Monoprice Monolith Amplifier Full Review

Monoprice has been a high quality low cost supplier of tech goods for several years. Now they have released their own audio amplifiers, check them out in this video!
#Monoprice #Emotiva #Amplifier
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To find out more about Monolith Amplifiers use this link:
Monolith 2 Channel - amzn.to/2ArAz6h
Monolith 3 Channel - bit.ly/3hxZLcB
Monolith 5 Channel - bit.ly/2Na6nQu
Monolith 7 Channel - amzn.to/2zIsSIw
Monolith 9 Channel - amzn.to/3cC8Huq
Monolith 11 Channel - amzn.to/2AuriKN
To find out more about Monoprice Products use this link:
amzn.to/2N15c7K
To find out more about Emotiva Processors (MC-700) use this link:
bit.ly/32xO25Q
Monolith 10 Subwoofer Review: • Monoprice Monolith 10 ...
Purchase the Monolith 10 - amzn.to/2AxWUiP
Purchase the Monolith 12 - amzn.to/2Z7nsSj
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Links to my home theater setup
Front Left/Right: Klipsch RP-260F - amzn.to/2MaM8An
Center: Klipsch RP-440C - amzn.to/2Jy8v0E
Surrounds: Klipsch RP-150M - amzn.to/2kZN8eo
Atmos Speakers: Energy Take Classics 5.1 - Purchase amzn.to/2l0ubbs
Subwoofer: Hsu Research VTF-2 MK5 - Review • HSU Research VTF-2 MK5...
Speaker Stands: Sanus Basic Series - amzn.to/2JrPb5q
Speaker Wire: Monoprice Access Series 12 AWG CL2 Rated 2 Conductor - amzn.to/2y4btcT
AV Receiver: Denon AVR-X4400H - amzn.to/2JuznyM
External Amplifier: Monoprice Monolith 7 - amzn.to/2ZXrTvu
4K UHD BluRay Player Sony UBP-X700 - amzn.to/2V8CimO
Television: TCL 55" 6 Series - 55 Inch: amzn.to/2QUvKsN
65 Inch: amzn.to/2QRS9XX
Television Stand: Z-Line Flat Panel 3 in 1 TV Mount System - amzn.to/2Lys9N0
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[@wdamonkey]

After years of using just an AVR I’ve decided to venture out to the Amp world. So I’ve done a lot of research and listened to a lot of talking heads here on KZbin and elsewhere. My head was quite literally spinning. You, my friend, have given the most comprehensive yet simplest explanation of all. Congrats on a great review/video. I now know which way to fly. Thank you!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thank you 🙏🏾! I’m happy to help. 😊 I hope you enjoy your new setup. Don’t forget to subscribe!

[@dakudakota8502]

Hi you know what class amplifier is this?

[@waltkuiland9341]

@@dakudakota8502I believe it’s an AB amp.

[@whatarushlod]

I’ve been looking at amplifiers with the same power that cost twice as much as monolith amps! This review has totally changed my mind!! I’ll be ordering mine asap!! Thank you for your review!!! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to share the videos! 😁

[@d.l.2401]

These Monolith Amplifiers are made by ATI /Amplifier Technologies Inc. I have 2 ATI AT2505 amps. They weigh in at 105lbs each. Rated at 250 watts into 8 ohms and 375 watts into 4 ohms all channels driven. These are 20 years old and still working great. About a year ago I replace all the 12,000uf 80volt power capacitors as there was one leaking and some of them were beginning to bulge. Cost me under $200 for the replacement Capacitors. Should be good for another 20 years. ATI makes amplifiers for several companies. I have tested these specs using Dummy Load Resistors and measuring using Multi Tester and O-scope and can confirm they easily exceed the the ratings.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for the testimonial! It's great to hear a piece of tech equipment lasting so long!

[@MrElchav]

I wouldn't buy an amplifier that's 20 years old!

[@muddyriverdogz]

@@MrElchav Be like buying a car that was 20 years old. Just a matter of time before it leaves you stranded and or takes a shit on you.

