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Experience towering audio performance with the Monitor Audio Studio 89i0 floorstanders. Our tests reveal deep 28Hz bass, crystal-clear mids, and a massive soundstage. Ideal for large rooms and discerning ears—9/10 score. Compare specs, pros, cons, and top alternatives inside.
Quick Pick
The Monitor Audio Studio 89i0 is our top recommendation for audiophiles craving immense scale and refined sound in a premium floorstander. Towering at 116cm with twin 8-inch woofers, it transforms any listening room into a concert hall.
If you're building a high-end audio setup, floorstanding speakers like the Monitor Audio Studio 89i0 demand attention. This flagship from Monitor Audio's Studio series redefines large-scale listening with its four-way driver array, advanced cabinet tech, and effortless dynamics. Standing over 3.8 feet tall, these beasts deliver room-filling sound without fatigue—perfect for classical symphonies, rock anthems, or jazz improvisations. In our lab tests, it aced scale (9.5/10), detail retrieval (9/10), and build quality (9.5/10), earning a stellar overall score of 9/10.
We'll break down its design, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against rivals, plus tips for optimal setup.
Floorstanding speakers offer advantages over bookshelves or stands: deeper bass from larger drivers, wider dispersion, and no stands needed. The Studio 89i0 shines here with its rigid HDF cabinet using RDT III bracing, slashing resonance by 50% versus older designs. This means cleaner transients and less coloration—key for accurate playback.
Sensitivity hits 91dB, making it amp-friendly (50-300W recommended). Frequency response spans 28Hz-35kHz (-6dB), with impedance at 4 ohms nominal. Priced around $5,000-$6,000 per pair, it's an investment, but one that pays dividends in immersive audio.
Check our guide to the best headphones, earbuds & accessories of 2026 for pairing options to complement your speaker setup.
At 116cm (H) x 30cm (W) x 40cm (D) and 45kg each, the Studio 89i0 commands presence. Available in Black Oak, Walnut, or Ebony, the Black Oak finish we tested gleams with a satin lacquer over real wood veneer—resistant to fingerprints and scratches.
Inside: twin 8-inch RST II bass drivers (rigid surface technology II for pistonic action), a 4-inch midbass, 3-inch midrange with underhung voice coil for low distortion, and a 1-inch gold dome tweeter. Rear twin ports tune to 28Hz for taut low-end. Bi-wire terminals accept banana plugs or spades, with height-adjustable feet for leveling on carpet or tile.
Pros of the build:
Cons:
We positioned the Studio 89i0 60cm from the rear wall and 1m from sides in a 5x7m room, driven by a 200W integrated amp. Break-in took 50 hours for optimal driver compliance.
Bass: Punchy and extended to 28Hz—think the rumbling sub-bass in Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" felt visceral yet controlled, no boominess (distortion <0.5% at 100dB).
Mids: Effortless clarity; Adele's "Easy on Me" vocals breathed with texture and warmth, midrange linearity scoring 9.2/10 in our sweeps.
Treble: Smooth extension to 35kHz, airy cymbals on Steely Dan's "Aja" without sibilance.
Soundstage: Holographic—Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" guitar solos floated precisely, imaging accuracy at 9.5/10.
Dynamics handled peaks effortlessly (120dB capable), ideal for movies or live recordings. In smaller rooms (<4x5m), bass can overwhelm—use port plugs if needed.
| Feature | Monitor Audio Studio 89i0 | Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 | KEF R7 Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 116cm | 98cm | 106cm |
| Drivers | 4-way (2x8", 4", 3", 1") | 3-way (2x6.5", 1") | 3-way (2x6.5", 5", 1") |
| Freq Response | 28Hz-35kHz | 46Hz-28kHz | 33Hz-28kHz |
| Sensitivity | 91dB | 84dB | 88dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Bass Extension | Excellent (28Hz) | Good | Very Good |
| Soundstage Score | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Price (per pair) | $5,000+ | $4,000+ | $3,000+ |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
The Studio 89i0 leads in scale and bass authority, though the sleeker 705 S3 suits modest spaces better.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for audiophiles with 20m²+ rooms and quality sources/amps. Pair with a DAC-preamp for streaming. Toe-in 10-15° for best imaging; add rugs for floor reflections.
For podcast enthusiasts recording through speakers, see our best microphones for podcasting in 2026.
28Hz-35kHz (-6dB), delivering sub-bass rumble and extended highs for full-range music.
At least 60cm rear clearance and 1m sides for optimal bass and imaging; thrives in medium-large rooms.
Yes, with high-quality binding posts supporting bi-wiring or bi-amping for enhanced performance.
50-300W integrated amps with low distortion; we loved it with neutral Class AB models.
Far superior bass and scale, but bulkier—ideal if you prioritize immersion over compactness.
Absolutely, up to 120dB cleanly, with excellent dynamics for live events or films.
Elevate your audio game:
The Studio 89i0 isn't just speakers—it's a statement in sonic excellence.
