Monolith by Monoprice THX AAA Balanced Headphone Amplifier featuring THX AAA 887 Technology
Product # 39359
UPC # 889028135280
$309.99
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I have hearing issue on my right ear. can you adjust volume level differently (left and right) with this DAC?
A shopper
on Jun 22, 2022
BEST ANSWER: I hope you realize that the Monolith THX amplifier does not have a DAC. It is a headphone ampifier only. That being said, it does not have a balance control or any means to independently adjust the L/R levels.
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- L L on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Mar 2, 2022
BEST ANSWER: I hope you realize that the Monolith THX amplifier does not have a DAC. It is a headphone ampifier only. That being said, it does not have a balance control or any means to independently adjust the L/R levels.
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- L L on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Mar 2, 2022
No. One volume control knob adjusts volume to both headphones equally. Suggest you look into headphones that have separate volume controls at each earpiece (and such may or may not exist as far as I know).
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- John S on Jun 22, 2022
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2022
No, this headphone amplifier does not have a balance control. The RME dac I feed into it does have balance controls. Sounds fantastic on my Hifiman Sundara and Monolith 1060 headphones.
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- Mike L on Jun 22, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 6, 2021
This is a headphone amplifier not a DAC. No it does not have balance control and I don't think most of them do. But it is a great little headphone amp! Love mine...
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- jeff e on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Mar 14, 2022
This is not a DAC this is an amplifier only. But you can not adjust volume differently. Both left and right either go up or down together.
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- Aaron M on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Jun 7, 2022
No. There is only a single volume knob on this DAC which controls left and right levels simultaneously.
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- Purvil J on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Mar 27, 2022
No, there isn't any way to adjust the Left/Right channels separately with this amp.
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- Christian R on Jun 22, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 21, 2021
Not from the amp itself. Maybe if you had some sort of accessory you could.
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- Valentin R on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Mar 13, 2022
You can't, but maybe software on your computer or digital audio player can.
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- Tom M. on Jun 23, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 25, 2021
This amp doesn’t include a DAC. It also doesn’t have a balance adjustment.
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- Roger L on Jun 27, 2022
- Purchased on Jun 2, 2022
No, it doesn’t have a balance control.
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- William S on Jun 23, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2021
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What is the difference between this and Product # 24459 (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459)?
Gleb K
on Apr 7, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The biggest difference would be that #24459 also includes a DAC (Digital to Analog converter.) The other difference is #39359 uses a slightly updated THX module, the 887 ans as opposed to the 788 pm the #24459. Lastly, the #39359 has buttons for gain as well as an output specifically designed for use with IEMS.
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- Scott B on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The biggest difference would be that #24459 also includes a DAC (Digital to Analog converter.) The other difference is #39359 uses a slightly updated THX module, the 887 ans as opposed to the 788 pm the #24459. Lastly, the #39359 has buttons for gain as well as an output specifically designed for use with IEMS.
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- Scott B on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 19, 2019
This unit does not include the DAC and DSP - but elsewhere it was stated that the #24459 DAC could not be bypassed - that is incorrect - you can use outboard DACs and bypass the internal AK DAC contained in the #24459.
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- Reginald P on Jul 31, 2022
There are a lot of differences, but the primary difference is that one is simply an amplifier and nothing else, and the other is an amplifier, a DAC, and a digital signal processor.
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- Nelson D. C on Apr 9, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2019
The one you linked has a DAC built into it, as this one does not. As far as I know, you cannot bypass the DAC, so if you want to experiment with DACs get this one.
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- Jeff K on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 19, 2019
This one is just an amp. The other one is DAC and Amp in one
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- Matthew F on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
The 887 is pure amplifier the other one has a dac too
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- krikour m on Apr 7, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
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Does the pass through output both the XLR and RCA inputs or just the RCA?
Chris W
on Nov 27, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The pass through RCA outputs only function with signals from the RCA inputs. Signals from the XLR inputs will not pass through to the RCA pass through output.
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- Bryce U on Nov 27, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The pass through RCA outputs only function with signals from the RCA inputs. Signals from the XLR inputs will not pass through to the RCA pass through output.
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- Bryce U on Nov 27, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
It outputs on everything at once (so you can listen to 3 different headphones at once if you desire)
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- Jonathan H on Nov 27, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
Confirmed, when balanced XLR inputs are used, no output to the RCA.
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- Mark S on Nov 27, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 20, 2019
There's just one pair of RCA pass through output.
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- New User U on Dec 5, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
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I heard this runs a bit hot, how long can this stay on in use before recommending to switch this off?
