Monolith by Monoprice MM-5R Powered Multimedia Speakers Ribbon Tweeter with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs, Subwoofer Output, and Remote Control (Pair), Black
Product # 38620
$399.99
Out of Stock
ETA: 4/19/2021
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Questions and Answers
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Browse 24 questions
and 24 answers
How can the second speaker be bi-amped if there's only one set of speaker outputs on the powered unit and only one set of inputs on the remote unit?
A shopper
on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
It cant be bi amped.
It cant be bi amped.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
It cant be bi amped.
It cant be bi amped.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 11, 2020
The bi-amping for both speakers happens on the master/active speaker. The secondary is a passive that only gets the high-level signals.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Christopher F on Feb 11, 2020
Power is split at the crossover inside the speaker rather than being bi-amped. 100W -> xover -> 35W to tweeter + 65W to woofer
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Isaac Y on Feb 11, 2020
This speaker is not bi-amped and the product description should be updated to reflect this. The speakers contains a stereo amp in the right speaker and uses standard speaker wire to connect to the left.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Michael M on May 2, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 26, 2020
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What would be the ideal way to combine these with a subwoofer?
Mark J
on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There is a subwoofer output on the back of the speaker.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Feb 11, 2020
When an RCA cable is plugged in to the subwoofer output, are the sub-bass frequencies re-directed from the speakers to the subwoofer only? Or does full-range sound continue coming from the speakers?
- Reply
- New User U on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There is a subwoofer output on the back of the speaker.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Feb 11, 2020
When an RCA cable is plugged in to the subwoofer output, are the sub-bass frequencies re-directed from the speakers to the subwoofer only? Or does full-range sound continue coming from the speakers?
- Reply
- New User U on Feb 11, 2020
These speakers have a SW out to handle the low range. Effectively plug and play.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
I'd use the subwoofer output that's on the back of the speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- James H on Feb 11, 2020
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Does the subwoofer output have a crossover or is it full range? And if the sub output is used do the speakers filter the low end so that it only goes to the sub?
Matthew K
on Feb 12, 2020
BEST ANSWER: From what I understand the speakers only supply low frequencies to the subwoofer out.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: From what I understand the speakers only supply low frequencies to the subwoofer out.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
There isn't any low pass control on the speaker, so you will require a high pass control on your subwoofer in order to best integrate the speaker. That said, the speakers do provide a reasonable amount of low frequency output for their size.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Michael M on May 2, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 26, 2020
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Note: This is NOT bi-amplification if there is only one +/- speaker wire pair going to the other speaker. False advertising. Monoprice, based on that, is the amp really A/B?
A shopper
on Feb 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: These powered speakers employ an active crossover. That means the signal goes to the crossover first high frequencies go to one amp and and the low frequencies goes to the other. That way each amp only amplifies its portion of the signal. This internal bi-amplification is one advantage of a powered speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: These powered speakers employ an active crossover. That means the signal goes to the crossover first high frequencies go to one amp and and the low frequencies goes to the other. That way each amp only amplifies its portion of the signal. This internal bi-amplification is one advantage of a powered speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
The way the manual and speaker description reads, I would think that one amp drives the master speaker and one amp drives the other speaker. It does not mean each amp drives both speakers.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- New User U on Mar 4, 2020
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Are these real wood cabinets or plastic?
A shopper
on Mar 10, 2020
The cabinets are extremely rigid. Mine feel more like hard rubber.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
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Can you connect a turntable to these speakers and how..?
A shopper
on Mar 27, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
If your turntable had RCA outs you could connect to the RCA in that is on the master speaker.
If your turntable had RCA outs you could connect to the RCA in that is on the master speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Mar 27, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
If your turntable had RCA outs you could connect to the RCA in that is on the master speaker.
