Monolith M1570 - Unboxing The Boom Stick

[@turbomustang84]

My favorite headphones are the Audeze LCD 4 but $4000 was way out of my comfort zone . I bought the M1570 and it compares favourably to my Favorite Audeze and even best them in sub bass . The fact the cable is pinned differently is fine and the stock cable is fantastic. The weight and build quality issues are overplayed by Zeos and really unfair to Monoprice who made a wonderful headphone that competes with others costing thousand's more . Are these Heavy ? Yes but so are the headphones they are built to compete with. I purchased these on sale for $440 and my Sundara's and Sennheiser HD-650s are rarely touched anymore. I do hope they make a closed back version .

[@fbi8364]

Can you compare the M1570 to the Sundara and the Sennheiser?

[@DonutsReview]

Would love it if you can compare the M1570 to the 1060C or 1070C now that you have them all?

[@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming]

Audeze has a huge sum of money in R&D or had a huge sum in R&D. If flagships have new technology, it could be okay to invest in a brand you like so they can keep R&D up. But if there is no new technology or innovation in new flagships... its just milking fanbois. The audeze lcd 1.... just take a look at the gaming headset the Mobius. Mobius is pretty innovating if I was looking for something different and new I might invest in audeze so they can continue R&D and make better iterations which could worth to buy later on. Keep it! am enjoying your content!

[@NoThemeReviews]

Actually, Audeze didn't invent the technology in the Mobius. They licensed it. In fact, Steel Series has a very similar headphone that claims to do exactly the same thing, albeit with dynamic drivers.

[@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming]

@@NoThemeReviews I know but implementation was decent. Anyways it was an example. I like Hifiman a lot but, still bought the sendy aiva over the ananda. It is mayor price difference. But I really was considering the ananda's... almost bought them.... but my wife kept yelling NO NO NO!... by the 3rde NO i caved and in secret bought the sendy avia's ... She stil doesnt know.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming Hahaha. A friend of mine also secretly bought the Aiva in similar circumstances.

[@JTB--]

@@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming Had the Arya and HD 800s and did A/B on them with the Ananda and liked the Ananda's sound signature over both of them, at half the price!! Arya and 800s are also great HP, but imo no way worth their asking price when there is an Ananda sitting there at $700. It's the old diminishing returns theory.

[@AnuragKumar-ub9rm]

I really love your explainations man. I got a silly question, do you think that using equalizers like usb audio player pro in android mobiles really helps to avoid clipping and tweaking certain frequencies to make the headphones sound better as I have heard that no headphones comes out to be perfect right out of the box. Metal 571 is pretty big advocate of downloading corrected frequency chart from his understanding then using it in our equalizer. I hope you were able to understand my question, I am pretty lousy with terms being a beginner in this field still highly curious to learn. Btw I use HD 598, and i would really love to upgrade in future one day to some higher end headphones before Christmas after listening to your upcoming videos, I already watched all previous videos which are very nicely put.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Hi. Surely you didn't watch all 220+ videos! I don't think EQ software helps with clipping. In my experience, clipping will occur either during the recording process (you fail to adjust in your DAW) or if your amplifier is pushed beyond the power it can provide cleanly. If you have an audio file that was improperly recorded, no amount of EQ will fix that--it is recorded with faulty wave forms. If your amplifier or other equipment is causing the clipping, then simply adjusting the volume or changing cables might help (a poorly constructed cable, for example, could cause distortion similar to clipping sound). Metal loves his frequency adjustments, but I don't think they are very helpful. I recently got into a debate with another viewer and Metal a few weeks ago about frequency charts. The relevant part is that Metal uses a cheap MiniDSP EARS to capture the frequency response of his headphones. He then uses that to help adjust the frequency to his liking. Well...it turns out that the MiniDSP is not accurate; Metal had to admit that when the viewer pointed this out. Which means that if Metal's EQ calibrations are partly based upon the EARS, then his calibration is going to be somewhat faulty. Moreover, it might be nice for Metal to provide people EQ adjustments...but they're adjustments HE likes. Those adjustments are specific to him--his headphones with the particular paddings and specific drivers (each driver is different from any other sold), the songs he uses, the amplifier and dac he uses, his head and ear shape, and probably a multitude of other factors. Consequently, Metal's EQ calibrations are just a starting point--and likely not a very good one. This is because you start off with someone else's adjustments, and if you don't like them, you end up making more adjustments to Metal's adjustments--which is a frustrating experience. I think people should first try EQ by themselves. And slight changes are what matters. A few db here and there could make a big difference. People sometimes go wild, thinking they need a +8 db boost in the bass, for example. Instead, you have to think of the entire frequency range as interconnected--because it is. Adding a few db in the bass, reducing one or two in the mids, and decreasing the treble a bit might get you exactly what you want. But you'd drive yourself insane doing this to Metal's "corrected" frequency chart--because his chart is based upon faulty information from EARS and is very equipment and individual specific. My recommendation is to disregard what Metal says you should do. Instead, get an EQ app that has more than 10 bands, and experiment with a few db adjustments. You'll quickly learn there are groupsets of bands you don't ever need to touch, and some you do. It's a balancing act, and one you should do without other people meddling and adding more confusion into the equation, IMO. Sorry for the lengthy response. I just wish Metal was more forthcoming about his equipment. He told me he would post something about the EARS being inaccurate--and I don't think he did.

