Monolith by Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 DACs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)
Product # 24459
$479.99
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ETA: 12/12/2018
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Browse 42 questions
and 43 answers
The picture has the two balanced analog lines labeled as 'analog in', shouldn't that be analog out?
Justin B
on Dec 20, 2017
BEST ANSWER: And with some warranty-voiding simple soldering, it should be pretty straightforward to modify the unit so the two XLR-3 "inputs" become balanced outputs wired internally to the XLR-4 headphone out and controlled by the volume dial. i.e. remove C67, C76, C79, C84 to disconnect XLR3's from the ADC. Then patch wire twisted pairs connecting the two XLR3's pins to XLR-4 pins as follows:
twisted pair 1
L+: XLR3 J2 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 1
L-: XLR3 J2 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 2
twisted pair 2
R+: XLR3 J4 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 3
R-: XLR3 J4 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 4
Each XLR-3 pin 1 is already tied to ground so you can leave that alone. This configuration is a bit better than using the XLR-4 balanced output since the cables will now have grounded shields, and the downstream device will now have shared ground with the 789 product.
twisted pair 1
L+: XLR3 J2 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 1
L-: XLR3 J2 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 2
twisted pair 2
R+: XLR3 J4 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 3
R-: XLR3 J4 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 4
Each XLR-3 pin 1 is already tied to ground so you can leave that alone. This configuration is a bit better than using the XLR-4 balanced output since the cables will now have grounded shields, and the downstream device will now have shared ground with the 789 product.
- Reply(2)
- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
And the headphone outputs and RCA inputs/outputs will continue to work fine. You just lose balanced analog in capability.
If one were to do this mod, what would the volume and gain need to be set at to get standard line out voltages from the xlr connectors (2vrms, 4vrms, etc.) with minimal noise?
- Reply
- New User U on Nov 1, 2018
BEST ANSWER: And with some warranty-voiding simple soldering, it should be pretty straightforward to modify the unit so the two XLR-3 "inputs" become balanced outputs wired internally to the XLR-4 headphone out and controlled by the volume dial. i.e. remove C67, C76, C79, C84 to disconnect XLR3's from the ADC. Then patch wire twisted pairs connecting the two XLR3's pins to XLR-4 pins as follows:
twisted pair 1
L+: XLR3 J2 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 1
L-: XLR3 J2 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 2
twisted pair 2
R+: XLR3 J4 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 3
R-: XLR3 J4 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 4
Each XLR-3 pin 1 is already tied to ground so you can leave that alone. This configuration is a bit better than using the XLR-4 balanced output since the cables will now have grounded shields, and the downstream device will now have shared ground with the 789 product.
twisted pair 1
L+: XLR3 J2 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 1
L-: XLR3 J2 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 2
twisted pair 2
R+: XLR3 J4 pin 2 to XLR4 J10 pin 3
R-: XLR3 J4 pin 3 to XLR4 J10 pin 4
Each XLR-3 pin 1 is already tied to ground so you can leave that alone. This configuration is a bit better than using the XLR-4 balanced output since the cables will now have grounded shields, and the downstream device will now have shared ground with the 789 product.
- Reply(2)
- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
And the headphone outputs and RCA inputs/outputs will continue to work fine. You just lose balanced analog in capability.
If one were to do this mod, what would the volume and gain need to be set at to get standard line out voltages from the xlr connectors (2vrms, 4vrms, etc.) with minimal noise?
- Reply
- New User U on Nov 1, 2018
The unit has balanced inputs, and unbalanced inputs and outputs. You can use the balanced headphone output on the front as a balanced output.
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- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Feb 13, 2018
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Does the volume knob control the analog outputs? ie. Can this function as a preamp for external speakers?
A shopper
on Nov 17, 2017
BEST ANSWER: If you need balanced output, see above for information on a modification. Please note, this will void the warranty.
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- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
BEST ANSWER: If you need balanced output, see above for information on a modification. Please note, this will void the warranty.
