Monolith by Monoprice Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology
Product # 24460
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Browse 76 questions
and 117 answers
Can I connect the THX AAA portable to my iphone 6S using a lightning cable?
A shopper
on Apr 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I use the lightning to usb 3 camera adapter. On the plus side, you can play music and charge at the same time.
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- James B on Apr 29, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I use the lightning to usb 3 camera adapter. On the plus side, you can play music and charge at the same time.
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- James B on Apr 29, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2019
Yes, you’ll need a lightning to USB “A” dongle that apple sells. You’ll then need to plug a micro usb cable into the dongle to go to the THX amp. I use mine like that all the time.
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- Connor G on Apr 28, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 12, 2019
I don't have an iPhone, but I assume you could use a USB/Lightning adapter. The unit has Micro USB/3.5mm/Optical connections. Of these the optical provided the best sound to me.
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- Tony K on Apr 28, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2019
You need a Lightning-to-MicroUSB Cable. As far as I can tell, it's not sold by Monoprice, but I found one from another online source and it works well.
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- Erik O on Apr 30, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 16, 2019
You need to use one for following. Apple-Lightning-USB3-Camera-Adapter or Apple-Lightning-USB-Camera
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- Nathan A on Apr 28, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 16, 2019
iphone > lightning adapter > aux out > into portable > headphone out
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- Justin N on Apr 28, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
You will need an apple camera connection kit adapter.
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- Ismael B on Apr 28, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
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Does it output audio via usb ?
A shopper
on Oct 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No. This device outputs audio via it's 3.5mm analog connection. This device is a digital to analog converter which takes a micro USB input from your computer or smart phone and converts the digital signal to an analog signal which then inputs into a headphone or can also act as an analog preamp for powered speakers or even into a power amplifier using a 3.5mm to right and left RCA connections.
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- Randall M on Oct 23, 2020
- Purchased on May 29, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No. This device outputs audio via it's 3.5mm analog connection. This device is a digital to analog converter which takes a micro USB input from your computer or smart phone and converts the digital signal to an analog signal which then inputs into a headphone or can also act as an analog preamp for powered speakers or even into a power amplifier using a 3.5mm to right and left RCA connections.
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- Randall M on Oct 23, 2020
- Purchased on May 29, 2020
It takes a digital signal as input and outputs an analog signal, hence a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). USB would fall under the category of a digital signal, so you could connect your cellphone, laptop, etc via USB and listen to your analog headphones especially if they need more power (since this DAC comes with a built-in amplifier).
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- Huy H on Oct 23, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 26, 2020
No this is a DAC and headphone amp. It will receive digital audio and output analog audio for headphones or line devices like powered speakers. A cell phone usually outputs audio via its USB and that would go into this device for headphones.
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- Mike on Oct 23, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 11, 2020
No, the manual states the only output is the 3.5mm jack.
Inputs are USB, 3.5mm audio, and 3.5mm mini-TOSLINK
Inputs are USB, 3.5mm audio, and 3.5mm mini-TOSLINK
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- G S on Oct 26, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2019
No, there is only 2 usb inputs and one is for the charger, the only sound output it's the 3.5mm jack
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- New User U on Oct 22, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 22, 2020
It does not output audio thru USB. It only outputs audio to headphone output.
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- Adolpho V on Oct 23, 2020
- Purchased on Jun 2, 2020
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Does It work with Windows 10?
A shopper
on Jun 24, 2019
Yes, plug this in via USB and will detect the device. Alternatively use the optical line in. Quality may be dependant on your motherboard/sound card. I can set 24bit @348000 as the maximum. But the usefulness and capability of sampling will be dependant on the software being used at the time.
For instance, premium Spotify sounds great at max settings. However, some other applications require reduced quality, for sound to be processed.
I have tried this with standard line in and usb. Digital input is far superior.
Please note: If you're wanting to charge whilst using, please use an isolated source like a phone charger or socket bay. Otherwise signal interference from you computer will be audible.