[@AnuragKumar-ub9rm]

No Theme Reviews thanks for long reply man. I really learnt a lot in your one reply than I have ever learned even after watching many videos related to this topic.

[@turbomustang84]

Just purchased these although on the way to me they decided to vacation for several days in Aurora Colorado. I guess at the discounted price of $440 I should have expected the slow ass shipping..... Going on eleven days does seem excessive.... Hope they are worth the wait

[@RhubarbSenpai]

Is it possible to remove the earcups from the headband/yoke? From the description, I'm sure I'll love the sound, but as a Focal user who wishes the Elex had more clamp force, it sounds like I'll have to replace the headband with an Audeze version (or other style meant to support heavy builds).

[@NoThemeReviews]

Probably. But you’ll end up breaking the yoke.

[@RhubarbSenpai]

@@NoThemeReviews Good to know, thank you! If it has the LCD-2 on it's back foot, might be worth the floatiness anyways. Btw, any plans to review the Monoprice M350's eventually? Curious to hear how they compare to iSine 20's.

[@NoThemeReviews]

No, not really. I wasn’t impressed with the build and mixed reviews.

[@MrHarmsworth]

First of all thank you for your reviews. I relei enjoy the honesty and detail. If this were to cost € 350 and the Avantone Planar €444, which one would you consider the best value proposition? Also, what are the amp requirements of the M1570? Would an SMSL SH-8 be able to drive it? Regards, Marlon.

[@NoThemeReviews]

The Planar is very different from the 1570. The Planar has a neutral sound signature, and if you're not used to that type of sound, then you may very much hate it. The 1570 has more bass and treble energy, and sounds more lively. Consequently, it really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a more "fun" sound, then the 1570 might be a better choice than the Planar. As for value, both are great value for their specific roles. Yes, the SH-8 should be plenty to drive the 1570.

[@atheistmetal1]

if anybody has thoughts... please chime in. im seriously looking at m1570c closed. just came out. can someone tell me what cable they come with as in TRS or TRRS. i have single -ended only amp Asgard 3. i can ruin it if i mess up cables.. thankx

[@ralphsescon2142]

I want to pull the trigger on this as my Christmas gift, I feel like this is gonna be my final headphone without having to spend more than $1000. I just wish they come with balanced cables. Have you tested it with balanced cables? And if so, would you say there's a huge difference?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Sure I will try. But I doubt there will be any sound difference.