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- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
Yes, the volume knob also controls the analog outputs.
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- Hobie S Staff on Jan 23, 2018
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Does this product not have a pre out or line-level out? Would be nice to use the dac for speakers.
New User U
on Sep 3, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The control panel permits the amplifier output (variable) to be directed either to i) the XLR4 and 1/4" TRS, or ii) to the RCA outputs on the back. In either case it is variable level controlled by the volume knob, so it can function as a preamp for speakers.
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- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The control panel permits the amplifier output (variable) to be directed either to i) the XLR4 and 1/4" TRS, or ii) to the RCA outputs on the back. In either case it is variable level controlled by the volume knob, so it can function as a preamp for speakers.
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- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
To clarify, will this be a true line out, or will it be variable so that we can use this as a pre-amp for powered monitors?
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- Nick B on Dec 29, 2017
It does not
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Noel B on Sep 5, 2017
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is this amp compatible with 220v 50Hz?
A shopper
on Sep 4, 2017
Do we need a different power supply for EU/220V? Will any 16.5V 1.25A do?
- Reply (1)
- New User U on Oct 4, 2018
Do we need a different power supply for EU/220V? Will any 16.5V 1.25A do?
- Reply (1)
- New User U on Oct 4, 2018
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what's the output impedance of this amp?
A shopper
on Sep 24, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Staff - it seems that you answered the supported headphone impedance, but what most of us want to know is the actual output impedance of the headphone out on this unit. Will it be below 1ohm so we can use it with more sensitive IEMS and the like?
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- Nick B on Dec 29, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Staff - it seems that you answered the supported headphone impedance, but what most of us want to know is the actual output impedance of the headphone out on this unit. Will it be below 1ohm so we can use it with more sensitive IEMS and the like?
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- Inaccurate
- Nick B on Dec 29, 2017
Output impedance of AAA-788 is very low! It's less than 0.05 Ohms at 1 kHz.
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- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
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What's the output impedance(not the advertised range of headphone impedance that the amp "supports") of the headphone amp ?
A shopper
on Jan 9, 2018
Monolith by Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 DACs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)
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BEST ANSWER: Output impedance of AAA-788 is very low! It's less than 0.05 Ohms at 1 kHz.
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- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Output impedance of AAA-788 is very low! It's less than 0.05 Ohms at 1 kHz.
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- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Sep 21, 2018
Desktop HPA is 32Ω. Monolith tube HPA is selectable; 32Ω, 64Ω, 150Ω, 300Ω, & 600Ω
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- Dave L Staff on May 15, 2018
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How big is this amp?
A shopper
on Sep 4, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Full dims will be made available when the product is released.
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- Inaccurate
- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Full dims will be made available when the product is released.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
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Will this come with, or have available, a remote control or IR sensor so that a universal remote control could be used?
A shopper
on Nov 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amp does not have any IR capability.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amp does not have any IR capability.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
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will this need to install a driver to use the usb input?
A shopper
on Oct 29, 2017
BEST ANSWER: For Macs you should not need one but Windows will likely require one to take full advantage of the high resolution formats. It is my understanding that The newest Creators Edition of Windows 10 includes an updated USB 2 driver that supports resolutions higher than 96Khz but I'm not sure of the extent of that support.,
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- Inaccurate
- George N on Dec 16, 2017
BEST ANSWER: For Macs you should not need one but Windows will likely require one to take full advantage of the high resolution formats. It is my understanding that The newest Creators Edition of Windows 10 includes an updated USB 2 driver that supports resolutions higher than 96Khz but I'm not sure of the extent of that support.,
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- George N on Dec 16, 2017
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does the Dirac Sensaround mode work when using the analog imputs or only works with the digital ones?
A shopper
on Sep 3, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The Dirac Sensaround will work on both types of inputs.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Nov 28, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The Dirac Sensaround will work on both types of inputs.
