Monolith by Monoprice M1570 Over Ear Open Back Balanced Planar Headphones
Product # 39416
UPC # 889028135853
$599.99
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Questions and Answers
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Browse 45 questions
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do they come with cables?
A shopper
on Nov 11, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Yes they do - for insertion into any standard headphone jack. They sell a balanced cable separately if you have an amp with balanced XLR type output connectors.
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- Daniel M on Nov 14, 2022
- Purchased on Sep 2, 2022
BEST ANSWER: Yes they do - for insertion into any standard headphone jack. They sell a balanced cable separately if you have an amp with balanced XLR type output connectors.
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- Daniel M on Nov 14, 2022
- Purchased on Sep 2, 2022
I tried to buy the M1570 but they wouldn't sell it to me. I found the M1070 little sister on Amazon and it came with a very nice cable.
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- Gerald H on Nov 13, 2022
- Purchased on Jul 24, 2022
Yes, one cable. Scroll down, it's all in the description.
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- Guennadi B on Nov 11, 2022
- Purchased on Nov 28, 2020
Not cables plural but the cans do come with a cable.
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- Kevin W on Nov 16, 2022
- Purchased on Jun 27, 2022
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No, this does NOT come with a balanced cable. The cable terminates in a nice 1/4" TRS. You can use a 3.5mm if needed with the included adapter cable.
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- Frank B on Dec 3, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2019
Can someone that actually bought them let us know? We got MP saying, yes, but everything i've seen from others is no. Ithing when they said it "comes" with one, I think they mean, you can add one at checkout for 150usd, or something crazy, like that. I'd like to know the true answer before buying...
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- Eric R on Nov 26, 2020
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Okay so these are balanced right? Then where are the balanced cables so I can connect these to my liquid Platinum balanced amp?
Kayle L
on Dec 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There is no one, and that's nonsense., honestly speaking. I am getting mine modified by third party (Norne Audio)
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- Guennadi B on Dec 15, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There is no one, and that's nonsense., honestly speaking. I am getting mine modified by third party (Norne Audio)
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- Guennadi B on Dec 15, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 28, 2020
I purchased a made to order headphone cable from Periapt Cables (6 - Type 6 - Dual 4 pin XLR mini × 1
5ft / Og / 3.5mm) for my M 1570 headphones, and I use the XRL balance adapter with my Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier.
5ft / Og / 3.5mm) for my M 1570 headphones, and I use the XRL balance adapter with my Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier.
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- Melvin P on Dec 17, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2020
Bought these as well. They do not come with a balanced cable. Additionally, because of the way the pins are configured, they require a custom cable if you want to run balanced.
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- Matthew B on Dec 15, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2020
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Other than the cable connection type, what is different between the M1570 and the M1070?
A shopper
on Sep 13, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Magnet structure, tuning, and driver are different.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 16, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Magnet structure, tuning, and driver are different.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 16, 2019
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What balance cable is included?
New User U
on Nov 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would come with a 2x TRS male to 1x TRS male cable.
This would come with a 2x TRS male to 1x TRS male cable.
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- Tyler C Staff on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would come with a 2x TRS male to 1x TRS male cable.
This would come with a 2x TRS male to 1x TRS male cable.
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- Tyler C Staff on Dec 20, 2019
Huh? A 2x TRS to 1x TRS male cable?? A balanced cable is terminated with either a TRRS connector or a 4 pin XLR connector.
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- A C on Jan 3, 2020
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Why do you not supply a balanced cable( 4 pin xlr )when you name the headphones, Monolith by Monoprice M1570 Over Ear Open Back Balanced Planar Headphones ?
