Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amp Review - Legendary or ordinary?

[@mattL1ghts]

if you keep churning out detailed, thoughtful content like this vid and your Schiit evaluations, your channel will blow up - it's only a matter of time. Thanks for the reviews :)

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks so much, Matt. Here's hoping! I love my day job too, but having the choice of when to work and what to work on would be a dream come true!

[@Rickzolla]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I quite like the look.

[@PassionforSound]

The joys of subjectivity! I'm sure you're not alone. I certainly don't hate it, but I found it a bit dull after living with it for a while.

[@jamesj5469]

Your video about the mangnis and the 789 really help me make a discussion. Thanks keep up the good work

[@PassionforSound]

Glad I could help, James! 🙂

[@bill3117]

I think it looks nice actually. Streamlined! Thanks for the review.

[@PassionforSound]

No problems, Bill. I thought the same until it sat on my desk for a while, but design is as subjective as sound so we'll all have differing opinions and all are welcome 🙂

[@marcob.7801]

Genalex Gold Lions make this baby sing. Also, I rarely have this amp at 9:00 usually it's at 10 to 12 in balanced mode. Perhaps you got one w/a defective POT! I love the look and hooked up to ANY of my cans it sounds deliciously wide though only moderately deep. However with my HiFi man Arya's.....this thing really SINGS ON ANY GENRE I THROW AT IT. Very satisfied with mine, I might add that I got mine direct from monoprice approx. 2 years ago and it included free shipping!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Marco, the Aryas are significantly more difficult to drive than 80-90% of headphones on the market so that will probably explain the different experiences we're having with volume. Glad you're enjoying yours!

[@xphoenix007]

I used my Arya with Sony TA-ZH1ES and was sort of disappointed due to underwhelmed output power from Sony. It still kicked ass at 95 percent volume with balanced output. After seeing your comment, I went ahead and order this Monolith LP for $465, which includes sale tax from Monoprice. I have to say, and I am delighted with the outcome. I felt like my Arya is actually singing now. I still use TA-ZH1ES, but only as a DAC.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Ark, that's great that you got the LP on special and are enjoying the results. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@alexsha4912]

Nice review! I'm a Liquid Platinum owner and after watched this video, I went ahead and ordered a Soloist 3x... Hope I won't regret it.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Alex, I think you'll be very happy! 🙂

[@alexsha4912]

@@PassionforSound I got my soloist, I love the sound, but some time when I just turn on the power, even without connecting to the source, it generate very loud hiss noise (can clearly hear it a few feet away from the headphone, can’t bear with it with headphone on my head ), the noise last for 20 - 30 seconds, then no more during the following usage. This happens no matter I power on the amp with my headphone plugged or not, if I turn it on without my headphone plugged, it can happen when I plug in my headphone (I always use the XLR input), and it usually happens when it off for a long time (8 hrs) then turn on. I always disconnect my headphone when I’m not using according to their manual, but it still happened time to time. Don’t know if you are experiencing the same?

[@PassionforSound]

That's no good and definitely shouldn't be happening! First thing you could try Oli's opening it up and removing then reinstalling the op-amps. If that doesn't fix it, chat to Burson directly as it sounds like a fault.

[@alexsha4912]

@@PassionforSound Thank you for the reply, just sent an E-mail to Burson, hope they can help with some trouble shooting.

[@PassionforSound]

Me too! Drop back and let me know if you feel to.

[@goglea]

Super video! I applauded for £2.00 👏

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you Adrian!

[@terrylarson7596]

Thanks for the articulate and easy to follow review, and thanks to The Cheap Audio Man interview, here on KZbin, I found your Channel The size of the equipment is also important. I sit using my lap top beside an end table and would need something half the size, and of better low volume control, thanks again!