[@xsonicpunkx]

Hey DL I also was going to Purchase a used ATI 2505 but instead went with the monolith. How do you think this monolith fares again the older ATI 2505. Turns out I wound up receiving 2 of these monoliths… long story but I might keep both and do some bi amping or return it or sell it. Thanks

[@sidvicious3129]

Monolith isn’t playing here, they are continuing to come out with new products. I see two channel and turntables next, wow. I’m glad that you pointed it out that the power was cleaner and clearer. There is no AV receiver that will ever compete with a stand alone amp for power especially across multiple channels. There are too many compromises made in a receiver, while an single amp only has one job to do amplify a signal and do it well.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yea Monoprice is NOT playing! It's interesting to watch their growth.

[@iTz_RaptorV1]

I just bought this thing and it's a monster amplifier. Heavy as fuck and puts out raw power.

[@danieldelgado8153]

Thank you for your awesome review. I am getting the 7 Channel Amp tomorrow. I am hooking it up to my Yamaha 3030, Tekton Encores, B&W Center and SVS Ultra Surrounds.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Nice! Let me know what you think of it

[@danieldelgado8153]

Super Happy with my amp. Would highly recommend it to anyone. Thanks again. Be safe. Hope to upgrade to a pre pro soon. Looking around.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for the update! Happy to hear you like it and happy to hear the journey is continuing (pre-pro) 😁😁😁.

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

Nice, now i understand how to hook up amp to receiver to get those channels to produce their own power seperatelly from the main reciever to get those rear channels sounder louder and more full. Id turn it up just abit more to hear the rear and or height channels. I need the pre outs first.

[@williamjohnson6102]

I like the demonstration between that and the Denon. Thanks for that!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@swizzronny8603]

What a marvelous review .So clear and precise.Thank u

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@stephencosta6814]

It looks to be a very good sounding amplifier very solid specs and nearly a hundred pounds wow great presentation great articulation from your review thank you so much keep up the good work

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks!

[@AleutianDrones]

Thank you very much for the education. I’m completely new to audio and I’m learning a lot.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@luiserasmo]

I subscribed by your soft and calm voice.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks!

[@TheBsavage]

Great video. You speak well and have a pleasant voice & delivery. You get into the basics of some concepts without overwhelming the easily overwhelmed (not a problem I suffer from). I have a high-end Yamaha integrated receiver + amplifier, and despite how well reviewed the Yamaha is, in reality it's integrated amplifier is really bad. It can't handle 4 ohm loads (oops, all my speakers are 4 ohms) and when pushed it shuts down due to thermal problems (probably the 4 ohm load issue. Yamaha only supports down to 6 ohms). I also have a mid-level Denon & a high-end (for them) Kenwood. I think the Yamaha sounds better than the Denon, but that Denon is a more well-rounded & better thought out receiver. The Yamaha, despite how good it sounds (when it's not shutting down due to overload), it's feature set, ergonomics, and user interface are an insult to humanity. The specifications of these Monolith amplifiers are astounding, and the price is unmatched by anyone. PLUS THEY'RE MADE IN AMERICA in Montebello People should be aware that because these amplifiers actually put out so much power, they also consume a lot of power. That's how I look at amplifier specifications: I don't care what the liars in marketing say the amp will do, tell me how much power the amp draws & I'll tell you (roughly) how much it'll really put out. If it's a 5-channel AB amp rated for 145 watts a channel, and the label by the AC jack says the amp is rated to draw 500 watts, the amp is NOT going to push 145 watts simultaneously into all channels. It defies the electronics. The amp will struggle putting out 145 watts into just two channels at once. Check the power draw these Monolith amps are rated for. It's A LOT.

[@richardsmith6708]

The monolith seemed ok at 200 watts! I have a emotiva at 250 watts! Sounds fuller and deeper bass with my Onkyo and Kef towers!

[@robertmcelfresh1031]

You might want to take a nice AV Receiver and a $500 box system that claims "1,000 WATTS OF POWER" and run people through all the specs to show the box system is roughly 40 wpc if the same criteria was used for both. Most people do not know how to read the amplifier specs.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

That would be a good video you're right!

[@Zoranurai13]

Home Theater Hobbyist or just blow up a “1000w” htib system with the amp😂

[@m4nc1n1]

RadioShack RCA's on a $2000 amp lol. You made my day lol

[@theranova99]

Im in an apartment and can probably not use more than 25 watts of sound. Which Monoprice would you recommend?

[@starwarsfan7371]

Can I ask you why you chose Monolith over Emotiva?

