Monitor Audio Hyphn Loudspeaker: A Stunning Blend of Design and Sound Mastery

Experience the Monitor Audio Hyphn loudspeaker’s unique design and exceptional sound performance that sets a new benchmark in high-end audio.

A Bold New Chapter in Loudspeaker Design

When the Monitor Audio Hyphn loudspeaker first arrived at my listening room, its towering presence—standing nearly 55 inches tall and weighing over 235 pounds—immediately commanded attention. This 3-way loudspeaker, born from the Concept 50 prototype unveiled in 2022, is more than just a speaker; it’s a statement piece both visually and sonically.

Available in Satin White, Matte Black, and Matte Heritage Green, with custom finishes on request, the Hyphn’s design marries aesthetic ambition with technical innovation. Picture two hefty side pillars crafted from inert, rigid acrylic stone with smooth rounded edges, connected by a horizontal "bridge" that houses the signature M-Array of drivers. This H-frame construction isn’t just for looks—it’s engineered to optimize sound dispersion and reduce unwanted vibrations.

The Anatomy of Hyphn: Innovation Meets Engineering

The Hyphn is loaded with technology that feels like a love letter to audiophiles craving purity in sound. Its key components include:

• One MPD III (Micro-Pleated Diaphragm) tweeter at the center of the M-Array, reaching frequencies up to 60kHz.
• Six 2-inch RDT III midrange drivers arranged around the tweeter inside the M-Array.
• Four 8-inch RDT III woofers, arranged in pairs inside each pillar in a force-cancelling setup to minimize vibrations.

The crossover frequencies sit at 350Hz and 3.7kHz, with a port tuning frequency that dives deep to 25Hz, promising thundering but controlled bass.

The midrange drivers are built from an impressive composite of ceramic aluminum/magnesium on the front and woven carbon fiber on the rear, bonded to a Nomex honeycomb core. This construction keeps distortion to an absolute minimum—a factor that became evident as soon as I hit play.

What’s particularly fascinating is the M-Array’s shape, reminiscent of a champion’s belt, which houses the midranges and tweeter behind two hexagonal grid-patterned grilles. This design isn’t just eye candy; Monitor Audio’s engineers worked hard to create a speaker that behaves like a point-source array to improve off-axis sound and create a clearer, more expansive soundstage.

First Impressions: A Knockout Performance

Unboxing the Hyphn was a production in itself—it arrived via freight, and a representative from Kevro Inc., the North American distributor, helped with the heavy lifting. Once in place, the initial sound was surprisingly inviting. After a few hundred hours of break-in and fine-tuning the position—approximately 8 feet from the rear wall, 4 feet from the sides, and just over 9 feet apart—the speakers opened up with a spacious, airy presence and a taut, controlled low end.

This setup allowed for a bass response that felt balanced, avoiding the boomy pitfalls common with large floorstanders. The speakers effortlessly handled everything from delicate piano runs to deep bass notes without sounding congested or overwhelming.

Sound Signature and Amplifier Pairing

The Hyphn leans toward a neutral sound signature with a subtle tilt toward the upper midrange and treble. But don’t mistake this for harshness. Instead, it’s transparency that calls for careful amplifier selection. Monitor Audio recommends a powerful amp ranging from 200 to 1600 watts into 4 ohms to handle the 4-ohm nominal impedance and dips in the presence region around 2.5kHz.

Once paired with the right amplifier, the Hyphn showcased an impressive ability to handle an eclectic mix of genres with ease—delivering deep, wide soundstages, stellar imaging, and true-to-life instrumental timbres. The speakers have enough speed and impact for energetic tracks, while still weaving a warm, emotional connection for more romantic or acoustic music.

Music Sessions That Brought the Hyphn to Life

Listening through Patricia Barber’s Live: A Fortnight In France was a revelation. The live energy was palpable, with controlled bass that grounded Barber’s clean vocals and intricate piano runs. The Hyphn painted a rich, three-dimensional soundscape that felt like front-row seats to the concert. Neal Alger’s guitar and Eric Montzka’s drums were crisply rendered, with mallet textures and delicate percussion coming through with ease.