[@PassionforSound]

Glad it was a helpful review, Terry! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@Johnny-Too-Bad]

At $400 give or take US dollars that this amp can be had in the US, it's a fantastic amp. If you have a DAC that can change gain, the volume is a non issue and for $35 you can upgrade the pots (research this) it improves the amp quite a bit as well. So for give or take $500 bucks, it's a super deal. The only thing I agree with the reviewer is with the stock tubes. Change them there's a lot of good known pairings. This amp has an avid following in many forums for a reason.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing more about the available mods, Number 9. It's a shame the amp needs upgrades to perform at the level it probably should (at full price at least), but nice to know there's some fun to be had modding and tube-rolling 🙂

[@cobrabucket]

These were on sale for $399 recently. Great deal!!!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi R00s, definitely a great discount, but I'm not convinced I'd buy it even at that price (particularly with the high cost of shipping to Australia). I think there are better options on the market and would probably take a Topping A90 over the LP.

[@itayoron]

@@PassionforSound I took advantage of the $399 sale and to say the truth I am also a bit disappointed. I also own the Asgard 3 and the Emotiva BasX A-100 and am using Schiit Bifrost 2 as a DAC, when comparing the three amps with several different headphones I find myself preferring the Emotiva most of the times and the Asgard in few other occasions but rarely do I prefer the LP...I mainly purchased it to be used with Modhouse Argons and a pair of ZMF Aeolus I am waiting for. I think I still prefer the Emotiva with the argons even though it only runs them single-ended. They do say on the manual that you should burn-in the amp for at least 200 hours so I hope it will still improve over time.

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@itayoron Let me know if you can how you like the zmf aeolus when they come in. I plan to get a pair when I have more money. And I can attest to both other amps you mentioned. They're badass. Personally I prefer single ended on amps because it allows more headphones to be used without spending on cables and because truly balanced means 2 transformers which generally means a slightly higher noise floor than a single ended amp but all other noise is canceled out so that's pretty cool and considering most badass dacs these days are balanced it makes for a more compelling case to buy a balanced amp as well.

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry to hear you're disappointed, Itay, but I understand. Hopefully it opens up at you say, but you might find you can part with it in the future if it doesn't play as well as you want with the ZMFs

[@kcr2365]

I been trying to watch this till the end but i keep falling asleep lol. Your voice is soothing and puts me to sleep 😅

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Yes, it's my "the baby's asleep next door" (literally) voice 😂

[@kcr2365]

@@PassionforSound Things we do for our kids 😃

[@dasninjastix]

I'm starting with the Liquid Spark Dac, it'll be my first go with the Monolith line. Their stuff looks sturdy if dull. Appreciate the review, this is a unit I might consider in the future.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Das, the Liquid Spark should be OK as a DAC (I haven't heard it to comment either way), but I think you can do better than the LP. It was pretty underwhelming for me and even on special, I think I'd choose other options like some of the THX amps out there (Drop, SMSL, etc.)

[@dasninjastix]

@@PassionforSound aye aye, what about a hybrid? Do you think the Vali is a better consideration? I'm waiting on a pair of Aeolus to be finished from ZMF and I'd like to pair them with a tube but seems silly to have a tube just for one pair of headphones. A hybrid seems like it'd have more practical usage between high and low impedance headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, hybrids are a good option, but pure tubes can do fine for most headphones except low impedance/low sensitivity cans (i.e. around 90dB sensitivity and below can get tricky). I haven't tried the Schiit hybrids, but I've heard good things about the Lyr 2.

[@xcountry6709]

Once again another fantastic review! Keep up the good work. See if you can get your hands on the xDuoo TA-10R Tube DAC/Amp, got mine from Apos. So far it's a very impressive headphone amp. Stock is supposed to be limited due to the AKM fire, this one is an upgrade from the TA-10 and uses the AK4493EQ DAC chip and XMOS XU208 USB chip. Right now I'm very impressed, hoping you can get your hands on one. Cheers!!!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip, XC. I'll see what I can arrange. Glad you liked the review. 🙂

[@snowrang3r657]

I believe this amp goes on sale fairly often, so that probably helps the value proposition for some :)

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, it does, but I still don't think I'd buy it when there are so many other amazing products on the market

[@antpage2]

@@PassionforSound I doubt that at 450$ for a Hybrid tube amp at this quality.