New User U
on Feb 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Actually it runs very cool.I leave mine on and it’s barely above ambient room temp even after long listening sessions.
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- B E on Feb 11, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Actually it runs very cool.I leave mine on and it’s barely above ambient room temp even after long listening sessions.
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- B E on Feb 11, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 14, 2020
I use this amp with a Topping D90 on top as my office rig. It's on and running at least 8-10 hours per day. It doesn't seem to get very hot. I have no concerns about running it all day.
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- CHIP H on Feb 12, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 18, 2020
It will stay on as long as it can detect a signal from your DAC. If it doesn't notice a signal, it will turn off automatically after a set amount of time
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- Argenis D Chavez H on Feb 11, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2020
That wasn't the question, it was whether this would have any detrimental effects to the AMP if left on IN USE for a long period of time.
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- New User U on Feb 11, 2020
∞ It is a class D amp so it runs _very_ cool. By default it powers itself off after no signal is detected.
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- Lance S on Feb 13, 2020
- Purchased on Dec 20, 2019
I run my planars off of this amp for long listening sessions and it never runs hot.
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- Tim R on Feb 11, 2020
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2019
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Does the pass through have THX?
A shopper
on Feb 20, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Simple answer; no. The pass-through is not passing through the THX amplification section.
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- Bryce U on Feb 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Simple answer; no. The pass-through is not passing through the THX amplification section.
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- Bryce U on Feb 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
I would say no. The pass through is only for the RCA inputs. The volume knob has no effect on the pass-through output. I believe it completely skips the THX/amplification circuitry.
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- Stephen on Feb 21, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
No. It wouldn't be a pass through if it was intended to do anything besides pass a signal, like a wire.
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- Andrew L on Feb 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
No. It just passes whatever analog signal your DAC is outputting. Zero processing.
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- Mark K on Feb 21, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
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Should I turn the amp on/off with headphones plugged in or should I first unplug the headphones before turning the unit off?
New User U
on Jan 20, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It's always good practice before turning on to turn volume down all the way then turn on amp wait for say 30 seconds then plug in headphones. Then carefully play music and slowly turn up volume. To shut down stop music then turn down volume unplug headphones then turn off amp.
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- Alexander D on Jan 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It's always good practice before turning on to turn volume down all the way then turn on amp wait for say 30 seconds then plug in headphones. Then carefully play music and slowly turn up volume. To shut down stop music then turn down volume unplug headphones then turn off amp.
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- Alexander D on Jan 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 24, 2019
I've cycled the power on this amp while listening with moderately efficient headphones (99 dB SPL/mW) and head no clicks, pops or other noise as the power goes on and off. Given that experience, there is likely no need to unplug ordinary headphones when powering the unit on or off. The story may be different with highly sensitive IEMs so YMMV.
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- New User U on Jan 22, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
For basically all amps, it's good practice to always (1) plug in the headphones AFTER turning the amp ON and (2) unplug the headphones BEFORE turning the amp OFF. Before either, however, be sure to turn the VOLUME knob all the way down.
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- James S on Jan 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
No difference. There is no sound (click) during on off
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- PAOLO B on Jan 21, 2020
- Purchased on Dec 3, 2019
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Can this be used as a power amp for headphones with a DAC that has volume control and balanced out?
A shopper
on Feb 24, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It could, but you should probably use a DAC without a volume control. The potentiometer actually degrades the sound quality to some extent.
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- James S on Feb 24, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It could, but you should probably use a DAC without a volume control. The potentiometer actually degrades the sound quality to some extent.
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- James S on Feb 24, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
Yes. Using a Topping DX7 Pro with balanced out and volume control with Sennheiser HD500’s.
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- Robert W on Feb 24, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 20, 2019
Yes. If your DAC has digital volume control, you might find that you get better results setting your dac to a fixed output with no attenuation and then using the volume control on this amp. Generally, digital volume control will reduce your dynamic range. This amp rocks. I use it with an RME ADI-2 DAC fs set to 0dBu attenuation.
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- jtstep on Feb 24, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 17, 2019
You can certainly do so. I feed mine with the balanced output of a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC,. and it works beautifully. There is no fixed output selection for this headphone amp, so while you can easily use it with a DAC having a digital volume control, you'll still be sending the signal through the amp's volume pot.
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- New User U on Feb 24, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
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Is this enough to power the seinheiser HD800S headphones? Which has a 300ohms impedance.
New User U
on Jul 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes. More than enough. I have the HD800 and use it regularly with the Monolith 887 and Topping D90 in balanced mode.
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- James S on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes. More than enough. I have the HD800 and use it regularly with the Monolith 887 and Topping D90 in balanced mode.
