tweeter, now covered with a metal plate adorned with stylish, seemingly random perforations. This unique design is not only beautiful but also effectively protects the delicate dome.
Enhanced C-CAM Mid/Bass Driver
The midrange/woofer driver has not undergone a dramatic visual change, now featuring a refined gray-silver shade. This subtle color choice ensures it doesn’t noticeably show through the magnetically mounted protective grille. This driver also utilizes C-CAM material and incorporates RST (Rigid Surface Technology). This well-established Monitor Audio technology involves dimples on the diffuser surface, forming stiffeners that significantly increase rigidity while maintaining relatively low weight.
A notable new addition to the Silver line is DCF (Dynamic Coupling Filter) technology, trickled down from the recently updated flagship Platinum series. This innovative “filter” is a nylon ring that precisely decouples the voice coil and cone, offering controlled stiffness for improved linearity and reduced distortion.
Cabinet Design & Port Technology
The cabinet of the Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G is meticulously constructed from 20mm MDF boards. Its internal structure has undergone a serious redesign, leveraging advanced laser interferometry from the National Physical Laboratory in London. This cutting-edge analysis allowed for optimal placement of internal bracing, dramatically increasing cabinet rigidity and reducing unwanted resonances.
These Monitor Audio bookshelf speakers also feature another classic proprietary technology: HiVe II. This unique bass reflex port, located on the rear panel, has a special rifled-barrel-like surface. This design twists and accelerates the airflow, minimizing flow resistance and the associated port noise for cleaner, faster bass.
The speaker terminals are designed for Bi-Wiring, though many audiophiles (including myself) find limited practical benefit in this type of connection.
Technical Specifications & Finishes
The declared frequency range for these not-so-large speakers is from 40 Hz to 35 kHz (-6dB), which, while technically stated, might be considered optimistic for truly deep, visceral bass from a bookshelf design. Internal wiring is handled by PureFlow’s proprietary silver-plated cable, which is also available for purchase separately in the UK as high-quality speaker cable.
The Monitor Audio Silver 6G line offers six elegant finishes: four natural wood veneers (black oak, walnut, rosewood, and light oak) and two sophisticated lacquered options (piano black and matte white lacquer), ensuring they complement any decor.
Audition Impressions: Air, Energy, and a Clear Upgrade
My audition took place in the showroom of Barnsley Sound, utilizing a well-regarded Hegel system: the H160 amplifier and the Mohican CD player.
I started with the beautiful female vocals of Maggie Reilly and was instantly captivated. The sound sparkled with intricate details, the singer’s mesmerizing voice soared, and the soundstage seemed to push the walls of the room apart. There was an abundance of “air” in the sound, with an energetic, perhaps slightly bright, but truly exciting delivery.
Switching to a collection of blues tracks, the Silver 100 6G proved its versatility, handling literally any composition with flair. These are very energetic speakers; while perhaps not 100% neutral like studio monitors, their sound makes you want to stomp to the rhythm. Dean Hartley, CTO and Chief Developer at Monitor Audio, has, in my opinion, achieved his objective: the main task of the manufacturer is for the connoisseur of music to listen to music, not speakers.
I moved on to “heavy” compositions, confident in the dynamics, but curious about the bass performance (recalling the promised 40 Hz at -6 dB). Yes, the bass is present: it’s quite tight and well-defined, but it’s not truly deep. You can enhance its presence by positioning the speakers closer to a wall, but fans of deep, impactful bass should consider larger speakers or adding a subwoofer.
Visually, the speaker looks much more appealing without its protective grille.
Monitor Audio Silver 100 6g vs. Silver 2: The “Big Increase” is Real
The direct comparison favored the updated line. I had not previously heard the Silver 2, which made the side-by-side comparison even more revealing. The Silver 2 played smoothly, but the treble seemed a little muffled, and the bass, though quite expected for speakers of that size, was somewhat smeared. If not directly comparing or seeking a distinct “spark,” the Monitor Audio Silver 2 is still a capable speaker with no pronounced negative nuances, but it doesn’t deliver the same level of sheer pleasure.
The Silver 100 6G is a significant step above its predecessor, easily a “head (or perhaps two) above.” The new speakers sound more dynamic, brighter, and perkier. The high frequencies of the novelty sparkle in a good way compared to the previous model; the bass is deeper and better defined, and the soundstage is notably wider. I’m not attempting to diminish the previous generation Silver models, but the difference in sound quality is obvious and audible to the “naked ear.” This truly represents a new level and the “big increase in sound quality” promised by Monitor Audio. They delivered, and that’s doubly pleasing.
Furthermore, without the protective grille, playful children’s fingers, with all their desire, will not be able to damage the most fragile element – the tweeter, thanks to its new protective plate.
Conclusion: A Lively and Engaging Bookshelf Speaker
Having praised the Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G, I would highlight two nuances that might slightly impact the listening pleasure for some. Firstly, the speakers are quite energetic in the treble. I personally enjoy this presentation, but some listeners might find it a touch bright. Secondly, as noted, the bass is genuinely shallow; optimal placement experiments will be necessary, depending on the room, to enhance its presence. Beyond these points, they are truly great speakers for the money.
I’ve historically viewed Monitor Audio speakers as excellent mass-market products, but perhaps without a distinctive “zest.” The new Silver 6G line definitely possesses this character. Paired with a good, neutral amplifier, the Silver 100 6G will reveal itself in all its glory, making you forget you’re listening to speakers – you will simply be listening to music.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Significantly Improved Sound Quality
- Dynamic & Energetic Presentation
- Sparkling & Detailed Treble
- Tight & Well-Defined Bass
- Wide Soundstage
- Advanced Proprietary Technologies
- Robust & Optimized Cabinet
- Attractive Design & Finish Option
Cons:
- Potentially Bright Treble
- Shallow Bass Extension
- Bi-Wiring Utility
Monitor Audio Silver 100 6G Specifications
General
- System Format: 2‑way, bass‑reflex bookshelf speaker
- Enclosure Type: Rear-ported (HiVe II technology)
Frequency & Power
- Frequency Response (–6 dB): 40 Hz – 35 kHz
- Power Handling (RMS): 120 watts
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 40 – 120 watts
- Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 112 dBA (pair)
Drivers
- Tweeter: 1 × 1″ (25 mm) C‑CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Mid/Bass Driver: 1 × 8″ (203 mm) C‑CAM RST mid/bass driver
Crossover
- Crossover Frequency: 2.8 kHz
- Crossover Type: High-quality passive with premium-grade components
Impedance & Sensitivity
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Minimum Impedance: 4.5 ohms @ 167 Hz
- Sensitivity (1W @ 1m): 88 dB
Cabinet & Dimensions
- Cabinet Dimensions (H × W × D): 375 × 230 × 300 mm
- External Dimensions (Including Grille & Terminals): 375 × 230 × 329 mm
- Weight (Each): 9.3 kg
Build & Features
- Rigid MDF cabinet with internal bracing
- HiVe II port system for improved airflow and bass response
- Magnetic grille with a clean design aesthetic
- High-quality internal wiring (silver-plated OFC copper)
- Premium crossover components: polypropylene capacitors, air-core inductors
- Available in multiple real wood veneers and gloss finishes