For instance, premium Spotify sounds great at max settings. However, some other applications require reduced quality, for sound to be processed.
I have tried this with standard line in and usb. Digital input is far superior.
Please note: If you're wanting to charge whilst using, please use an isolated source like a phone charger or socket bay. Otherwise signal interference from you computer will be audible.
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- John F on Jun 25, 2019
- Purchased on May 10, 2019
Yes I had no problems connecting it to a Surface Pro 4 running the latest version of Win 10.
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- Jacob B on Jun 24, 2019
- Purchased on Jun 8, 2019
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How long is the battery supposed to last? Mine only lasts like 3 hours tops
Cameron M
on Sep 16, 2019
BEST ANSWER: never got to measure the time but 3 hours sounds like way too short.
sounds like an issue, or maybe it's normal for "hard to drive" headphones ?
I would try to just leave it on for several hours, not playing and not connected to headphones and see how it holds before reaching a conclusion.
sounds like an issue, or maybe it's normal for "hard to drive" headphones ?
I would try to just leave it on for several hours, not playing and not connected to headphones and see how it holds before reaching a conclusion.
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- NIR R on Sep 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: never got to measure the time but 3 hours sounds like way too short.
sounds like an issue, or maybe it's normal for "hard to drive" headphones ?
I would try to just leave it on for several hours, not playing and not connected to headphones and see how it holds before reaching a conclusion.
sounds like an issue, or maybe it's normal for "hard to drive" headphones ?
I would try to just leave it on for several hours, not playing and not connected to headphones and see how it holds before reaching a conclusion.
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- NIR R on Sep 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 11, 2019
What setting are you running?
If you use it for super hard to push headphones then maybe.
But overall it should run longer then that on normal use.
If you use it for super hard to push headphones then maybe.
But overall it should run longer then that on normal use.
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- Alex C on Sep 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
From a full charge, running USB off of my phone I average 4-5. Volume floats around -20 to -10 db. I have easy to drive IEM's.
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- Karge J on Sep 17, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2019
I don't know what you are driving. Some headphones are efficient some aren't. Check the draw of your device.
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- rene t on Sep 16, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 6, 2018
You should get that checked, mine lasts much longer than that
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- Justin N on Sep 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
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Does this have USB-C ports or Micro USB? I will only purchase devices with USB-C.
Austin C
on Feb 20, 2020
It has two micro B sockets, one for power one for data. Just buy an adaptor or a cable that has a male micro B to type C connection. Then you can use it with your USB C devices. That's what I do.
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- John F on Feb 23, 2020
- Purchased on May 10, 2019
Micro USB, no micro USB c. I haven't heard of any new revisions using micro USB c, but if that's the only thing holding you back from purchasing this, your missing out friend.
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- Karge J on Feb 20, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2019
This unit only has Micro USB ports. Having said that, this is the best DAC amp I have ever heard.
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- Fernando A on Mar 5, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
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Can this be used with iPhones?
A shopper
on Jul 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes, but plugged in of course. If you want a bluetooth amp,
your best bet is FiiO BTR5, which is much cheaper yet not THX.
This would require a 3.5mm to apple port adapter
your best bet is FiiO BTR5, which is much cheaper yet not THX.
This would require a 3.5mm to apple port adapter
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- Inaccurate
- Cameron M on Jul 11, 2020
- Purchased on Aug 30, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, but plugged in of course. If you want a bluetooth amp,
your best bet is FiiO BTR5, which is much cheaper yet not THX.
This would require a 3.5mm to apple port adapter
your best bet is FiiO BTR5, which is much cheaper yet not THX.
This would require a 3.5mm to apple port adapter
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- Cameron M on Jul 11, 2020
- Purchased on Aug 30, 2019
Yes. Use mine all the time. Only thing would be if you need the lightning adapter due to not having a phone jack. To which Belkin makes a very nice one. Works amazing
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- Richard C on Jul 10, 2020
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2019
Yes. But most likely you will have to buy a micro usb to lightning cable.