Please include balanced cable or take balanced out of the name. If I had bought these, thinking they were indeed balanced, I would have no way to plug into my balanced amp, without buying additional balanced cable ! Thank You
Please include balanced cable or take balanced out of the name. If I had bought these, thinking they were indeed balanced, I would have no way to plug into my balanced amp, without buying additional balanced cable ! Thank You
Randy F
on Dec 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We wanted to include a headphone cable that would be able to be used by the widest amount of people, which is why we chose to include a cable with 1/4" termination. Not everyone has or uses a headphone amplifier with an XLR input. We will offer a cable shortly. Stay tuned.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 3, 2019
This is insanity, first this post was made two years ago and second, and vastly more important, the correct answer would be to change the name of your misleadingly labeled product, not justify mislabeling in the interest of compatibility
Ands lets not blame the pandemic as ya'll found time to launch the closed ear with the same problem
Ands lets not blame the pandemic as ya'll found time to launch the closed ear with the same problem
BEST ANSWER: We wanted to include a headphone cable that would be able to be used by the widest amount of people, which is why we chose to include a cable with 1/4" termination. Not everyone has or uses a headphone amplifier with an XLR input. We will offer a cable shortly. Stay tuned.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Dec 3, 2019
This is insanity, first this post was made two years ago and second, and vastly more important, the correct answer would be to change the name of your misleadingly labeled product, not justify mislabeling in the interest of compatibility
Ands lets not blame the pandemic as ya'll found time to launch the closed ear with the same problem
Ands lets not blame the pandemic as ya'll found time to launch the closed ear with the same problem
is the price going to be the same when you start to include the balance cable? if so, you should ship a free balance cable to everyone who bought these headphones, which were expecting a balance cable to begin with.
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- Fabian L on Dec 16, 2020
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Do you carry a cable for these headphones that terminates in a balanced 4-pin XLR instead of an unbalanced 1/4" TRS? It seems this is meant to pair well with the Liquid Platinum, but that amp outputs best through it's 4-pin balanced XLR connection and not through it's 1/4" unbalanced TRS. (If not, what is the connection point type on where the cable terminates at the headphone so I can buy a third party balanced cable?)
Nathan C
on Dec 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: There will be an XLR terminated cable soon. The XLR pin out guide has been posted at the bottom of the product page.
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- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Dec 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: There will be an XLR terminated cable soon. The XLR pin out guide has been posted at the bottom of the product page.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 9, 2019
It has been 18 months since the XLR terminated cable response for the staff.
Is it available yet? What is the product # for the balanced XLR cable for the m1570?
Is it available yet? What is the product # for the balanced XLR cable for the m1570?
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- New User U on Jun 19, 2021
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Are any of your top three planar magnetic headphones wireless ? If not ,any planned?
New User U
on Mar 9, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
We would not have any wireless planar headphones.
We would not have any wireless planar headphones.
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- Tyler C Staff on Mar 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
We would not have any wireless planar headphones.
We would not have any wireless planar headphones.
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- Tyler C Staff on Mar 10, 2020
no serious audio while would ask such a question. these kinds of headphones are meant to be plugged to get maximum resolution.
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- Fabian L on Dec 16, 2020
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Will the pads on these be real leather (I.e. cowhide or lambskin), protein leather, or synthetic material?
A shopper
on Sep 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
These would use protein leather pads.
These would use protein leather pads.
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- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Sep 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
These would use protein leather pads.
These would use protein leather pads.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 11, 2019
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So this is you flagship right? This is basically your Audeze LCD4. If not what is your flagship headphone?
A shopper
on Sep 24, 2019
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Does it have replaceable earpads?
MRFUTURE T
on Sep 25, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You could replace the earpads but we do not sell replacement earpads.
You could replace the earpads but we do not sell replacement earpads.
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- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Sep 27, 2019
Are the pads used here the same as those used on other Monoprice planar headphones, specifically the M1070?
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- New User U on Jan 14, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You could replace the earpads but we do not sell replacement earpads.
You could replace the earpads but we do not sell replacement earpads.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Sep 27, 2019
Are the pads used here the same as those used on other Monoprice planar headphones, specifically the M1070?
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- New User U on Jan 14, 2021
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Is There going to be a 600 Ω or 200 Ω Planar magnetic headphone?
MRFUTURE T
on Sep 26, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Nothing is planned that is that ohm specific.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 26, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Nothing is planned that is that ohm specific.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 26, 2019
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Vote for the best answer above!
It seems that this headphone will be fairly hard to drive. The lcd 4 has similar specs and it is recommended to have 1 watts output at 200ohms as a minimum. Will these be similar? Also, will the current 788 or the new 887 be a recommended pairing?
A shopper
on Oct 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Either of the THX amps will run it. It also pairs really well with the Liquid Platinum.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Either of the THX amps will run it. It also pairs really well with the Liquid Platinum.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 18, 2019
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Are the outside grills removable?
Doug M
on Oct 25, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you would have to disassemble the cups, but yes.
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- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Oct 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, you would have to disassemble the cups, but yes.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 28, 2019
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Will this be made available to purchase on 12/22/19 or around end of November when stock comes in?
