Overview

The Monitor Audio Silver 8 is a three-way floorstanding speaker from the 5th-generation Silver series (2014–2015). US retail was just under 2000 USD/pair. It uses C-CAM (ceramic-coated aluminum-magnesium) drivers—dual 6” woofers, 4” midrange, and a 1” dome tweeter. Production has ended; used-market pricing typically ranges ~800–1350 USD/pair depending on finish and condition.

Scientific Validity

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Independent lab data show neutral-leaning behavior with concrete figures. Measured voltage sensitivity is 88.5 dB/2.83 V/m (spec 90 dB/W/m). Impedance is nominally 4 Ω with a 3.5 Ω minimum at 165 Hz; electrical phase is generally benign (≈–34° at ~100 Hz with ~4.5 Ω), so a competent 4-ohm-rated amplifier is recommended. Low-frequency extension is ≈40 Hz at –6 dB, and the axial response is described as impressively even. Cabinet accelerometer tests show panel modes around 301 Hz and 410 Hz that “measure worse than they sound.” The 4” midrange employs an under-hung motor aimed at low distortion.

Key numbers (measured): 88.5 dB sensitivity; 3.5 Ω minimum; –6 dB ≈ 40 Hz.

Technology Level

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For its era the engineering is sound (C-CAM diaphragms, under-hung midrange, three-way network at 500 Hz and 2.7 kHz). Versus current designs it lacks modern features like built-in DSP/room correction or advanced modular cabinetry. As a 2015 passive design, it sits slightly below today’s median “technology level.”

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better confirmed): JBL Stage A180 floorstander. Third-party Klippel NFS data indicate neutral response with frequency deviation ≈2.7 dB (300 Hz–5 kHz), F6 ≈ 41 Hz, and sensitivity ≈88.6 dB, which is equivalent in user-visible performance (neutrality and bass reach) to the Silver 8’s independent data. Official US pricing shows 399.95 USD each at JBL; pair = 799.90 USD (lower than the Silver 8’s representative 1000 USD/pair used price). Resulting CP = 0.8.

Reliability & Support

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Discontinued models have no new-purchase factory warranty. Age-related risks include cosmetic wear and crossover component drift; parts/service depend on third parties. Build quality is robust but official support is absent.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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A conventional, measurement-minded passive approach—rigid metal diaphragms plus under-hung mid—pursues low distortion and smooth directivity with established methods. Sensible and data-aware, but conservative relative to today’s DSP-assisted optimization trends.

Advice

If you can source a clean pair near 1000 USD, the Silver 8 remains a capable, neutral tower with genuine ~40 Hz reach. Use a 4-ohm-capable amplifier and check cabinets for loosened braces or panel buzz. If you prefer new with warranty and comparable measured neutrality at a lower price, shortlist JBL Stage A180 (799.90 USD/pair).

References

1. Stereophile — Monitor Audio Silver 8 loudspeaker Measurements (MLSSA, 88.5 dB/2.83 V/m; 3.5 Ω @ 165 Hz; ≈40 Hz at –6 dB; phase notes; cabinet modes). https://www.stereophile.com/content/monitor-audio-silver-8-loudspeaker-measurements (accessed 2025-08-24)
2. Stereophile — Monitor Audio Silver 8 loudspeaker (series context; “just under 2000 USD/pair”; crossover 500 Hz/2.7 kHz). https://www.stereophile.com/content/monitor-audio-silver-8-loudspeaker (accessed 2025-08-24)
3. Hi-Fi+ — Monitor Audio Silver 8 floorstanding loudspeaker (specs; crossover points). https://hifiplus.com/articles/monitor-audio-silver-8-floorstanding-loudspeaker/ (accessed 2025-08-24)
4. spinorama.org — JBL Stage A180 (ASR NFS dataset: F6≈41 Hz; ~2.7 dB deviation; ~88.6 dB sensitivity). https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/JBL%20Stage%20A180/ASR/index_asr.html (accessed 2025-08-24)
5. JBL (official) — Stage A180 product page & price (399.95 USD each). https://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STAGE+A180.html (accessed 2025-08-24)
6. HiFi Shark — Monitor Audio Silver 8 (global used-market listings indicating typical second-hand pricing). https://www.hifishark.com/model/monitor-audio-silver-8 (accessed 2025-08-24)

(2025.8.24)