If your turntable had RCA outs you could connect to the RCA in that is on the master speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Mar 27, 2020
There is no phono input. Unless you have a turntable with an internal preamp, you'll need to purchase one separately for that to work.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Jul 31, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
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What is the difference between Product # 38619 and this one? Is it just the tweeter? Is it worth the additional cost?
Mark B
on Feb 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This speaker would have a ribbon tweeter which would get you cleaner highs and a larger frequency range for the highs.
How much better it sounds would be subjective but it would be better.
This speaker would have a ribbon tweeter which would get you cleaner highs and a larger frequency range for the highs.
How much better it sounds would be subjective but it would be better.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This speaker would have a ribbon tweeter which would get you cleaner highs and a larger frequency range for the highs.
How much better it sounds would be subjective but it would be better.
This speaker would have a ribbon tweeter which would get you cleaner highs and a larger frequency range for the highs.
How much better it sounds would be subjective but it would be better.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 26, 2020
Vote for the best answer above!
Will there be a white color option?
Jonathan C
on Mar 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There will not be a white color option for this speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Mar 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There will not be a white color option for this speaker.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Mar 16, 2020
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what kind of cable do you use from the subwoofer output of the Monoprice MM-5R left speaker to the Monoprice 12 inch subwoofer?
Walter M
on Apr 30, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You connect the right speaker using a standard subwoofer cable with RCA type connectors. The left speaker only has amp input, which some subwoofers can utilize in a pass through configuration. I don't feel that configuration would be ideal, stick to the RCA sub cable.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Michael M on May 2, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You connect the right speaker using a standard subwoofer cable with RCA type connectors. The left speaker only has amp input, which some subwoofers can utilize in a pass through configuration. I don't feel that configuration would be ideal, stick to the RCA sub cable.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Michael M on May 2, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 26, 2020
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How long is the interconnect cable?
A shopper
on May 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: As long as you need it to be. There is no propriety 5 pin connect. You provide the standard speaker wire.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Aug 20, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020

Monoprice Affinity Premium 14AWG Braided Speaker Wire with Gold Plated Banana Plug Connectors, 3ft
BEST ANSWER: As long as you need it to be. There is no propriety 5 pin connect. You provide the standard speaker wire.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Aug 20, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020

Monoprice Affinity Premium 14AWG Braided Speaker Wire with Gold Plated Banana Plug Connectors, 3ft
Vote for the best answer above!
Which side is the master? Can the master side be changed?
A shopper
on May 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The left speaker is the master and cannot be changed.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on May 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The left speaker is the master and cannot be changed.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on May 13, 2020
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Can I use the 2 speakers as passive? (like surround or bookshelf). Perfect for a cookout with my subwoofer, but wish I can used in my living room but passive .... thanks
A shopper
on Jun 13, 2020
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Are the speaker binding posts able to take banana plugs if I were to upgrade the speaker cable to the second speaker? --That is, I assume one speaker has the amplifier and it powers the second speaker.
Kevin D
on Jun 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The speaker posts can accept a banana plug. I'm using speaker cables capped off with banana plubs
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Allan B on Jul 2, 2020
- Purchased on May 20, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The speaker posts can accept a banana plug. I'm using speaker cables capped off with banana plubs
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Allan B on Jul 2, 2020
- Purchased on May 20, 2020
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These things are constantly going to sleep on me. How can i prevent that?
Damien A
on Sep 17, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The speakers will go into Standby (energy saver) mode after being idle/no signal for 30 minutes. To prevent this, switch the toggle located on the back of the main speaker to OFF.
Just keep in mind that the speakers will continue to stay on and burn more power in this mode, so it is very inefficient. Allowing them to go into standby when no signal detected requires only trickle power.
Just keep in mind that the speakers will continue to stay on and burn more power in this mode, so it is very inefficient. Allowing them to go into standby when no signal detected requires only trickle power.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Sep 17, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The speakers will go into Standby (energy saver) mode after being idle/no signal for 30 minutes. To prevent this, switch the toggle located on the back of the main speaker to OFF.