[@PassionforSound]

No, there are still other options I'd choose first: Schiit Asgard, Geshelli Erish, etc.

[@antpage2]

@@PassionforSound ? i dont understand, those arent tube amps. I use tubes to control the tone of this amp. its really quite fantastic sounding. to compare to those amps is surprising to me. I wonder if you got a bum amp

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry, if you're specifically looking for tubes then this might be the best deal (I need to try Schiit's hybrids to know for sure). I'm going to be trying the xDuoo MT-604 soon too so that might be another good option

[@multibeast5764]

Both of the dac's I use have gain or volume settings, which solves the gain issue on the MLP for me personally. Many seem to use it for powered monitors as well, where you can use more of that volume range. I paid 300 for mine and was only used about 150 hours at that point, so I do think it performs well at that price point.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Brian, I think that's a key requirement (gain/output adjustments on DACs) for the LP unless you have very difficult headphones (or monitors as you correctly mentioned)

[@matthewhilty4209]

The monoprice website has the same odd spec at 56 ohms. Given that design I think the SE power spec at 56ohms is a typo. It should be closer to 1.1 watts.

[@PassionforSound]

Certainly seemed strange to me

[@joontech7715]

Great review! Thank you.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aceofspades6667]

Maybe an SMSL SP400 or Flux FA-10 for a slate of future amp reviews. I found the MLP > Schiit Lyr/3 and about on par with the Rupert Neve Headphone amp after a bit of rolling. I found the SE output to be garbage but the balanced to be quite nice. I didn't have the channel imbalance so possibly there is unit variation? I do have some great tubes to go pair with it. Siemens E188CC, Mullard CV4109, Telefunken ECC88 but my favs are the '75 Reflektor SWGP silver shields.

[@lalawilson1988]

I was just about to ask if a review of FA-10 or FA-12 (preferably the 12) can be done, and @Ace of Spades you beat me to it! Im a fan of Passion for Sound, keep it up!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi guys, I actually emailed Flux Labs just this morning to ask about reviews so let's all keep our fingers crossed! 🤞🤞 Ace, glad to hear the LP can come alive with the right cans and tubes.

[@soulshinobi]

Glamour shot music is jarring, I would think something relaxing might be more appropriate. Always excellent detail in the reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Shinobi. I try to mix it up to suit all tastes across the various videos. I also try to choose something that speaks to my impressions of the amp so maybe that's saying something! Sorry you didn't like this track ☹️

[@soulshinobi]

@@PassionforSound at the end of the day, you're the boss! 😊

[@PassionforSound]

Lol. Yes, but I do appreciate the feedback 🙂

[@frankfang4605]

What a coincidence, I have just received my LP an hour before this video lol.

[@PassionforSound]

Oh wow! I hope you enjoy it. What headphones are you using with it?

[@frankfang4605]

@@PassionforSound well, I picked it up because I found one selling for only $230 on eBay, just bought it to see how it sounds. Pairing with some hard to drive planar actually sounds decent. I’ve also heard a lot people doing capacitor mods on LP, and it improved the sound a lot. I guess monoprice probably used some cheap material on LP and the sounds turns out isn’t having those articulate and euphoric feeling that higher end tube amp have.

[@PassionforSound]

That would make sense about cheap caps. Amazing the difference they can make! You got a good deal for $230!

[@DrAg0n3250]

Interesting review. I've always eyed Monolith products because of their design. Recently been experimenting with tubes and op-amps using cheaper "chi-fi" amazon amps. Currently listening on a 'Fosi audio' tube amp with a matched pair of 6J1-EV Military stock tubes that replaced the 6AK tubes that came with the amp. I also swapped the TI-5532NE op-amps for JRC-4558s and I'm really digging the sound (Very spacious and the bass can fill that space when I get the volume levels just right). Can't wait for the (NOS) GE-5564 tubes to arrive so I can try those too. Pre-amp is the A3 of course, I really feel like the A3 has set a very high bar for these new amps. The price to performance ratio on it is just too good (USD wise, but that is going to be changing in the next months with the tariffs that came into play here recently etc.)

