Monolith HTP-1 Comprehensive Review

Setup and review of the HTP-1 with a look at the Dirac Live calibration, various features and settings.
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[@joentell]

If there are any important features of the HTP-1 that I may have missed or gotten wrong, please comment on this pinned post.

[@MyFatherLoves]

A few things off the top of my head: You showed the powerful ability to PEQ your speakers prior to using Dirac live but didn't quite drive home why that's important. If someone has the ability to lookup an anechoic or Klippell measurement of their speakers (or measure their own speakers in whole space), that PEQ can be used to granularly fix issues with your speakers that they shipped with. Then in theory, Dirac live will only correct the issues your room presents and insure your speaker is linear phase. It won't do it perfectly but it can get DANG close. 2nd: matching the output voltage of the HTP-1 to the input voltage of your amplification goes a long way to giving you the highest S/N ratio you can eek out of your system. Both of these features are not seen in really any other processor until you get up to Trinnov/Storm Audio.

[@joentell]

@@MyFatherLoves For #2 I had to briefly mention the VU monitoring as I didn't wan the video to run longer than it already had. I did some experiments with EQ applied before and after Dirac. I think you might be surprised by what Dirac does to the nearfield response. If you EQ a speaker to have an anechoically flat response, it will still measure relatively flat with an in-room nearfield response. After running Dirac and re-measuring nearfield, that response will no longer look flat. You might be surprised by how much it might deviate from flat.

[@donjaun540]

Hey Joe have you ever reached out to try some of the Tone Winner products. They have amps and subwoofers. Etc.

[@user-rz8zg5ui3q]

I appreciate that your channel isn’t cheap clickbait. It’s a breath of fresh air. Thank you.

[@brucecarter6205]

Best review of the HTP-1 so far! If people only knew how good this thing is for the money. Best you can do until you get up to Storm and Trinnov. Been enjoying mine going on 3 years now, and no plans to change anytime soon.

[@joentell]

I'm really enjoying the sound quality. It makes me want to watch more movies in my theater.

[@MuenchenBob]

Great review, Joe! I bought one when it first came out & it would occasionally start rebooting after a power outage. The software update you pointed out did solve the problem. I also was surprised at how silent XLR cables are. I've got 25-foot runs to my two woofers & they're totally silent now when there's no signal. The HTP-1's loudness control lets you set where it kicks in at 1 dB increments, unlike Denon's 5 dB ones on their Dynamic EQ. That makes it much easier to have it sound right at low volumes without the boominess you described. At lower volumes, I back it off until male voices sound normal & at that point, bass sounds much more accurate. I encountered a problem with the HTP-1 between an Apple TV 4K and an LG TV. Switching streaming services would occasionally take long enough for the TV to switch into screen-saving mode, adding to the delay. Now I route the Apple straight into the TV, which solves that problem. That would also be the solution for gamers looking for HDMI 2.1 features. I thought I would have to fiddle with the HPT-1's configuration after making that change, but eArc seemed to handle it automatically. There's also a setting that keeps occasional KZbin videos from having repeated audio dropouts in the middle. That's in the user guide.

[@erod9088]

Great review, Joe. It's the best value in this hobby. Nothing in this price range offers so much, and it has great DACs and components, too. And the latest update solved the boot issues. Absolutely love mine. Best and most complete review to date. Get Hobie to come on your show and discuss it!

[@joentell]

I've had him on a few times on our @dailyhifi podcast

[@danielmiller469]

Finally got your hands on the htp1 nice

[@Espiritiv]

Glad you got this man! Its such a powerful processor! I have mine paired with Buckeye 5CH hypex, and 7 CH Hypex amp

[@flasuperstar1980]

Great review. I love mine. Hobie said the ART is on the way. Can't wait for that.

[@FURognar]

If it got DTS:X-Pro, that might sway me. As of right now, I'm targeting a Denon X6800H

[@samhofman6459]

@@FURognar They are planning on adding DTS:X-Pro after Dirac ART

[@FURognar]

@@samhofman6459 I'm following the thread on AVS Forums. They've been saying that for some time now. I'll believe it when I see it. In the meantime, Denon has not only supported DTS:X-Pro since 2020, but they added MPEG-H compatibility (Sony 360 reality audio) to the X6800 and A1H. I think the path forward is clear. I will be pulling the trigger on that X6800H soon.

