Monoprice THX AAA Portable _(Z Reviews)_ Portable Insanity

[@ZReviews]

This unit was suppose to appear on Amazon but they seem to think its either a CB or Medical Equipment.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@BlurryKnyght I don't think you've even seen what it looks like. No, it can only be attached onto fiio products that already have detachable amp modules. The only ones that do in the current line up are the x7 and q5, as well as the upcoming q5s. All of which are much more expensive than this.

[@johnyang799]

no matter how good thx is fiio isn't making good amp for their dap

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

John Yang The amp module is produced completely by thx. Fiio only works with thx to make it compatible with their products, the internals are almost the exact same as this (using two aaa-78 chips), only its fully balanced. What the fuck are you on about?

[@mtyx01]

I will wait until Z reviews the Q5s, and if he says it is better or on par with this one. Until then I will hold my purchase decision. Also, I am waiting for Z to review the FH7, and also make that purchase or not.

[@alberts.3631]

@@mtyx01 good idea but isnt the q5s gonna be like 200 more? Imagine the FH7>Kanan Pros?? So many people are finna be mad lol.

[@Scottdvz]

A year ago Monoprice had an open box unit for $199, I had to get it and it was mint condition. I was debating between a iDSD Micro Black Label and a Chord Mojo, your review and the fact that it has incredible EQ capabilities sealed the deal for me. Still one of my favorite portable headphone dac/amps.

[@jfopps]

I feel like monoprice should put out a program for windows and/or macos for this unit and the desktop amp, so you can make all of your EQ and other settings on the PC and upload the settings to the units. Feel like that would be significantly more intuitive.

[@federicogiller5741]

Great review. I just got mine - your description was incredibly accurate to the experience. I am ecstatic with the purchase. I use Sennheiser HD 650' s. The fact that I can control the sound with such precision is just incredible. This little AMP brings them to life, WOW!

[@danielstinebaugh5485]

We had the same reaction for that shutdown animation! That sold me right there! LOL another fun review, thanks for all you do!

[@Morpheusninetwo]

Great reviews brother!! Lovin it! You make me feel like I am listening to some sort of audiophile Jack Black.. What ever the case keep on keeping on!

[@bilelbeavis977]

Received my topping nx4 recently and I'm blown away by that thing, listening with sivga sv007's and only having to go up to about 12'oclock on low gain before my head explodes so thank you very much for both of them recommendations, I really am not interested in my fiio q1 mark 2 now but this thing seems on a whole other level. Peace

[@JD-kr1dt]

Me before this review “ I love my Ha 2-se” After this review “ fuck this piece of shit” I need THX with AAA

[@dcime1]

I love Z. Sometimes I just don't know if he's kidding or serious. Basically Z said that this Monolith just crushes everything else he owns or has heard in this price category. Ok. I gave it a try. And all I can say is THANK YOU Zeos! I love you man!!!

[@Kingkhan0440]

What headphones do u use?

[@hemeon]

My wallet hates you, but you also need to compare these to where they would stand vs desktop equipment. The price range is enough where people may have to choose between the two, y'know?

[@talan7442]

Bout time. This is the only amp I’ve been using for the past couple of months. Btw, you can use shelf eq on both bass and treble (I do to add bass and treble) and on top you can add peq on top, say for the mids. You can tailor each headphone with what it’s missing.

[@noahandky3019]

Absolutely correct. I spent some good time going through all the adjustments and found the sound I was looking for and then some. Now that I have this, I can now just go about trying different iem's. Just recently picked up some BGVP DMG'S with this....yeah, I'm done for awhile.

[@lysholmrado]

Owned this since November. It's my go too everyday

[@azathpopolus6655]

How is it holding up for you?

[@JMAudioEditions]

@@azathpopolus6655 you dont find it supper noisy? try Etymotic ER4 and you will hate that amp

[@frykauf]

Monoprice needs to make an android app for connecting to this and using it with phones and DAPs. And very short (maybe even 90 degree) usb-c to usb-c otg cable. Just connect it with usb and it would have all the controls and settings on a normal screen, you could shut of the volume knob, use smartphone's music library, bluetooth, it would have a good driver to connect it to the phone as external dac/amp. Streaming services, dlna, etc. It would make a lot of sense.