Just keep in mind that the speakers will continue to stay on and burn more power in this mode, so it is very inefficient. Allowing them to go into standby when no signal detected requires only trickle power.
Just keep in mind that the speakers will continue to stay on and burn more power in this mode, so it is very inefficient. Allowing them to go into standby when no signal detected requires only trickle power.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Sidney G on Sep 17, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 22, 2020
Vote for the best answer above!
Do the speakers have a built in phono preamp?
A shopper
on Nov 17, 2020
BEST ANSWER: They do not, so you'll need a standalone preamp. There are countless affordable preamp options on the market, though. For what it's worth, I use these with my turntable and phono stage sometimes so that I have a semi-mobile setup to take to my family's house. They sound fantastic.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Dustin S on Nov 17, 2020
- Purchased on Oct 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: They do not, so you'll need a standalone preamp. There are countless affordable preamp options on the market, though. For what it's worth, I use these with my turntable and phono stage sometimes so that I have a semi-mobile setup to take to my family's house. They sound fantastic.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Dustin S on Nov 17, 2020
- Purchased on Oct 15, 2020
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Are these speakers magnetically shielded? I get interference on my LCD monitors from shielded speakers (just like many people STILL report contrary to popular opinion) – as well as on my CRT monitors (not to mention magnetic media like 90% of hard drives still in use...).
Jesse D
on May 2, 2020
What type of dac is being used in this speaker?
New User U
on May 9, 2020
Is the output peak or RMS watts?? Why don’t you specify which one it is?????
Jennifer S
on May 12, 2020
Can you provide specifications for the DAC?
A shopper
on Jul 8, 2020
What functions are present on the included remote? No diagrams or photos of the remote in the manual nor on product page.
Andrew W
on Jul 31, 2020

Monolith by Monoprice MM-5R Powered Multimedia Speakers Ribbon Tweeter with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs, Subwoofer Output, and Remote Control (Pair), Black

Monolith by Monoprice MM-5 Powered Multimedia Speakers with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs, Subwoofer Output and Remote Control (Pair), Black
Just got these and they sound excellent. I was under the impression that the USB input could be connected via lightning connector to my iPhone for music playback but that is not working, it only charges my phone. Why won't it pass audio?
A shopper
on Sep 25, 2020
Do these have a built in phono preamp?
Michael G
on Nov 17, 2020
Does this have the capability to switch inputs automatically? For example, if the current input is USB, but there's no current USB audio, and the optical signal becomes active, will it switch to that one automatically?
Chris H
on Nov 21, 2020

Monolith by Monoprice MM-5R Powered Multimedia Speakers Ribbon Tweeter with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs, Subwoofer Output, and Remote Control (Pair), Black

Monolith by Monoprice MM-5 Powered Multimedia Speakers with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs (open box)

Monolith by Monoprice MM-5R Powered Multimedia Speakers Ribbon Tweeter with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD Audio, USB DAC, Optical Inputs (open box)
Has the hissing problem been addressed?
New User U
on Feb 8, 2021
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Rated 1 out of 5
Mismatched Speakers & Slow Service
I was shipped a mismatched set of speakers. In the box was one MM-5R and one MM-5. It took Monoprice 5 days to respond to any of my contact attempts. By the time Monoprice reached out to me, this item was no longer in stock and replacement speakers would not be available for about 3 months. The rep seemed uninterested in setting up my account to make sure I could re-buy them at the sale price, so I opted to just return the units at that point. The slow response time, lack of back stock to resolve customer issues, and lazy support reps has really disappointed me as a long time Monoprice customer.
In the 5 days of ownership, I did enjoy the use of my new Frankenstein speaker setup. The only noticeable cheap aspect of this set was the provided speaker wire. It looked and felt so cheap that I decided to use my own 12 gauge wire with Monoprice banana plugs. I like that both speakers use 5 way binding posts and not some proprietary connection.
