Monitor Audio unveils Hyphn, its "most creatively ambitious, technically advanced" speakers ever

Monitor Audio Hyphn
(Image credit: Monitor Audio)

Monitor Audio was understandably eager to show off its highly ambitious Concept 50 prototype speakers at the High End Munich show last May, in what was the middle of the British company's 50th anniversary year. But it is no doubt even keener to shout about the production version of those very same speakers now that they are finally ready to launch. Say hello to the rather radically-looking and certainly statement-making Monitor Audio Hyphn.

Monitor Audio says its new all-singing-all-dancing flagship loudspeakers are the "most creatively ambitious, technically advanced and powerful" it has ever made. No biggie, then.

As you were undoubtedly wondering, the Hyphn take their name from the architectural use of the term ‘hyphen’, meaning a link connecting two larger structures. You can see where Monitor Audio is coming from here, with this 'hyphen' idea represented by the 'M-Array' down the middle of each tower's two mineral and acrylic stone pillars. This unique driver configuration – developed in-house by the company's engineers – comprises a single tweeter surrounded by six two-inch midrange drivers, with the 11-driver cluster completed by two pairs of eight-inch force-cancelling bass drivers.

Monitor Audio Hyphn

That gorgeous Matte Heritage Green finish (Image credit: Monitor Audio)

That tweeter is the third generation of Monitor Audio's Micro Pleated Diaphragm III design, found also on the high-end Platinum Series 3G floorstanders that arrived last year, while the midrange units feature the RDT III (Rigid Diaphragm Technology) cone that also debuted on the Platinums. This cone promises to be super light yet super strong – it is made from three layers bonded together – to provide the lowest distortion of previous Monitor Audio speakers.

Those precision-milled stone cabinets are naturally rigid but also further strengthened by ribs and bracing, with the walls around the bass drivers up to one-inch thick. Monitor Audio says the cabinet is "almost vibration free", which is about as much as any speaker company can claim a cabinet to be.

Monitor Audio Hyphn

Hyphn's point-source driver array (Image credit: Monitor Audio)

You might have guessed by now that the Monitor Audio Hyphn comes with a price tag befitting this out-there design and technological effort – and you'd be right. In your choice of Pure Satin White, Matte Black or Matte Heritage Green, the Hyphn cost a cool £70,000 / $92,500 / AU$135,000.

And if with that knowledge you are still dying to know more, you can read our interview with Monitor Audio's technical director, Michael Hedges, who explains that they are a statement of intent to focus on putting engineering first ahead of “chasing a specific sound.”

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Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

  • Gray
    As is often the case, the bigger the price tag, the more divisive the appearance.
    Stone cabs must reduce colouration though.

    ...the price makes any review pointless doesn't it?
    Reply
  • JR75
    Maybe the "most creatively ambitious, technically advanced" speakers ever, but also the ugliest speakers ever, and absurdly priced.
    Reply
  • Cinjun
    Gray said:
    As is often the case, the bigger the price tag, the more divisive the appearance.
    Stone cabs must reduce colouration though.

    ...the price makes any review pointless doesn't it?
    We're entering the period of the 'haves' & 'have nots'. The high prices have been there, but acquisition is more challenging & will continue to be so...
    Reply
  • Gray
    Cinjun said:
    We're entering the period of the 'haves' & 'have nots'.
    There's no beginning or end to that period 😉
    Reply
  • jjbomber
    The World's most expensive clothes peg!
    Reply
  • Curlyriff
    JR75 said:
    Maybe the "most creatively ambitious, technically advanced" speakers ever, but also the ugliest speakers ever, and absurdly priced.
    Each to own but I think they look stunning.
    Reply
  • mahandave
    they certainly do look stunning! in a air filtration system kind of way. Monitor Audio is now dead to me for trying to push this crap on audiophiles. shame on you MA..
    Reply