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- Hobie S Staff on Nov 28, 2017
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still more delays? :(
New User U
on Apr 26, 2018
is the headphone jack 1/8 or 1/4inch?
A shopper
on Sep 29, 2017
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Will we able to change the DAC's digital filter?
A shopper
on Sep 28, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There are no user serviceable parts inside.
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- Inaccurate
- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There are no user serviceable parts inside.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
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Can Dirac Sensaround II interpret multichannel sources? (and can the DAC receive them?)
New User U
on Oct 31, 2017
BEST ANSWER: No, when listening to headphones you will need to set your system to 2 channel output.
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- Inaccurate
- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
BEST ANSWER: No, when listening to headphones you will need to set your system to 2 channel output.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
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What are the dimensions?
A shopper
on Oct 23, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Final dimensions are not complete, but it will be relatively compact.
- Reply(2)
- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Dec 12, 2017
can you give us an approximate size?
- Reply (1)
- New User U on Mar 5, 2018
for example, the Massdrop x THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifierwhich seems to be similar is 8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
- Reply
- New User U on Mar 5, 2018
I am just speculating so take this as a grain of salt:
8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
- Reply
- New User U on Jun 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Final dimensions are not complete, but it will be relatively compact.
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- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Dec 12, 2017
can you give us an approximate size?
- Reply (1)
- New User U on Mar 5, 2018
for example, the Massdrop x THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifierwhich seems to be similar is 8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
- Reply
- New User U on Mar 5, 2018
I am just speculating so take this as a grain of salt:
8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
8.3 x 9.1 x 2.2 in (210 x 230 x 57 mm)
- Reply
- New User U on Jun 9, 2018
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What is the deal? This thing has been pushed back by nearly a year!
Jason B
on Jun 9, 2018
Do we have a release date/month/timeline?
Stacy D
on May 29, 2018
Will the volume control be a pot, stepped relays, fully digital, or some other type?
A shopper
on Mar 2, 2018
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You have been advertising this unit for 6-8 months now, when will it be available?
New User U
on May 21, 2018
You describe the DAC as capable of DSD 11.2MHz, but AMK lists the AK4493EQ as supporting DSD 22.4MHz. Is there a limitation in the way the design has been implemented?
A shopper
on Feb 13, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Specs listed are currently not final and will be updated.
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- Hobie S Staff on Feb 13, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Specs listed are currently not final and will be updated.
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- Hobie S Staff on Feb 13, 2018
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With the balanced and SE jack headphone output, What is the power output into 32, 50, 100, 300 ect ohms?
A shopper
on Oct 15, 2017
BEST ANSWER: 300 Ohms 648 milliWatts
32 Ohms 3180 milliWatts
16 Ohms 1591 milliwatts
32 Ohms 3180 milliWatts
16 Ohms 1591 milliwatts
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- Hobie S Staff on Oct 16, 2017
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does it have different gain levels?
A shopper
on Sep 25, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you will be able to set different gain levels.
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- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Sep 26, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you will be able to set different gain levels.
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- Hobie S Staff on Sep 26, 2017
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Is this gonna be released soon? It's been delayed for a long time. Any issues with the production?
New User U
on Oct 13, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes it is! It is actually on its way! There haven't been any delays due to "issues", more with general parts availability. The switch to the AKM 4493 DAC from the 4490 was the main culprit in the hold up.
- Reply(2)
- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Oct 15, 2018
Dude, you guys just delayed this again in the day or two since your comment?? I thought we might have been in the clear! Hopefully all will be worth the wait.
If it was actually 'on its' way' - as of October 15, 2018 - then why was the ETA of November 05, 2018 pushed back on November 6, 2018 to December 12, 2018. ? Monoprice does itself no favors by not delivering on a product they debuted at CEDIA 2017 and said would ship in Fall 2017. Waiting on a newer DAC could mean a product that never shows up for sale.