[@JuanJose-wt5yj]

Thanks for the video and finally an analysis of the product with the potential it has. I'm glad to see that you can put manual parametric filters before passing Dirac and after. This as of today can only be done by StormAudio if I'm not mistaken. The truth is that where a powerful and configurable calibration is put in place to suit the hobbyist, all automatic or semi-automatic calibration should be removed. Written with translator Greetings

[@adamjj85]

Love it, great review Joe! I truly believe this is the best processor buy for the money out there. If they can get Dirac ART and an HDMI 2.1 upgrade path, it will be a total market game changer!

[@joentell]

Thank you sir!

[@juliangst]

Going balanced is always a good choice if you have ground loop and noise problems. I also had nasty sounds coming from my PC through the DAC and switching to an XLR DAC solved this. Because XLR has a plus and minus signal end, any outside noise will effect both the plus and minus and therefore get cancelled out (because only the difference between the plus and minus matters).

[@nonametofame]

Excellent, intuitive, extensive review, Joe. Now onto the Trinnov!

[@bigjack79]

Great review Joe.

[@notoymotor4me64]

I bought 2 of these when they first came out and had to return both of them due to rebooting problems. Waited 1&1/2 yrs. for the bugs to be fixed. So glad I waited. These pre/pros are excellent and well worth the money. I set up my PEG manually. The sound is AMAZING. Any adjustment you can think of the HTP-1 can do it. I don't do gaming, just cd's and dvd's and of course you tube vids. Love the auro upmixer.

[@joentell]

You were an early adopter. Glad it worked out for you. It's something I'm happy to go and use.

[@ealanosborne]

If this pre/pro eventually supported HDMI 2.1 and IMAX Enhanced, it would be my go-to processor, since it still wouldn't cost as much as a Storm Audio or Trinnov processor. Thanks for the detailed review, homie!

[@joentell]

Thanks, man! Yeah, I know gamers want 2.1. I'm curious about why you want it to have IMAX Enhanced? I've heard some of the demos and it does sound impressive. I'm curious as to your thoughts.

[@ealanosborne]

@@joentell Just because IMAX Enhanced is finally slated to come to Disney+ around the summertime. And from the article I read (that Channa sent me), it could be superior to compressed Atmos over Dolby Digital Plus. It’s starting with the MCU titles on Disney+, but if it catches fire, it could potentially overtake Atmos as the preferred codec for streaming audio. 🤷‍♂️🤘

[@percybedford6266]

@@ealanosborne you could get the HD Fury for the 2.1. I am considering the HTP 1.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

I recently got the HTP-1 to replace an emotiva XMC-1 that was giving me issues. I’m only running 5.2 so far and no Dirac just yet, but it’s a huge upgrade in sound quality. Just before this I also replaced my LCR amps with GAN amps which was also a revelation. The fidelity is fantastic, especially since all the gear is plugged into an Audioquest Niagara 7000. Speakers are modest - the Elac Adante L-C-R designed by Andrew Jones with coincident drivers. I don’t see why everyone is so hung up on hdmi 2.1 when you can buy and HDMI matrix switcher for a little over $100. I don’t even use my HT processor for video switching.

[@gufiaito69able]

Missed out on magic beans beta due to illness. i did not know you could use it with dirac

[@aliciaANDanthonySandoval]

Dang, that's nice, and here I am with a pioneer vsx lx301 5.2.2 system. Ballin 😂 keep up the great videos 😉👍🏼

[@joentell]

I started with a Kenwood Pro-Logic receiver and I thought that thing was awesome!

[@snauspockets9924]

I am very much enjoying my new Denon A1H

[@enitalp]

Thanks for the review; I was waiting for it. I currently have a Marrantz 7706, I wouldn't say I like the menus, (no HUD in HDR), no HDMI 2.1 and I really don't enjoy the room correction. The HTP1 was a possibility because of Dirac's web menus. But no HDMI 2,1, and no zone 2 (I think?). I will go with the AVM90.

[@FURognar]

Tablets are a blessing for Home Theater. I've been using a tablet to control my denon for about 4 years now

[@joentell]

Do you use the web-UI or the Denon app? I've been testing both. The Web interface seems a bit faster, but the Denon app allows me to access the option button that's normally on the remote.