[@themeggy]

Great headphone to pick for review, thank you! Would love to know how it compares to the Focal Clear - headband obviously looks a bit "Focal" in design.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I guess Monoprice didn't know how to design decent headbands...I mean, look at the M1060! I have to admit, the headphones are very heavy. I think a headband design similar to Audeze's updated headband would have been more stable--but I suppose that would be copying a bit too much?

[@themeggy]

@@NoThemeReviews Hmm, I don't know really - I think it wouldn't have been beyond them to come up with their own decent suspension headband design that isn't too much copying someone else's design. So it does seem kind of weird to see the Focal "influence" on the M1570 and other recent Monoprice offerings. Will be interested to know how you find the M1570 for extended listening use re comfort anyhow. I have a hunch it would be OK for me (I like the Focal headband on my Clears) but I could be wrong. Also, I'm kind of considering whether the M1570 would compliment the Clears - i.e. offer a wider soundstage, different kind of sound overall perhaps, but maybe preferable for certain kinds of music listening.

[@nickpelayo3172]

These headphones are super comfy. while they may be weighty, the cushion and clamp force really works well together allowing me to wear these headphones for hours and hours

[@cybergod77]

Looks like you're the first to review these. Look forward to the SQ review & comparison. Appreciate if u can include sound demo clips in your review. Much needed, Thks

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup, first anywhere, which is a nice change. Unfortunately, not enough views!

[@cybergod77]

@@NoThemeReviews include sound demo clips and audiophiles will flock to your channel

[@NoThemeReviews]

Demo clips over KZbin are pointless. They are compressed repeatedly so you hear a fraction of the original-assuming you have the precise equipment to capture the original sound-which no individual does. For example, Zeos’s homemade rig is laughable and an insult. It he’s recording with off the shelf disparate equipment then recording in his room overlooking a busy street. He’s not recording the actual details of the sound coming from the headphones. Consequently, people should stop thinking such sound clips are meaningful. They’re not. They are merely gimmicks.

[@cybergod77]

@@NoThemeReviews Well, Zeos does has the viewership. I feel, when done properly, demo clips have a lot of value. Do a poll and find out what your viewers want. Describing SQ is like describing food. The proof is in the tasting. Why not come up w a better rig and leave the clips for viewers to download? At the end of the day, you can stick to your beliefs or provide what viewers value. Then it goes back to the intention of why u started this youtube channel....

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@cybergod77 True enough--but if I start competing with Zeos then I think that would distract from what I'm doing. There are a few reasons I can't set up a recording rig. 1) my recording environment is no better than Zeos', and frankly is very likely worse; 2) the audio I use for sound tests cannot be uploaded and downloaded by others since they are copyright protected; 3) even "royalty free" songs have restrictions against redistribution for monetary purposes, and since I get some money from Patreon, that would technically be a violation of the royalty free copyright agreements; 4) I don't think making my own test tracks on Garageband is helpful (though I've thought about it many times) since I am not a musician...and it would sound like a total disaster; 5) I would need expertise in designing and building an accurate test rig--expertise that I don't have. The final problem--if all the others can be solved--is that people who download the test tracks are still listening to them with their own headphones, which have different sonic characters than the one I would use to record the tracks. There's no way getting around that.

[@tim11183]

Well done. Soo true for all audio industries.

[@shaunjacobsen5685]

Supposedly the m570 is based heavily off the sendy aiva. Good value?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Assuming the 570 sounds exactly like the Aiva, then yes.

[@chuckseeger7743]

Great unboxing 🤙🤙

[@NoThemeReviews]

Thanks.

[@Thiago_TS_BR]

🇧🇷 Good job ! I'm a fan of this disruptive new brand .

[@Angel-AbC9]

It would be awesome if you can get your hands on LCD 3 or 4 to compare it to the M1570 .

