Monitor Audio’s new on-wall series is so discreet-looking, the company calls it the Shadow series. They’re black, they’re thin and they hug the wall, so yes, Shadow fits.

But shadows are also pretty quiet. Judging by the specs of these speakers, I’m going to bet they make some noise.

Each speaker is only 1.5 inches thick, is constructed of extruded aluminum and mounts easily around or under your sleek new flat-panel TV. They feature 4-inch bass-midrange drivers with RDT sandwich diaphragms in a unique concertina driver suspension arrangement. Additional 4-inch ABR drivers provide substantial bass. The 1-inch tweeters feature a rear venting chamber. No additional bracket is required for mounting, so you get a clean flat look easily.

The 60-inch Shadow 60s cost $1,649/pair, while the smaller Shadow 50s go for $1,449/pair. The Shadow 25 surrounds cost $849/pair, and a center sells for $799.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.