M-Audio  has introduced the Studiophile BX5a, an updated version of the company’s highly successful BX5 near-field reference monitor. The upgrade centers on improved driver materials and a stylish new industrial design.

Like their predecessors, the BX5a monitors pack lot of punch for their size. The 5” low-frequency driver cone is crafted from Kevlar, in contrast to the polypropylene used in the original BX5. Kevlar is the same material used in bulletproof vests, and its high resilience makes it ideal for use in speaker cones—although it is typically reserved for monitors with higher price tags than the BX5a. These low-frequency drivers also employ a curved cone design, and high-temperature voice coils and damped rubber surrounds deliver amazing fidelity and durability. The natural silk domes of the 1” high-frequency drivers deliver crisp top end while still being gentle on the ears.

The integral design of the BX5a cabinet and circuitry yields an increase in bass response over the original BX5. Expertly tuned crossovers combine with 70 watts of bi-amped power (40 watts for low frequencies, 30 watts for high frequencies) to round out a great-sounding pair of reference monitors that are still small enough to fit just about anywhere. Magnetic shielding makes them ideal for desktop use. The units also have a power indicator and volume control.

Specifications for the BX5a include 56Hz-22kHz frequency response, 3kHz crossover frequency, greater than 100dB dynamic range (typical, A-weighted), input impedance of 20k ohms balanced (10k ohms unbalanced) and input sensitivity of 90dBA SPL at 1 meter with 85 mV pink noise input (volume control at maximum). The BX5a is factory programmed for either 115V ~50/60Hz or 230V~50/60Hz. Protective features include RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, turn-on/off transient, subsonic filter, and external mains fuse. Dimensions are 9.85 in. (h) x 6.54 in. (w) x 7.88 in. (d); weight is 11 lbs/unit.

“Studiophile as a line and the BX5s in particular have earned themselves a reputation among professionals as being “standard issue” reference monitors,” says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “The BX5a’s Kevlar driver delivers a new level of performance and durability without increasing the original BX5’s affordable price.”

The BX5a is currently shipping at an MSRP of USD $399.95 per pair.