Monolith THX ULTRA 13" Review

[@joentell]

🛒 Buy the Monolith THX Ultra 13" Subwoofer: bit.ly/MonolithTHX13Sub Watch my unboxing of the Monolith THX Ultra 13" Subwoofer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWXep6pm52Da80 My Subwoofer Leaderboard: bit.ly/subwooferleaderboard Quick correction about the Peak to Peak excursion, this is referring to the XMech, which is the mechanical limit, which is not the same as Xmax. Xmax one way is about 1.1 inches, so 2.2 inches total forward and back. Disclosure: The Affiliate links above earn me a commission if you purchase using those links. This is at no additional cost to you. Monolith is a channel sponsor, but all opinions are my own, and they do not get to review this video prior to release. An engineering sample was sent to me for review.

[@dayonerecoverdub3626]

I had the previous 15 inch model and the the svs pb3000 at the same time and the monolith crushed it in pure clean low output and at the time it was cheaper 1300 vs the pb3000 that was 1400 I returned the svs

[@Youthman]

Intro and thumbnail is GOLD! Enjoyed the review.

[@dadevastator24_77]

Waiting on your review.

[@masonb6747]

When are you going to do this review youthman?? And please let us know which sub from SVS will come close to this, which one will you compare it to??

[@carewser]

Gold? Bitch please, it was platinum

[@perrysmiles60]

Oh Yah, that intro with your girls is Too Cute!

[@TechnoDad]

LOL, that intro!!!

[@TexSupport]

Harkens back to the old "Is it live or is it Memorex" ads

[@stopthefomo]

LOL your BEST thumbnail yet! Almost as catchy as “Bose Exposed” 😂

[@joentell]

Angela came up with both. She's my creative director. 🤫

[@bkline3147]

Hilarious intro! Loved the review. It reminded me of the time my newly installed four 12" Monoliths ruined family movie night. It was shortly after a Black Friday deal and near Xmas, so we watched Polar Express. As soon as the train rolled in the first time, the whole house started shaking and both of my little one's jumped out of their seats and ran up the basement stairs crying (the screaming kind of crying). That experience is still stuck in my kids memory so now I have to promise them (and be reminded 10 times by all) to turn down the Subs for every family movie night.

[@hermanhorton5944]

My downstairs neighbor needs to move !!!!!😎

[@bmwberto8055]

That intro was fire, your stepping up your game big time. Looks like I'm in the market for a new sub

[@chemicallust77]

That intro Joe...LMFAO!.....I really like the matte finish of the one Mike had....that needs to be a thing...(talking to you too SVS)...lol...glossy finishes look awesome for about a day....but constantly needing to clean them gets a bit annoying....I live right by a busy road, so dust is a never ending battle.

[@stopthefomo]

Isn’t this how childhood trauma and daddy issues get started?? Future Boyfriend: look I got a sub! Joe’s Daughter: my dad won’t approve why don’t you borrow mine…

[@adamjj85]

That intro, lmao! Looks pretty sick. Agreed on the auto sensing input, that is always frustrating to me on subs. It's a bit of a bummer that a sub of this level doesn't have a trigger input.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Best beginning to one of your videos. Ever. EPIC!!! AMAZING!!! Thank you for this gem. Your girls are so adorable. Monolith should buy this opening from you and put it in all their advertising. Immediately. Man that was so cool. The hair blowing, the light refraction in the camera lens, the bass distorting the camera view with the effect you used in the editing. Loved it. You killed it 🔥❤🔥❤🔥

[@d.l.2401]

If input sensitivity is a problem for the auto turn on you may want to try an RCA "Y" adapter so you can connect both Left and right RCA inputs. This really help on my 2 Monolith 15's. It also helps with the input volume level control. You should be able to turn the input level down.

[@joentell]

I'll try that out

[@d.l.2401]

​@@joentell Have you been able to try the "Y" adapter

[@n8dawg450r]

Is this like a night and day difference? Cause I'm having to keep my gain upwards of 3/4. Even have my other subs throttled back in my miniDSP. I'll be trying this tomorrow tho, cause I already have a y-adapter. Hopes and prayers! 🙏

[@7paradigm7]

@@n8dawg450r Yes! I run my 13 THX all the way up and with a Y splitter and use the receivers bass mgt to tailor the desired volume. The THX is designed this way and is different than other subs brands where you turn up 1/2 way and sounds like the sub is gonna distort and blow... giving illusion of more headroom when that volume isn't usable. The mono works different by design and is meant to crank.