[@PassionforSound]

I hadn't heard about the tarrifs. That sounds bad! Tubes can be souch fun to play with like that because they make such a significant difference in many circuits.

[@DrAg0n3250]

Passion for Sound Same goes for op-amps. The sound stage difference between the TI opamp and the JRC is night and day. The fosi amp actually uses the tubes for the pre amp and the chips for output stage so I’m thinking about about soldering up a quad op amp to replace the 2 chips with one. Analog circuits are very interesting.

[@PassionforSound]

Very true. I've also found that it depends a lot on the circuit. The D50S for example seems to suit the MUSES02 but I normally prefer the OPA627

[@poetryonplastic]

I liked this amp with my Focal Clears when I first got it, but then I heard the Icon HP8 with them. Needless to say the Icon stayed and the Monoprice is off to a new owner.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, sorry to hear. Glad you found something better!

[@mikegoddard7354]

I just got mine today, was wondering what that button on the right of the volume knob does. Hmmmmm, I find this strange and I am not shocked, my lack of experience with many amplifiers and headphones in general maybe the reason for my following statements. However, I bought this to use with my HE6SEv2's and to be honest vs my Flux Lab's FA-10 this amp has way bigger sound stage and even watching this video using the LP I can literally feel the presence of your room like I have never prior. The bass actually got even strong than my FA-10 and that unit has far more power, not that more power is going to be more dynamics and maybe those are the reasons why I am now experiencing this. Yet we know that unit is made for crazy power hungry headphones and is class A based like the burson. Joshua Valour or however his last name is spelled said this unit is a perfect match for planars and this pair being the hardest to drive maybe is gaining something that the others do not have. I actually am using this at 2/3 o clock on the volume dial, not sure if that is playing any type of role and it's the same dac I use with my flux. I also bought the 887 and I am going to try that as well, even though I doubt that will be a good option being such a clean amp I am hoping to be able to decently enjoy it. I used the HE6's on xDuoo TA-10R and they sound really really bad and I think that amp is way more tuby than this one. However, any other headphones I use with TA-10R are amazing, honestly it's my favorite dac/amp of all the ones I own. Like you said it has that warm rich sound which I guess what tubes provide, I am not one to say at my level in audio. However, I am not one to complain, the monoprice warehouse is actually 30 miles from my location. They posted a clearance sale and I got my unit for 150 dollars and it's just B-stock brand new and honestly only has a few scuffs on the side. I have absolutely nothing to say at that price. My 887 cost me more than this amp, so I am glad to keep it and the performance with my headphones is leagues above what I am used too.

[@PassionforSound]

I think that button is a source selector IIRC. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the amp. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us all!

[@heavynova]

Thanks for the honest review. Do you think you can do a video on the nuances of the different tubes. I think i have the same jj e88cc tubes. The difference they make is fascinating and i dont see many videos about them with headphones. Its more on guitar amps. Plenty of forums out there though

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Cliff, glad you liked the review. Tube rolling is very time consuming and depends a lot on the amp they're used in so it's probably not something I'll get around to doing - sorry!!

[@antpage2]

How about 450$? This amp is known to go on sale a lot for half off. Thats the price i got it for. This is a very nice amp and runs my Planars very well. Its a very powerful amp and sounds quite good. but yes its a dry amp. also i noticed its a bright amp with most tubes i used on it. so it might be good for those darker or warmer headphones which is what i use it for. On chinese tubes it gets even more bright. i havent been able to find any tubes that can make it sound warmer or darker.

[@PassionforSound]

It's not a bad choice at $450 but I'd personally choose an Asgard 3 or similar I think.

[@TheCangle]

There's talk about modding these on the head-fi forum. I'm not sure how you would go about getting a modded one but would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that if you can get your hands on one. Anyways good video, thanks for sharing

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks TheCangle! I hadn't heard about the modding, but I think it's a shame when a relatively expensive product requires modding to work as well as it should. I had high hopes for the LP and was quite disappointed :(

[@KeithSorota]

The mod is fairly straight forward if you have some soldering experience. Changing out 4-6 capacitors for Elna Silmic IIs transforms the sound and removed the muddiness IMO. Using 12au7 tubes via an adapter makes a large difference as well, more so with the cap mod.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the extra info, Keith!