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- James S on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
I found this amp was not powerful enough for Focal dynamic headphones at 55-80 Ohms. Although this amp was my favourite for a long time, closest to perfect I had ever experienced... It took me a long time to realize a more powerful amp was what I needed to get a nice tonal balance in the low-end. That said, you may be completely happy with it driving HD800S.
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- Daniel van V on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Dec 4, 2019
Yes, this amplifier has more than enough power for an HD800S, or pretty much almost any headphone, with very, very few exceptions.
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- Nelson D. C on Jul 16, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2019
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Is this amp good enough to power the HD800s headphones?
New User U
on Jul 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This is, of course, a subjective question. But I'm using mine with a Hifiman HE1000v2, a ZMF Auteur, an Audeze LCD3, and a Focal Utopia at various times, along with a Chotd Qutest DAC, all connected with pure silver cables. The results are outstanding by my reckoning. This amp is great value for money, and in my view showcases high end headphones outstandingly, provided the other elements in your signal chain don't limit your results.
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- Robert S on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This is, of course, a subjective question. But I'm using mine with a Hifiman HE1000v2, a ZMF Auteur, an Audeze LCD3, and a Focal Utopia at various times, along with a Chotd Qutest DAC, all connected with pure silver cables. The results are outstanding by my reckoning. This amp is great value for money, and in my view showcases high end headphones outstandingly, provided the other elements in your signal chain don't limit your results.
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- Robert S on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 10, 2020
Rest assured that this amp will easily power the Sennheiser HD800s headphones.
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- MARK E on Jul 14, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 21, 2020
Yes I used it with an hd800. Plenty of power.
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- Marcos K on Jul 17, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 30, 2020
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Can I unplug headphones from the amplifier while it is on?
A shopper
on Oct 29, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Not recommended. If you do, I would turn the volume down to 0.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 1, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Not recommended. If you do, I would turn the volume down to 0.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 1, 2021
I would think that's OK. I'd turn the volume all the way down first.
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- Kenneth W on Oct 29, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 23, 2021
Yes, I do. I swap out different headphones from time to time.
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- Lance G on Oct 29, 2021
- Purchased on Aug 13, 2021
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Hi!
If I use an RCA input, do I get more power on the XLR 4pin output or only if I use an XLR balanced input?
If I use an RCA input, do I get more power on the XLR 4pin output or only if I use an XLR balanced input?
A shopper
on Oct 5, 2022
BEST ANSWER: You get the same amount of power output regardless which input you use. Though do note the volume output of the source you're plugging in.
This amp has TONS of clean power. I wouldn't worry about the power output. In fact, I had to get an attenuator so I could turn the knob up more. That's not to say there's any issues if the potentiometer is lower too, no channel imbalance or anything like that. It's just that if you want to be able to turn the knob and not worry about how far, you may want an attenuator IF using more sensitive headphones.
There's 3 gain settings on the amp. So you can adjust the power a bit using that as well.
I use both XLR and RCA inputs. There's a convenient button on the front that's switches between the two inputs. When I push this button the volume level is just about the same. The difference is from the sources.
This amp has TONS of clean power. I wouldn't worry about the power output. In fact, I had to get an attenuator so I could turn the knob up more. That's not to say there's any issues if the potentiometer is lower too, no channel imbalance or anything like that. It's just that if you want to be able to turn the knob and not worry about how far, you may want an attenuator IF using more sensitive headphones.
There's 3 gain settings on the amp. So you can adjust the power a bit using that as well.
I use both XLR and RCA inputs. There's a convenient button on the front that's switches between the two inputs. When I push this button the volume level is just about the same. The difference is from the sources.
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- Tom M. on Oct 5, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 25, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You get the same amount of power output regardless which input you use. Though do note the volume output of the source you're plugging in.
This amp has TONS of clean power. I wouldn't worry about the power output. In fact, I had to get an attenuator so I could turn the knob up more. That's not to say there's any issues if the potentiometer is lower too, no channel imbalance or anything like that. It's just that if you want to be able to turn the knob and not worry about how far, you may want an attenuator IF using more sensitive headphones.
There's 3 gain settings on the amp. So you can adjust the power a bit using that as well.
I use both XLR and RCA inputs. There's a convenient button on the front that's switches between the two inputs. When I push this button the volume level is just about the same. The difference is from the sources.
This amp has TONS of clean power. I wouldn't worry about the power output. In fact, I had to get an attenuator so I could turn the knob up more. That's not to say there's any issues if the potentiometer is lower too, no channel imbalance or anything like that. It's just that if you want to be able to turn the knob and not worry about how far, you may want an attenuator IF using more sensitive headphones.