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- Xavier L on Jul 10, 2020
- Purchased on Aug 8, 2019
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How is the dirac sensaround? How is it different from not turned on?
New User U
on Nov 21, 2018
Monolith by Monoprice Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology
Monolith by Monoprice Desktop Balanced Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 DACs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)
BEST ANSWER: I think it is pretty subjective, and the effect definitely varies by track. This is why we left it as an option to be on or off. When it is off, you are just getting the pure, unaltered sound you would get if Dirac wasn't inside.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 21, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I think it is pretty subjective, and the effect definitely varies by track. This is why we left it as an option to be on or off. When it is off, you are just getting the pure, unaltered sound you would get if Dirac wasn't inside.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 21, 2018
Dirac sensaround blew me away by how good it is. It definitely is not a gimmick. It makes headphones transparent, you don’t hear left and right, just the music. Closed headphones sound better than open. My open Elears sounds the best with sensaround. It just makes them sound effortless. The biggest improvement was on my IMR R1’s, it made them sound like speakers.
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- Todd W on Nov 21, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 5, 2018
Some songs, its wonderful. Some songs -- its not wonderful. You'll be constantly turning it on and off depending on the music/genre and recording.
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- Anthony N on Nov 26, 2018
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Is there a protective case out there for this unit?
New User U
on Jun 2, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Not that I'm aware of. But its an absolute brick of a unit. I'd be suprised if you could break it.
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- Carla M on Jun 2, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
Thanks, but I'm mostly worried about scratches. I've seen the reviews of this amp and it looks like an absolute unit
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- New User U on Jun 2, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Not that I'm aware of. But its an absolute brick of a unit. I'd be suprised if you could break it.
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- Carla M on Jun 2, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
Thanks, but I'm mostly worried about scratches. I've seen the reviews of this amp and it looks like an absolute unit
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- New User U on Jun 2, 2019
Sorry I haven't looked but probably yes if you look around the net.cheers
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- Peter R on Jun 3, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2019
The back of the unit has a leather like protective backing
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- Ismael B on Jun 2, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
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Can you lock the volume control on this amp?
A shopper
on Jan 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No but for as long as I've owned this unit, I've never had a problem with accidentally moving it. There is slight resistance to the knob, but I do understand your concern. For what is worth, for as well as this unit performs and sounds, a non locking volume knob is an easy thing to get over.
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- Karge J on Jan 10, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No but for as long as I've owned this unit, I've never had a problem with accidentally moving it. There is slight resistance to the knob, but I do understand your concern. For what is worth, for as well as this unit performs and sounds, a non locking volume knob is an easy thing to get over.
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- Karge J on Jan 10, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2019
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Will this include a cable to connect an iPhone?
Brian M
on Sep 5, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There will not be an included cable at this time.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 12, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There will not be an included cable at this time.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 12, 2017
I got a micro usb to lightning and adapter and works just fine. Just read the reviews and make sure works for others.
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- Corey F on Nov 6, 2018
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How the heck do they expect anyone to purchase this when they aren't publishing any specs? Where's the THD, S/N ratio, power output, file formats supported, etc?
Tom P
on Oct 24, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There will be much more content added to the product page, including specs, as we get closer to launch.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 25, 2017
BEST ANSWER: There will be much more content added to the product page, including specs, as we get closer to launch.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 25, 2017
We are a couple of weeks from the launch. Your newest Monolith products have specs listed. Why no specs yet?
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- New User U on Jan 11, 2018
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Does this have balanced headphone out?
New User U
on Jan 3, 2018
BEST ANSWER: This portable headphone amp uses a standard 3.5mm Stereo output jack. It is not a balanced out.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
BEST ANSWER: This portable headphone amp uses a standard 3.5mm Stereo output jack. It is not a balanced out.
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- Dave L Staff on May 8, 2018
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Can these drive 300 Ohm headphones? (i.e. hd800s with sensitivity 102 db (1 kHz, 1 Vrm) )
Tareq A
on Mar 1, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, this THX Portable HPA with drive headphones from 16-600Ω.