[@NoThemeReviews]

I have them

[@Angel-AbC9]

@@NoThemeReviews you gonna review the challenge ? If no can you share your outcome in short or long with me ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@Angel-AbC9 To clarify, I have the 3 and the 4z. Both the 3 and 4z are more neutral than the 1570. However, they all have about the same amount of clarity, detail, and soundstage. The 4z might be the widest of the three. The 4z has a bit more vocal clarity compared to the others; vocals are generally a little closer to the ears on the 1570. The 1570 has a sibilance emphasis compared to the others. Both the 3 and 4z have a fairly neutral rendition of treble; the 1570 has a slight accentuation, starting somewhere in the mid-treble region. The 1570 is more balanced-sounding. It has a bit more mid-bass emphasis than the 3 and 4z. It has a bit of a vocal push, particularly sibilance. It also has a slight treble accentuation. The 4z is the most neutral of the three, with slightly wider soundstage, a bit more clarity, detail, and instrument placement. The 1570 doesn't sound like the 3 and 4z. However, the 3 and 4z do share commonalities between them.

[@Angel-AbC9]

@@NoThemeReviews good morning I highly appreciate you No themes and your work. Your answer to my question was very clear. OK , so if you had just one headphone the M1570 and you want it to sound its best, tell me what amp/DAC you feel will bring out the best sound /compliment for the M1570 under 500.00 ? By the way joining patron right now

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@Angel-AbC9 Thanks for your support! You've asked a very subjective question. There's no "best" pairing, only what works for you. IMO, based on your budget, here are some options: For a neutral pairing (the dac/amp having no effect on the 1570's sound): Magni/Modi stack; anything from Topping and SMSL under that price range (they all basically perform the same); Topping EX5. For a more analytical pairing (where the dac/amp combo has slightly reduced bass, and bit of emphasis in treble): Monolith THX Desktop; Monolith THX Portable; Earmen TR-Amp. For a slightly warmer sound (some amount of emphasis in bass, a bit less clarity than compared to neutral): iFi Zen Dac; iFi Zen Can; iFi Hip Dac; Loxjie P20 with a tube swap; Chord Mojo. I'm sure there are other options out there, but these jump out to me.

[@StatusQuo209]

This vs Focal Elex in terms of sound? I can't decide between the two.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Depends on what type of sound signature you want. The Elex has a bit more treble energy and sounds a little more closed/less soundstage. I think the Elex is a bit more comfortable to wear. As for clarity...that's a tough call. The 1570 might have an edge, but I'll need to listen for a few days before I can be sure.

[@StatusQuo209]

@@NoThemeReviews Wow, if the M1570 is getting close to the Elex in clarity/detail, that is extremely impressive. I just ordered one. I figured that I can just return it if I find them too heavy and grab the Elex. These will be my first "high end" headphone. It will be at my house later today. I'm excited. Lol

[@Sam-lx1ij]

Better sound regardless of if weight and price, M1570 or the Hifiman Sundara? Thanks.

[@StatusQuo209]

@@Sam-lx1ijSundara. I returned the M1570. I have a Sundara now.

[@danidingo977]

When you say ”they bring something new to the table” are you referring to the PRICE (as in monoPRICE)? Right? :)

[@NoThemeReviews]

Price to performance, yes

[@danidingo977]

If that is the case, even better then.

[@cinnamon8806]

Monoprice m 1570 vs sendy aiva... ?????

[@Foxrock321]

Does the term “ giant killer”. Apply here..I ordered the 1570s last night we’ll see when they arrive..

[@madcrabber1113]

Monoprice has a 5 year warranty vs 1 or 2 year depending on where you live.

