Gold 50

The sculpted low-diffraction cabinet of the Gold 50 houses a single 5.5" RST bass driver and C-CAM ribbon.

The bass driver exhibits the low frequency extension and power handling of a much larger transducer while the excellent C-CAM ribbon soars beyond conventional tweeter domes to a stratospheric 60 kHz. Consequently the Gold 50 combines the frequency range of the finest studio monitors with dynamics that defy its modest dimensions.

Optional, dedicated floor stands are available, which can be filled to provide the ultimate foundation for the best possible sound quality.

This product is now available to use with home theatre design software, The Cinema Designer. Read more.

Technology

• C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) ribbon transducer design – providing extension to a class leading 60 KHz
• HiVe II port technology for better transient response and tighter bass
• New C-CAM RST (Rigid Surface Technology) bass/mid-range driver
• Single bolt through driver fixings for improved bracing, rigidity and driver/baffle de-coupling
• Die-cast alloy terminal panel arrangement with high quality bi-wire terminals and high end spade type link cables
• Pureflow Silver internal cabling
• Selected premium quality wood veneer or high gloss lacquer finishes
• Rigid 20 mm MDF construction throughout, employing radial and cross-bracing techniques for high rigidity resulting in low cabinet colouration
• Invisible magnetic grille fixing provides clean visual styling when used with the grille off.

System Format

2-Way

Frequency Response

55 Hz — 60 kHz

Sensitivity (1W@1M)

86 dB

Nominal Impedance

8 ohms

Maximum SPL

109.8 dBA

Power Handling (RMS)

100 W

Recommended Amplifier Requirements

50 — 100 W

Bass Alignment

Bass reflex - HiVe II port system

Crossover Frequency

2.3 kHz

Drive Unit Complement

1 x 5^1/2" RST II bass/mid-range driver
1 x C-CAM H.F ribbon transducer

Cabinet Dimensions (H x W x D)

300 x 170 x 263 mm
(11^13/16 x 6^11/16 x 10^3/8")

Complete Dimensions (Including Terminals (H x W x D))

300 x 170 x 290 mm
(11^13/16 x 6^11/16 x 11^7/16")

Weight (each)

7.5 kg (16 lb 8 oz)

Optional Floor Stand (H x W x D)

630 x 290 x 360 mm

Optional Floor Stand Weight

4.5 kg

Monitor Audio Gold 50 review By What Hi Fi

An attractive option, but not the bubbliest performers you’ll see at this price 

Our Verdict 

Desirable options for smaller spaces, but not all-rounders

For 

Precise and open soundstage

Refined

Tonally balanced

Good-looking

Against 

Fussy with placement

Competition more lively

We are part of The Trust Project

Reviewed on 18th November 2015

In its decade-long lineage, Monitor Audio’s Gold series has hatched three generations: the Gold GR, Gold GS and Gold GX ranges. The latest addition strips the traditional abbreviations for the simpler sobriquet ‘Gold’, and brings eight new models to the table.

The Gold 50s (successor to the four-star Gold GX50s) are the smaller, least expensive standmounters. They come with a sprinkle of upgrades to the bass cone, tweeter and grille design that apply across the range.

The bass driver uses an ‘evolved’ 14cm version of the company's dimpled Rigid Surface Technology (RST) cone to deliver cleaner, deeper and more accurate bass response.

While the C-CAM ribbon tweeter is mechanically identical to its predecessor on the GX speakers, Monitor Audio claims that improved production tolerances result in a more open, detailed sound. Lastly, there are now magnetic ‘floating’ grilles.

The changes aren’t huge then but are they significant enough to set a new gold standard?

Sound

The G50s very much follow in their predecessors’ footprint with a sonic character that’s clean, detailed, open and precise. While we don’t have the GX50s to hand, from memory, the G50s sound livelier and a little clearer too. But even so, they aren’t the last word in excitement.

Nina Simone’s My Baby Just Cares For Me has a natural perkiness that’s slightly stifled by the Gold 50s. Dynamics and – unsurprisingly for their size – authority trail the very best rivals too.

Instead, the Monitor Audios are more about tonal balance and refinement, both of which are exemplary.

More after the break

Their well-organised presentation means that every element of the track slots into place. Drums are hit with accuracy, vocals are focused and well projected, and pianos are supple and crisply timed.

The ribbon tweeter does a stellar job: cymbals are defined and there’s a sense of layering to them.

The Gold 50s are a little picky about placement so it’s worth experimenting with the initial set-up. Mids tend to lack substance when the speakers sit out in the middle of the room.

A rear wall gives Simone’s vocals more soul-stirring depth, but be cautious about shoving them right up against the wall – bass can lose some definition and agility. A good pair of stands will bring out the best from the Gold 50s.

Build

We can always rely on Monitor Audio for gorgeous aesthetics, and the Gold 50s are no exception.

They don’t veer too far away from the GX range’s shapely physique, but the cabinets – heavier and sturdier than they look – have friendly curvaceous sides and tapered corners.

They come in four smart finishes: dark walnut veneer, high gloss white lacquer, piano ebony and piano black lacquer. The neat fascia and quirky dimpled driver is reason enough to keep the grilles off.

Verdict

At face value, the Monitor Audio Gold 50s are an attractive option. Get to know them better and that opinion sticks.

They aren’t the bubbliest performers £1000 can buy, but their precision, detail and agility are redeeming qualities.

If the 50s are anything to go by, the Gold series is heading in the right direction for five-star glory. It’s just not quite there yet.