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WAR Audio Reference Monitor Floorstanding Loudspeakers For sale is a pair of quite rare, custom-made WAR Audio speakers by Pat O'Brien. These were originally made in WA, brought to Adelaide by an SNA member and ended up at my place. They are in excellent functional condition and are quite easily the most detailed and revealing speakers I have ever owned. They are classified by the manufacturer as a reference monitor, even though they are a floorstander.There is little info on these as they seem to be a custom design, made to a high standard using very high quality parts, including Raven metal
At A$1,999, this Monitor Audio WAR Reference floorstander sits well above the A$505 median and even the A$1,377 75th percentile from our 85 comparable AUD listings, making it an ambitious price compared to typical used alternatives like the more common Silver or Gold series. The listing is clearly overpriced for the current used market unless it includes rare extras or is in pristine original-owner condition.
That said, the WAR Reference was Monitor Audio’s flagship floorstander in its era, renowned for its massive dynamic range, deep bass extension, and that signature “big room” sound with excellent imaging. If this pair is truly in excellent condition, fully original, and includes stands, cables, or grilles, the sonic upside could justify hunting for a deal closer to the 75th percentile—but at A$1,999, it’s a hard pass unless the seller drops toward A$1,200–A$1,400.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Monitor Audio, a British hi-fi mainstay, traces its origins to 1972 when founder Mo Iqbal established the company in a modest factory near Cambridge, England. Starting with hands-on loudspeaker assembly in a garage-like setting, it quickly professionalized, moving to Rayleigh, Essex, in 1976 for in-house manufacturing. This heritage of meticulous British engineering has endured through expansions, including a 2004 shift of production to China while retaining design leadership in Essex, alongside strategic acquisitions like Roksan in 2016 and Blok in 2019.
The brand excels in loudspeakers across diverse categories, from high-fidelity two-channel stereo models to advanced home cinema systems, architectural installations, outdoor speakers, and lifestyle solutions. Signature innovations like the patented C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters, introduced in the 1980s and continually refined, define its sound. Complementing these are amplifiers, streamers, and integrated audio systems, reflecting a broad portfolio that prioritizes proprietary driver technologies and precise enclosure design over peripheral gear like turntables or headphones.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end powerhouse, Monitor Audio commands respect for delivering audiophile-grade performance at accessible price points, blending relentless innovation with timeless British craftsmanship. Over five decades, it has solidified its status as a global juggernaut, appealing to discerning buyers seeking refined, dynamic sound without boutique exclusivity or vintage nostalgia.
See all Monitor Audio listings on RADAR.
