Audio T Verdict
The Monitor Audio Apex A40 is a particularly clever solution when you want a proper centre or surround speaker without putting a large conventional cabinet around the television. At only 100mm deep, it is remarkably slim, yet still manages to accommodate two 140mm mid/bass drivers and Monitor Audio's Gold C-CAM tweeter.
It's also unusually flexible. Use it horizontally beneath or above a screen as the centre channel, turn it vertically for left, right or surround duties, place it on furniture or use the supplied bracket to mount it neatly on the wall.
Most importantly, it is designed to work directly alongside the smaller Apex A10. That makes it possible to build a compact and visually discreet home cinema system without mixing completely different speaker technologies across the front and surround channels.
Monitor Audio Apex A40
The Apex A40 is the larger loudspeaker in Monitor Audio's Apex range and is designed primarily for centre-channel and surround duties within compact home cinema systems.
Its slim die-cast alloy cabinet houses two 140mm C-CAM RST mid/bass drivers together with a central 25mm Gold C-CAM tweeter.
It can be installed horizontally or vertically, giving it considerably more flexibility than a conventional centre speaker.
- 2 x 140mm C-CAM RST mid/bass drivers
- 25mm Gold C-CAM dome tweeter
- Rigid die-cast alloy enclosure
- Twin front-mounted HiVe II reflex ports
- Horizontal or vertical installation
- Freestanding or wall-mounted
- Dedicated wall bracket supplied
- Magnetic grille
- 200W RMS power handling
Sold Individually
The Apex A40 is priced and supplied as a single speaker. This makes sense for centre-channel use, but remember to order the required quantity if you are planning to use A40 speakers as left, right or surround channels.
Two 140mm C-CAM RST Mid/Bass Drivers
The A40 uses two 140mm C-CAM mid/bass drivers positioned either side of the tweeter when the speaker is used horizontally.
Both drivers use Monitor Audio's RST dimpled cone geometry, designed to increase the rigidity of the cone surface without adding excessive mass.
Using two mid/bass drivers gives the A40 substantially greater radiating area than the smaller Apex A10, helping it deliver the additional scale and output required from a centre channel.
25mm Gold C-CAM Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by Monitor Audio's 25mm Gold C-CAM dome tweeter.
Using the same basic tweeter technology as the Apex A10 helps maintain a consistent tonal character when the two models are combined within one multi-channel system.
Monitor Audio specifies an overall frequency response extending from 50Hz to 35kHz.
Three-Driver Crossover Design
The Apex A40 uses crossover points at 600Hz and 3kHz.
The arrangement allows Monitor Audio to control how the two 140mm drivers integrate with one another and with the centrally positioned tweeter, rather than simply running both larger drivers identically throughout their entire operating range.
This is particularly important for a centre speaker, where dialogue intelligibility and consistent dispersion across several seating positions matter just as much as outright output.
Designed as a Centre Channel
Positioned horizontally beneath or above a television or projection screen, the Apex A40 works as the principal centre speaker in an Apex home cinema system.
The centre channel carries a large proportion of film dialogue and on-screen information, so using a speaker specifically designed to match the rest of the system helps maintain a consistent sound as voices and effects move between channels.
Keeping the Front Soundstage Consistent
For home cinema, it is usually best to keep the front left, centre and right speakers within the same family wherever possible. Matching driver and tweeter technologies helps prevent voices and effects changing character as they move across the screen.
Can Also Be Used Vertically
The A40 is not restricted to centre-channel use.
Monitor Audio specifically designs it to operate either horizontally or vertically, allowing the same loudspeaker to serve as:
- Centre channel
- Front left speaker
- Front right speaker
- Surround speaker
- Other conventional passive home cinema channels
This makes the A40 particularly useful in installations where a larger speaker is desirable but available wall or furniture space is limited.
Rigid Die-Cast Alloy Cabinet
The A40 uses a rigid die-cast alloy enclosure rather than a conventional MDF cabinet.
This construction allows Monitor Audio to produce a cabinet that is just 100mm deep while retaining the structural rigidity required to support two 140mm drive units.
The smooth curved surfaces also help the A40 blend more easily with contemporary televisions and interior design than many traditional box-shaped centre speakers.
Central Through-Bolt Driver Fixing
As with the Apex A10, the drive units are secured to the enclosure using Monitor Audio's central through-bolt arrangement.
The fixing runs through the cabinet rather than relying only on conventional screws around the driver perimeter.
In addition to fixing the driver securely, the arrangement braces the cabinet structure and allows the front baffle to remain particularly clean and uncluttered.
Twin Front HiVe II Ports
The Apex A40 uses a bass-reflex enclosure with two front-mounted HiVe II ports.
Front-facing ports are particularly useful on a speaker intended for wall mounting or placement around a television, where there may be relatively little space behind the enclosure.
The A40 still benefits from careful positioning, but the front-port arrangement provides considerably more flexibility than a conventional rear-ported centre speaker.
Wall Bracket Included
Monitor Audio supplies a dedicated metal wall bracket with the A40.
The bracket allows the speaker to be positioned securely against a wall and angled towards the listening position where required.
This can be especially useful when the speaker is:
- Mounted above a television
- Mounted below a wall-mounted television
- Used vertically as a front speaker
- Installed as a wall-mounted surround speaker
Freestanding Installation
The Apex A40 does not have to be wall-mounted.
Monitor Audio also specifies it for freestanding use, allowing the speaker to be positioned on suitable AV furniture or a suitable support beneath a display.