[@macydezort]

Dude...the intro is HILARIOUS 😂 great review and love your wife's comments 😄

[@dan70cutlasssx]

Can’t wait to see how the 16 performs!

[@davidlewis8124]

Right on 👌🤜

[@punguru1360]

That skit at the intro kills it🤣

[@fieldcar]

So true about the myths of "fast subwoofers". If its linear from 20-200Hz, it's fast. I think people misunderstand and underestimate room gain and room modes of their subwoofers. I have some sizable peaks and nulls without room correction. BTW. Loved the intro!

[@narmale]

nah, its box coloration harmonics, 3rd and 5ths... getting rid of them equates to what audiophiles call "fast" bass, which is why diapole speakers sound "fast" according to them

[@fieldcar]

@@narmale so true about higher order harmonics and resonances, but I still think the term fast bass is a meaningless subjectivist term that changes definition on a whim. Low group delay is probably another really good metric to measure how well a sub will perform with music. Audioholics puts those graphs into their sub reviews. Worth a look if you haven't seen them.

[@narmale]

@@fieldcar this is my thought process on group delay, i personally have not bothered to try this due to the material contraint, time and money involved. And please remember this is just my line of reasoning: Group delay is purely theoretical and hasnt been proven without doing a test of the EXACT same speakers in both configurations (box vs diapole) to effectively prove the existence and/or effect of group delay is even measurable. Like I said, that's my thought process on it, if there is a good breakdown of it, please by all means, link to me so i can expand my mind. Im just not going to do this experiment into the theoretical to prove yay or nay with this much work/money. Edit: this is regarding grouping within speaker enclosures, obviously not doing something like extreme placements to deliberately affect it to the adverse.

[@davidlewis8124]

Glad I found this channel. More Bass tha Better the movie/ show. 🥇

[@danielmiller469]

Dude that b roll was awesome

[@SonicSavannah]

Why are KZbinrs comparing this to PB 3000 when it actually compares to PB 16 Ultra??? Are you ignoring CEA measurements or don't know about them?

[@cgott42]

nice review. Does it perform well at low volumes? Does it blend with other speakers or dominate them?

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Angela: I felt that in my butt cheeks Monolith: It's almost like that was the point.

[@Darkside_C7]

That intro was awesome!

[@TylerStout]

I'm only 40 seconds into the video and you already got me cackling 🤣 Good review.

[@RjTheTrigun]

That Intro🔥🔥🔥 No notes, well done Joe. I've been waiting for it this review. I'm either going dual monolith 13 or the monolith 16 if it meets what the PB 16 ultra can do for less money. Also I would like your opinion for my first home theater Polk reserve (R700, Lsim 706c, R200+ omw3 for atmos) Or Def tech 9080x(4) with cs 9080 Or elac uni ref system(like how it looks)

[@joentell]

I really like the Polk Reserve series for home theater because they can play accurately, they can get low, and they can get loud. I haven't tried the LSIM. The ELAC's are no slouch as they offer a wide soundstage, but I still prefer the Polk's slightly. They really did a great job on the Reserve series.

[@RjTheTrigun]

@@joentell thank you so much for your honesty. Last question do the polk need an amp to properly drive them? If so, emotiva or monolith amp? 🤔

[@joentell]

@@RjTheTrigun They weren't overly hard to drive. Either of those should work.

[@markwilson0077]

Straight up excellent video review ! Got all the elements of entertainment, engineering, practicality and fun, all while looking awesome! Keep up the great work Joe & thanks!

[@Legionere]

Intro was FIRE lol!

[@xsonicpunkx]

Excellent review Joe. You by far put out the best creative videos. Also, looks like this KZbin business has been paying off for you. Love the crib and the red theater seats. Great review but way out of my price range. I have two 15 inch Def tech subs that I’m hoping to replace with the older 15 inch monolith subs. But what can I do to get the best results from my subs?

[@Chingon1]

If you really wanna get down and have the space, make a tline box!

[@xsonicpunkx]

@@Chingon1 what is a tline box?