Aaron Neville’s Warm Your Heart album highlighted the Hyphn’s subtlety, capturing the nuances of vocal inflections and the smooth, dense layering of strings and bass. The speakers managed to separate a trio of guitars in “It Feels Like Rain,” all while maintaining the steady rhythm section—no small feat.

Jacques Loussier’s jazzy take on Bach’s Concerto in D Major, from The Play Bach Trio’s Bach To The Future, was lively and spacious, with crisp piano and punchy drums that showcased the Hyphn’s dynamic authority and fine instrumental separation.

Crosby, Stills & Nash’s harmonies on “Helplessly Hoping” were beautifully clear and well-positioned across the soundstage, while the shift to electric in “Long Time Gone” got my feet tapping, underscoring the Hyphn’s versatility and groove.

Here’s a quick sampler of the eclectic tracks that demonstrated the Hyphn’s sonic agility:

• Talking Heads – “Burning Down The House”
• Camille Saint-Saëns – “Danse Macabre, Op. 40”
• Digable Planets – “Nickle Bag”
• Us3 – “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)”
• Water And Sand – “Far and Fallen”
• Miles Davis – “Nefertiti”
• Yello – “Kiss The Cloud”
• Sade – “Soldier Of Love”
• The Black Keys – “Tell Me Lies”
• Paul Simon – “René And Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War”

Each cut revealed a different facet of the Hyphn’s impressive sound capabilities.

Final Thoughts: A Crown Jewel in the Monitor Audio Lineup

The Hyphn isn’t just another speaker on the market—it’s a bold, creative leap for Monitor Audio. At $99,000 a pair, it demands attention not only for its price but for its ambitious design and sonic prowess. This loudspeaker combines the best of engineering and artistry, delivering sound that is as captivating as its striking form.

If you have the chance to audition the Hyphn, take it. And be sure to pair it with an amplifier that respects its technical nuances to unlock its full potential.

Monitor Audio Hyphn Loudspeaker Specifications & Pricing

• Type: 3-way dynamic bass-reflex loudspeaker
• Tweeter: MPD III planar magnetostatic ribbon
• Midrange: Six 2″ RDT III drivers
• Woofers: Four 8″ RDT III drivers
• Crossover Frequencies: 350Hz, 3.7kHz
• Port Tuning Frequency: 25Hz
• Frequency Response: 18Hz–60kHz (in-room, –6dB)
• Impedance: 4 ohms nominal; minimum 3.5 ohms @ 2.2kHz
• Sensitivity: 86dB at 1m/2.83Vrms
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 200–1600Wrms into 4 ohms
• Dimensions: 19.75″ W x 54.81″ H x 20.5″ D
• Weight: 235 lbs (106.9 kg)
• Finish Options: Matte Black, Satin White, Matte Heritage Green
• Warranty: 5 years
• Price: $99,000

FAQs

• How tall and heavy is the Monitor Audio Hyphn loudspeaker?
  The Hyphn stands 54.81 inches tall and weighs approximately 235 pounds (106.9 kg), making it a substantial presence in any room.
• What driver technology is used in the Hyphn?
  It employs an MPD III tweeter, six 2-inch RDT III midrange drivers, and four 8-inch RDT III woofers in a carefully engineered array to minimize distortion.
• What amplifier power is recommended for the Hyphn?
  An amplifier delivering between 200 and 1600 watts into 4 ohms is recommended to drive the speaker effectively.
• What finishes are available for the Hyphn loudspeaker?
  The speaker comes in Matte Black, Satin White, and Matte Heritage Green, with additional custom finishes available upon request.
• What is special about the Hyphn’s bass driver configuration?
  The four 8-inch woofers are arranged in a force-cancelling setup to reduce cabinet vibrations, providing tighter and clearer bass.

Looking to bring a piece of this extraordinary audio experience into your home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here and celebrate your passion for music in style.