Hassan M
on Nov 9, 2019
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The blurb about pads on the M1570 page lists the M1070 model as having real lambskin pads and velour pads, will the M1570 now have real lambskin leather pads and velour pads as well?
A shopper
on Nov 15, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes it will. Both the M1070 and M1570 come with a set of lambskin pads and a set of velour pads.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes it will. Both the M1070 and M1570 come with a set of lambskin pads and a set of velour pads.
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- New User U Staff on Nov 18, 2019
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Vote for the best answer above!
Do these come with two cables or only one? The description calls them "balanced", implying a balanced cable (4-pin XLR termination to amp to dual mini-XLR to headphones) is included in addition to the 1/4" standard single-ended cable. Yes?
Tim G
on Nov 29, 2019
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What impedance & wattage is required of an amplifier to properly drive these?
Kayle L
on Dec 1, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
As long as the amp can get you 200mW - 4W at 60 ohms you will get optimal performance.
As long as the amp can get you 200mW - 4W at 60 ohms you will get optimal performance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Dec 10, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
As long as the amp can get you 200mW - 4W at 60 ohms you will get optimal performance.
As long as the amp can get you 200mW - 4W at 60 ohms you will get optimal performance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Dec 10, 2019
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Will Monoprice sell a balance 4 pin XLR cable for these since it is not included?
A shopper
on Dec 3, 2019
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Can you provide the pinout information for making a DIY balanced mini xlr cable? It does not appear to be compatible with the standard mini 4xlr layout used by Audeze or ZMF headphones.
Sean K
on Dec 4, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Pin out information has been posted to the product page.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 6, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Pin out information has been posted to the product page.
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- New User U Staff on Dec 6, 2019
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The specs listed here are identical to the M1070 headphones. Are these specs accurate, and if so what is the difference between the headphones? It seems they both come with an unbalanced TRS terminating cable, so these wouldn't even be balanced using the included cable, which is the only difference between the two in the description. What makes these $200 better?
Nathan C
on Dec 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The M1570 adds a level of refinement over the M1070.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Dec 9, 2019
A new level of refinement? How are you defining refinement? Do they sound the same but just have fewer sharp edges to the build or is there an actual difference in the soundstage, frequency response, etc? Why don't you folks send me a pair and I'll post a real review that isn't coming from the marketing dept?
BEST ANSWER: The M1570 adds a level of refinement over the M1070.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- New User U Staff on Dec 9, 2019
A new level of refinement? How are you defining refinement? Do they sound the same but just have fewer sharp edges to the build or is there an actual difference in the soundstage, frequency response, etc? Why don't you folks send me a pair and I'll post a real review that isn't coming from the marketing dept?
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Can these be driven by a phone/laptop or an inexpensive portable amp like the Fiio E12 Mont Blanc (22V high-voltage supply with 850mW maximum output)?
New User U
on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: yes they can actually, most phones will provide more than enough power
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- Robert F on Jun 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: yes they can actually, most phones will provide more than enough power
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- Robert F on Jun 13, 2020
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What is the source plug?
A shopper
on Feb 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would have a 1/4 connection for the input.
This would have a 1/4 connection for the input.
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- Inaccurate
- Tyler C Staff on Feb 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
This would have a 1/4 connection for the input.
This would have a 1/4 connection for the input.
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 10, 2020
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What is the difference in the tuning between this and the M1070?
New User U
on Mar 4, 2020
BEST ANSWER: the tuning is not much different, however the resolution is better. subtle things become clearer audio wise
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- Robert F on Jun 13, 2020
BEST ANSWER: the tuning is not much different, however the resolution is better. subtle things become clearer audio wise
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- Robert F on Jun 13, 2020
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Is the bending of the metal arm bands is the bending of The is the metal adjustments fixed it better be I buy it?
MRFUTURE T
on Jun 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be "fixed" imo it allowed you to adjust to whatever clam you want and stays in place well... Every other headphone I have I have had to bend the top part to adjust to my head this is the same thing but at a different point.
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- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be "fixed" imo it allowed you to adjust to whatever clam you want and stays in place well... Every other headphone I have I have had to bend the top part to adjust to my head this is the same thing but at a different point.
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- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
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Is the bending on the metal adjustments been fixed?