BEST ANSWER: Yes it is! It is actually on its way! There haven't been any delays due to "issues", more with general parts availability. The switch to the AKM 4493 DAC from the 4490 was the main culprit in the hold up.
- Reply(2)
- Inaccurate
- Hobie S Staff on Oct 15, 2018
Dude, you guys just delayed this again in the day or two since your comment?? I thought we might have been in the clear! Hopefully all will be worth the wait.
If it was actually 'on its' way' - as of October 15, 2018 - then why was the ETA of November 05, 2018 pushed back on November 6, 2018 to December 12, 2018. ? Monoprice does itself no favors by not delivering on a product they debuted at CEDIA 2017 and said would ship in Fall 2017. Waiting on a newer DAC could mean a product that never shows up for sale.
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Can we pass SACD DSD to this unit? I was under the impression that this can only be passed via HDMI.
Timothy H
on Nov 22, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Yes and no. You cannot hook up a SACD player to the unit since it does not have an HDMI input. However, anymore the DSD files, formerly only found on SACD's, are available as Hi-rez downloads from quite a few sites and some people have even gone to the considerable trouble of ripping their SACD's, so they have the files on a computer. Once you have the DSD files on a computer, you can play them on this unit via the USB type B input, assuming your player software supports the playing of DSD files (JRiver, for example). Also, if this unit supports DSD over DoP, you could probably use the coaxial digital input, but it is not stated if this unit allows that. This usually only works for 2.8 Mhz DSD files, not the 2X or 4X resolution files as coaxial doesn't have the bandwidth for that.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Don D on Jan 30, 2018
You can hook up any SACD player with analogue outputs to the amp and you will have DSD playback. However, this setup bypasses the DAC in the amp so the listener will be dependent upon the player’s DAC for SACD playback.
BEST ANSWER: Yes and no. You cannot hook up a SACD player to the unit since it does not have an HDMI input. However, anymore the DSD files, formerly only found on SACD's, are available as Hi-rez downloads from quite a few sites and some people have even gone to the considerable trouble of ripping their SACD's, so they have the files on a computer. Once you have the DSD files on a computer, you can play them on this unit via the USB type B input, assuming your player software supports the playing of DSD files (JRiver, for example). Also, if this unit supports DSD over DoP, you could probably use the coaxial digital input, but it is not stated if this unit allows that. This usually only works for 2.8 Mhz DSD files, not the 2X or 4X resolution files as coaxial doesn't have the bandwidth for that.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Don D on Jan 30, 2018
You can hook up any SACD player with analogue outputs to the amp and you will have DSD playback. However, this setup bypasses the DAC in the amp so the listener will be dependent upon the player’s DAC for SACD playback.
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What is the power output for the balanced output for 50 ohms?
A shopper
on Dec 29, 2017
Will this have a full hardware decoder for MQA?
A shopper
on Dec 12, 2017
It will not. It will, however, have an AKM 4493 DAC. Brand new DAC from AKM.
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- Hobie S Staff on Dec 12, 2017
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Did you guys put two 788 modules in it to make it balanced, or just to give it more juice?
Lyova M
on May 23, 2018
BEST ANSWER: To make it balanced output AND to double the voltage swing at the output. e.g. this quadruples the output power into 300 Ohms headphone.
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- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Aug 23, 2018
BEST ANSWER: To make it balanced output AND to double the voltage swing at the output. e.g. this quadruples the output power into 300 Ohms headphone.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Andrew M on Aug 23, 2018
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Today is 11/5/2018...will the ETA be pushed back again?
Michael C
on Nov 5, 2018
When is this releasing?
Michael E
on Nov 5, 2018
USB input appears to be type-B. Will a USB type-A female to type-B male adapter work for an iPod audio source input?
A shopper
on Dec 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You will need an adapter and it should work.
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- Hobie S Staff on Dec 13, 2017
BEST ANSWER: You will need an adapter and it should work.
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- Hobie S Staff on Dec 13, 2017
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