Monitor Audio's Hyphn is a production version of the Concept 50 released in 2022 and previewed at High End Munich. The company boasts that Hyphn is the sum of the Monitor Audio team's collective experience and expertise. Its radical design, technical innovations, power and performance promise a dramatically enhanced listening experience with a visually striking presence.
A three-way bass reflex design, the Hyphn stands 1392 x 502 x 520mm (HxWxD) on twin pillars which, incidentally, gives it its name as a hyphen is a link connecting two separate structures.
However, the most striking focal point is the M-Array configuration of a single high-frequency transducer surrounded by six 2-inch midrange drivers.
We're told this produces exceptional soundstage clarity, allowing you to precisely pin-point individual instruments and vocals.
The high-frequency transducer uses a third-generation Micro Pleated Diaphragm III (MPD III) developed in-house by Monitor Audio's acoustic engineers for the Concept 50 prototype; the same technology also appears on the range-topping Platinum Series 3G floor-standing loudspeaker.
Meanwhile, the 2-inch midrange drivers feature Monitor Audio's Rigid Diaphragm Technology III (RDT III) cones, introduced in 2022, for enhanced clarity.
Hyphn's twin pillars also house a pair of 8-inch bass drivers, facing inwards in a force-cancelling configuration. Monitor tells us that this results in almost no vibration force from the drivers, either within themselves or being passed into the cabinet. In addition, the woofers feature large diameter underhung voice coils to reduce harmonic distortion.
The drivers crossover at 350Hz and 3.7kHz and are said to produce a frequency response of 18Hz -60kHz (in room -6dB). Additionally, Hyphn claims a 4-ohm nominal impedance and a sensitivity of 86db 2.83Vrms @1m.
The unique cabinet is constructed in thermoformed, precision-milled mineral and acrylic stone, creating a rigid structure. Furthermore, this is designed with built-in formed port tubes, strengthening ribs and bracing, with an internal and external wall thickness of ½-inch up to 1-inch for bracing around the force-cancelling bass drivers. This, we're told, minimises physical distortion and resonance, ensuring optimum sound clarity and accuracy from the drive units.
Rob Barford, Chief Executive Officer of Monitor Audio Group, told StereoNET:
The great benefit of being an independent business is the ability to control our own destiny and explore ideas and technical challenges with complete creative freedom. So, we asked ourselves: what would be possible if we took everything we've learned over 50 years of designing, engineering and building loudspeakers and brought it all together? There was only one way to find out, and three years later, we're delighted to present the answer. Hyphn is unlike anything we, or anyone else, has ever created: the most creatively ambitious, technically advanced, and powerful loudspeaker in the history of Monitor Audio Group. It's a definitive demonstration of the capabilities we've developed over our first five decades – and the shape of things to come.
Hyphn is available now in three finishes - Pure Satin White, Matte Black, and Matte Heritage Green - and priced at £70,000/ €82,500 per pair.
Visit Monitor Audio for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi | StereoLUX!
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