MRFUTURE T
on Jul 9, 2020
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be fixed IMO they aren't that malleable and allow you to make perfect adjustment and retain their shape more than strongly enough
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- Inaccurate
- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be fixed IMO they aren't that malleable and allow you to make perfect adjustment and retain their shape more than strongly enough
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- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
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Monoprice Did you fix the bending issue on the on the adjustments yet?
MRFUTURE T
on Jul 19, 2020
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be "fixed" imo it allowed you to adjust to whatever clam you want and stays in place well... Every other headphone I have I have had to bend the top part to adjust to my head this is the same thing but at a different point.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
BEST ANSWER: doesn't need to be "fixed" imo it allowed you to adjust to whatever clam you want and stays in place well... Every other headphone I have I have had to bend the top part to adjust to my head this is the same thing but at a different point.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- JoJo J on Apr 19, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 5, 2021
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Is the bending issue on the adjustments fixed yet?
MRFUTURE T
on Jul 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I cannot answer your question, I suggest not using free shipping. I placed my order on 7/10/20. My shipment sat in California for 1 week. Its scheduled for delivery today 7/23/20.
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- Kurt S on Jul 23, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 10, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I cannot answer your question, I suggest not using free shipping. I placed my order on 7/10/20. My shipment sat in California for 1 week. Its scheduled for delivery today 7/23/20.
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- Inaccurate
- Kurt S on Jul 23, 2020
- Purchased on Jul 10, 2020
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Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
12 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
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Rated 5 out of 5
This monster met all my expectations for wonderful sound.
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Rated 4 out of 5
Great value
Great value for what they are. My only frame of reference is against Focals which do sound better to me, but are more than double the price. A little EQ goes a long way, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Excellent sound quality, punch
They're heavy and big. If you have a small head or ears these cans might not be the ones for you. If you have a melon head like me then it's not a deterrent. Great sound quality. Full spectrum, good dynamics and relatively wide sound stage, though not as great as much higher price headphones. At this price point it's hard to beat these.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great value for the money
Great sound and comfortable very well priced
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Rated 5 out of 5
How much are you willing to pay for better?
Very good sound and response for the price range. The bass may be a bit heavy, and the highs aren't perfectly balanced, but that's to be expected for the price. With how much more pricey a set with say 5% better quality becomes these are a great option. Unless you're financially prosperous or your buisiness relies on the quality of your cans, I'd definitely recommend.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Please Buy.
I'm not going to tell you about these headphones as a veteran of "audiophile" headphones and gear, because I'm not. I'm sure a portion of you (just like I was before this purchase) are also not going to be super experienced and know exactly what you are looking for in a headphone, which is why I (as someone newer to all this) am here to help. For reference, my past headphones were (in order from first to most recent) - Steelseries Siberia V3 --> Audio-Technica ATH-M50X --> Monoprice Monolith M1570. To begin, these headphones are absolutely the best sounding headphones I've ever had, and you can tell without a doubt the difference in quality when comparing the prices of the headphones mentioned above. If you are: 1. looking to get into higher quality headphones, 2. Don't want to absolutely break your bank but still want the quality of headphones that do, and 3., want exciting sound (compared to a very neutral sounding headphone), then these are the cans for you.
SOUND - The bass in the M1570's are absolutely stellar, and when I was originally looking at open back headphones to purchase, this was a huge concern for me, as the majority of music I listen to is EDM. The first time I put the M1570's on (using a Mayflower O2 DAC/Amp) it was like wearing glasses for the first time. This is genuinely the only thing I can compare it to. My jaw physically dropped from the sound quality compared to the cheaper ($150 or below) headphones I was used to. I was finally introduced to REAL sound stage, and vocals are never squished together with audio or drowned out. Each sound is powerful but at the same time you can distinguish every single little thing from each other. Very subtle sounds I would normally never hear because of the louder audio drowning it is able to be not only heard but has me wonder "how I never heard this tiny little thing until now?" I am not an expert in headphones, but I do know that this is worth every single penny that I paid for it. I would not be surprised if (not knowing the price) someone put these on my head and told me these were $1000 headphones. I know difference prices doesn't always indicate the difference in quality, but I cannot stress enough how good the quality is for the price. If you have never ventured into headphones of this price range, and are ACTIVELY considering this as your first pair of higher quality headphones, without a doubt in my mind I promise these are the ones. Please do yourself a favor and experience putting on glasses for the first time like I did.
