Audio T Verdict
The Gold 500 6G is the speaker for anyone who likes the thinking behind Monitor Audio's Gold Series but wants the full-fat version. Twin 8-inch bass drivers, a dedicated midrange unit and MPD III transducer give it the scale and dynamic capability expected from a flagship floorstander.
What makes the Gold 500 particularly interesting is that the size isn't just about producing more bass. The proper three-way architecture allows the two large bass drivers to concentrate on the bottom end while a dedicated 3-inch driver takes care of the critical midrange.
It deserves a reasonably generous room and an amplifier with plenty of control, but give the Gold 500 6G the right system and it can combine serious low-frequency authority with the clarity and refinement that make the Gold range such a strong all-rounder.
Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G
The Gold 500 6G is the flagship floorstanding speaker in Monitor Audio's sixth-generation Gold Series.
Its three-way driver configuration combines twin 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers with a dedicated 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange and Monitor Audio's latest MPD III high-frequency transducer.
- Flagship Gold Series 6G floorstanding speaker
- Three-way design
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM dedicated midrange driver
- Twin 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Dedicated midrange enclosure
- Gold Series 6G crossover design
- HiVe II bass-reflex system
- 25Hz in-room bass extension
- 300W continuous power handling
- Cast aluminium outriggers
- Magnetic driver grilles included
- Supplied as a pair
Flagship Gold Series Performance
The Gold 500 6G sits at the top of Monitor Audio's Gold Series and is designed for systems and rooms where greater scale, deeper bass and higher output capability are required.
The basic architecture is similar in principle to the Gold 300, but the flagship model replaces the smaller twin 6-inch bass drivers with substantially larger 8-inch units.
That increased cone area gives the Gold 500 considerably greater low-frequency authority while retaining the dedicated midrange and high-frequency architecture that defines the larger Gold Series models.
Twin 8-Inch HDT C-CAM Bass Drivers
Each Gold 500 6G uses two powerful 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers.
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. Monitor Audio uses a hexagonal pattern across the C-CAM cone surface to help disrupt symmetrical break-up behaviour and improve the diaphragm's control as frequency and excursion increase.
The bass drivers also benefit from powerful motor systems, FEA-optimised surround and spider designs, increased voice-coil length and lightweight cast-aluminium chassis.
25Hz In-Room Bass Extension
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB frequency response extending down to an impressive 25Hz.
That puts the Gold 500 6G firmly into genuine deep-bass territory and means a separate subwoofer is unlikely to be necessary for most conventional two-channel music systems.
For home cinema use, a dedicated subwoofer can still be useful for reproducing the LFE channel and the very deepest soundtrack effects independently of the main speakers.
Dedicated 3-Inch Midrange Driver
The Gold 500 6G uses a separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver dedicated entirely to midrange reproduction.
This prevents the large bass drivers from having to reproduce the critical vocal and instrumental frequencies above their ideal working range.
The smaller midrange diaphragm can therefore concentrate on speed, detail and tonal accuracy while the twin 8-inch units handle the much greater excursion required at low frequencies.
Dedicated Midrange Enclosure
The midrange driver is housed within its own internal enclosure rather than sharing the main cabinet volume with the two powerful bass drivers.
This isolates it from the substantial pressure changes generated inside the main bass enclosure and creates a more controlled acoustic environment for the midrange unit.
Monitor Audio uses a rigid dedicated midrange assembly to provide a stable platform for this particularly important part of the frequency range.
MPD III High-Frequency Transducer
High frequencies are reproduced by Monitor Audio's third-generation MPD III transducer.
MPD stands for Micro Pleated Diaphragm. Instead of moving forwards and backwards like a conventional dome tweeter, the finely folded diaphragm rapidly expands and contracts to move air.
The latest MPD III design has been refined to deliver greater consistency, clarity and accuracy while integrating smoothly with the dedicated HDT C-CAM midrange driver.
Extends to 60kHz
Monitor Audio specifies an upper -6dB frequency limit of 60kHz.
While this sits well beyond the normal audible range, it demonstrates the exceptionally wide bandwidth available from the MPD III transducer and allows the audible high-frequency spectrum to sit comfortably within its working capabilities.
Gold Series 6G Crossover
The three-way crossover divides the incoming signal between the Gold 500 6G's dedicated bass, midrange and high-frequency drive units.
- Bass to midrange crossover: 700Hz
- Midrange to MPD III crossover: 2.6kHz
Monitor Audio develops Gold Series crossovers using high-quality components alongside extensive acoustic measurement and listening.
The crossover therefore forms part of the complete loudspeaker system and is engineered specifically around the electrical and acoustic behaviour of the drivers and cabinet.