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- Dave L Staff on Sep 19, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, this THX Portable HPA with drive headphones from 16-600Ω.
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- Dave L Staff on Sep 19, 2018
Yes, it can. I have used mine with 300 ohm Sennheisers and current hungry HiFiMan planars. The latter could have used more power but they got surprisingly loud.
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- Jay D on Nov 19, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 7, 2018
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How high impedance headphones can this drive?
James M
on Mar 7, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There's no upper limit. They can handle impedances 16-600+ Ohms. And there's plenty of voltage swing to get satisfying SPL onr high impedance 300-600 Ohm types.
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- Andrew M on Oct 30, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There's no upper limit. They can handle impedances 16-600+ Ohms. And there's plenty of voltage swing to get satisfying SPL onr high impedance 300-600 Ohm types.
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- Andrew M on Oct 30, 2018
Up to 600 but there is no high/low gain switch
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- Nathaniel K on May 8, 2019
- Purchased on May 3, 2019
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I'm hoping this unit will use USB Type-C for all data and charging connections. Is this the case?
A shopper
on Apr 27, 2018
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I can confirm that I have got about ~10 hours out of mine while using DIRAC and EQ at around -15 to -30 dB. I haven't tested battery life when using the amp only and bypassing the DAC but I would assume it would be longer lasting here.
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- Jay D on Nov 19, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 7, 2018
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Regarding the EQ, am I understanding correctly that there are only three parametric adjustments, and each is turned on/off separately? I.e., you cannot save multiple overall presets?
New User U
on Nov 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The EQ can be turn on/off globally not per band. EQ includes 2-band hi/low shelf + 3-band parametric. There are no presets.
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- Dave L Staff on Nov 6, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The EQ can be turn on/off globally not per band. EQ includes 2-band hi/low shelf + 3-band parametric. There are no presets.
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- Dave L Staff on Nov 6, 2018
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Does this be use VIA MicroUSB OTG cable to an Android Smartphone instead of using a 3.5mm Cable? If so HOW? I can't get it to work?
Evan V
on Feb 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I use it with my LG v30 via a usb c to micro usb cable, works like a charm.
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- New User U on Feb 11, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2019
How does it not work with my Android Phone? I'm using Galaxy S5. Can you explain the process you went threw?
you may need to change your usb connection settings to Make it either a midi device, or audio output. When I plugged in the cable to the v30 it asked me what I wanted to do with the usb connection. If yours doesn't do that it's either a cable issue or a problem with your device. Make sure you're plugging the micro cable to the device in to the usb input and not the power input.
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- New User U on Feb 11, 2019
Do you know how to apply a bass boost?
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- Nathaniel K on May 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I use it with my LG v30 via a usb c to micro usb cable, works like a charm.
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- Inaccurate
- New User U on Feb 11, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2019
How does it not work with my Android Phone? I'm using Galaxy S5. Can you explain the process you went threw?
you may need to change your usb connection settings to Make it either a midi device, or audio output. When I plugged in the cable to the v30 it asked me what I wanted to do with the usb connection. If yours doesn't do that it's either a cable issue or a problem with your device. Make sure you're plugging the micro cable to the device in to the usb input and not the power input.
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- New User U on Feb 11, 2019
Do you know how to apply a bass boost?
- Reply
- Nathaniel K on May 8, 2019
You must go into settings and turn auto input on. I freaked out too buddy
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- Nathaniel K on May 8, 2019
- Purchased on May 3, 2019
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Will this be enough power for hfiman arya ?
A shopper
on Mar 13, 2019
It powers T50RP with a little headroom. Those are 50 ohms. Those are 41 ohms so it might be the limit. They will play just not super loud.
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- Anthony M on Mar 13, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 26, 2019
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Is there a way to switch to high gain?
Nathaniel K
on May 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: There is no high gain switch. But you can use the built in EQ's to boost things. And pretty sure this thing will handle just about any headphones with no problems. Plenty of power. I use it with HD 800s and can't even max it out.