(Side note with weight concerns - I wear these for 8-12 hours a day and have 0 fatigue, even after a month of constant use. For me personally. Other people think it's too heavy, but as someone who wears headphones a lot, I don't even notice they are on my head.)
Sound Demos
https://youtu.be/yljH8j4Ji_U?t=314
https://youtu.be/1kup8efewac?t=280
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEtmaw4Npt4
https://youtu.be/IlHTsCx913c?t=229 (VOCALS)
SOUND - The bass in the M1570's are absolutely stellar, and when I was originally looking at open back headphones to purchase, this was a huge concern for me, as the majority of music I listen to is EDM. The first time I put the M1570's on (using a Mayflower O2 DAC/Amp) it was like wearing glasses for the first time. This is genuinely the only thing I can compare it to. My jaw physically dropped from the sound quality compared to the cheaper ($150 or below) headphones I was used to. I was finally introduced to REAL sound stage, and vocals are never squished together with audio or drowned out. Each sound is powerful but at the same time you can distinguish every single little thing from each other. Very subtle sounds I would normally never hear because of the louder audio drowning it is able to be not only heard but has me wonder "how I never heard this tiny little thing until now?" I am not an expert in headphones, but I do know that this is worth every single penny that I paid for it. I would not be surprised if (not knowing the price) someone put these on my head and told me these were $1000 headphones. I know difference prices doesn't always indicate the difference in quality, but I cannot stress enough how good the quality is for the price. If you have never ventured into headphones of this price range, and are ACTIVELY considering this as your first pair of higher quality headphones, without a doubt in my mind I promise these are the ones. Please do yourself a favor and experience putting on glasses for the first time like I did.
(Side note with weight concerns - I wear these for 8-12 hours a day and have 0 fatigue, even after a month of constant use. For me personally. Other people think it's too heavy, but as someone who wears headphones a lot, I don't even notice they are on my head.)
Sound Demos
https://youtu.be/yljH8j4Ji_U?t=314
https://youtu.be/1kup8efewac?t=280
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEtmaw4Npt4
https://youtu.be/IlHTsCx913c?t=229 (VOCALS)
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Rated 5 out of 5
Amazing and airy sound
This is my first set of planar headphones (actually, they are my 16 yo's xmas present). They offer amazing sound which is airy, full bodied, and detailed. They are heavy and you have to be a bit careful of moving your head too quickly when wearing them. They are very comfortable, though, despite the size and weight. I have some problems with the connector jack pulling out when I move around too much. I have purchased an adapter to try to minimize this small issue. I may buy the closed back version when they go on sale at some point.
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Rated 5 out of 5
No brainer when on sale, still recommended at normal price
Take this with a grain of salt, while I?ve been listening to music for 35+ years (49 now), I?m not a music reviewer as I lack the vocabulary. I just know what sounds good to me. I wish I had two identical headphone amps so I could more easily do A-B testing. Right now I have a SMSL SU-9 and SP200 setup using J-River as my player. No EQ for this comparison, but I do recommend EQ because some headphones like the Audeze LCD-X sound bizarre without the proper Audeze provided EQ profile. I do use the Hart Audio Cables system of interchangeable headphone cables and connectors so that all my headphones can be wired and played back in balanced mode. Yes, the m1570 and m1570c need a specialty mini-XLR wiring because it is non-standard from my Audeze headphones.
The m1060c open back sound a bit hollow as compared to the m1570 and m1570c. The 1570's have an additional layer of air and a smoother presentation. I like the 1060c modified for open back, they are big name headphone killers for the price, but there is a definite level of refinement when stepping up to the 1570's. On Donald Fagen's "Morph the Cat" there is a lot of low bass with the bass guitar pretty high in the mix. The m1570's not only hit lower, they are significantly more controlled. "Into the Space Age" by the English band Amplifier is another bass heavy rock song where the controlled bass from the 1570's not only feels more robust, but also considerably more textured and detailed.
When the music is less complex on songs like Sting's "Shape of My Heart", the m1060's handle themselves rather well. The sound is intimate and direct. You can tell the acoustic guitar has nylon strings, but the notes decay fairly quickly. With the 1570's the nylon strings are much more profound, partly due to better refinement but also due to the much wider soundstage. You can really hear the width and depth of the room.
