Audio T Verdict
The Gold 100 6G isn't really a small speaker in the traditional sense. It may sit on a stand rather than directly on the floor, but an 8-inch bass driver and dedicated 3-inch midrange unit give it the scale and authority normally associated with a much larger loudspeaker.
The three-way layout is the key attraction. Instead of asking one driver to cover everything from deep bass through to the critical midrange, Monitor Audio gives each part of the frequency range its own specialist drive unit, finished off by the remarkably revealing MPD III high-frequency transducer.
Give the Gold 100 6G a suitable amplifier, a solid pair of stands and enough room to breathe and it makes a compelling alternative to a floorstanding speaker. You get serious bass extension and dynamic ability without committing to a full-height cabinet.
Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
The Gold 100 6G is a substantial three-way bookshelf speaker within Monitor Audio's sixth-generation Gold Series.
Its unusually ambitious driver configuration combines a powerful 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass driver, dedicated 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange driver and MPD III high-frequency transducer within a ported stand-mount cabinet.
- Three-way bookshelf / stand-mount design
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM dedicated midrange driver
- 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass driver
- Dedicated midrange pod
- New Gold Series 6G crossover design
- HiVe II bass-reflex port
- 32Hz in-room bass extension
- 250W continuous power handling
- ST-2 Universal Stand compatible
- Individual magnetic driver grilles included
- Supplied as a pair
A Three-Way Bookshelf Speaker
Most bookshelf and stand-mount loudspeakers use a two-way layout, asking one bass-mid driver to reproduce both low frequencies and much of the vocal range before handing over to the tweeter.
The Gold 100 6G takes a different approach. Its 8-inch driver is dedicated to bass, a separate 3-inch driver handles the midrange and the MPD III transducer takes care of the highest frequencies.
This lets each driver work over a more tightly controlled frequency range and makes the Gold 100 6G particularly interesting for anyone who wants the sophistication of a large three-way loudspeaker without necessarily wanting a floorstanding cabinet.
8-Inch HDT C-CAM Bass Driver
The Gold 100 6G uses a large 8-inch bass driver incorporating Monitor Audio's latest HDT C-CAM cone technology.
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. The surface of the metal cone uses a hexagonal pattern designed to disrupt symmetrical cone break-up modes and improve the behaviour of the diaphragm as frequencies rise.
For Gold Series 6G, Monitor Audio combines this cone with an FEA-optimised surround and spider, increased voice-coil length and a lightweight cast-aluminium chassis.
The result is a bass driver designed for greater linearity, lower distortion and strong low-frequency output from a relatively compact cabinet.
32Hz In-Room Bass Extension
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB frequency response extending down to an impressive 32Hz.
That is unusually deep for a stand-mounted loudspeaker and helps explain why the Gold 100 6G can provide much of the weight and scale normally associated with a floorstanding design.
A subwoofer can still be added where the deepest low-frequency extension is required, but it certainly isn't a necessity for a conventional high-quality stereo system.
Dedicated 3-Inch Midrange Driver
A separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver is dedicated entirely to the midrange.
Vocals, guitars, strings and much of the information responsible for the character and texture of instruments sit within this region, so giving the midrange its own specialised driver removes the need for the large bass driver to reproduce those frequencies as well.
The compact midrange diaphragm also benefits from Monitor Audio's HDT C-CAM technology and its own powerful motor system.
Dedicated Midrange Pod
The 3-inch midrange driver is housed within its own internal pod rather than sharing the entire cabinet volume with the large bass driver.
This helps isolate the midrange unit from the significant pressure changes generated inside the cabinet by the 8-inch bass driver.
Monitor Audio uses a steel mid-pod enclosure with a die-cast aluminium baffle, creating a rigid and controlled environment for this particularly important part of the frequency range.
MPD III High-Frequency Transducer
The Gold 100 6G uses Monitor Audio's latest MPD III high-frequency transducer rather than a conventional dome tweeter.
MPD stands for Micro Pleated Diaphragm. Instead of moving forwards and backwards like a conventional dome, the finely pleated diaphragm rapidly expands and contracts to move air.
Gold Series 6G uses the third generation of Monitor Audio's MPD technology, developed to provide greater consistency, clarity and accuracy at high frequencies.
Extends to 60kHz
Monitor Audio specifies an upper -6dB frequency limit of 60kHz.
That figure sits well beyond normal human hearing, but it reflects the very wide operating bandwidth of the MPD III transducer and its ability to reproduce the audible high-frequency range without approaching its mechanical limits.