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- Jay B on May 9, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 25, 2019
I own the Topping NX4. Have to say it sounds better to me. More solid across the board with greater dynamics. :/
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- Nathaniel K on May 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: There is no high gain switch. But you can use the built in EQ's to boost things. And pretty sure this thing will handle just about any headphones with no problems. Plenty of power. I use it with HD 800s and can't even max it out.
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- Inaccurate
- Jay B on May 9, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 25, 2019
I own the Topping NX4. Have to say it sounds better to me. More solid across the board with greater dynamics. :/
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- Nathaniel K on May 9, 2019
There is no high gain setting. If look at the Zeos review on You Tube, it seems the portable THX AAA should be able to drive just about any headphone. Hope this helps.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U on May 8, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 28, 2019
Thanks. I see. It's just that this amp/dac doesn't sound NEARLY as good as my Topping NX4
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- Nathaniel K on May 8, 2019
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Does It play DSD512 files?
A shopper
on Jun 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Possibly, but I really can’t say for sure, suggest watching the YouTube review of the unit by Zeos he goes into depth regarding the capabilities of this amplifier, I have only used it for a week or so mostly with Flac and Tidal music files and have been extremely impressed with its performance.
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- Thomas T on Jun 9, 2019
- Purchased on May 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Possibly, but I really can’t say for sure, suggest watching the YouTube review of the unit by Zeos he goes into depth regarding the capabilities of this amplifier, I have only used it for a week or so mostly with Flac and Tidal music files and have been extremely impressed with its performance.
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- Thomas T on Jun 9, 2019
- Purchased on May 28, 2019
None of my music is in DSD512 format. So I can’t say with any certainty if it will play those files.
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- New User U on Jun 9, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 28, 2019
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Can this decode MQA tracks?
A shopper
on Aug 16, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It does not decode MQA, but I use it with Tidal which do the first MQA decoding up to 24/96.
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- Ismael B on Aug 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It does not decode MQA, but I use it with Tidal which do the first MQA decoding up to 24/96.
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- Ismael B on Aug 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2019
You might be lucky ,but probably have to relable it as a flat file as far as I can gather from this article. .whathifi,/advice/mqa-audio-what-it-how-can-you-get-it Google it.
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- Peter R on Aug 16, 2019
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2019
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How do I connect this to an iPhone using the digital output?
A shopper
on Jan 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: A USB B micro to USB C (apple calls it Thunderbolt 3) cable connection. I believe there was a cable provided, however, if not they are cheap and easy to source. There are two USB B connections on the device, one for power and one for USB data. Which is convenient, allowing you to charge and listen via USB at the same time.
The phone should detect the device automatically, however, you may need to set the port to allow data. The process to enable access may differ between models and software versions so you may need to experiment, if you have that issue.
Alternatively to having a cable attached, you could source a micro USB B Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately they are hard to come by. You might find it easier to get a more common place USB Bluetooth receiver and connect that to the amp, using a USB female (socket) to micro USB B male (pin) connection adaptor.
The phone should detect the device automatically, however, you may need to set the port to allow data. The process to enable access may differ between models and software versions so you may need to experiment, if you have that issue.
Alternatively to having a cable attached, you could source a micro USB B Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately they are hard to come by. You might find it easier to get a more common place USB Bluetooth receiver and connect that to the amp, using a USB female (socket) to micro USB B male (pin) connection adaptor.
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- John F on Jan 11, 2020
- Purchased on May 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: A USB B micro to USB C (apple calls it Thunderbolt 3) cable connection. I believe there was a cable provided, however, if not they are cheap and easy to source. There are two USB B connections on the device, one for power and one for USB data. Which is convenient, allowing you to charge and listen via USB at the same time.
The phone should detect the device automatically, however, you may need to set the port to allow data. The process to enable access may differ between models and software versions so you may need to experiment, if you have that issue.