There's 3 gain settings on the amp. So you can adjust the power a bit using that as well.
I use both XLR and RCA inputs. There's a convenient button on the front that's switches between the two inputs. When I push this button the volume level is just about the same. The difference is from the sources.
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- Tom M. on Oct 5, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 25, 2021
With rca input the amp will be boosting a non optimal signal power wise. But thais not to say it won't sound good, especially if your source is clean distortion free music.
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- MARC B on Oct 5, 2022
- Purchased on Nov 10, 2021
You will indeed get more power with the RCA input/XLR output, but you will get maximum power using XLR inputs and outputs.
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- William S on Oct 5, 2022
- Purchased on Dec 19, 2021
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if i plug this into my dac is the volume controlled throught the dac? or the headphone amp?
A shopper
on Nov 27, 2023
BEST ANSWER: Probably depends on the order you plug them. For example if the THX outputs to the headphones, then you can use the THX volume controls. If it outputs to the dac, then you should still be able to use the THX controls on top of the dac controls if it has any.
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- Carlo A on Aug 20, 2024
- Purchased on Apr 16, 2023
BEST ANSWER: Probably depends on the order you plug them. For example if the THX outputs to the headphones, then you can use the THX volume controls. If it outputs to the dac, then you should still be able to use the THX controls on top of the dac controls if it has any.
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- Carlo A on Aug 20, 2024
- Purchased on Apr 16, 2023
does your DAC have a volume control? if so then you might be able to control vol from eithe, depending on the DAC unit. Otherwise, I can't find a reason why it wouldn't be controlled from the headphone amp
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- Jess T on Nov 27, 2023
- Purchased on Jan 23, 2023
Well if your DAC has variable output it could also add another layer or volume control. I would set the DAC to fixed output or set it about 3/4 and leave it and use the amp to control volume,
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- John G on Nov 27, 2023
- Purchased on Dec 2, 2022
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Can this be used as a pre amp with active speakers?
A shopper
on Sep 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can utilize the pass through output.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can utilize the pass through output.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
No. There is no line level output that utilizes the preamp. Using "pass through" does not utilize the preamp and is no different than leaving this unit out of the signal chain to your powered monitors.
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- New User U on May 30, 2020
Volume knob on the amp has no impact on the pass through output so you will have to control volume either at the source or after the amp.
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- Mark S on Nov 27, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 20, 2019
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When the volume is all the way down on this amp, I still hear sound from the headphones on the balanced output. Is that normal?
Mason L
on Apr 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This happens when the amp is on it's highest gain setting (3). A good rule of thumb is to use the lowest gain setting that still allows you to get your desired sound level. High gain also raises the amps noise floor.
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- MARK E on Apr 15, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This happens when the amp is on it's highest gain setting (3). A good rule of thumb is to use the lowest gain setting that still allows you to get your desired sound level. High gain also raises the amps noise floor.
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- MARK E on Apr 15, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 21, 2020
Not for me, I don't hear any sound. Even if the volume is up. I am using balanced cables as well.
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- David T on Apr 14, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 4, 2020
It should not happen. This is not normal. It might be due to other things in your setup like the DAC outputs that are used and whether they are increasing the gain of the output signal etc. There can be other factors as well.
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- Muhammad M on Apr 22, 2020
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2019
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Your description says XLR , 1/4" and 3.5mm INPUTS. I don't see those . I think you really mean OUTPUTS?
A shopper
on Jun 6, 2020
BEST ANSWER: This is correct. Theres one balanced pair (XLR) input, and one single-ended (RCA) input. The outputs are the XLR-4, 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphone jacks, and the single ended (RCA) passthrough output pair. The volume control has no effect on the passthrough output.
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- Stephen on Jun 6, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This is correct. Theres one balanced pair (XLR) input, and one single-ended (RCA) input. The outputs are the XLR-4, 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphone jacks, and the single ended (RCA) passthrough output pair. The volume control has no effect on the passthrough output.
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- Stephen on Jun 6, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
Correct. The 887 has 3.5mm, 1/4", and 4-pin XLR outputs. There are only XLR and RCA inputs.
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- Bryce U on Jun 6, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
You are correct. They are outputs for your phones.
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- Paul l on Jun 6, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
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Are these good enough for the Audio Technica M50x’s and Hifiman Aryas?
New User U
on Jul 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes, this is one of the best headphone amps around.
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- New User U Staff on Jul 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes, this is one of the best headphone amps around.
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- New User U Staff on Jul 14, 2020
I would say yes. I have the Aryas too and this drives them well on the third gain setting. The three gain ranges are a nice feature. I also paired mine with a simple Schitt Loki Mini 4-band equalizer and that really helps every set of phones deliver their full potential.