I primarily used the optical connection, but the USB, RCA, and Bluetooth all worked flawlessly. The selector light on the front is perfect, on but not blindly bright. The highs were cleaner and more detailed on the MM-5R versus the MM-5. The bass was surprisingly good for this set, especially considering their size and price.
The MM-5R has one crippling flaw that makes them unusable as a desktop speaker. We all know that powered speakers have a hiss, but these are obnoxiously loud. They hiss, hissss, HIIIISSS, HIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! At over 3 feet away, I can hear them howling. Ran on a separate circuit with a Tripp-Lite line conditioner, the MM-5R still spewed forth a vile hate of silence. Notice I said the MM-5R, the silk dome MM-5 was much quieter. I had to literally place my ear next to the MM-5 speaker to hear the hiss. I am not sure if this is because this speaker was the amp less unit or if it was due to the silk dome, but if I was to purchase again I would gamble on the dome tweeter and not the ribbon. Even if both speakers had arrived matched, I would have returned these speakers due to the hiss issue.
In the 5 days of ownership, I did enjoy the use of my new Frankenstein speaker setup. The only noticeable cheap aspect of this set was the provided speaker wire. It looked and felt so cheap that I decided to use my own 12 gauge wire with Monoprice banana plugs. I like that both speakers use 5 way binding posts and not some proprietary connection.
I primarily used the optical connection, but the USB, RCA, and Bluetooth all worked flawlessly. The selector light on the front is perfect, on but not blindly bright. The highs were cleaner and more detailed on the MM-5R versus the MM-5. The bass was surprisingly good for this set, especially considering their size and price.
The MM-5R has one crippling flaw that makes them unusable as a desktop speaker. We all know that powered speakers have a hiss, but these are obnoxiously loud. They hiss, hissss, HIIIISSS, HIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! At over 3 feet away, I can hear them howling. Ran on a separate circuit with a Tripp-Lite line conditioner, the MM-5R still spewed forth a vile hate of silence. Notice I said the MM-5R, the silk dome MM-5 was much quieter. I had to literally place my ear next to the MM-5 speaker to hear the hiss. I am not sure if this is because this speaker was the amp less unit or if it was due to the silk dome, but if I was to purchase again I would gamble on the dome tweeter and not the ribbon. Even if both speakers had arrived matched, I would have returned these speakers due to the hiss issue.

Monoprice fail. Mismatched speakers. 5 day response time. MM-5R obnoxious speaker hiss.
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January 14, 2021
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great looks, sound and value
As others have stated these speaker were an upgrade from a previous pair. The MM-5Rs have a much wider soundstage with very natural sounding male and female voices that are always centered stage. Their imaging is great too. The right to left is easily distinguishable although they’re not quite as potent forward to back -- a place the MM-5R come up a bit short. That means you don’t get that all enveloping 3D experience, although to be fair, that’s not something I would expect in this price range.
But don't let that limitation dissuade you. These are fantastic sounding speakers, which still offer superb clarity and realism, not to mention a very impressive bass response down to 42 Hz claim. If I had to describe the sound overall I’d call it bright. I found the low frequencies very clean and punchy depending on how close they are placed to the back wall. It’s not the kind of punchy base that pressurized the room nor are you likely to feel it in your chest, but it is a full and convincing sound, and more than adequate for all but the most demanding audiophile. As for the high, the AMT tweeters can produce some very impressive highs. The best thing about these speakers is that they handle music, effects, and dialogue equally well.
The enclosures is composed of a type of resin that is extremely rigid and does not add any coloration to the sound. The enclosure is a thing of beauty. They have a modern design, but still neutral enough to easily blend into any decor. Whatever support you choose, the MM-5R shine, and strongly resist any desire to be place in enclosure. The box is rectangular in shape with rounded edges. The only thing unusual about them is the square AMT tweeter. Unlike a similar brands there is no magnetic grill. However, the speakers are so attractive with their drivers bare, they don't really need a grill as long as there's no small children in the home.