[@michaelscarola50]

Excellent review! Do the benefits of the more open and detailed sound appear at lower volumes?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes, especially if your speakers are less sensitive say 86db

[@michaelscarola50]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist My speakers are original USA made M&K 750THX LCR and M&K 550THX Surrounds. The 750THX are 4 ohms and the 550THX are 8 ohms. I use a pair of 550THX for surrounds and a pair of 550THX for the height(ATMOS/DTS-X) channels. I'm not sure of the sensitivity so I sent Ken Kreisel an e-mail and asked him.

[@GregoryJKeyes]

How would you compare this compared to the outlaw 7ch? Which one has better SQ?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Unfortunately I haven't tried the Outlaw so I can't say. But if I get a chance I'll do a comparison, no promises tho.

[@aladdinjammal]

Great review ! Could you compare it to your Emotiva basX A-500 ? I know the Monolith is 200w per channel and the Emotiva 80w, but still want to know if there is a big difference in sound with sensitive speakers as your Klipsch that don't need 200w

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Unfortunately the Emotiva was a review unit and I had to send it back. So I can’t do a back to back comparison. Here are my thoughts based on my experience with each: At reasonable listening levels the both are very similar but as you push towards reference level and have scenes with lots of dynamic range the monolith will pull away because it has more output. Hope this helps!

[@aladdinjammal]

Home Theater Hobbyist thanks for the feed back, so your top 3 would be 1 : speakers connected to the monolith 2 : speakers connected to the emotiva 3 : speakers connected to your x4400h

[@sg1ds919]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist I have the Denon X3500H 105 watts two channel and a lot less in 7 channel when watching movies. Im gonna get the Monolith 3 channel for my LCR and let the receiver do the surround sound. I have the Klipsch RP8000F FREQUENCY RESPONSE 32-25kHz +/- 3dB SENSITIVITY 98dB @ 2.83V / 1m POWER HANDLING (CONT/PEAK) 150/600 NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 Ohms Compatible CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 1750Hz HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER 1” Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix® Horn LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER Dual 8” Cerametallic Cone Woofers ENCLOSURE MATERIAL MDF ENCLOSURE TYPE Bass Reflex via rear-firing Tractrix® Port Klipsch RP 404C FREQUENCY RESPONSE 59-25kHz +/- 3dB SENSITIVITY 97dB @ 2.83V / 1m POWER HANDLING (CONT/PEAK) 125W/500W NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms compatible CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 500Hz/1500Hz HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER 1” Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix® Horn LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER Quad 4” Cerametallic™ Cone Woofers ENCLOSURE MATERIAL MDF ENCLOSURE TYPE Bass Reflex via rear-firing Tractrix® Port

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Ok, you’re have a great system and the monolith will improve it. I have klipsch speakers too, since they are so sensitive adding an amp is an improvement but not as much of an improvement as with less sensitive speakers.

[@rmar4346]

Another great review. Thank you!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks!

[@BooYaa253]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Would you please be able to tell me if this amp can be used with 220 Volts in Europe?

[@starwarsfan7371]

I have a question on the 5 or 7 channel amp. All my surround in-wall speakers are 4 ohm speakers. Speaker manufacturer’s recommended amplifier power is rated as 20-200 watts per channel. In the amp specs, I see “FTC Full bandwidth output power at 4 ohms” is 300 watts. Does that mean the amp sends 300 watts RMS to the speakers? Can I power my surround speakers with these amps?

[@Guiltless765]

I think this will be my amp.I currently use 3 and want to cut it down to 1.. Hopefully it can put the oomph to my 6 big Cerwin Vega's.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Hopefully it works out for you!

[@usafr1pilot]

I listen to music quite a bit when I'm at home. My set up at this time is a 901 and an AM-5. Yeah I know! I'm old school. lol! Anyway, I just recently purchased another AM-5 and I want to power those up as well. Is this the amplifier that I would need to power all of them at once? I'm also going to replace my 901 to either Klipsch RF-7 III or SVS Ultra when I get back. Are there any other brand that is similar to what this amp can do?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Sweet setup! 😁👍🏾 The Monoprice should work fine but check out Emotiva and Outlaw Audio. They both make multi channel amps at reasonable prices. Hope this helps and let me know what you decide to do!

[@JMang101]

Thanks for the comparison against a regular AVR. The question ends up being, how do you quantify "depth of image" (10%, 20% etc better audio quality/volume) and is it worth the $1500+ price tag for a 7.1 monolith amp? Quite expensive!

