Note: Listen to the talking review in English at the end of this article, or click here.
The Platinum 300 G3 is Monitor Audio's current top-of-the-line model, following the discontinuation of the fabulous (and tall) 500 G2, much to the chagrin of Delfin Yanez, who sold 16 pairs and kept only one pair for himself. A pair he will not sell to anyone.
The truth is that the 300 G3, with its height of 1.3 meters and weight of 53 kilos, is already big enough for most consumers (and their wives)! And it delivers a big sound too, as I was able to hear for myself in the Dell audio studio with Delfin Yanez at the helm. You can do the same for free. Just contact Dell audio (or your local dealer) to make a reservation.
The new Platinum 300 G3 is fast, very dynamic, clear and transparent, with an unusual amount of information that is way above its price level, even considering that it costs around 14,000 euros. So much so that I could clearly hear the difference between two different sets of speaker cables from Inakustik.
The new Platinum 300 G3 is fast, very dynamic, clear and transparent...
Do all cables sound the same?
In the video at the end of this review, you can always see the same pair of cables, but the audio was recorded separately with different cables A and B, both at the same volume level. The PL 300 G3 level of resolution is so high that the difference between the cables can even be heard on YouTube!
Whether you like one cable or the other better depends on your taste. Obviously, you have to hear it live, even if it's just to make sure that all cables sound the same. Which they do not.
Pass Labs INT-250
Smooth and shiny skin
The PL 300 G3 is not only a delight for the ear, but also for the eye and the sense of touch: The finishes are of Asian luxury, with wood inlays and 16 layers of lacquer polished with Chinese care and patience.
I also saw a gorgeous to-die-for pair of PL 200 G3 in 'Piano Ebony' on display there.
The pair demoed by Delfin Yanez, was lacquered in 'Piano Black", but I also saw a gorgeous to-die-for pair of PL 200 G3 in 'Piano Ebony' on display there. The PL 100 G3 is yet to arrive.
The PL 300 G3 is a 3-way speaker with four drivers: a third-generation Micro Pleated Diaphragm ribbon-tweeter that was specially made for the Concept 50, which was first shown at High End 2022; two 203mm woofers mounted in a semi-curved baffle with protruding B and W like rims; and a 102mm midrange driver.
All dynamic units use RDT cone technology, which consists of a honeycomb structure of Nomex pressed between two layers. A front layer of ceramic-coated aluminium and another layer of carbon fibre to ensure lightness, physical stiffness, and the absence of any acoustic colourations. All resulting in excellent transient response.
The speaker should be placed away from the walls to ensure good acoustic coupling with the room, and it should be heard from a sufficient distance to allow for good spatial integration.
The bass is powerful, so placement in poorly treated rooms should be done with care, as is the case at Dell audio, which is perhaps better suited to smaller models such as the excellent MA 200 Gold. Covering the reflex output with foam can improve bass, but also limit extension. MA suggests you can try it even with small monitors like the 100 Silver.
MA Platinum 300 G3 driven by Pass Labs INT-250
No compromise voicing
In general, 'voicing' and tonal balance seems to be the result of tuning in an anechoic environment to achieve the flattest possible frequency response, rather than compromising for personal taste or market trend.
During the listening session, I noticed that the tweeter was still in its break-in phase and exhibited an excessive 'liveliness', typical of its 'youth'.
But let the speakers breathe, in a room decorated with carpets, curtains and furniture, and you will enjoy the Platinum 300 G3s in all their glory, provided the amplifier does it justice.
The PL 300 G3 excels at reproducing the micro-dynamic details ...
The PL 300 G3 excelled at reproducing the micro-dynamic details of guitars and the inflexions of the human voice. Maybe this is why Delfin Yanez chose simple musical themes based on male and female voices and acoustic and electric guitars.
We could hear the blues of Taj Mahal, the country/blues of Hans Theessink and the country/soul of Sophie Zelmani from the album All About You.
For the video, I chose the recording of Saint James Infirmary by the Stimulators because it has a more complex accompaniment. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.