[@Chingon1]

@@xsonicpunkx Google it brolio, basically it’s a big ass box that acts like a big long port and it supposed to sound great!

[@brahmeshtripathi4100]

The port plugs be like : NO , no no no we are NOT going in there.

[@davidlewis8124]

That was very funny ✌️

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Angela: There is no time where that level of bass in appropriate in your home. Monolith: Angela was never our friend.

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

If Monolith wants her on their side, they will need to make an actual coffee-table-looking sub enclosure for a center piece.

[@troymyers5181]

Yes, I want one. Excellent video, answered all my questions regarding output and quality. I'm sold.

[@DonaldLeandroII]

Hey Joe, great vid! What do you think about the 12" version of this sub? How much of an improvement would this be over the 12"? Thanks.

[@jameslarson2277]

Hey Joe, very nice review. Looks like you got the review unit that I had - sorry for the scratched-up amp plate. I picked it up (not by myself) and my belt buckle dug into the paint as I loaded it into the car. Sorry for the damages! When Hobie asked if I wanted to review it, I asked how much it weighed, and his quote was far less than it actually did weigh! It was an honest mistake though. It is very difficult when you have to drag these huge subs downstairs, upstairs in a car, out of the car, etc. I am trying to stay away from these monster subs, but it isn't easy when the manufacturers really want their flagship models reviewed above all.

[@joentell]

Thank you for everything you do! Thanks to your back for holding up! I was imagining how much work it takes to bring that giant sub into an open space to do the CEA 2010 testing. Did you get any weird looks playing those test tones in that space? I'm sure the sound can travel a good distance. 🤣

[@LJRockstar]

Joe this was awesome. Really funny. I want one now! My current home theater room is way smaller (spare bedroom), but it's tempting.

[@mk1mcqueen277]

Great video specially that intro. A question can this sub be used wireless?

[@Charlesbjtown]

Yup, sure can. All you need, is a wireless adapter.

[@PumpUptheJam81]

I love this sub. It is chill as can be then ferocious violent when needed.

[@BusyDadsWorkshop]

That was the best intro yet!

[@keithpayne1882]

Great review as usual! To big for my space, I have 2 definitive technology super cube 2000, for the size, style and power. Dual subwoofers are the way to go!

[@edwardsanchez3708]

I have 4 def tech supercube references. I've never heard any of their other subs

[@unknownkosmos1822]

Intro was amazing ❤️👍

[@davemccague222]

Luv that intro Joe. hilarious. I have a dedicated room approx 23 x 12. I’m running two Svs Pb 4000s which are fine but I really think I need to be running 4 subs due to a bass null at my listening area. Also the size of the 4000 is huge with very similar dimensions to the monolith. I am considering maybe running four Svs sb3000s instead. There size dimensions will allow for more flexibility and I will be able to move them around on my own. What do you think and are there other brands I should be considering. I value your opinion. Keep the videos coming.

[@joentell]

I really think SVS and Monolith are great values. I know people like other brands, but these are safe bets.

[@gordoa172]

Awesome INTRO!!

[@LifeofBliss]

YES!!! That opening was awesome! 😂🔥🔥🔥

[@nuggyfresh6430]

haha. big ups for the opener. Cute kids man.

[@veronicap6320]

Hi, Joe, I just found your KZbin page and I've been watching a lot of videos re: speakers as I need different speakers for several rooms in the house. Your videos are terrific! Last year, I took an audio recording class, and that ruined me. So, now I need better-than-decent to great speakers, depending on where I need them and what I want them for. I wanted to ask you to please, if you would, include classical orchestral recordings in your speaker review. As you know, those recordings are recorded differently than other music, and classical's frequency range is more extremely than contemporary music. Classical orchestral music is what I mostly listen to throughout the day and I frequently watch live performances on T.V. So, if you could throw in some classical when you're testing speakers, it would be so appreciated. Thanks so much. LOVE your videos!

[@amor1965]

Thank you for the review and the funny segments too. Based on your review and Audioholics, I'm probably going to get 2 of these subs for my new build. In fact, I've been thinking of doing a full Monolith setup with towers for LCR, bookshelves for surrounds, and in-ceiling for a 7.2.4 Atmos experience.