Three-Way Crossover
The crossover network divides the incoming signal between the Gold 100 6G's three specialist drive units.
- Bass to midrange crossover: 700Hz
- Midrange to MPD III crossover: 2.6kHz
Gold Series 6G crossovers use carefully selected high-quality capacitors and were refined through repeated measurement and extensive listening by Monitor Audio's acoustic engineering team.
The crossover is therefore developed as an integral part of the loudspeaker alongside the cabinet and drive units rather than treated simply as a collection of electrical components.
HiVe II Bass-Reflex Port
The Gold 100 6G uses a ported enclosure incorporating Monitor Audio's HiVe II technology.
The bass-reflex system is tuned to 38Hz and works with the large 8-inch bass driver to extend low-frequency output from the cabinet.
HiVe II is designed to accelerate airflow through the port and reduce turbulence as the volume of air moving through the enclosure increases.
Speaker Placement
The Gold 100 6G produces serious bass for a bookshelf speaker, so positioning is worth taking time over. Start with some space between the rear of the speaker and the wall, then adjust by listening. Moving the speakers closer to a boundary will generally increase bass reinforcement, while bringing them further into the room can improve definition and stereo imaging if the low frequencies become excessive.
86.5dB Sensitivity
The Gold 100 6G has a free-field sensitivity of 86.5dB at 2.83V/1m.
Nominal impedance is 4 ohms, with Monitor Audio specifying a minimum impedance of 3.9 ohms at 140Hz.
This is a serious loudspeaker that rewards capable amplification, particularly given the large bass driver and substantial dynamic capability.
Amplifier Matching
Monitor Audio recommends amplification rated between 130 and 500 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
The Gold 100 6G itself is rated for 250 watts continuous power handling using the CTA 426-B measurement standard.
That does not mean you need a 500-watt amplifier to enjoy the speakers, but it does underline that the Gold 100 6G has been designed to work with substantial high-quality amplification and has considerable dynamic headroom available.
Choosing an Amplifier
Don't choose an amplifier for the Gold 100 6G on wattage alone. Its 4-ohm nominal load means current delivery, power-supply quality and control are important too. A demonstration with the amplifier you already own, or with suitable alternatives, is the best way to judge the combination.
119dB Maximum Peak SPL
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum peak sound pressure level of 119dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
Combined with the 250W continuous power handling and large 8-inch bass driver, this gives the Gold 100 6G considerably more dynamic capability than its stand-mount format might initially suggest.
Designed for the ST-2 Universal Stand
The Gold 100 6G can be partnered with Monitor Audio's ST-2 Universal Stand.
The ST-2 has been designed specifically with models including the Gold 50 6G and Gold 100 6G in mind, providing a rigid support and placing the loudspeaker at an appropriate listening height.
The speaker can also be securely fixed to the stand rather than simply resting on its top plate.
Why Use Proper Speaker Stands?
At 14kg each, the Gold 100 6G deserves a substantial support. A suitably rigid stand gives the cabinet a stable mechanical foundation, positions the midrange and MPD III transducer correctly for seated listening and gives you much more freedom to optimise the speakers' position within the room.
Rigid Cabinet Construction
Monitor Audio designs Gold Series 6G cabinets to provide a highly rigid platform from which the drive units can operate.
Advanced internal bracing, carefully calculated cabinet geometry and through-bolt driver fixing all contribute to controlling unwanted cabinet movement.
The through-bolt arrangement also reduces the number of visible fixings on the front of the loudspeaker, helping maintain the clean appearance of the cabinet.
Premium Cabinet Finishes
The Gold 100 6G is available in three finishes:
- Macassar
- High Gloss Black
- Satin White
Machined and die-cast aluminium details surround the drive units, while individual magnetic grilles are supplied for customers who prefer the drivers to be covered.
Substantial Bookshelf Dimensions
The Gold 100 6G is a large bookshelf speaker rather than a miniature stand-mount.
With all standard accessories fitted, each speaker measures:
- Height: 447.7mm
- Width: 230mm
- Depth: 357.3mm
- Weight: 14kg each
The dimensions accommodate the large 8-inch bass driver and dedicated three-way architecture while remaining considerably more compact vertically than an equivalent floorstanding loudspeaker.
Gold 50 or Gold 100?
Gold Series 6G offers two bookshelf models, but they take quite different approaches.
Gold 50 6G
- Compact two-way design
- 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass-mid driver
- MPD III transducer
- Smaller cabinet
- Easier to accommodate
- Ideal where space is more limited
Gold 100 6G
- Large three-way design
- 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass driver
- Dedicated 3-inch midrange
- MPD III transducer
- 32Hz in-room bass extension
- Greater scale and dynamic capability
The Gold 50 is the more compact and placement-friendly option, while the Gold 100 is aimed at listeners who want substantially greater bass extension and the advantages of a dedicated three-way design while retaining a bookshelf format.
