ZDNET's key takeaways The Platin Monaco 5.2.1 speaker system is available on Amazon for $1,000.
With a simple setup and well-defined sound, the Monaco is ideal for entertainment streaming and small spaces.
The Monaco's subwoofer lacks power, and the system requires a phone app as the remote. $999 at Amazon
Last year, the JBL Bar 1000 set a high standard for soundbars. Since then, nothing has come close to the rich, multi-dimensional sound produced by that system, and I cannot imagine any soundbar at the same price point will ever achieve that feat.
That being said, after setting up the Platin Monaco 5.1.2 speaker system and turning on the television, I thought I'd finally found one to rival the Bar 1000.
Also: Why I pick this JBL speaker over competing models for outdoor listening
It didn't quite best it, but it came very close. To be fair, even coming close to the JBL is saying a lot because no other soundbar that I've tested since has come close to the sound quality produced by the Bar 1000.
The Monaco is an impressive speaker system in its own right, though. Let's get into it.
My experience
First off, unboxing the Monaco 5.1.2 was a chore because there was just so much cardboard. After I finally got through it, my next realization came to me: I needed a whole new power strip because every speaker in the setup requires its own connection. That's six speakers total:
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