Introduction

Since the introduction back in 2008 by MODVO, the reference line has been recognized as different from the start.  And now 10 years later, the Reference MM-100 has been our long time favorite here.  it was the foundation for our loudspeaker designs and it inspired us to built better speakers using quailty parts which later became the building block for our speakers.  

There is has been many different variations of this loudspeaker before it was finally finalized as the Reference MM-100.  From our point of view, the name itself does not imply mainly on the quality of the loudspeaker or its performance that many may think when they hear the name, but rather on the go to (or reference) speaker one would use form casual listening in small rooms with a touch of high fidelity sound.  Sound that is accurate and clear and non-fatiguing to the ears, but not overly bearing or improvised.  A speaker for someone that cares more about the fine details of sound in music and not the overly one note bass boom of ported systems that most fans have been accustom to.

The Design

There is has been many different vi rations of this loudspeaker before it was finalized as the MM-100, ranging from driver size to crossover design.  The main goal and design of this speaker was to create a  standalone monitor speaker that could achieve a level of sound and quality that was not normally found in a speaker of its size.  While most larger and expensive speakers feature quality components, we want to our handcrafted design on a smaller scale.  We wanted to have a speaker small enough that it could be placed on a shelf or in a small room with limited space.  Ands when need, could be used for critical listening.

We were thinking small and not in reference size

We experimented with 4” and 6” woofers which resulted in either too small or too large.

The idea of using a 5-1/4” woofer and using a slightly larger 1” dome tweeter was the choice and the sweet spot for us.   It gave us the ability to design a speaker that could be used as a standalone Mini monitor for critical listening or a go to speaker for casual listening.  If that wasn’t enough, it could easily integrate with a subwoofer for needed bass response and multi-channel sound.

The Result

The result was a speaker that is Not designed for everyone, but rather design for those who care more about sound quality and ease of use (being able to mate with most type of amplifiers), than bass heavy sound that is usually found in most hifi speakers.

While the Reference Mini Monitor Line won’t wow the average listener which room shaking sound or deep bass, it will give audiophiles clear detail sound what will it done

The Reference MM-100S (S for shielded) is the shielded version of the original MM-100. While the Reference MM-115 introduces a flatter response that is more accurate, thanks to its slightly deeper cabinet design and a robust 5.5” driver for better power handling and control.

With the evolution of the reference over the years it has evolved into a loudspeaker that has its roots and traditions that has been the building block for our loudspeakers and have remained one of our oldest and strongest lineup today.  And will continue to inspired us to design a better speaker that is truly a Reference Monitor.