HiVe II Bass-Reflex System
The Gold 500 6G uses a ported cabinet incorporating Monitor Audio's HiVe II bass-reflex technology.
The system is tuned to 33Hz and works with the twin 8-inch bass drivers to extend the loudspeaker's low-frequency output.
HiVe II is designed to encourage efficient airflow through the port while reducing unwanted turbulence as the bass drivers move increasingly large volumes of air.
Speaker Placement
The Gold 500 6G can produce very substantial low-frequency energy, so positioning deserves some experimentation. Start with a good amount of space around the speakers and adjust by listening. Moving them closer to walls will generally increase bass reinforcement, while moving them further into the room can tighten the low frequencies and improve stereo imaging.
88.5dB Sensitivity
The Gold 500 6G has a free-field sensitivity of 88.5dB at 2.83V/1m.
Nominal impedance is 4 ohms, with Monitor Audio specifying a minimum impedance of 4 ohms at 150Hz.
The relatively high sensitivity helps, but this remains a substantial flagship loudspeaker and is best partnered with amplification capable of delivering good current into a 4-ohm load.
Amplifier Matching
Monitor Audio recommends amplification rated between 130 and 600 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
The Gold 500 6G itself has a continuous power-handling specification of 300 watts.
That broad amplifier range reflects the speaker's considerable dynamic capabilities. You do not automatically need several hundred watts, but amplifier quality, power-supply capability and control are important at this level.
Choosing an Amplifier
The Gold 500 6G deserves an amplifier chosen by listening rather than specifications alone. A capable power supply and good control into a 4-ohm load are particularly important if you want to hear the speed and definition of the twin 8-inch bass drivers rather than simply producing more volume.
122dB Maximum Peak SPL
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum peak sound pressure level of 122dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
This is substantial output capability for a domestic passive loudspeaker and highlights the scale and dynamic headroom available from the flagship Gold model.
It allows the Gold 500 6G to handle large orchestral peaks, rock music and demanding movie soundtracks without needing to sound constrained when the system is appropriately amplified.
Cast Aluminium Outriggers
The cabinet is supported by substantial cast aluminium outriggers, providing the tall and relatively heavy enclosure with a wider and more stable footprint.
A mechanically stable foundation is particularly important when two large bass drivers are generating substantial forces within the cabinet.
The outrigger system also forms part of Gold Series 6G's clean industrial design, adding stability without requiring an oversized conventional plinth.
Rigid Cabinet Construction
The Gold 500 6G cabinet is designed to provide a rigid and controlled platform from which the drive units can operate.
Monitor Audio combines carefully calculated cabinet geometry with advanced internal bracing to minimise unwanted resonance and movement.
The overall aim is to ensure that the energy from the drive units is used to reproduce music rather than being lost through uncontrolled cabinet vibration.
Premium Aluminium Detailing
Gold Series 6G uses machined and die-cast aluminium detailing around the drive units, with carefully defined shadow gaps separating the trim from the surrounding cabinet surfaces.
The engineering details are deliberately visible without making the Gold 500 look excessively technical or industrial.
Magnetic driver grilles are supplied for customers who prefer a more discreet appearance.
Three Premium Finishes
The Gold 500 6G is available in three finishes:
- Macassar
- High Gloss Black
- Satin White
The same finish choices extend across the wider Gold Series 6G range, allowing a matching stereo or multi-channel installation to maintain a consistent appearance.
Flagship Dimensions
The Gold 500 6G is a substantial loudspeaker and is best suited to rooms that give it enough physical and acoustic space to perform properly.
With all standard accessories fitted, each speaker measures:
- Height: 1155mm
- Width: 383mm
- Depth: 475mm
- Weight: 26.5kg each
The larger cabinet volume accommodates the twin 8-inch bass drivers and gives the Gold 500 the internal volume required for its extended low-frequency performance.
Gold 300 or Gold 500?
The Gold 300 and Gold 500 share the same basic three-way architecture, but the scale of their bass systems is significantly different.
Gold 300 6G
- Mid-sized floorstander
- Twin 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Dedicated 3-inch midrange
- 28Hz in-room bass extension
- 117dB maximum peak SPL
- More compact footprint
Gold 500 6G
- Flagship floorstander
- Twin 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Dedicated 3-inch midrange
- 25Hz in-room bass extension
- 122dB maximum peak SPL
- Greater scale for larger rooms
The Gold 300 will make more sense in many medium-sized rooms, while the Gold 500 is aimed at listeners who have the space and amplification to make use of its greater bass extension, output capability and physical scale.
Gold 100 or Gold 500?