Gold 100 or Gold 300?
The Gold 300 6G is the next step if you would rather have a floorstanding loudspeaker.
Both models use an MPD III transducer and dedicated 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange driver, but the Gold 300 moves to twin 6-inch bass drivers within a taller floorstanding cabinet.
The Gold 100 therefore makes particular sense where you want a substantial three-way speaker but prefer the flexibility, proportions or appearance of a stand-mounted design.
Supplied as a Pair
The Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G is supplied as a stereo pair.
One pair provides the left and right channels required for a conventional two-channel Hi-Fi system and can also be incorporated into a matching Gold Series 6G multi-channel system.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
- Premium bookshelf / stand-mount speaker
- Supplied as a pair
- Three-way configuration
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange driver
- Dedicated midrange pod
- 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass driver
- Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology
- FEA-optimised bass-driver suspension
- New Gold Series 6G crossover
- 700Hz LF / MF crossover
- 2.6kHz MF / HF crossover
- 49Hz to 60kHz free-field response
- 32Hz to 60kHz in-room response
- 86.5dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance at 140Hz
- 119dB maximum peak SPL
- 250W continuous power handling
- 130 to 500W recommended amplifier into 4 ohms
- HiVe II bass-reflex system
- 38Hz port tuning frequency
- Through-bolt driver fixing
- ST-2 Universal Stand compatible
- Individual magnetic grilles included
- Macassar finish
- High Gloss Black finish
- Satin White finish
- 14kg each
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Gold 100 6G is supplied as a stereo pair.
Is the Gold 100 6G a bookshelf or stand-mount speaker?
Monitor Audio lists the Gold 100 6G within its bookshelf speaker category and describes it as a substantial stand-mount loudspeaker. For dedicated Hi-Fi use, it is ideally positioned on a high-quality pair of speaker stands.
Is the Gold 100 6G a two-way or three-way speaker?
It is a genuine three-way design with separate bass, midrange and high-frequency drive units.
What bass driver does the Gold 100 6G use?
Each speaker uses one 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass driver.
Does it have a dedicated midrange driver?
Yes. A separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver handles the midrange.
What tweeter does the Gold 100 6G use?
The highest frequencies are handled by Monitor Audio's MPD III Micro Pleated Diaphragm transducer.
What is HDT?
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. Monitor Audio applies a hexagonal pattern to the C-CAM cone surface to help disrupt symmetrical break-up behaviour and improve cone performance.
How low does the Gold 100 6G play?
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB response extending to 32Hz and a free-field response extending to 49Hz.
What is the sensitivity?
86.5dB at 2.83V/1m in free-field conditions.
What is the nominal impedance?
4 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
Monitor Audio specifies 3.9 ohms at 140Hz.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio recommends 130 to 500 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
What is the power handling?
The Gold 100 6G has a continuous power-handling specification of 250 watts using the CTA 426-B measurement standard.
What is the maximum peak SPL?
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum peak SPL of 119dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
Is the Gold 100 6G ported?
Yes. It uses Monitor Audio's HiVe II bass-reflex system, tuned to 38Hz.
What are the crossover frequencies?
The bass driver crosses to the dedicated midrange at 700Hz, while the midrange crosses to the MPD III transducer at 2.6kHz.
Which speaker stands does Monitor Audio recommend?
The Gold 100 6G is compatible with Monitor Audio's ST-2 Universal Stand, which allows the speaker to be securely fixed to the stand.
How large is each Gold 100 6G?
With all standard accessories fitted, each speaker measures 447.7mm high, 230mm wide and 357.3mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
14kg.
Which finishes are available?
Macassar, High Gloss Black and Satin White.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Individual magnetic driver grilles are included.
What warranty do the Gold 100 6G speakers 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 Gold 100 6G is capable of serious performance, but amplifier choice, speaker stands and room positioning all play an important part in getting the best from it. Audio T can demonstrate the Gold 100 6G with suitable electronics and help you find the combination that works properly in your room rather than simply choosing from specifications alone.
- Monitor Audio demonstrations
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker stand advice
- Speaker positioning guidance
- Room-size advice
- System matching
- Subwoofer integration where appropriate
- Gold Series 6G home cinema planning
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Part-exchange options where applicable
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G demonstration or discuss suitable amplification and speaker stands.