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- Rick on Jul 22, 2021
- Purchased on Aug 9, 2020
These are good enough to power any headphone.
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- WUKEVIN W on Jul 22, 2021
- Purchased on May 7, 2021
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My DAC is single ended only. If I run single ended in, does the balanced headphone output still work and if so, does it still provide more power than the single ended headphone output or would it be the same amount of power as the SE output?
A shopper
on Oct 20, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes. The Amp can output via the balanced 4-pin XLR output using either the RCA single-ended input or the XLR balanced input. Yes the power output from the XLR output will be more than the SE outputs of the Amp.
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- Bryce U on Oct 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes. The Amp can output via the balanced 4-pin XLR output using either the RCA single-ended input or the XLR balanced input. Yes the power output from the XLR output will be more than the SE outputs of the Amp.
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- Bryce U on Oct 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
Yes I have 2 DACs and use them together. It is very convenient to switch inputs with button on front. With the same headphones, volume is the same.
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- Igor D on Oct 20, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
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is this amp fully balanced input to output?
Eric F
on Nov 5, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, it is not fully balanced. It has balanced inputs and XLR output, but the internal circuitry is not balanced.
That being said, it is a fantastic sounding amplifier, especially for the money.
That being said, it is a fantastic sounding amplifier, especially for the money.
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- Nelson D. C on Nov 5, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: No, it is not fully balanced. It has balanced inputs and XLR output, but the internal circuitry is not balanced.
That being said, it is a fantastic sounding amplifier, especially for the money.
That being said, it is a fantastic sounding amplifier, especially for the money.
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- Nelson D. C on Nov 5, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2019
I don't believe it perfectly balanced but it far exceeds anything in its price range performing 2-3X its price.
Check out the detailed audio science review and measurements for the Monoprice 887
Check out the detailed audio science review and measurements for the Monoprice 887
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- Naran P on Nov 5, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 19, 2019
"Fully" is open to interpretation. There's a single THX stereo module that works as a bridge to split power to each channel. As far as I'm concerned, it's fully balanced.
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- James S on Nov 5, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 14, 2019
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If I use single-ended inputs with the balanced output, would the overall specs be the same as if I were using the balanced inputs? If so, what is the advantage of using balanced inputs and balanced outputs?
A shopper
on Dec 3, 2021
BEST ANSWER: I can’t comment on whether the “overall specs” will be the same, because I have not done any measurements on this amp, but you can check out the Audioscience Review website for their measurements (which are excellent for this amp). Theoretically, using the balanced inputs is more important than using the balanced outputs, unless you have very power hungry headphones that need the extra power from the balanced outputs. This is because the input signals are lower in level and are more susceptible to noise. In the end, it’s what you hear that matters, and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
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- ALEXANDER G on Dec 4, 2021
- Purchased on Jun 28, 2021
BEST ANSWER: I can’t comment on whether the “overall specs” will be the same, because I have not done any measurements on this amp, but you can check out the Audioscience Review website for their measurements (which are excellent for this amp). Theoretically, using the balanced inputs is more important than using the balanced outputs, unless you have very power hungry headphones that need the extra power from the balanced outputs. This is because the input signals are lower in level and are more susceptible to noise. In the end, it’s what you hear that matters, and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
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- ALEXANDER G on Dec 4, 2021
- Purchased on Jun 28, 2021
I can't give it to you in electrical terms, but if I were going to go balanced from say my external DAC to my amp, I would also get a balanced cable for my cans. And that's what I'm about to do myself. If you're not going to go balanced all the way, I wouldn't do any balanced connections. I run SPDIF via Toslink from my PC card to my DAC. My DAC has balanced and unbalanced outputs. Right now I'm just some RCA cables to the amp and a 1/4" jack to my cans. I'm about to get balanced cables to replace the RCA and the headphone connection. I'm going to get mine from Periapt Cables.
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- William S on Dec 4, 2021
- Purchased on Jul 17, 2021
It’s my understanding that the amp isn’t fully balanced in-out so I don’t think it makes much difference.
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- B E on Dec 3, 2021
- Purchased on May 13, 2021
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Can I leave the XLR to 4.4 adapter connected with no jack connected, while I connect a 3.5 headphone to listen music? Or should I remove the adapter?
New User U
on Aug 30, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Yes. All three outputs work simultaneously. Plugging one doesn’t mute the others.
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- Peter N on Aug 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 14, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Yes. All three outputs work simultaneously. Plugging one doesn’t mute the others.
