Monitor Audio BR2 Features
My first experience with Monitor Audio speakers was a recent review of their Bronze Reference BR5 speakers, a very affordable mid-sized tower speaker. The BR2 is the little brother of the BR5 and shares many of its driver features and technology and not surprisingly some of its sound qualities. The woofer in the BR2 is Monitor Audio’s MMP (Metal Matrix Polymer) material, an injection molded speaker cone valued for its rigid characteristics. The BR2 uses a C-CAM (Ceramic Coated Aluminum Magnesium) gold dome tweeter that provides extended frequency response to 30kHz.
As a bass reflex speaker, the BR2 has a front firing port. Thoughtfully, Monitor Audio includes a pair of foam ‘bungs’ or plugs to attenuate the bass if necessary, although bass quantity and quality is greatly determined by speaker placement. I found the port plugs useful when listening to James Taylor’s Hourglass disc (SACD, Columbia Records) because the bass needed a bit of taming in my room. The BR2s are bi-wire or bi-amp capable, a nice performance-enhancing feature for a bookshelf speaker and a simple way to boost sound performance. The BR2 is available in Black Oak and Cherry vinyl finishes. The review samples I tested had good construction quality with excellent fit and finish.
Audio Performance
After reviewing (and enjoying) the BR5s, I had high expectations for the BR2s. My expectations were quickly exceeded. The BR2 may be an entry-level speaker, but it’s a little dynamo with sound quality that belies its size and price. Its bass response in Simply Red’s “Sad Old Red” (“Picture Book” CD, Elektra Records) had surprising extension and sounded deep and tight, even from the BR2s modest 6.5-inch woofer.
The cello is a warm musical instrument that tells a lot about bass response. It should sound full and reveal the subtle, resonant sounds of a bow on a string, as it did in Eugene Friesen’s “Remembering You” (“Arms Around You” CD, Living Music). Vocals and midrange sounded natural and uncolored. The piano accompanying Renee Olsted’s wonderful voice (Renee Olsted, Reprise Records) was crisp with excellent transient response and wide dynamic range. The BR2s are capable of resolving tons of delicate details in the high-end with good imaging and soundstage characteristics. Overall, the BR2s are easy to listen to for long periods.
As with all bookshelf speakers, I would highly recommend placing them on stands and not on a bookshelf or in an entertainment center for the best bass and imaging/soundstage performance.
Summary
The BR2 is a fine loudspeaker and an outstanding value. Priced at $399 per pair, they offer excellent performance, construction quality and would make a great speaker for a small to medium sized stereo or home theater system. I would recommend a subwoofer if the BR2s are used in a home theater system. Good things do come in small packages and the Monitor Audio BR2 would be a smart choice for a stereo system priced below $1,000 when combined with a mid-priced receiver or amplifier. Check out the Monitor Audio website for a dealer near you – do it before Monitor Audio figures out they should raise the price.Monitor Audio BR2 Specifications
- Frequency Response: 42Hz – 30kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 6 ohms
- Power Handling: 100 watts
- Recommended amplifier power: 30 – 100 watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 13 ¾ x 7 5/16 x 9 13/16
- Weight: 12.8 lbs.
Kevro International is the exclusive North American distributor for Monitor Audio
