Loudspeakers

Measured at the average listening height (just below the MPD III tweeter) the ‘6G’ Gold 300’s response is flat in trend [see Graph 1, below] even if a 2.7dB variation in HF response between our pair [red and black traces] results in errors of ±2.5dB and ±3.7dB, respectively, above 8kHz. Otherwise, pair matching is a very tight 0.7dB (200Hz-7kHz). The mid/treble grille introduces a further notch and peak at 6kHz and 10kHz while toeing the speaker in or out by ±15° effects a significant treble roll-off – potentially useful for in-room tuning. Otherwise, the extended HF response limit of 52kHz (–6dB re. 10kHz) follows a primary – and well-damped – axial resonance at 36kHz [pink shaded area, Graph 1 and CSD Waterfall, Graph 2].

The two 150mm HDT, C-CAM bass drivers are reflex-loaded via two rear-facing ports, both tuned quite sharply to 33Hz with the upper tube betraying mild port/quarterwave modes at 135Hz and 960Hz. Nevertheless, and while the low bass roll-off is steep, the diffraction-corrected LF extension clocks-in at an impressive 36Hz [green shaded area, Graph 1]. Now, while MA has engineered a response that’s both quite flat and uniform, with good bass and a very low <0.1% midband distortion (re. 90dB SPL), sensitivity has been reined back to 87.6dB/1kHz (and 88.0dB re. 500Hz-8kHz) because it has chosen not to saddle your amp with a punishing load. With a high minimum impedance of 4.1ohm, the Gold 300 6G represents a fairly easy 5ohm nominal load, and with mere +34°/–43° swings in impedance phase through the bass it presents a well above average 2.08ohm/101Hz EPDR. In short, the Gold 300 6G is a doddle to drive. PM