[@trellusg]

Eh, I disagree that the LCD-1 is “‘mediocre” and not worth $399. It’s a solid offering as a very technically competent, highly portable planar with neutral tuning that still manages to escape “boring,” which is how the more expensive (and now discontinued) EL-8 closed backs sometimes strike me.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think we can both be right. When I say “mediocre” I mean that in the context of comparisons I am doing. When directly tested against other headphones, I cannot hear what the big hub-bub is all about. The LCD-1 sounds smooth, which is unique compared to the Sundara and HD6xx. Metal recently commented on my channel that he thinks the LCD-1 sounds grainy-something I cannot corroborate, since I don’t know why precisely he says that. Ultimately, I like the LCD-1 for what it does. But anyone who says these provide superior sound-wide soundstage, excellent detail retrieval, and accurate bass (accurate as in reproducing the amount of bass originally recorded)-need to conduct meaningful A/B tests. The LCD-1 IMO performs like other headphones, albeit with a noticeable smoothing effect; it does not have better detail retrieval or separation of mids or better build quality or more comfortable fit (but that is obviously specific to each person). As for price, there are 2 ways to look at it. First, people decide what is a justified price tag, a personal choice. Second, comparing to alternatives, does the headphone provide improvements to similarly priced competitors? If not, then one can say the headphone isn’t worth the MSRP. Honestly, the biggest problem with the LCD-1 is the misleading endorsements and hype. Audeze boxed itself in by claiming these are for mixing and mastering.

[@cristianvillela6335]

Vs m570??

[@scioarete7987]

Can a Zen Dac drive this unit?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Sure can.

[@scioarete7987]

@@NoThemeReviews phenomenal. Thank you for the reply. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me

[@darrellharwood6600]

Why can't I find this for sale? I checked the Monoprice site, Amazon and drop (*gasp*). [edit]: Didn't find it by browsing their site, but was able to do a DuckDuckGo search for "monolith m1570" and got a link to their site's page for it.

[@NoThemeReviews]

That's weird, but not surprising. The Monoprice home page doesn't even mention the Monolith brand. Glad you found it, though.

[@lok777]

on monoprice.com buy these and the liquid amp and get 150 dollars off with code "mm150" 1070 and the amp has a 100 dollars off using code "mm100"

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

I agree with what you said, especially about audeze. You could also add the likes of abyss headphones to the list, some of the most average but overpriced headphones. To this day I find joy in not too expensive headphones. The only expensive headphones that I like and I think can justify their price, are the stax sr007 mk2, l700, and final audio d8000. Maybe add the arya to the list cause it sounds magical with it's presentation. But then again headphones like the elegia from focal can take you very very close to highest end without paying too much. Also the ultrasone signature series headphones are criminally underrated I bought the signature studio and the signature pro, and I was puzzled why they receive polarizing opinions till I figured that the s logic doesn't work with everyone for some reason. But if it works you saved your self 3000 dollars and that's by buying the signature pro, the flagship of the signature series. The diminishing returns rule applies in this hobby in a very aggressive and sometimes greedy ways. But always remember to take people's or reviewers words like a grain of salt, audition first at all costs before committing to purchase. Otherwise you will end up like the people who bought the editionxx from drop based on zeos's review thinking they are getting an arya lol hahaha lol or even an edition x v2 which is miles better than the edition xx in all categories lol hahaa. Or even worse buying the koss estat headphone lol. The koss were so bad I asked my friend to turn down their volume even while he was listening, I couldn't stand them without having a cringy facial expression lol. Then I gave him my Adam sp5 and the signature pro to compare them to his greatest purchase and he figured that he was taken for a ride by reviewers and people's words, hype is your greatest enemy.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Which do you prefer--the Signature Pro or the SP5, and why? I laughed when I saw Koss' weird electros on Massdrop. Apparently they were so bad that even Zeos couldn't fully recommend them...that's saying something. I think the Abyss is a fantastic headphone. If you have too much money and not enough busywork, the Abyss is perfect for throwing your money into the abyss.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@@NoThemeReviews I disagree with the abyss point of view but it's absolutely fine. As for the signature pro or the Adam sp5. Here is the deal I like both, and here is why, the sp5 is extremely analytical and extremely detailed, it sounds a heck of a lot close to the hd800, and it's capable of showing problems even with playback system if it's not of high quality, it's like an f1 race car with it's speed. The signature "pro" is in my opinion not a pro headphone cause that is the sp5 instead the "pro" is the only warmish( cause there is a treble spike that's not harsh or fatiguing unless the track is garbage lol) headphone that sound exceptionally detailed no matter the source, you can plug them to a hamster wheel and they will still sound breath taking. The pro is a fabulous all rounder, and it just shines every where. It retains the speed and vast soundstage of the sp5 but it makes pleasurable sounds, I do believe that they renamed one of their edition headphones and called it the signature pro, cause it sounds very audiophile like. I suspect that it uses the same driver as the edition 8. The sp5 is your PhD type of headphone it's straight to the point and it displays everything, pleasant or unpleasant, it's brutal yet extremely capable technically. By the way the focal elegia do sound like a great middle ground between these two headphones. I just auditioned the elegia it's a little light in the bass a bit, but with proper fit it sounds accurate, and I bought it on the spot over the Stellia which sounds slightly v shaped. My final note, have you checked the final audio d8000. If yes I hope to hear your opinion about it. It's a bit overpriced but I'll take that headphone over anything ultra expensive except stax.