The speakers come with a pair of wooden isolation stands out of the box so they can be mounted immediately on a desk. In addition, you get pads, speaker wire, and a pair of RCA stereo cables, a 3.5 mm pair and a basic bass/treble and volume remote control. When placed on the included stands, they rest at an angle with the tweeter pointed upward for better dispersion. Their setup is toolless and quick. It took me just a few minutes to get them up and running. Although I do recommend upgrading all the cables with more robust variants for maximum sound quality. I used Monoprice’s own 14 gauge speaker wire to plug into the banana plug binding posts. The MM-5R have a total of 5 inputs (Aux, RCA,BT,OPT, and USB), so you're covered for just about all your devices except a turntable, which would require you to provide a preamp should that be your connection of choice. Unfortunately, I did not test the BT capability since I don’t presently operate any BT devices. From what I understand, it is capable of CD (16/41) quality transmission.
These speakers are a joy to listen to -- which I can do for hours without fatigue -- and the sound gets better the longer you listen to them (especially when you feed them a high fidelity signal), and as they get broken in. I stream via Quboz, and every song sounds fantastic. I can’t seem to get enough of Eugeny Mravinsky, Tchaikovsky Symphonies No. 4, 5, & 6 which steams @ 24/96. I put them through the test with everything I could think of including Michael Jackson, Motley Crew, Marvin Gaye and The Weeknd. Instead of reaching their limits, they just kept sounding better. A prominent indicator of quality. As for those interested in connecting these speaker to their TV, it does come with a subwoofer port for those low frequency effects. I added the Monolith M10-S 10” THX subwoofer (SW) to the pair, and the already great sound speakers became even sweeter. In addition, the SW seems to have freed up some much needed power now shunted solely to the mid-bass. The timpani and kick drums seem to come through more prominently.
Considering their size and cost, these speaker are an absolute bargain. Still, they’re not without cons. For one, I have heard an infrequent but annoying static through the speakers whenever the USB connect is connected. This wasn’t a major issue for me, since my computer also has a 3.5 mm port out, but may be of concern to anyone who relies solely on their computer as the main input source. I can’t say that this issue effects all the units, but it does effect mine.
The other related issue I have was whenever the satellite goes in to standby mode, it transmits a pop noise to the SW which can be pretty startling. I can only hope that this switching sound doesn’t cause any damage to the SW down the line.
In any event, despite these two minor annoyances aside, the MM-5R are easily the best sounding speaker in this price range I’ve ever heard, especially when paired with a SW. Even besting bigger speakers costing twice as much. They are a great value, and highly recommended.
But don't let that limitation dissuade you. These are fantastic sounding speakers, which still offer superb clarity and realism, not to mention a very impressive bass response down to 42 Hz claim. If I had to describe the sound overall I’d call it bright. I found the low frequencies very clean and punchy depending on how close they are placed to the back wall. It’s not the kind of punchy base that pressurized the room nor are you likely to feel it in your chest, but it is a full and convincing sound, and more than adequate for all but the most demanding audiophile. As for the high, the AMT tweeters can produce some very impressive highs. The best thing about these speakers is that they handle music, effects, and dialogue equally well.
The enclosures is composed of a type of resin that is extremely rigid and does not add any coloration to the sound. The enclosure is a thing of beauty. They have a modern design, but still neutral enough to easily blend into any decor. Whatever support you choose, the MM-5R shine, and strongly resist any desire to be place in enclosure. The box is rectangular in shape with rounded edges. The only thing unusual about them is the square AMT tweeter. Unlike a similar brands there is no magnetic grill. However, the speakers are so attractive with their drivers bare, they don't really need a grill as long as there's no small children in the home.