Vocals is another area that the m1570's are outstanding. One of my favorite vocalists is Annek Van Giersbergen (ex- The Gathering) because she has such an amazingly nuanced and powerful voice. On the Devin Townsend track "Hyperdrive!" you have Hevy Devy's trademark wall-off-sound. Here is a major difference between the m1060 and m1570, the ability to resolve details during complex passages. On the m1060's the vocals feel burried and almost over powered by the music. On the m1570's her vocals stand out and the wall-of-sound feels as wide as the Grand Canyon. Sonically night and day difference.
The 1060's are definitely brighter with the m1570's being a considerably darker by comparison. But don't think the m1570's as dark, just nowhere near as bright as the m1060. The soundstage on both isn't all that wide, definitely wider on the m1570's, but not as wide as the LCD-X or even the LCD-XC. Still, if you are stepping up from consumer grade headphones or near audiophile grade headphones like Beats or Bose, these will be a major revelation that will happily force you to relisten to all your music all over again. For example, Devo?s 1980 hit ?Whip It? has a lot more bass than you?d remember.
The amount of bass is pretty much on par with the Audeze LCD-XC and better than the LCD-X. Now the sound refinement of the Audeze is definitely a step above the Monoprice 1570's respectively. But I'd have a hard time saying that the sound refinement is worth the 3-4x price difference. Also, this assessment is made on the Sale Price for the m1570?s. At full price, the recommendation is still to get the m1570 if you can afford the double price over the m1060, but at the sale price, it?s a no brainer.
Keep in mind, these are weighty headphones (see chart below). The headband on the m1570?s is based on the Focal headphone band and is an ultra significant step up from the m1060 headband which is amazingly flimsy. I?m also weird, the weight of the Audeze and 1570?s don?t bother me. Even after 6+ hours.
Listening preference:
1.Monoprice m1570 & m1570c
2.Fostex T50rp (personally modified)
3.Audeze LCD-X (equalized with Reveal plugin)
4.Audeze LCD-XC (equalized with Reveal plugin)
5.Audeze EL-8c
6.HiFiman HE-560
7.Beyerdynamic DT199x Pro
Headphone weight:
?25.5oz - Audeze LCD-XC
?25.1oz - Monoprice m1570c
?24.1oz - Monoprice m1570
?21.9oz - Audeze LCD-X
?21.30z - Monoprice m1060c - open back
?19.2oz - Audeze EL-8c
?13.9oz - Fostex T50rp
The m1060c open back sound a bit hollow as compared to the m1570 and m1570c. The 1570's have an additional layer of air and a smoother presentation. I like the 1060c modified for open back, they are big name headphone killers for the price, but there is a definite level of refinement when stepping up to the 1570's. On Donald Fagen's "Morph the Cat" there is a lot of low bass with the bass guitar pretty high in the mix. The m1570's not only hit lower, they are significantly more controlled. "Into the Space Age" by the English band Amplifier is another bass heavy rock song where the controlled bass from the 1570's not only feels more robust, but also considerably more textured and detailed.
When the music is less complex on songs like Sting's "Shape of My Heart", the m1060's handle themselves rather well. The sound is intimate and direct. You can tell the acoustic guitar has nylon strings, but the notes decay fairly quickly. With the 1570's the nylon strings are much more profound, partly due to better refinement but also due to the much wider soundstage. You can really hear the width and depth of the room.
Vocals is another area that the m1570's are outstanding. One of my favorite vocalists is Annek Van Giersbergen (ex- The Gathering) because she has such an amazingly nuanced and powerful voice. On the Devin Townsend track "Hyperdrive!" you have Hevy Devy's trademark wall-off-sound. Here is a major difference between the m1060 and m1570, the ability to resolve details during complex passages. On the m1060's the vocals feel burried and almost over powered by the music. On the m1570's her vocals stand out and the wall-of-sound feels as wide as the Grand Canyon. Sonically night and day difference.
The 1060's are definitely brighter with the m1570's being a considerably darker by comparison. But don't think the m1570's as dark, just nowhere near as bright as the m1060. The soundstage on both isn't all that wide, definitely wider on the m1570's, but not as wide as the LCD-X or even the LCD-XC. Still, if you are stepping up from consumer grade headphones or near audiophile grade headphones like Beats or Bose, these will be a major revelation that will happily force you to relisten to all your music all over again. For example, Devo?s 1980 hit ?Whip It? has a lot more bass than you?d remember.