[@FURognar]

@@joentell the app. I havent used the Web-UI extensively.

[@datdudeinred]

Love the unbiased review with all the negatives despite being it's from a channel sponsor. 👏. Still wish they would update this & come with the dolby upmixer, 4k120, & even more channels & kinda do a cheaper trinnov for the masses.

[@krupkake1]

You said that you are perfectly happy with your denon, but would you trade it in for the Monolith if you could?

[@joentell]

Yes. Just for the XLR output and lack of noise from my power. You can imagine even that small amount of noise multiplied by all my speakers. Add Dirac and the customizability and web-UI and I'm really enjoying this HTP-1.

[@MyFatherLoves]

This is the receiver I've wanted for a long time. Just getting out of debt first.

[@joentell]

Yeah, that's a good idea. And when you do, celebrate with a nice meal and hopefully not the HTP-1 right away. You don't want to go back into debt right away. ;-)

[@MyFatherLoves]

You're a really good dude.@@joentell

[@josh200505]

Hi Joe, I do have arcam avr30 with bass control, i would love to beta test magic beans. I'll be responsive with any questions or feedback. Let me know if i have a chance 😊 thanks.

[@joentell]

It will be available very soon

[@donjaun540]

What an awesome, but a little too expensive for me Joe, piece of audio equipment. Great review my friend. 👍

[@m4nc1n1]

15 minutes in, and I knew that the HTP-1 would smoke that Denon. Any Pre would. I used Marantz Receivers (including the 7000 series) for over 12 years, and once I got my AV7705, I will never go back to a receiver.

[@blueflame0003]

I like the fashion statement between segment with the outfit(jacket)😂😂😂

[@HunterMikeWI]

Just got mine Friday so I had the whole weekend to play. Unbelievable control, great sound. The learning curve is steep coming from a X4300 Denon but the time put in tinkering shows much more power and control. Dirac is a magnitude better than XT32. Great review but the loudness explanation sounds backwards. Lower volume should increase the bass to compensate for human hearing.

[@joentell]

I was saying that with loudness compensation on, I didn't like how the bass level was higher when volume was lower. Is that not how it sounded?

[@blueflame0003]

Anything is better xt32😂😂😂

[@MyFatherLoves]

Such an powerful processor. It's wild how much value they are able to pack into such a low price. Excellent review! I've wanted this processor since it's launch. This is by far my favorite processor under Trinnov or Storm Audio. The excellent excellent updating of this unit by Monoprice makes it more desirable to me than then RMC-1 from Emotiva. Though, Emotiva's got that carrot dangling out there of upgradability. That's by far the most interesting thing about their RMC-1. Did you change the output voltage per channel on the HTP-1 to match the input voltage on your amps? This is highly recommended in the manual as it increases the SINAD. haha! I have the constant desire to change settings all the dang time. Guilty. Some oddities: A Pre/Pro without built-in amplification unequivocally has better audio performance. The exception is Denon's A1H but that's also $6,500. Emotiva has had a 9.1.6 processor for the past 5yrs. The HTP-1 was announced at around the same time but didn't have stock out to reviewers until 2021. The SINAD score was originally low but has since been updated after Monoprice released some firmware updates to fix that. It's SINAD now beats out Trinnov's Altitude and Storm Audio's EVO.

[@joentell]

Yes, I followed the guide in the manual and in the forum.

[@menash41]

This or the Marantz AV10?

[@SpliffyBendrixHT]

I would've loved to see HDMI 2.1, but for 16 channels of processing it's still a wicked value.

[@joentell]

I can see why some people would want that. There are now lots of good options out there from other companies if that's a feature that someone really wants.

[@jebo4jc]

Yep. Even though I don't need HDMI 2.1 at this point, I can't imagine spending this much money on something that doesn't support it.

[@donjaun540]

Yes I agree. This is an expensive piece and I feel 2.1 should have been an automatic.

[@TinoGoratsch89]

Awesome review, Joe. I was eyeballing with the HTP-1, unfortunately it is still not (officially) available in Europe/Germany, that's why I've got one of the much more expensive alternatives... 😅 If I remember correctly, there will be a HDMI 2.1 board in the future AND they will also add support for Dirac ART. Maybe there is already a beta-firmware for it which you could test? 😅

[@jebo4jc]

I've heard HDMI 2.1 isn't possible in the HTP-1 because of the power requirements.

