Bookshelf Speakers — MAGNAT Monitor Reference 2A

The Monitor Reference 2A is the most compact model in Magnat's Monitor Reference series of powered stereo speakers, from the German brand based in Pulheim near Cologne. The series combines active amplification, Bluetooth, HDMI and a phono stage in pairs of traditional-looking wooden cabinets, and the 2A is designed to replace a complete compact stereo system on a desk, a shelf or beside a TV. Its cabinet is narrower than an A4 sheet of paper.

Key specs that matter

Each cabinet is a vented two-way holding a 25mm dome tweeter and a 125mm (5-inch) paper-cone woofer, divided at 3.5kHz. The built-in Class D amplifier delivers 2 x 35W continuous and 2 x 75W peak. Frequency response is 38Hz to 40kHz. Inputs are HDMI with ARC and CEC, optical, analogue RCA switchable to a moving-magnet phono stage, a 3.5mm analogue input and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX Low Latency, with all digital inputs accepting up to 24-bit/192kHz. Each speaker measures 175 x 290 x 205mm, and the active speaker weighs 4.4kg, the passive 3.8kg. The finish is a matt black front with a black textured veneer cabinet.

Engineering and use context

The right-hand speaker houses the amplifier and all the inputs and drives the left-hand passive speaker through a supplied cable, so only one unit needs mains power. The tweeter is loaded by a horn-shaped waveguide that controls its directivity so it matches the mid/bass driver's dispersion near the crossover, and the crossover itself is optimised for amplitude and phase response. The rear bass-reflex port uses Magnat's AirFlex construction, shaped so air passing through the port at high levels does not create audible noise. The mid/bass driver uses a strong ferrite magnet to reach useful levels from its small size. The cabinet is solid MDF with a quality veneer rather than plastic, keeping resonances down in a compact enclosure. Through HDMI CEC, the television's handset adjusts the speakers' volume and standby, aptX Low Latency keeps Bluetooth audio in step with video, and an auto-standby function reduces standby consumption to under 0.5W. Volume and input selection are on the rear panel, and a remote control is supplied.

Pairing

With HDMI ARC and phono inputs, the Monitor Reference 2A connects directly to a TV, an MM-cartridge turntable, a computer or a phone, needing no separate amplifier. Its size suits desks, shelves beside a TV and small rooms, where its bass extension covers most music without a subwoofer.

Alternatives

Magnat's own Monitor Reference 5A is the larger model of the same series, with up to 2 x 60W and a bigger mid/bass driver.