Bo1972 - I had a look at those pl-500's. Ok lets talk gear. Some observations and a couple questions for you. You can get more info on the Monitor Audio Platinum II's here.
http://canadahifi.com/monitor-audio-new-platinum-ii-loudspeaker-range/ Not sure about the finish on those speakers. I think you need to discuss this with Monitor Audio. The finish reminds me of this.
http://www.shat.it/images/800_matrix_copia.jpg and this.
http://www.hifimusic.co.il/download/file.php?id=12528 Does this prove that with styling what goes around comes around ?
I like the fact that the bass drivers are top and bottom on those 500's. This shows an understanding of bass wave cancellation, allowing for purer bass notes and easy room placement. Get the bass right, everything else falls into place. I have not heard better for two channel audio and room integration. Now companies including B&W jam the woofers on top of one another on the main cabinet though separated. Same principle, but not the same effect. Bass is all simple physics and money. Put woofers high and woofers low in separate cabinets costs a lot more money to do, and you start losing the WAF appeal quickly. This cuts into sales.
PL 500 II
MSRP: $34,995 /pair
Flagship 3-way / 4 driver tower system using four 8″ RDT II long-throw bass drivers and dual 4″ RDT II TLE-loaded midrange drivers in an M-T-M configuration with the MPD high frequency transducer.
For this kind of money I expect an all out assault speaker. No subs needed for full scale classical, rock, jazz, etc... Without hearing them I believe due to the box size, and room size, you may still need sub/s with those pl-500 speakers for realistic presentations ? What do you think ?
You told us in an earlier post that silver wiring is used and WBT's. These are silver plated and I can't see the backs. from the website
IMPROVED CROSSOVER DESIGNCrossovers have been completely re-developed using air core inductors in midrange / tweeter sections and laminated steel cores for bass sections. Custom made audiophile grade metallised polypropylene capacitors are selected to operate within a 1% tolerance for the best possible sound quality. Platinum II speakers are internally wired using Monitor Audio’s ‘Pureflow’ silver-plated OFC copper cable, selected for its audio purity and high conductivity.
Bo1972. How has your experience been with reliability and build quality as these Monitor Audio speakers are Made in China. Any problems, growing pains ? And I guess I am curious also - why all the attention on the 800 series D3's. Are they the ones taking most of your customers away ? Its like you are saying that is my reference point ? Well, everyone whether in pro audio or not, needs one and has a personal reference point.
Cheers