Its shallow 100mm cabinet depth is particularly useful where conventional centre speakers would protrude too far from a television cabinet or shelf.
Magnetic Grille
A magnetically attached front grille is supplied.
There are no conventional grille pegs visible when the grille is removed, helping preserve the A40's clean appearance regardless of whether the drivers are exposed or covered.
90dB Sensitivity
Monitor Audio specifies the A40 at 90dB sensitivity for 1 watt measured at 1 metre.
This is usefully higher than the smaller A10's 87dB specification and suits the A40's role as a speaker expected to deliver substantial output in a multi-channel installation.
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
200W RMS Power Handling
The A40 is rated for 200 watts RMS and Monitor Audio recommends amplifier power between 50 and 200 watts.
Maximum sound pressure level is specified at 116.8dBA.
These figures give the A40 considerably greater output capability than its slim cabinet dimensions might suggest, although amplifier quality and correct AV receiver configuration remain important.
A40 and A10 Together
The Apex range is specifically voiced so A10 and A40 models can be mixed within one installation.
Apex A10
- Single 140mm RST mid/bass driver
- 25mm Gold C-CAM tweeter
- Compact satellite format
- Ideal for front or surround channels
Apex A40
- Dual 140mm RST mid/bass drivers
- 25mm Gold C-CAM tweeter
- Greater output capability
- Ideal for centre or larger surround duties
A typical compact Apex home cinema system might therefore use the A40 across the centre with A10 speakers for the other channels.
Compact Dimensions
Despite accommodating three drive units, the A40 remains unusually slim:
- Height: 610mm
- Width: 140mm
- Depth: 100mm
- Weight: 6.85kg
When installed horizontally, the 610mm dimension naturally becomes its width.
Two High-Gloss Finishes
The current Apex A40 is offered in:
- Metallic Black High Gloss
- Metallic Pearl White High Gloss
Both versions use the same die-cast alloy cabinet, drive units and acoustic specification.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio Apex A40 1G
- Centre or surround speaker
- Sold individually
- Horizontal or vertical installation
- Freestanding or wall-mounted
- 2 x 140mm C-CAM RST mid/bass drivers
- 25mm Gold C-CAM tweeter
- 50Hz to 35kHz frequency response
- 90dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 116.8dBA maximum SPL
- 200W RMS power handling
- 50 to 200W recommended amplifier
- 600Hz crossover point
- 3kHz crossover point
- Twin front HiVe II ports
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- Rigid die-cast alloy cabinet
- Central through-bolt driver fixing
- Magnetic grille
- Wall bracket included
- Adjustable wall positioning
- Compatible with Apex A10
- Suitable for compact home cinema systems
- Metallic Black High Gloss finish
- Metallic Pearl White High Gloss finish
- 100mm cabinet depth
- 6.85kg weight
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monitor Audio Apex A40 sold individually?
Yes. Monitor Audio supplies the A40 as a single speaker.
Is the Apex A40 still a current product?
Yes. Although the original Apex Series was introduced in 2010, Monitor Audio continues to manufacture the Apex A10 and A40.
Is the A40 a centre speaker?
Yes. Centre-channel use is one of its principal applications, but it is considerably more flexible than a conventional centre speaker.
Can I mount the A40 vertically?
Yes. Monitor Audio specifically designs the A40 for horizontal or vertical use.
Can I use two A40 speakers as front left and right speakers?
Yes. The A40 can be used vertically for left and right channels where its size and output are appropriate for the room.
Can it be used as a surround speaker?
Yes. Monitor Audio lists the A40 for both centre and surround applications.
Can the A40 be wall-mounted?
Yes. A dedicated metal wall bracket is included.
Can it be used freestanding?
Yes. The A40 can also be positioned on suitable furniture or another stable support.
How many mid/bass drivers does it use?
Two 140mm C-CAM mid/bass drivers with Monitor Audio's RST cone technology.
Which tweeter does it use?
A 25mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter.
What is the frequency response?
Monitor Audio specifies 50Hz to 35kHz.
What is its sensitivity?
90dB measured at 1W and 1 metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
8 ohms.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Monitor Audio recommends between 50 and 200 watts.
What is the power handling?
200W RMS.
Is the cabinet rear ported?
No. It uses two front-mounted HiVe II bass-reflex ports, which helps with flexible wall and furniture placement.
What is the cabinet made from?
The cabinet is a rigid die-cast alloy construction.
Can I remove the grille?
Yes. The grille attaches magnetically.
Does it match the Apex A10?
Yes. Monitor Audio specifically voices the Apex models so A10 and A40 speakers can be mixed within the same system.
How deep is the A40?
Only 100mm, making it unusually shallow for a speaker using two 140mm mid/bass drivers.
How much does it weigh?
6.85kg per speaker.
Which finishes are available?
Metallic Black High Gloss and Metallic Pearl White High Gloss.
What warranty does it have?
Monitor Audio specifies a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
The Apex A40 is unusually flexible, so deciding whether it should be horizontal, vertical, wall-mounted or freestanding depends on the room and the rest of the system. Audio T can help design the complete speaker layout and match it with the right AV amplification and subwoofer.
- Monitor Audio demonstrations
- Home cinema system planning
- Centre-channel positioning
- Wall-mounting advice
- Speaker placement guidance
- AV receiver matching
- Power amplifier matching
- Apex A10 and A40 system matching
- Subwoofer integration
- Room and seating-layout advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Installation and setup advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Monitor Audio Apex demonstration or discuss a complete home cinema system.