[@RockCity1111]

Epic opening scene!! 😎

[@dvvaughn564]

How many windows did you have to replace after they were blown out?

[@jackrosati1438]

I honestly can't imagine what this sounds like. I was really skeptical when they announced these, but it looks like a monster.

[@Coffeedad]

Love that into. How would the 15 inch monolith thx sub compare? Would it be a good buy? Or should i save up more to get this sub?

[@joentell]

I would imagine it performs similarly

[@nicgee1737]

Joe, just got two of the Monolith THX 10’s. Curious as to what settings you used when first hooking up the sub to receiver?

[@jaismohamad1497]

😅😅😅 the opening scene is hilarious. Cute girls you have there. Reminds me of my granddaughters. You give some good advice about compatibility with other speakers. Good job.

[@greggramig910]

Joe, if I wanted to disrespect my neighbors ... Just received the 12"150W subs and well, even at their diminuitive size and power, they can disrespect in an apt 12x17 great room with adjoining open kitchen 10x9 (12x12 w/o appliances), neighbors probably not too pleased!!! But, I want these Monolith 13". A precurser would be a home in the middle of 4 acres.

[@joentell]

That's awesome!

[@TheWarlordNinja]

I love thundering booming bass that's vibrates

[@marcusmcmurray77]

Cute kids! Great intro

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

Love this Monolith 13 sub. I have a "cute" SB-3000 and I have only used the app one time when I received it. So I "set it and forget it" so to say. Also, all EQ I do in Dirac. What I'm trying to say is that a fancy plate amp with app function and multiband EQ is as you say only usefull in 2ch setups nowadays.

[@joentell]

I love the SB3000. That thing digs!

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

@@joentell yes, it sure does. But I cant help fantasizing how much more bass i will get with a Mono 13 thx. :)

[@jeevangopal482]

That intro was fucking sick, it got me so hyped up, I almost bought one 🥴

[@Taylorgang420k]

Great intro

[@krislatty1136]

damn thats crazy bass!

[@Domaudeo]

WAF is always the real compromise when we're shopping for a sub ;)

[@keving1774]

What are you driving it with and how did you hook it up?

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

LOVE the intro!! 😂🤣 great work my friend!!

[@wilfredkioko2669]

“As a coffee table, maybe” 🤣🤣🤣

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

LOL awesome intro. First time channel viewer

[@alcozar5905]

Been waiting for this 👀👀👀👀👀👀!!!!!!! Those babies are going to be music enthusiast 🤣🤣🤣!

[@gregorybond2859]

Monolith THX Ultra 10" Lot of people where complaining below 30 Hz they were getting a lot of port noise chaffing. Did you have that problem? I am wanting to buy two of them but if I do not like them it will cost me $240 to return them.

[@joentell]

I don't have that issue. Think of it this way: if there's enough bass coming out that it's reaching creating turbulence at the ports (chuffing) how loud is the sound relative to the sound of the port chuffing. You will only really hear chuffing if you're playing bass below the limits of your human hearing, or if you're in a null.

[@shaner3d]

Incredible intro!!!

[@corkydukeII5898]

LOOOOOOLLLL ! "As a coffee table"!! Too funny

[@pierrecastanets1974]

Hands down your best intro! Lol

[@joelopez7459]

I'm curious about subwoofer power, like how it scales with the volume knob..............how much is ideal for a certain room/woofer? On mine I only leave them at 10o'clock even though it's usually recommended to put it at 12. They mention how most amplifiers are fine for the average listening environment but nobody really talks about subs and wattage. Heck the sensitivity of the driver is never even listed in the specs.

[@KPAki1Ler]

I'm going to be moving into a semi-detached home soon. I own a pair of Klipsch RP 8000F speakers w/ RP600C + RP400m. Would this subwoofer (13" THX Monolith) pair well with this set up? given the type of house, would it be too much bass? 1600cu ft. living room (5.36m x 3.91m x 2.2m)

[@texasbuzzard4970]

Loved the intro

[@DrewHawken68]

That intro was hilarious!! :D Great job!

[@altops4490]

my 24 year old Velodyne still serves well enough, bought new at circuit city lol what old sub do you still use?

[@SpecOfTech]

Lmao, loved that intro man. Great video brother...cheers.

[@movieman247]

love the intro

[@HTtimperry]

Epic intro!!!