The Gold 100 6G offers the three-way Gold Series architecture in a large bookshelf format, while the Gold 500 takes the same general philosophy to its logical conclusion as a full-size floorstander.
The Gold 100 uses a single 8-inch bass driver, whereas the Gold 500 doubles that arrangement with two 8-inch drivers and a significantly larger cabinet.
If space is limited, the Gold 100 offers impressive low-frequency performance from a stand-mounted design. Where maximum scale and low-frequency authority are priorities, the Gold 500 is the natural choice.
Suitable for Stereo and Home Cinema
The Gold 500 6G is primarily a high-performance stereo loudspeaker but can also form the front left and right channels of a Gold Series 6G home cinema system.
Matching models include the Gold C250 6G centre speaker and Gold On-Wall 6G, making it possible to build a tonally consistent multi-channel system around the flagship floorstanders.
Supplied as a Pair
The Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G is supplied as a stereo pair.
One pair therefore provides the left and right speakers required for a conventional two-channel system or the main front channels of a larger Gold Series home cinema installation.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G
- Flagship Gold Series floorstanding speakers
- Supplied as a pair
- Three-way configuration
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange driver
- Dedicated midrange enclosure
- Twin 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology
- FEA-optimised bass-driver suspension
- Gold Series 6G crossover design
- 700Hz LF / MF crossover
- 2.6kHz MF / HF crossover
- 44Hz to 60kHz free-field response
- 25Hz to 60kHz in-room response
- 88.5dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 4-ohm minimum impedance at 150Hz
- 122dB maximum peak SPL
- 300W continuous power handling
- 130 to 600W recommended amplifier into 4 ohms
- HiVe II bass-reflex system
- 33Hz port tuning frequency
- Cast aluminium outriggers
- Machined and die-cast aluminium detailing
- Magnetic driver grilles included
- Macassar finish
- High Gloss Black finish
- Satin White finish
- 26.5kg each
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Monitor Audio Gold 500 6G speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Gold 500 6G is supplied as a stereo pair.
Is the Gold 500 6G a floorstanding speaker?
Yes. It is Monitor Audio's flagship floorstanding model within Gold Series 6G.
Is the Gold 500 6G a three-way speaker?
Yes. It uses separate bass, midrange and high-frequency drive units.
How many bass drivers does each Gold 500 6G use?
Each speaker uses two 8-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers.
Does the Gold 500 6G have a dedicated midrange driver?
Yes. A separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver handles the midrange.
What tweeter does the Gold 500 6G use?
High frequencies are reproduced by Monitor Audio's MPD III Micro Pleated Diaphragm transducer.
What is HDT?
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. Monitor Audio uses a hexagonal surface pattern on the C-CAM cone to help improve diaphragm behaviour and reduce symmetrical break-up modes.
How low does the Gold 500 6G play?
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB response extending to 25Hz and a free-field response extending to 44Hz.
What is the sensitivity?
88.5dB at 2.83V/1m in free-field conditions.
What is the nominal impedance?
4 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
Monitor Audio specifies 4 ohms at 150Hz.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio recommends 130 to 600 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
What is the power handling?
The Gold 500 6G has a continuous power-handling specification of 300 watts.
What is the maximum peak SPL?
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum peak SPL of 122dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
Is the Gold 500 6G ported?
Yes. It uses Monitor Audio's HiVe II bass-reflex system, tuned to 33Hz.
What are the crossover frequencies?
The bass drivers cross to the dedicated midrange at 700Hz, while the midrange crosses to the MPD III transducer at 2.6kHz.
How large is each Gold 500 6G?
With all standard accessories fitted, each speaker measures 1155mm high, 383mm wide and 475mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
26.5kg.
Which finishes are available?
Macassar, High Gloss Black and Satin White.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Magnetic driver grilles are included.
What is the difference between the Gold 300 and Gold 500?
The Gold 300 uses twin 6-inch bass drivers, while the flagship Gold 500 uses significantly larger twin 8-inch units. The Gold 500 also offers deeper in-room bass extension, higher sensitivity and greater maximum output.
Can the Gold 500 6G be used for home cinema?
Yes. It can be partnered with matching Gold Series 6G centre and surround speakers to create a complete multi-channel system.
What warranty do the Gold 500 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 500 6G is capable of delivering serious performance, but it also needs a suitably capable system and enough room to work properly. Audio T can help you compare amplification, optimise positioning and decide whether the Gold 500 or the more compact Gold 300 is the better fit for your listening space.
- Monitor Audio demonstrations
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker positioning guidance
- Room-size advice
- System matching
- Source component 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 500 6G demonstration or discuss suitable amplification for your system.