[@k-lawn]

I got mine for $400 which makes it a great value imo

[@PassionforSound]

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me

[@MrAyrit]

My impressions were quite similar. I sent mine back, and I only paid $400 for mine.

[@PassionforSound]

I can totally understand that, Drew. Even for $400 I think there are better options available. It sounds like there are improvements available by modding them, but that's a niche that not everyone's up for.

[@Poludioskroz]

Euterpe review coming soon?

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Poludio, soonish. I bought the Euterpe so the loaner gear has to get reviewed first ☹️

[@brandonburr4900]

This was disappointing as I expected a better design from a Alex cavelli design. Glad I didn't purchase one. Almost did. I appreciate your honesty. Their is a amp I'm curious about and wonder if you would bring in a headamp gsx mini? Heard great things about from the likes of abyss etc for driving their headphones. Don't see a whole lot of reviews. Seems to be well build and good looking. More expensive than the burson soloist 3x. Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Brandon, good suggestion. I'll see what I can arrange. Glad I could save you some money/trouble on the Liquid Platinum

[@tedmanasa907]

Good review. It makes me wonder if the Liquid Gold X is going to fall flat. I'm getting my Liquid Gold X tomorrow, which I chose over a Burson Conductor 3XP to save a little money. Hoping that it turns out to be worth it!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Ted, one average product doesn't make for an bad brand (I really disliked the original Schiit Jotunheim, but LOVE some of their other gear). I hope you are pleasantly surprised by the Liquid Gold X. Drop back and let me know if you get the chance. 🙂

[@tedmanasa907]

@@PassionforSound That's a good reminder that each piece needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Will let you know!

[@tedmanasa907]

@@PassionforSound I did a careful run-through of the LAuX’s built-in DAC and the bottom line is that if one plans to depend on the built-in DAC, the LAuX is not worth buying. I reached that conclusion even before comparing it to the Bifrost 2. I posted a few paragraphs about it on head-fi. I’m going to evaluate the amp section after I get my balanced headphone cables because the manual states that you shouldn’t judge it on its single-ended performance. www.head-fi.org/threads/monoprice-monolith-liquid-gold-x.914828/page-27#post-16142759

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry to hear that, Ted. Thanks for sharing your write up!

[@amaya897]

Very much comes down to the headphone you use. ZMF dynamics like Verite Open or Atrium sound MUCH better with Liquid Platinum than with Soloist. Even with stock tubes. When it comes to plannars, yes Burson edges LP out, but thats usually the case with Solid State vs Tube amps.

[@PassionforSound]

I always test with multiple headphones and at the price I paid for the amp (it's been discounted since), the performance was sub-par to my ears.

[@amaya897]

@@PassionforSound yeah fully legit opinion, after all much of this is taste. I think that the amp strikes a beautiful balance between solid state cleanness and tubey intimacy and warmth. Currently I am switching back and forth between it and my holo bliss that costs couple of thousands more. And while bliss is certainly a much more detailed and spacious amp, I am enjoying Lp a lot for its tonality and special "something" it adds to the music. Listening with Caldera and VO. Burson didnt sound like much to me, it was quite detailed but too harsh and too fast and lacked space and wamth.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying it! 🙂🙂

[@brianisaac1804]

Have you paired this with the 800s?

[@PassionforSound]

No I haven't. I'd personally choose something like the SA-1 though

[@milesdufourny4813]

A true tube/hybrid amp should never have a dry bland two dimensional sound, I believe the tube stage in this amp is a buffer and not used as a driver or gain stage. It seems like a waste of money.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Miles, I agree about the sound of the amp - very disappointing to my ears. I don't know any details about the internal design, but the end results don't stack up ☹️

[@dreddguy6454]

Swap out its opamp?

