Both systems incorporate 4 x 6 inch satellite speakers and a new flat panel design. They also sport Monsoon’s new Control Center interface, which incorporates a headphone jack, master volume control, bass volume and a mute function.
The key selling point of these new systems is the Level 9 Planar Ribbon transducer, a flat panel speaker design that uses a light diaphragm that responds quickly, according to the manufacturer. The design of the speakers produce crisp, clear and accurate reproduction compared to conventional box designs, they claimed. PlanarMedia speakers are dipole radiating, which means that sound is produced behind and in front of the speaker. Level 9 said that this produces a warmer, wider sound stage than other speakers along with “extremely detailed, solid imaging.” This effect is what’s know as Planar Focus Technology, or PFT.
The speakers include an amplified subwoofer with active crossovers that uses 76 watts rms in the PlanarMedia 9 system. The PlanarMedia 7 has a 35 watt sub.
The PlanarMedia 9 carries a suggested retail price of US$99. The PlanarMedia 7 is $79. Both models will be available from authorized resellers starting today. They can also be purchased direct.