[@samhofman6459]

@@jebo4jc Hobie from Monolith has said that they are working on getting HDMI 2.1 support at some point in the future, but it may take a while. He sounded like they should be able to find a board that would meet the power requirements, but owners would have to send it in for the upgrade.

[@percybedford6266]

I made some RCA cables with Mogami microphone wire and Canare connects. I don't hear any hum or hiss.

[@joentell]

I tested the RCA Mix-Out from the HTP-1 to my amp and got no additional noise like I did with my Denon. Possibly a grounding issue.

[@percybedford6266]

@@joentell got it. I got mine hooked up to my XMC 1 and an older ATI amp that has no XLR connections. I am looking to upgrade from the XMC 1 and get atmos. I really like the Emotiva sound, but damn those things are buggy. What do you recommend as an upgrade from the XMC 1?

[@joentell]

@@percybedford6266 I've never tried any Emotiva product. I've tried asking but they haven't sent anything to me. This HTP-1 seems solid to me.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

I recently had problems with my XMC-1 and got the monolith. I’m only currently doing 5.2 but what an upgrade in sound quality. Definitely worth it - not sure why people are so hung up on HDMI 2.1, when you can buy a matrix switcher for a little over $100 and get higher frame rates to a monitor that way. I don’t even use my preamp for video switching.

[@percybedford6266]

@@johnnycashlesscomedy8616 Yeah I had issues with my sub with the XMC 1 when I was running an LFE cable. The lows were going into my frontstage and then I wasn't getting any sound from the sub. I switched to an XLR cable and it fixed the issue. I went and picked up an Acram AVR 11, on sale for $1980. I am going to run it in pre amp mode and that will replace the XMC 1. I also have a HD Fury VRRoom as well. I am thinking the Acram will be an upgrade to the XMC 1.

[@ta04trf]

I really wanted to hear your opinion of Dirac Liva Bass Control. For me coming from Multi Sub Optimiser, it has made the biggest difference to the integration and cohesiveness of my subs. 👍🏽 Great review

[@joentell]

I've tried DLBC in my studio setup and it can definitely do a good job of integrating the subs with the mains while giving better seat to seat consistency. Currently I use MSO with Dirac Live Bass Management (not bass control) on this HTP-1 and the bass integration sounds perfect. MSO is not an easy software to get right and it took me many iterations to get right.

[@ta04trf]

​@@joentell I think for the time investment, DLBC does a better job than MSO for me. You should definitely try it in your theatre.

[@joentell]

@@ta04trf I've tried DLBC and even Dirac ART in my theater. I've had the Nilo, founder and former CEO of Dirac and one of their senior engineers here for a few hours. I was a beta tester for ART.

[@robjohnson9235]

I like the dts hd mix on Gran Turismo better than the Atmos

[@bingdong8571]

I guess we forgot about the company with the blue lights huh?

[@joentell]

If you're talking about Emotiva, they have never sent me any product to review despite numerous emails. I don't know why. It seems that they send products to others.

[@m4nc1n1]

ALWAYS use XLR if you have the choice

[@chriswelljack4910]

Emotiva was offering 16 channels before that

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Need an HTP-2. HTP-1 has been out for over 5 years. But that's just me being selfish so I can justify selling my Marantz 7706 and buy an HTP to replace it.

[@joentell]

What doesn't the HTP-1 do that you would want? What features are most important to you?

[@samhofman6459]

That's one of the reasons I love the HTP-1 is that they just keep adding features instead of abandoning it and selling an HTP-2 instead.

[@harisjaved1379]

Joe I wish they had a cheaper version for around 2k, while it’s great it’s overkill for me. For example I just picked up the denon a1h for 4k. If monoprice offered a pre pro for 2k I would have picked it with the monolith 7x amp.

[@BornIn82]

That was a great deal you got for the A1H!!

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

I got my HTP-1 recently for around $3300 on sale b-stock. Such amazing sound quality.

[@BornIn82]

It was the OG processor until Denon and Marantz began issuing the quad sub and dirac options. Tell Hobie to make a HTP-2 with 20 channels so as to have 9.4.6

[@datdudeinred]

You don't need those extra sub channels just use minidsp with this single lfe out & you'll still save compared to more channels options.