[@wagstaff6135]

I hear bobcats like these. Audio engineers, feline good about them. Very interested in how these are evaluated. I don't need to spend even $600 on new headphones at this point, but as you say, if these are in the same league as LCD-3 or LCD-4 headphones, they may really change things.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. Nice. I think bobbycat would lose his special relationship with Audeze if he said anything remotely complementary to Monoprice. I'm sure he'd like to keep getting preferential treatment from Audeze.

[@adam346]

in defense of the wood grain style on the m1060.. people quite literally think they are worth a helluva lot more when they see that, it's quite amusing.

[@NoThemeReviews]

True enough. It's different from the typical headphone you find.

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

There is no way monoprice can compete with the the lcd 4 maybe the 4z but not the 4 Especially with the lower Impedance but maybe we can get lucky They need to make the impedance higher before they can compete with the audeze LCD-4

[@NoThemeReviews]

Don’t know until you actually hear them A/B

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

Yea that's true

[@JTB--]

I find it annoying and a head scratcher that Monoprice describes the Monolith M1570 as a "balanced headphone"... but doesn't include a balanced cable with the set? 🤬

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think they meant "balanced sound", but who really knows. What's more frustrating is that they changed the pinouts for the mini XLR cable, and didn't tell anyone. Hence, several people shorted their drivers when they used Audeze/ZMF cables. And Monolith never released balanced cables themselves...such an odd choice. I suppose the current global crisis probably forced them to downsize the production.

[@JTB--]

@@NoThemeReviews That's a really good point about changing the pins on the mini XLR and then Monoprice not even having a balanced cable available to buy separately. I think you need to have a balanced cable custom made or do it yourself which I'm not interest in. I just ordered these from target on sale for $400 because I'm trying to find a headphone with some nice Bass impact to compliment my Ananda.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Hart Audio Cables has an affordable cable for the 1570.

[@JTB--]

@@NoThemeReviews Oh Cool. If I end up liking and keeping the M1570 I'll definitely be looking for a balanced cable there then. Thanks and keep up the good work. 👍

[@darrellharwood6600]

Especially when you set these next to a Focal set (Elex), I began wondering if these are a competitor... Good question about vs. Audeze, too.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup the Monolith sounds promising. If you can forgive the weight....

[@darrellharwood6600]

Wait... is it not heavy? Personally, I want my equipment to be heavy, so it stays firmly planted where I want it. I realize a lot of people don't, but look at the A&K L1000... I'd rather it be too heavy than too light. :D

[@darrellharwood6600]

My bad. Nix that last comment. I saw the comment in the notifications and responded, thinking "Monolith" was referencing the THX AAA. No, I absolutely want to have as light-a-weight headphone as can be, without sacrificing quality and durability.

[@ShaleAudio]

Here are the SPL Charts if anyone is interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5PHqJqKl52jeKc