Monsoon MM-700 Flat Panel Speakers

Sound Quality

The specs of the MM-700's are actually quite similar to those of the more expensive MM-1000's. Both feature 4 x 8 inch dipole radiating planar magnetic satellites in conjunction with a 5.25" woofer. The similarities stop there, however. The MM-700's have a bit less power at 44W, which is down from 50W total for the MM-1000's. The loss comes in the form of 1.5W per satellite, down to 11W, and 3W on the sub, down to 22W.

Further, the satellites are not actually identical as the MM-700's feature a newer design that allows a smaller enclosure for the satellites. The satellite stands are also detachable now, allowing for some interesting mounting options, including a package directly from Monsoon that allows the satellites to mount directly to certain NEC flat panel monitors.

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Click to enlarge

The sub woofer also features a similar woofer, but this time in a smaller enclosure, 6.9 liters instead of 8.2, which leads to a higher peak frequency - 65 Hz instead of 50 Hz. Furthermore, the woofer is now a downfiring, bottom ported design. Unlike some other manufacturers with downfiring woofers, Monsoon was wise enough to include a metal grill to protect that woofer.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

All these changes lead to a maximum SPL rating of 99dB versus the 102 dB of the MM-1000's, making this set a bit quieter at peak volume, but they are nevertheless capable of fairly high volumes. Those high volumes are obtained with minimal distortion until the volume knob was turned past 3/4 of the way up. At that point some distortion set in, primarily in the sub.

The overall quality of the sound was excellent, with crisp highs and full mid range thanks to the planar focus satellites. As noted previously, planar focus technology is very directional. Half the sound seems to disappear if you turn the satellites 90 degrees. Just make sure the satellites are pointed at your ears - a feat that can sometimes be tricky with the non-adjustable stands.

However, this directionality helps considerably with A3D positional audio. In fact, directional effects in A3D have never sounded better from a single pair of speakers (excluding the MM-1000's). The directionality of the speakers minimize reflections and eliminate crosstalk, enhancing the positional effects of A3D.

The sub does feature a relatively high 250 Hz crossover, allowing some of the midrange to bleed through to the sub. This does muddy up the midrange slightly, but, fortunately, the effect is minimal thanks to the steep slope of the third order crossover employed. That crossover is actually very well implemented and provides a very smooth transition from satellite to sub.

Once again, thanks to the directionality of the technology and the medium sized sub, don't expect to hold a party with this speaker set. They are, however, more than sufficient for a single user at his/her PC.