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- Peter N on Aug 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 14, 2022
Might be best to remove as not doing so might reduce power to that active pair of headphones. When I remove my headphones, there is a relay that resets each time.
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- BOBBY B on Aug 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 19, 2022
All of the front panel outputs are active simultaneously. I leave my four pin to 2.5mm adaptor plugged in while using the 1/4” or 3.5mm jacks without issue.
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- Stephen C on Aug 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 17, 2022
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If I connect a Dongle DAC (also amplify) via rca inputs, does the double amp damage the THX amp and/or headphones?
New User U
on Nov 29, 2022
BEST ANSWER: No, but you will need to set the volume on the DAC/Amp so it doesn't clip. This is not the best idea if you are pursuing good sound reproduction. You should just utilize a DAC.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 29, 2022
BEST ANSWER: No, but you will need to set the volume on the DAC/Amp so it doesn't clip. This is not the best idea if you are pursuing good sound reproduction. You should just utilize a DAC.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 29, 2022
the dac needs to send its unamplified analogue out to the amp.
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- Michael H Hennessy, P on Nov 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2022
yes do NOT do this
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- Michael H Hennessy, P on Nov 30, 2022
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2022
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Is the pass through connection inputs or outputs? It resides in the input section. Is it a pass through output in reality?
James V
on Feb 6, 2023
BEST ANSWER: The RCA connections labeled PASS are outputs that pass the audio signal from the RCA inputs (the PASS output does not pass signal from the XLR inputs). The purpose of the PASS output would be to send the audio signal on to a preamp or powered speakers, etc. If you check the Specs tab on the product page you will see:
Outputs
1x Gold plated 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 3.5mm TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 4‑pin balanced XLR, (Headphone)
**1x Gold plated stereo RCA pass‑through**
Outputs
1x Gold plated 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 3.5mm TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 4‑pin balanced XLR, (Headphone)
**1x Gold plated stereo RCA pass‑through**
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- Stephen C on Feb 15, 2023
- Purchased on Aug 17, 2022
BEST ANSWER: The RCA connections labeled PASS are outputs that pass the audio signal from the RCA inputs (the PASS output does not pass signal from the XLR inputs). The purpose of the PASS output would be to send the audio signal on to a preamp or powered speakers, etc. If you check the Specs tab on the product page you will see:
Outputs
1x Gold plated 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 3.5mm TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 4‑pin balanced XLR, (Headphone)
**1x Gold plated stereo RCA pass‑through**
Outputs
1x Gold plated 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 3.5mm TRS, (Headphone)
1x Gold plated 4‑pin balanced XLR, (Headphone)
**1x Gold plated stereo RCA pass‑through**
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- Stephen C on Feb 15, 2023
- Purchased on Aug 17, 2022
If you’re looking to make this a preamp then no.
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- Marc M on Feb 6, 2023
- Purchased on Feb 8, 2022
It is a pass through but you can control it
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- Bilal A on Feb 13, 2023
- Purchased on Sep 2, 2022
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can someone tell me please what i need to pair these with to set up with my pc, cables, dac or...??
A shopper
on Apr 7, 2023
BEST ANSWER: For best performance you would want to get a DAC with a USB input (most have a USB input) so you can connect directly to a USB port on your PC and then you would take either the unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR outputs of the DAC to the corresponding inputs on the THX AAA 887. Not all DAC's have balanced XLR outputs but all have unbalanced RCA outputs.
An external DAC will most certainly provide better performance than most PC's internal sound cards. However, if your PC sound card has analog RCA outputs you could connect those outputs directly to the unbalanced RCA inputs on the THX AAA 887. In this scenario you would most likely want to fix the volume output of the PC to max so you can use the 887's volume control.
I use my 887 with a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 200M and the sound is amazing. I'm using the XLR outputs of the Cambridge DAC to the THX AAA 887s balanced XLR inputs and I'm also using the four-pin balanced headphone output on the 887 to drive a pair of Philips X3 balanced headphones. I'm using Mogami/Amphenol XLR cables.
Hope this helps.
An external DAC will most certainly provide better performance than most PC's internal sound cards. However, if your PC sound card has analog RCA outputs you could connect those outputs directly to the unbalanced RCA inputs on the THX AAA 887. In this scenario you would most likely want to fix the volume output of the PC to max so you can use the 887's volume control.
I use my 887 with a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 200M and the sound is amazing. I'm using the XLR outputs of the Cambridge DAC to the THX AAA 887s balanced XLR inputs and I'm also using the four-pin balanced headphone output on the 887 to drive a pair of Philips X3 balanced headphones. I'm using Mogami/Amphenol XLR cables.
Hope this helps.
