CES 2016

Monitor Audio's Alan Hook (6'4") posed next to Monitor Audio's PL500II at CES 2016. The speaker is one of the models in the company's newly redesigned Platinum II speaker series.

The PL500II sounded spectacular (as well it should, at $29,000/pair, a high price point for the company), driven by SimAudio electronics.

Aside from the flagship, other new Platinum II floorstanding designs are the $15,000 PL300II and the $12,000 PL200II. There are two center-channel speakers, including the three-way PL350II at $5,795 (that's the one you want!). The humongous W215II subwoofer, with two 15" drivers, will set you back $7,000.