The amount of bass is pretty much on par with the Audeze LCD-XC and better than the LCD-X. Now the sound refinement of the Audeze is definitely a step above the Monoprice 1570's respectively. But I'd have a hard time saying that the sound refinement is worth the 3-4x price difference. Also, this assessment is made on the Sale Price for the m1570?s. At full price, the recommendation is still to get the m1570 if you can afford the double price over the m1060, but at the sale price, it?s a no brainer.
Keep in mind, these are weighty headphones (see chart below). The headband on the m1570?s is based on the Focal headphone band and is an ultra significant step up from the m1060 headband which is amazingly flimsy. I?m also weird, the weight of the Audeze and 1570?s don?t bother me. Even after 6+ hours.
Listening preference:
1.Monoprice m1570 & m1570c
2.Fostex T50rp (personally modified)
3.Audeze LCD-X (equalized with Reveal plugin)
4.Audeze LCD-XC (equalized with Reveal plugin)
5.Audeze EL-8c
6.HiFiman HE-560
7.Beyerdynamic DT199x Pro
Headphone weight:
?25.5oz - Audeze LCD-XC
?25.1oz - Monoprice m1570c
?24.1oz - Monoprice m1570
?21.9oz - Audeze LCD-X
?21.30z - Monoprice m1060c - open back
?19.2oz - Audeze EL-8c
?13.9oz - Fostex T50rp
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Rated 5 out of 5
Absolutely beats everything even close to it's price and some double or even four times the cost are humbled by this
They are heavy but so are the Audeze offerings that these clearly are targeting.
I love the Audeze LCD 4 but these actually do somethings better such as vocals and provide quick and impactful bass that is very satisfying.
Why did I wait so long ?
I'm kinda cheap lol
I love the Audeze LCD 4 but these actually do somethings better such as vocals and provide quick and impactful bass that is very satisfying.
Why did I wait so long ?
I'm kinda cheap lol
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Rated 5 out of 5
Amazing value.
I own - > DT1990, DT990, Sundara, 6XX and a handful of others
This is my favorite headphone? Are there a few QC issue? Sure and tbh neither the weight nor the "bendable" metal slider/cup holder are even remotely bad. I think the ability to bend is completely exaggerated.... My pair required a small DIY fix on a single small washer but it's 200% worth it. The stock sound is good because some AMPs have bass boost but not many have lower bass, get this with the iFi Zen CAN or a more expensive one with bass boost and 3d and it's legitimately near endgame... Did I mention it's my favorite even WITHOUT the iFi amp features? With it there is no question it is by far my favorite headphone, so it won't out detail or resolution the insane DT1990 and it won't sound more natural than the anemic Sundara but it's better than both and besides a little weight even more comfy.... The bass is literally near perfect besides my preference for a bit more, mids aren't even a bit recessed OR forward, treble present sibilance in tracks where it exists but never hurts the ear.... Enough resolution to match many more expensive sets and ust enough detail to be 100% non fatiguing, a ?wide soundstage and insane imaging!
All this with a 5 year warranty from a major company... cannot be beat, any issues are worth the price of entry for a headphone competing with $1000+ sets and with the iFi Zen CAN it's got a handful of $1000 "good value" sets sweating the price to performance will not be bear at the near $500 price point for non professional users.
This is my favorite headphone? Are there a few QC issue? Sure and tbh neither the weight nor the "bendable" metal slider/cup holder are even remotely bad. I think the ability to bend is completely exaggerated.... My pair required a small DIY fix on a single small washer but it's 200% worth it. The stock sound is good because some AMPs have bass boost but not many have lower bass, get this with the iFi Zen CAN or a more expensive one with bass boost and 3d and it's legitimately near endgame... Did I mention it's my favorite even WITHOUT the iFi amp features? With it there is no question it is by far my favorite headphone, so it won't out detail or resolution the insane DT1990 and it won't sound more natural than the anemic Sundara but it's better than both and besides a little weight even more comfy.... The bass is literally near perfect besides my preference for a bit more, mids aren't even a bit recessed OR forward, treble present sibilance in tracks where it exists but never hurts the ear.... Enough resolution to match many more expensive sets and ust enough detail to be 100% non fatiguing, a ?wide soundstage and insane imaging!
All this with a 5 year warranty from a major company... cannot be beat, any issues are worth the price of entry for a headphone competing with $1000+ sets and with the iFi Zen CAN it's got a handful of $1000 "good value" sets sweating the price to performance will not be bear at the near $500 price point for non professional users.
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