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- Stephen C on Apr 7, 2023
- Purchased on Aug 17, 2022
BEST ANSWER: For best performance you would want to get a DAC with a USB input (most have a USB input) so you can connect directly to a USB port on your PC and then you would take either the unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR outputs of the DAC to the corresponding inputs on the THX AAA 887. Not all DAC's have balanced XLR outputs but all have unbalanced RCA outputs.
An external DAC will most certainly provide better performance than most PC's internal sound cards. However, if your PC sound card has analog RCA outputs you could connect those outputs directly to the unbalanced RCA inputs on the THX AAA 887. In this scenario you would most likely want to fix the volume output of the PC to max so you can use the 887's volume control.
I use my 887 with a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 200M and the sound is amazing. I'm using the XLR outputs of the Cambridge DAC to the THX AAA 887s balanced XLR inputs and I'm also using the four-pin balanced headphone output on the 887 to drive a pair of Philips X3 balanced headphones. I'm using Mogami/Amphenol XLR cables.
Hope this helps.
An external DAC will most certainly provide better performance than most PC's internal sound cards. However, if your PC sound card has analog RCA outputs you could connect those outputs directly to the unbalanced RCA inputs on the THX AAA 887. In this scenario you would most likely want to fix the volume output of the PC to max so you can use the 887's volume control.
I use my 887 with a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 200M and the sound is amazing. I'm using the XLR outputs of the Cambridge DAC to the THX AAA 887s balanced XLR inputs and I'm also using the four-pin balanced headphone output on the 887 to drive a pair of Philips X3 balanced headphones. I'm using Mogami/Amphenol XLR cables.
Hope this helps.
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- Stephen C on Apr 7, 2023
- Purchased on Aug 17, 2022
You'll need a DAC, preferably with a USB input to connect to your PC, and with either RCA or XLR outputs, and corrosponding cables to connect to the amp.
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- Mark C on Apr 8, 2023
- Purchased on Jul 6, 2022
RCA cables if your source puts out a single ended signal, XLR cables if balanced. ALL IT NEEDS IS AN ANALOG SIGNAL OF SOME KIND.
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- Michael H Hennessy, P on Apr 14, 2023
- Purchased on Aug 28, 2022
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What's the dimensions and weight?
A shopper
on Sep 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: 8.66"W x 8.15"D x 1.97"H Approx 3.5lbs
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: 8.66"W x 8.15"D x 1.97"H Approx 3.5lbs
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
I put the measurements at the end of the review thread on Audio Science Review.
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- Amir M on Sep 10, 2019
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Can this be used as a pre amp with active speakers?
F R
on Sep 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can use the unbalanced pass through output to the active speaker.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
Pass Through means volume is not adjustable?
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- New User U on Nov 14, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you can use the unbalanced pass through output to the active speaker.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 10, 2019
Pass Through means volume is not adjustable?
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- New User U on Nov 14, 2019
No, it doesn't function as a proper preamp with volume control. The previous user answered incorrectly. You can only passthrough the RCA signal, but you would still need a proper preamp for active speakers.
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- Andrew G on Jul 13, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 13, 2019
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Are the full specification out yet since they are not on this page?
A shopper
on Sep 13, 2019
Thank you for your question.
There would be specs available once the item is available for sale.
There would be specs available once the item is available for sale.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 17, 2019
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Noticibly absent from the description is the inclusion of Dirac II which the desktop 789 dac amp includes. Is this because the full specs haven't yet been published or because this model won't include this functionality?
A C
on Sep 23, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This model will not have this functionality.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 23, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This model will not have this functionality.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 23, 2019
The 789 does not include dirac. It is amplifier only, Dirac is implemented in DAC
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- New User U on Jun 23, 2020
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Are there any products in the pipeline that will use a matching chassis to the 887? This is one of the sleekest and best looking chassis I’ve ever seen.
A shopper
on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We have another THX Amp + DAC that is in stock currently that uses the same chassis.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We have another THX Amp + DAC that is in stock currently that uses the same chassis.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 20, 2019
Don't know, there's enough room for DAC. If they can come close to or tie the measured performance of the ESS9038pro based Matrix XSabre Pro MQA DAC than I would buy that combo for my computer desk. It's amazing that this $400 hpa ties for 1st place in measured performance of the $3000 Benchmark HPA4!
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- Jon C on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 13, 2019
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balanced SNR in dB?
A shopper
on Feb 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I myself have no means of measuring that. I saw a review online that stated the SNR to measure at 123db. I believe Monoprice claims it to be even higher. Another reviewer on YouTube opined that the SNR is so low that the difference between balanced and unbalanced is not audible. I know that with no audio playing I can turn the volume to the maximum and not hear a hint of noise.