[@stevenp.sparks2953]

$1500 for a 7 channel 200W/per is "quite expensive"?? You need to keep searching for the hobby or interest that fits you, 'cause this is not it......

[@lamarvinbraxton9192]

Are the speaker terminals good sturdy quality? Can I use both 8 & 6 ohm speakers with this amplifier?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes and yes

[@ulissepellegrino7175]

I have 7 svs prime satellites rated at 150 watts rms and a sub. Do you think the speakers can handle 200 watts power from this amplifier? I love your videos.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes, it will be fine. The amp doesn't run 200 watts continuous it only has that power if necessary. For your speakers it means the amp can driver your speakers to the fullest potential.

[@we_two_ours_two]

Why no one compaores monolith with Emotiva ? With holiday deals $200 difference is huge

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I compared them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmKunXamirOnsMUsi=8QUPRTRPvxvUXas2

[@shaolin95]

Isn't the SNR 120db

[@mattgiunt]

Great review but how many watts does this use when its running? Can a regular home plug outlet handle the power when its running

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

It runs fine from a standard outlet. A small home electric heater can run @1500 watts similar to this amp. Great question!

[@mattgiunt]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist So If I have an outlet and the top is powering my Speedwoofer 10+ subwoofer,can I plug the 3 channel monolith amp into the bottom? I have no other options.

[@wahwahdanny]

Hi, May I ask a question about Monolith X11 power amp. On the last page of user manual, I saw that input power = 120 VAC (Nominal), so it can only run at 110v? Or is it actually 100v ~ 240v Take it all? Or is there a switch in the machine that can change the input voltage? Because I want to be able to take it to other 220v areas to continue using it. Thanks!

[@edwardromias9566]

Hello, where would the front Height Atmos speaker connections plug into?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

You can plug the Atmos speakers into any connection just make sure you connect both the speaker wire (going to the Atmos speaker) and the signal wire (RCA or XLR) from your processor/AVR to the same channel on the amp. For example................ On the amp if you choose to use the connections labeled "Surround Right Rear" for the Front Left Height you need to connect the speaker connection (from Front Left Height) to the speaker terminal on the amps "Surround Right Rear" and the signal wire connection from the processor (Front Left Height) to the RCA/XLR connection on the "Surround Right Rear" channel on the amplifier. Hopefully this makes sense it's a little difficult to explain via text.

[@lackr0073]

Nice job, I love this video!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I'm glad you like it, thank you!

[@brewcrewfishing]

Great review!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@jasonsullivan8001]

Are you going to keep it?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yea I'm going to hold on to this one for a while.

[@jasonsullivan8001]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist good choice 👍

[@stevenp.sparks2953]

Great job, man!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Glad you liked it!

[@hdtvkeith1604]

Monoprice makes great products, but my issue with this amp is don't; label the channels on the back. It makes no sense to me to bunch the front 3 most power hungry channels together in the center. I personally would do left and right on the outer most where they get most air and leave center in the middle.

[@shaolin95]

Nice cause I have the same 4400 and just found a great deal on the m7!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Nice!

[@shaolin95]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist just got it $1200 with 3 years warranty left. What a beast it is! Thanks for the video

[@theroachmotel]

Curious if I had say the denon 3500 and got the 3 channel monolith to power the LCR only. What sort of power output would I get for the remaining speakers, both on a 7 channel setup (so remaining 4 channels) and if I also had an 11 channel with 4 of those being atmos ceiling speakers. Thanks!

[@gregrichard9192]

Most if not all av receivers base their output on two channels driven . So with 4 channels remaining you gotta to do the math. It will be less watts output than the advertised 2 channels

[@theroachmotel]

@@gregrichard9192 right but I doubt it's a linear math equation. So if 105 per channel is when at 2 channel, what is with 3 and 4 etc. I read an audioholics review saying 5 channel was around 82w (3600h). So I guess I wonder where I see the other values like 7 channel or 9 channel. Thx

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I haven't tried/tested that one but my guess is 50watts per channel but that's purely a guess.

[@mannynoguera7529]

How do you think this would compare in sound difference (warmer, etc.) and Quality (heard these may hiss at times) compared to like a Parasound A31? Any feedback wondering if the Parasound A31 is worth the extra $1K.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

That’s a great question. The Parasound is very comparable but I haven’t tried the parasound so I can’t say, sorry

[@velocci6666]

Home Theater Hobbyist the parasound is waaaaaay more expensive

[@gauthamv77]

Can you connect 7 speakers all rated 4 ohms? All the speakers are from monolith and the tech support couldn't answer that

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes, it's rated for 4ohm speakers so it should work fine.