The speakers come with a pair of wooden isolation stands out of the box so they can be mounted immediately on a desk. In addition, you get pads, speaker wire, and a pair of RCA stereo cables, a 3.5 mm pair and a basic bass/treble and volume remote control. When placed on the included stands, they rest at an angle with the tweeter pointed upward for better dispersion. Their setup is toolless and quick. It took me just a few minutes to get them up and running. Although I do recommend upgrading all the cables with more robust variants for maximum sound quality. I used Monoprice’s own 14 gauge speaker wire to plug into the banana plug binding posts. The MM-5R have a total of 5 inputs (Aux, RCA,BT,OPT, and USB), so you're covered for just about all your devices except a turntable, which would require you to provide a preamp should that be your connection of choice. Unfortunately, I did not test the BT capability since I don’t presently operate any BT devices. From what I understand, it is capable of CD (16/41) quality transmission.
These speakers are a joy to listen to -- which I can do for hours without fatigue -- and the sound gets better the longer you listen to them (especially when you feed them a high fidelity signal), and as they get broken in. I stream via Quboz, and every song sounds fantastic. I can’t seem to get enough of Eugeny Mravinsky, Tchaikovsky Symphonies No. 4, 5, & 6 which steams @ 24/96. I put them through the test with everything I could think of including Michael Jackson, Motley Crew, Marvin Gaye and The Weeknd. Instead of reaching their limits, they just kept sounding better. A prominent indicator of quality. As for those interested in connecting these speaker to their TV, it does come with a subwoofer port for those low frequency effects. I added the Monolith M10-S 10” THX subwoofer (SW) to the pair, and the already great sound speakers became even sweeter. In addition, the SW seems to have freed up some much needed power now shunted solely to the mid-bass. The timpani and kick drums seem to come through more prominently.
Considering their size and cost, these speaker are an absolute bargain. Still, they’re not without cons. For one, I have heard an infrequent but annoying static through the speakers whenever the USB connect is connected. This wasn’t a major issue for me, since my computer also has a 3.5 mm port out, but may be of concern to anyone who relies solely on their computer as the main input source. I can’t say that this issue effects all the units, but it does effect mine.
The other related issue I have was whenever the satellite goes in to standby mode, it transmits a pop noise to the SW which can be pretty startling. I can only hope that this switching sound doesn’t cause any damage to the SW down the line.
In any event, despite these two minor annoyances aside, the MM-5R are easily the best sounding speaker in this price range I’ve ever heard, especially when paired with a SW. Even besting bigger speakers costing twice as much. They are a great value, and highly recommended.



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Rated 4 out of 5
Great sound and excellent price
I purchased these bookshelf speakers to use as speakers for my PC. and are replacing a cheap soundbar that I've been using for quite a long time.
These are the first powered bookshelf speakers that I've purchased so I don't have a point of comparison to some of the other powered bookshelf speakers (like Kanto, Edifier, Audioengine, or Fluance) and I don't have the resources to be able to compare.
Admittedly, I was about to pull the trigger on Kanto YU6 but Amazon went out of stock with these speakers. So I searched around the internet to find other speakers and ran into the Monolith series.
From the standpoint of these speakers alone, I love them. The sound coming from these speakers is much richer than the soundbar that they previously replaced.
Games just feel more exciting because of the improved sound quality from the sound effects to in-game music. The speakers make me feel like I am part of the action in a game, especially first person shooters.
When using the speaker to listen to music, I hear other instruments that are so subtle, they don't even register on other types of speakers. My audio experience has greatly improved as a result.
With regards to bluetooth, I don't have any issues with noise. But keep in mind that bluetooth is a wireless signal (obviously) and wireless signals are easily susceptible to signal interference (background electrical or other wireless signals crossing the area like from cell phones, cell towers, or even other wireless equipment).
I think the only way you can grade the fidelity of the bluetooth signal is if you somehow isolate yourself, the speakers, and the bluetooth source in a faraday cage. I guess more power to you if you have a faraday cage built in your home.
