When Should You Choose Monitor Speakers?

People choose monitor speakers, also known as bookshelf speakers, over floor-standing speakers for various reasons. If you’re faced with this choice, the following questions might help guide you. Most criteria relate to context: the space and the people around you. Others concern personal preferences and the technical performance of the speakers.

The Origin of the Term ‘Monitor Speakers’

The term “monitor speakers” originates from the professional audio industry and refers to speakers designed for monitoring audio recordings. In this context, “monitor” means “to observe” or “to check.” Monitor speakers are used by sound engineers and musicians to achieve an accurate and uncolored sound representation, allowing them to evaluate and edit recordings effectively.

The First Studio Monitors

In the 1940s and 1950s, the first high-quality speakers specifically designed as studio monitors were developed. One example is the Altec Lansing Duplex 604 from 1944, which quickly became the industry standard in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Tannoy introduced the Dual Concentric, serving a similar role in Europe. These brands, with their rich history, continue to symbolize quality and innovation in the audio world. They inspire both professionals and audiophiles with advanced technology and timeless designs, and models such as the Tannoy Dimension TD10 regularly feature in our collection.

The Space

In small to medium-sized rooms, monitor speakers deliver the best musical results. Rooms up to approximately 20–25 square meters (around 50–70 cubic meters with a ceiling height of 2.5 meters) are ideal. Floor-standing speakers can often produce an overly strong bass response in such spaces, resulting in a “boomy” sound caused by standing waves. Monitor speakers, on the other hand, provide a more balanced sound.

The Environment

As a music lover, you want to listen comfortably without neighbors or family members being unnecessarily disturbed. The “boomy” sound you hear can be disruptive not only to you but also to others. Monitor speakers, with their more focused sound reproduction, help maintain harmony in your home. Our customers are typically calm, sensitive, harmony-seeking individuals, and this aspect is definitely a consideration.

Partner Considerations

Monitor speakers are often a more practical choice when taking your partner into account. They take up less space and are less conspicuous and dominating in the interior, which is often appreciated by partners.

Wife Acceptance Factor

In the context of hi-fi audio and technology, WAF stands for Wife Acceptance Factor. This informal term indicates how aesthetically pleasing or acceptable an audio product (such as speakers or amplifiers) is to a partner, often focusing on avoiding large, obtrusive, or unattractive equipment in shared living spaces.

Although the term may now feel somewhat outdated or stereotypical, it highlights that the design of audio equipment is often not just about performance but also about how well it fits into a home environment in terms of appearance and size. Today, the term is sometimes replaced by Spouse Acceptance Factor (SAF) or simply referred to as the design and aesthetics of the equipment.

Personal Preferences: Nearfield Listening

Some people prefer listening at close range, also known as nearfield listening. This means the direct sound from the speakers dominates over reflections in the room, resulting in a more detailed and uncolored sound reproduction – a favored approach among audiophiles.

Monitor Speaker Performance

Although monitor speakers have a smaller cabinet than floor-standing speakers, they can still deliver impressive performance. A customer in one of our listening rooms was amazed by the power produced by the Sonus faber Olympica Nova I – they thought they were listening to the floor-standing speaker next to it! Thanks to clever technologies, such as the use of neodymium magnets, manufacturers have elevated the performance of monitor speakers to new heights.

Choosing With Your Ears

In our listening rooms, you can experience a wide range of monitor speakers. From new models such as the compact Sonus faber Lumina I, the impressive Sonus faber Olympica Nova I, and the balanced, detailed Davis Acoustics Krypton 3, to unique outlet options like the Epos Epic 2, Bowers & Wilkins CM1 Concept 90, and the iconic Rehdéko RK 115-4S – and much more. Visit us, listen, and discover which speaker fits your taste and space perfectly.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to find your perfect sound experience? Visit our showroom and bring your favorite music. Whether you love Bach, Beyoncé, or a heavy bassline, we have the perfect monitor speaker for you.

Come by and make your listening experience a celebration!