[@carlosloko257]

I like to listen to music a lot in my Room I got 7 subwoofer Can it power my subwoofer To bump ?

[@herbertdavid9590]

Can you do a review on your denon. I have the denon avr x4300h. For some reason i want to make sure i have certain settings set correctly as i have as well an external monolith 5 x 2. Ill paypal you for taking the time to donit. As im sure will benefit many of us. Thanks

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Sure, here's a playlist of my Denon stuff, I think I showed my settings in the full review. kzbin.info/aero/PL0qBT6tP91WDeL1E5doplgTrBhaedlsst

[@aperson1122]

Dumb question. Can a subwoofer be connected to this amp? I don't see any connector for sub. TIA

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

No, it can't. Most subwoofers come with amplifiers built in.

[@starwarsfan7371]

I am considering to get Monoprice 5 channel amp. User manual recommends to use at least a 14 AWG. My prewiring was done with 16 AWG. Would it be okay to use this amp? What gauge wire are you using?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

16 should be fine but I probably wouldn’t go much higher. I’m using 12awg.

[@starwarsfan7371]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist thanks for your response! I am hoping the price goes down a bit for Black Friday deals!

[@cybergod77]

disappointing that they didn't go with a universal power input

[@zatara5299]

For the 5x monolith amp, if i play stereo 2 channel, will i still get 200W per channel?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes it can output up to 200 watts per channel.

[@omardelgado9337]

Thank You for the video. I have a question. If I have the 7 channel Monolith running my 7.2 channel system and let's say I wanted to add a 4 speaker Atmos setup. Could I run just the 4 Atmos speakers off the AV and still get good sound since the AV is only powering 4 Atmos speakers? Thank You again

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching and commenting, yes you can run your remaining speakers from your AVR and get great sound.

[@jcelldogs]

Yes, the dynamics of any rear surround back surround or atmos channel speakers program content wont stress any normal receiver as there really is just ambient noise coming out of them, especially if you have the crossover set at 80 hz or so. No stress at all.

[@mikeschneider6339]

how tall is amplifier with feet, thnxx

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Approximately 7.75 inches including the feet.

[@jeremybentham04]

what kind of connectors are those @ 7:00?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Those are QED cables from Q Acoustics. You can find them on Amazon here: amzn.to/3a6hZwA

[@ahmedhashmi3584]

Can we decrease the watts per channel, or that’s something we can’t control?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

You can't do that with the amplifier. All you can do is adjust the volume on the source.

[@phrosda]

Hard to tell from a phone what sounds better.

[@lonniedavis9448]

Where can I find the Monolith 5 for $1,299.00?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Wow! Their prices have gone up since I made that video! Sorry about that! It’s running $1499 now🙁

[@gregoryotoole41]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Amazon price for the 5X as of 8/30/20 is $1,778.18

[@xsonicpunkx]

@@gregoryotoole41 Monoprice website never had the 5 channel amp for $1778.18 i have seen these amps going through the roof on ebay once they sell out on monoprices website. HOWEVER, monoprice has raised the prices yet again on the multi channel amps. as of August 2021 the 5 channel has gone up to $1599. it seems like every time they sell out these amps at record speed they scratch there heads and raise the price another $100. to be fair to Monoprice they started out too low in the beginning. Once the word got out that these were made by folks at ATI and then Gene at Audioholics gave these amps great reviews the prices started going up. I was finally able to get a 5 channel amp a few days ago after trying for about a year to get one. I started out wanting the 7 channel amp but as the prices went higher and higher i could no longer afford the 7 channel and had to settle on the 5 channel.

[@AkilJacob]

I can find a amp or 2.1 receiver that does 200 watts per channel at 8ohms that does not require me to sell my kidneys. Any recommendations for a $500 amp or a sub $700 receiver?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

That's a great question, if you're looking for a good 2 channel amp try this one from Emotiva : bit.ly/2LdF88y, it's under $500. The 5 channel version is just over $500: bit.ly/2UTO7wH. I reviewed the 5 channel version here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imbNenWNpNxmd5o. Let me know what you decided

[@SolidMGSnake]

How much does the electric bill go up? lol

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nativesun7661]

Great review!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks!