Monitor Audio

Origins of Monitor Audio

Monitor Audio was founded in 1972 by engineer Mohammed Iqbal and his associates Martin Colloms and Mike Bean. Initially, the company was based in Cambridge, England, where they assembled loudspeakers by hand. The first products were large, conventional bookshelf 3-way MA1 speakers, which required special low stands for installation.

In 1979, Monitor Audio ventured into the turntable market by releasing the ET500 Direct Drive turntable. This marked a significant step for the company, as it tried to diversify beyond its reputation as a hi-fi speaker system manufacturer. The turntable was part of Monitor Audio’s efforts to explore new market segments and technologies, which has been a hallmark of the company’s approach to innovation.

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ince then, Monitor Audio has continued to innovate and expand its product range, incorporating advanced technologies and materials into their speakers and other audio components.