These powered speakers are wonderful for the price. I would say they are almost equivalent to the Kanto TUK speakers but at half the price and without the aluminum driver on the woofer. But again, since I don't have those speakers, I can't compare.
I recommend these speakers but I will post an update in a few months.
These are the first powered bookshelf speakers that I've purchased so I don't have a point of comparison to some of the other powered bookshelf speakers (like Kanto, Edifier, Audioengine, or Fluance) and I don't have the resources to be able to compare.
Admittedly, I was about to pull the trigger on Kanto YU6 but Amazon went out of stock with these speakers. So I searched around the internet to find other speakers and ran into the Monolith series.
From the standpoint of these speakers alone, I love them. The sound coming from these speakers is much richer than the soundbar that they previously replaced.
Games just feel more exciting because of the improved sound quality from the sound effects to in-game music. The speakers make me feel like I am part of the action in a game, especially first person shooters.
When using the speaker to listen to music, I hear other instruments that are so subtle, they don't even register on other types of speakers. My audio experience has greatly improved as a result.
With regards to bluetooth, I don't have any issues with noise. But keep in mind that bluetooth is a wireless signal (obviously) and wireless signals are easily susceptible to signal interference (background electrical or other wireless signals crossing the area like from cell phones, cell towers, or even other wireless equipment).
I think the only way you can grade the fidelity of the bluetooth signal is if you somehow isolate yourself, the speakers, and the bluetooth source in a faraday cage. I guess more power to you if you have a faraday cage built in your home.
These powered speakers are wonderful for the price. I would say they are almost equivalent to the Kanto TUK speakers but at half the price and without the aluminum driver on the woofer. But again, since I don't have those speakers, I can't compare.
I recommend these speakers but I will post an update in a few months.
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Rated 3 out of 5
Fantastic Sound but Bluetooth noise unacceptable
I want to like this speaker so much, but after trying 2 different pairs, the bluetooth whineing noise that is always there while devices are connected, is a huge design flaw.
I recommended the DT-5BT to a friend who checked and could not hear any noise, so perhaps the aptX chip or how the 5R's cables are routed internally are creating the interference.
Monoprice has a huge sonic winner here, by including a ribbon tweeter. My main speakers are the cost of a nice car, so coming from me its high praise indeed for a $400 self powered speaker to sound good.
If Bluetooth isn't required, then don't hesitate to purchase. I also found that putting a small weight (5lbs) on top of each speaker clarified the bass notes. I also suspect using better speaker cable than what is included might help sonics as well. Plugging them into a good power conditioner and using a better power cable could take these good sounding speakers to the next level.
I'm using mine as drum monitors for Roland v-Drums and they handle the bass transients quite well, and the highs are airey and well resolved thanks to the AMT style ribbon tweeter.
Monoprice is doing some amazing things for excellent prices, but this bluetooth noise issue needs to be ironed out before it can earn a 5 star rating.
I recommended the DT-5BT to a friend who checked and could not hear any noise, so perhaps the aptX chip or how the 5R's cables are routed internally are creating the interference.
Monoprice has a huge sonic winner here, by including a ribbon tweeter. My main speakers are the cost of a nice car, so coming from me its high praise indeed for a $400 self powered speaker to sound good.
If Bluetooth isn't required, then don't hesitate to purchase. I also found that putting a small weight (5lbs) on top of each speaker clarified the bass notes. I also suspect using better speaker cable than what is included might help sonics as well. Plugging them into a good power conditioner and using a better power cable could take these good sounding speakers to the next level.
I'm using mine as drum monitors for Roland v-Drums and they handle the bass transients quite well, and the highs are airey and well resolved thanks to the AMT style ribbon tweeter.
Monoprice is doing some amazing things for excellent prices, but this bluetooth noise issue needs to be ironed out before it can earn a 5 star rating.
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- Was this review helpful? Yes (17) No (2)
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