Alternatively to having a cable attached, you could source a micro USB B Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately they are hard to come by. You might find it easier to get a more common place USB Bluetooth receiver and connect that to the amp, using a USB female (socket) to micro USB B male (pin) connection adaptor.
The phone should detect the device automatically, however, you may need to set the port to allow data. The process to enable access may differ between models and software versions so you may need to experiment, if you have that issue.
Alternatively to having a cable attached, you could source a micro USB B Bluetooth receiver. Unfortunately they are hard to come by. You might find it easier to get a more common place USB Bluetooth receiver and connect that to the amp, using a USB female (socket) to micro USB B male (pin) connection adaptor.
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- John F on Jan 11, 2020
- Purchased on May 10, 2019
There are lightning to micro USB adapter cables that can be used for digital output.
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- New User U on Jan 10, 2020
- Purchased on Jun 10, 2019
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Will it work on ps4 using the toslink to micro toslink cable?
A shopper
on Feb 6, 2020
I think so, I use it with my Xbox one and it works but I need to go to settings, change the output to optic and change the format to "stereo without compression" or "Bitstream"
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- New User U on Feb 6, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 22, 2020
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Could they run a set of speakers?
New User U
on Apr 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely. It can power easily most, if not all speakers. The sound remains clean, and detailed. Some speakers have an internally amplifier, and you may have to adjust the output accordingly. You may connect it easily through the 3.5 mm jack directly, or if necessary via an adapter (i.e. RCA), sold separately. If you would like to have a wireless connection with the speakers, then you would have to resort to an adapter, also sold separately. Furthermore, you may use it as preamplifier, or a pass-through and connect it accordingly. If you would like to have a more dedicated and precise control, then another option would be to get a desktop THX AAA amplifier, with two models available. Hope this clarifies your question.
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- Joao P on Apr 4, 2020
- Purchased on May 2, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely. It can power easily most, if not all speakers. The sound remains clean, and detailed. Some speakers have an internally amplifier, and you may have to adjust the output accordingly. You may connect it easily through the 3.5 mm jack directly, or if necessary via an adapter (i.e. RCA), sold separately. If you would like to have a wireless connection with the speakers, then you would have to resort to an adapter, also sold separately. Furthermore, you may use it as preamplifier, or a pass-through and connect it accordingly. If you would like to have a more dedicated and precise control, then another option would be to get a desktop THX AAA amplifier, with two models available. Hope this clarifies your question.
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- Joao P on Apr 4, 2020
- Purchased on May 2, 2019
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I presume this portable unit will have a USB-in and standard headphone-out. Will it have any other inputs and/or outputs, like coaxial or optical digital?
A shopper
on Mar 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Product description and manual are load on the product page now. This THX HPA does have USB and Mini Optical inputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Sep 19, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Product description and manual are load on the product page now. This THX HPA does have USB and Mini Optical inputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Sep 19, 2018
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Just a couple of questions\suggestions. First, can you please make this work with USB Type-C without the need for any adapters? Micro is dead (at least, it oughtta be). Also, can you make a nice short little USB Type-C to USB Type-C Right Angle cable? Second, how will the Dirac settings work? Are they going to be programmable or pre-set?
Jorj M
on Apr 30, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The Dirac setting is a simple on or off preset.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 30, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The Dirac setting is a simple on or off preset.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 30, 2018
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Will this unfold MQA at launch and if not is this something that's planned for the first or second FW update? (Rather than a generic maybe someday response).
A C
on Sep 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There are no current plans to support MQA on this device.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: There are no current plans to support MQA on this device.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 24, 2018
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Rated 5 out of 5
Portable amp with THX
Works great, drives DT1990 pro's just fine. Like that it has audio, digital and fiber in.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Compared to NX4 DSD
Hi, I have Topping NX4 DSD and Monolith THX AAA Portable. Have been using NX4 DSD for 6 months, but after extensive reading about Monolith I bought it, and keep NX4 DSD as spare. I like deep bass a lot (drill rap mostly these days), but I prefer detailed, cold and analytical bass and sub-bass (not warm and boomy).