[@goobisoft4873]

Lol that intro is the best

[@MeTuLHeD]

Nice review. "Hugher" is not a word. :)

[@josephlee6470]

I think this is your funniest video.

[@daltonnewbold5874]

my question is since its mainly oriented towards theater how does it preform with music i suppose its accurate but is it somewhat responsive or is the driver just soo big its too much weight to stop

[@Untilitpases]

This is an awesome video! That's what hobbies are all about. Keep winning man!

[@gtoutdoors1197]

OSD FS12 is dual ported 12", 600 Watts RMS, about 60-65 Pounds hits 18 HZ, and just $299. Won't compare to this Monolith or SVS PB 1000, but it's $299 "CEIDA level 4 standards met"

[@Gamez4eveR]

Can't wait for the Monolith THX Dominus 18" and 21"

[@smurfie8412]

Mono 16 is dominus, monoprice just didn't want to pay the licensing fee

[@ubacow7109]

Have you ever compared any of the Rythmik subs?

[@B.A.Audio.]

I have two of the Mono15’s, do you think this 13 is a worthy upgrade or wait for the 16? Not that I really need to upgrade but I can’t help but desire these new babies!

[@TylerStout]

Probably something else that would provide you a greater improvement over getting better subs. Such as a calibrated microphone with REW, room treatments, miniDSP 2x4 HD to EQ room issues, or better room correction. I got a UMIK-1 and was able to get significantly better results just by repositioning my subs based on the measurements I took and then I purchased the 2x4 HD and was able to remove a lot of the resonances and peaks that I had from my room in order to get a pretty good response which is better than my room correction could do.

[@joentell]

Do you feel you need more? That probably sounds amazing!

[@maincharacter2677]

Wait for the 16s trust me you don't want to regret anything.

[@lavalleur]

This looks awesome! I would love to disrespect my family and neighbors. They may get upset, but at least I won't hear it :)

[@Mabeylater293]

Awww they’re cute!!!!!!!😍

[@cuttingiii]

Awesome intro!!

[@Smellslikegelfling]

I'm looking at these Monolith subs and the only problem I have is that I don't think they'll be easy to fit in my living room. I want two subs, and the Monolith 15 V2 is on sale for $1200 each. That's a fantastic value compared to many other subs on the market, especially considering the performance. Or I could get a couple of SB3000 for about $1100 each, and they would be much less intrusive. However, my problem is that I have an open living space with high vaulted ceilings. All total probably over 5000 cubic feet. Anyone have ideas? All signs are pointing to the larger ported subs with more output, but my room is pretty narrow.

[@alambe7275]

SVS bro SVS!

[@jelv.4142]

That is a great idea! It CAN double as a coffee table 🤔

[@TexasCorgiGun]

Great video Joe

[@uceddiemo]

Great Video, I was Blown Away by the six and output, it does seem Subwoofer Technology has really taken off, the output today wasn’t available 10 years ago at this price

[@ajithjose9759]

Can it be used against home intruders to blast them away?

[@justinhampton1016]

If the rated power is accurate along with the claimed 28mm xmax, I'd say it's worth the money. You might be paying a few hundred dollars extra over building a passive sub but that's pretty impressive...even at 1600 dollars

[@grandmasteraj855]

I’m here for the thumbnail.

[@HumperMKB]

Cool production

[@Guy-zt1eb]

Do you think it would be better to to have two matching subwoofers instead of two different brands sealed or non sealed

[@joentell]

Yes, it matches better if you can. All of my subs are different though. With good room EQ, it can sound pretty cohesive, but better if they're the same

[@Guy-zt1eb]

Thanks for the reply

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Love it - I wish.. ( but I wish for a lot - better off working for it) - Great review..and added humour. Enjoyed this one dude. =)

[@donjaun540]

OMG cute baby girls 💞. Big woofer and box.😮 👍

[@godhand6510]

I just hope it doesn't have amp issues like the Ultra 15 getting a dead unit 2 times in a roll is bad. So i went with the pb16 but this has peaked my interest. Might sell the pb16 and get 2 of these if the inforsonics are as good or better then the 15, (which i never got to hear because they were DOA). My wife wont let me get to pb 16's but this might just work....lol

[@JesusSaviorking]

Nice review