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Dreddguy, I'm not sure if there is an op-amp to swap out. The tubes are doing that job in the LP, unless there's an op-amp elsewhere in the signal path (which might explain the lacklustre performance). I didn't open it up to check because I new fairly quickly that it wasn't a keeper for me. (I've since sold it to recoup some of the cost)

[@dreddguy6454]

@@PassionforSound looks like I should have researched my comment before posting. Thanks for the honest review.

[@PassionforSound]

No problems. And it's possible there is an op-amp in there somewhere...

[@WorldView22]

A friend of mine who owns one insists that the right tubes can significantly improve the sound quality of this amp. I'd try - at the very least - a pair of Genalex Gold Lion instead of that ones you tried (the stock tubes are not worth using either). Also, there are some cheap and very effective capacitor upgrades available. Lastly, the volume pot imbalance was corrected by late 2020, I'm told. Best,

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, WV. It's quite possible that tubes will improve the sound a bit, knowing a number of other amps (tube or solid state) that could be bought for the same money or less and be instantly enjoyable with no mods or having to buy specific tubes.

[@WorldView22]

@@PassionforSound True for solid state amps but tube and hybrid amps require good tubes to perform well. I forgot to mention that this amp very regularly sells for half that price. Having said all that, personally, I’m not so convinced of this amp, so I’m inclined to sharing your opinion. :-)

[@kcr2365]

Paid $275 for this today. Think its a good value at that price?

[@PassionforSound]

For $275 I think it's a great buy!

[@metrichalo5849]

I had the Liquid platinum for a little while and it was such a boring sounding amplifier and rolling like 5 different fairly expensive tubes didn't do much if any to improve it's sound quality. THE CTH is much nicer sounding than the LP at a fraction of its price. The LP was based off of the legendary liquid crimson but really it's like comparing a ford focus to a ferrari.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for adding your experiences to the conversation, Metric! I like the analogy, but maybe it should be comparing a Ford Focus to a Ford GT40? 😉😉

[@metrichalo5849]

@@PassionforSound Yes! or a Ford Liquid carbon GT. Just discovered your channel today and really like your reviews! Atm, I'm really digging the Schiit Jot 2, plenty of power to fully drive my HE1000v1 headphones. Maybe put the Jot 2 or the Vali 2+ on your list of headphone amplifiers to review in the near future ? :)

[@PassionforSound]

I finished writing up my notes on the Jot 2 yesterday for recording tomorrow! 😁

[@HungryEatNow]

Sadly not speaker compatible...

[@PassionforSound]

No, sadly not

[@shaned7793]

84Db's? You are going to end up deaf in a few years.

[@PassionforSound]

It's not a permanent 84dB, Shane - that's more likely a peak level. I'm very careful with my hearing and would rarely get louder than about 84dB and only for short bursts which is safe. It would require an entire day of listening at that sort of volume to cause problems. 🙂

[@shaned7793]

I cap mine at around 70DB's. I guess I am just a quiet listener. :-) Also, I love my LP, but it has very high gain. And even Dr. Cavalli (the designer) said the SE output was inferior.

[@PassionforSound]

It's good to be safe with your hearing 🙂

[@shaned7793]

@@PassionforSound It's not really me being safe as much as the higher volumes are uncomfortable for me. Too much abuse in my younger years I guess. While I disagree with you on the LP, I do enjoy your channel and your reviews. Keep them coming! :-)

[@PassionforSound]

I'm the same with sensitivity to loud volumes. For me it's since an episode of Bell's Palsy (facial paralysis) that I suffered some years back. Glad you're liking the channel and different opinions are always welcome 🙂

[@mjjm6220]

Tubes...what a joke. I rather doubt this $800 amp can even come close to the Monolith THX AAA788 for $500.

[@PassionforSound]

In haven't tried the 788, but I'm a fan of tubes - just not done like this

[@lastcall9998]

In other words is a piece of shit! Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

I wouldn't go quite that far, but I would recommend other amps 😉

[@lastcall9998]

@@PassionforSound Can you believe I just realized you replied to me? Cheers.