A proud British heritage

Monitor Audio was founded in 1972 in Essex, England, by Mo Iqbal. From the very beginning, the company was rooted in precision engineering and a deep commitment to sound quality. Their early speakers quickly earned a reputation in the UK for delivering clear, balanced sound from compact designs — something that resonated with British hi-fi enthusiasts.

By the early 2000s, Monitor Audio began diversifying their lineup and expanding internationally. They developed a clear product hierarchy with the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum series, allowing users to move up the ladder of performance while staying within the Monitor Audio family.

Today, Monitor Audio remains an independent company headquartered in Rayleigh, Essex. In 2022, they celebrated their 50th anniversary — a rare milestone in the audio world. Their speakers are now sold in over 70 countries, and they’re regarded as one of the most consistent high-performance brands on the market.

The Transparent Design Philosophy

Monitor Audio takes R&D very seriously — it's one of the core reasons the brand has maintained its reputation for performance and innovation over the decades. Unlike many speaker brands that outsource components or use off-the-shelf parts, Monitor Audio designs and engineers nearly everything in-house. That includes their drivers, tweeters, crossovers, enclosures, and even proprietary technologies.

Monitor Audio’s design philosophy is rooted in precision engineering, aesthetic elegance, and a commitment to pure, uncolored sound.

While performance drives their design choices, they also put a serious emphasis on visual design and craftsmanship. Their speakers are intended to look as good as they sound, which is why you see real wood veneers, high-gloss lacquer finishes, seamless cabinet edges, and magnetic grilles across most of their ranges. The idea is that a Monitor Audio speaker should feel like a piece of furniture or sculpture, not just an appliance. They're one of the few brands that consistently hits that sweet spot where high-performance audio meets modern interior design.

Engineered for Every Ear

Monitor Audio’s speaker range is structured around a clear, ascending hierarchy. Each step offers a noticeable upgrade in materials, technology, and performance. This makes it easy for listeners to find a speaker that matches both their budget and their expectations.

Beyond the main lineup, Monitor Audio also offers custom install speakers for in-wall, in-ceiling, and outdoor applications, as well as subwoofers and architectural options that carry the same sonic DNA. Altogether, the range reflects a brand that values consistency, progression, and the art of listening — no matter where you are on your hi-fi journey.

Monitor Audio is a cornerstone brand for Soundline because it perfectly embodies the values that Soundline has always stood for: high-performance sound, timeless design, and long-term value for passionate listeners. As one of the most respected hi-fi retailers in New Zealand, Soundline has built its reputation on curating products that deliver genuine quality — not just hype — and Monitor Audio fits that mould precisely.