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- Robert S on Feb 26, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I myself have no means of measuring that. I saw a review online that stated the SNR to measure at 123db. I believe Monoprice claims it to be even higher. Another reviewer on YouTube opined that the SNR is so low that the difference between balanced and unbalanced is not audible. I know that with no audio playing I can turn the volume to the maximum and not hear a hint of noise.
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- Robert S on Feb 26, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 10, 2020
It should be around 123 db. Check out the Audio Science Review for more info.
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- Ben K on Feb 26, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 6, 2020
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Can I connect my turntable preamp to this headphone amp with rca cables and use the balanced output?
A shopper
on Jul 13, 2020
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great value
Works just as described. Much needed, especially if you have headphones with high impedance. If you have cheaper headphone you may not need this item. Upgrade your headphones and then consider the amp which is a great value.
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Rated 5 out of 5
best deal ever
sounds detail, smooth, natural, measured up to the top,
Added Sep 14, 2023
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Rated 5 out of 5
Amp works fine and has plenty of power
Amp was well packed and arrived on time. Setup was easy, I plugged it in, hooked into my DAC and headphones and it works fine. Plenty of power and the 3 position gain control helps.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Super Low Distortion and Noise
This amp is a joy to listen to with my Sennheiser HD600 cans.
Enought power, and to spare. Neutral sound profile.
There are things that could be improved on the next version: The volume pot is smooth as warm butter but could use some friction to avoid bumping it out of position. The volume knob has a mostly invisible hash mark. A simple white mark would help.
Enought power, and to spare. Neutral sound profile.
There are things that could be improved on the next version: The volume pot is smooth as warm butter but could use some friction to avoid bumping it out of position. The volume knob has a mostly invisible hash mark. A simple white mark would help.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Didnt know an amp could make such a difference.
This thing opened up the sound stage of my headphones in a way you have to experience it to believe it. Also the dynamics are so much livelier and fast. Bass tight and controlled.
It has so much power. Helps my only cut PEQs filter sound alive. like they were not there.
Really thought because The Marantzn SR6004 was a high end device, its Dolby headphone jack would be more than adequate. Boy was I wrong. This Monoprice THX amp mops the floor with the Marantz.
I'm in love, was going to try the liquid spark as a cheaper alternative. However, I might not, as this tick all the boxes so well and has so much power to spare.
Will be adding a nice separate DAC for peak performance later on.
Couldn't be happier.
It has so much power. Helps my only cut PEQs filter sound alive. like they were not there.
Really thought because The Marantzn SR6004 was a high end device, its Dolby headphone jack would be more than adequate. Boy was I wrong. This Monoprice THX amp mops the floor with the Marantz.
I'm in love, was going to try the liquid spark as a cheaper alternative. However, I might not, as this tick all the boxes so well and has so much power to spare.
Will be adding a nice separate DAC for peak performance later on.
Couldn't be happier.
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Rated 4 out of 5
Exceptional Amplifier A Great Value
This amp works as advertised. The sound is quite detailed with every set of cans connected. My thoughts are that it pairs best with warmer sounding cans like the Sennheiser HD650. It took me a bit to warm up to this amp. Not because it was bad, just different than other amps I'm accustomed to using. My advice is to buy it. Before judging if it's for you take enough time with it to acclimate yourself with it. The only reason I dinged it one star is due to the fact that it has been on the market for some time now and there's still no user's manual.
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Rated 5 out of 5
As good an entry level headphone amp as there is on the market
The title pretty much sums it up. If you are new born audiophile, or an audiophile on a budget, this amp is a solid investment. I have twenty different sets of headphones, most in the 200 -- 500 price range. This amp makes them all sound good. The most surprising thing about it is maybe the detail and accuracy. The thump of the bass is pleasing enough. It is the clarity of the upper range above the thump that makes this amp a winner. I listen to mostly jazz, classical and RnB. The warm sound of my previous amp made all of these sound good. The Monoprice THX AAA sound is not as warm, but the detail makes up for that.
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Rated 5 out of 5
love it works great with my dacmagic 100
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Rated 4 out of 5
Clean headphone amp
Pretty clean boost, seems very nuetral. Won't color your cans, but that is what many of us are looking for.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Super Clean and Powerful
I love this amp. Great for both dynamics and planar headphones. Super-clean sound, but when I want a little "flavor" I just used my XDuoo TA-26 tube as a pre-amp into the 887 and it's amazing! The TA-26 doesn't really like planars but using it as a pre-amp, I get the warmth of the tube and the power of the 887. It's great.
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