After trying Monolith, it is definitely an upgrade to NX4 regarding overall sound. I use it with Sony EX800ST (3Hz-20000Hz) IEMs. The sub-bass with Monolyth goes definitely deeper and cleaner, it is not boomy as with NX4 DSD+bass boost.
Another thing is that NX4 DSD has bass roll-off under 20Hz, whereas Monolyth is able to output 1Hz - 20000Hz. At the same time the detail in frequencies above bass is just insane compared to NX4 DSD, I actually started enjoying highs since Monolith as they are not cutting-in my eardrums as with NX4.
I have to agree that it all really depends on IEMs you use, Sony EX800ST can take 500mW, so the deep sub-bass under 20 Hz suddently sounds and also FEELS that it is there.
Battery stops charging automatically when full.
Please ask if you need any A/B.
p.s.
There is only one negative:
The volume control knob is really easy to turn in my pocket, so I have used a very thin black rubber band around the knob, all is 'safe' now.
After trying Monolith, it is definitely an upgrade to NX4 regarding overall sound. I use it with Sony EX800ST (3Hz-20000Hz) IEMs. The sub-bass with Monolyth goes definitely deeper and cleaner, it is not boomy as with NX4 DSD+bass boost.
Another thing is that NX4 DSD has bass roll-off under 20Hz, whereas Monolyth is able to output 1Hz - 20000Hz. At the same time the detail in frequencies above bass is just insane compared to NX4 DSD, I actually started enjoying highs since Monolith as they are not cutting-in my eardrums as with NX4.
I have to agree that it all really depends on IEMs you use, Sony EX800ST can take 500mW, so the deep sub-bass under 20 Hz suddently sounds and also FEELS that it is there.
Battery stops charging automatically when full.
Please ask if you need any A/B.
p.s.
There is only one negative:
The volume control knob is really easy to turn in my pocket, so I have used a very thin black rubber band around the knob, all is 'safe' now.
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September 3, 2020
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Rated 5 out of 5
portable convenience power and sound from a desktop
Fits the bill. Does exactly what you need it to do. Exceedingly well in fact. I own the desktop version as well this is almost as every bit as good. Pound for pound it beats it. Can drive the hd800s although I use it primarily for a pair of ananda's by hifiman. These 2 go together so well.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great neutral dac and amp
Compared to some other high end dac/amps, this unit is very neutral and able to drive very inefficient headphones. Paired with my Aeon closed back and Grado GS2e headphones, it is outstanding. Haven't tried it yet with IEM's.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Fantastically powerful portable
This little beauty pushes the power. I love it. The sound is so clean and so crisp. I also have an O2 + SDAC that does a good job. This is better, smaller, and portable. The volume dial has a great feel to it. The UI is sort of quirky, but I’ll put up with it for the juice. The only downsides are that it doesn’t have bluetooth and a volume limiter. I’m scared to leave it in my pocket listening to anything because it could go too loud and blow out my eardrums! I have never needed to dial it up to full volume. Never. I use it with HE 400i’s, Argons, & Tin P1’s.
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July 17, 2020
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Rated 5 out of 5
Best $300 you'll ever spend on audio.
Stellar Audio. The best $300 I've spent on audio equipment.
Now if they'd come out with a "AKM4499 / THX888 / Dirac II" version, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
Now if they'd come out with a "AKM4499 / THX888 / Dirac II" version, I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
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Rated 3 out of 5
Good. Wish it had usb c and balanced output.
Wish it had balanced output but it's otherwise pretty good. Imo this standalone is worth it for the Dirac feature and thx. Wish it used usb c as the connector instead of delicate micro usb. The dac is really good as well as the eq settings. The Dirac setting really makes anything with relatively good detail sound spacious. Good all in one of you are on the go. Very powerful and can power pretty much everything I've tried. Has plenty of battery.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great purchase
A great dac/amp, this thx makes my sony headphones more bass controlled, clean and detailed, the mids and the highs more detailed and clean.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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