[@NiSHAN256]

You're missing the high/low shelf with the high/low pass filters, the first is just an extended EQ, the second is an extended pass or cut of certain frequencies.

[@kai-jf2vd]

does it compete with desktop amp/dacs. I've never really been that interested in portable units but Zeos you got me, this review hyped me.

[@twenisix]

My Monolith THX AAA Portable battery bloated and doesn't hold it's charge anymore. Any idea which battery replacement is best ? Anybody ? Thanks

[@butsukete1806]

This amp sounds great as long as the connectors aren't falling out and rattling around inside, gotta RMA this thing every 6 months.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Z, there's a new model of the q5 called the q5s. It has the same dac chip as this, only two of them. But more evidently, you can get thx 4.4mm amp module to put on it. Granted, in total that would cost you $500 ($350 + $150), so we'll see.

[@ZReviews]

I know, I can't funking wait!

[@buster7618]

Yessss

[@tichyzishh3379]

Well it has bluetooth, I reckon if this came with it then it would cost 500 too 🤔

[@Shozimus]

I love my Q5...and I will blind buy the Q5S with AM3D...still It would be fun to watch the Z review of it, before I buy it :)

[@springbay1]

And we that already own both the Q5 and X7ii will only need to buy the new AM3D amp module. But I'll probably also buy the AM3E as well for the convenience of running both 2,5mm and 4.4mm balanced from the same amp module. Have to wait until the release in May though.

[@landocal0]

Really surprised this was still in stock.

[@AlexRocksYourSox]

Happy 1 year anniversary to this video! Should I buy it then? xdd

[@EvanZamir]

How does this compare to the Monoprice Monolith 788 THX desktop amp/DAC combo?

[@samb1239]

That’s what I want to know

[@frykauf]

It would be great if you could pull the volume knob up and it would lock hard. Like when adjusting time on wrist watches. And it would be quite hard to pull up for lock but very hard to pull down for unlock.

[@m4nc1n1]

I have the ES100 and thinking of getting an amp to go in front of it. Just not sure what one to get. Thinking about this one or the "Drop + THX AAA 789" or the "S.M.S.L SP200 THX AAA-888". Only consern i have is the ES100 amplification. I don't think you can turn it off and not sure what to set the volume at

[@jasonbuttens]

And sold! Thanks Mr Z Sir! Cheers!

[@BKathos]

Enjoyed the review Zeos. I lol'd when you were talking about how well made the headphones were, right before the earpads fell off hehe. Keep up the enthusiasm. You're reviews are fun to watch!

[@tempurarocky9171]

Alot of other reviews dont seem to give as well of a description of these...

[@johnellison3173]

finally! Ive been looking at picking this up for a while

[@JMAudioEditions]

dont bother - it is all hype and hardly quality. and it doesnt work with apple digital out

[@markrobinson5034]

You turned me on to the thx aaa portable, so much so I have ordered one via ebay, due to arrive in a couple of weeks, thank you Z🙂

[@Riel93]

Just got my NX4 this morning. Very very happy with it so far

[@undeadgamer2347]

Do either of you happen to have the Verum 1s? I'm stuck between this and the NX4, but this has an output impedance of .7 ohms , while the NX4 has .3 ohms

[@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju]

At 10:42 You know it was recorded a while ago when he says "Klipsch HP3:just got these in"

[@chicken133221]

Bought this. Love it. Thank you. Use it with my seinhauser hd600. Noob question incoming, should/ could I use it to power desktop speakers?

[@TertyWerty]

IF ONLY IT HAD A BALANCED OUTPUT!!!! D:

[@topside3]

It will be interesting to see how the new Fiio Q5s with the AAA THX amp module will compare. The combo will be $220 more, but at that point would the blue tooth and balanced capability of the Fiio be worth $500?

[@Sanjarih]

FiiO Q5s with the THX AAA Amp Module may be the only portable option that can rival this. Can't wait for June

[@xEvan1987x]

Yeah, At $500 F-In Dollar, it better be. RIGHT!?

[@tichyzishh3379]

Well it's a bit smaller and has bluetooth plus you can swap out amp mod, kinda more attractive?

[@MrBonger88]

Yeah I can’t wait to see a comparison between the two

[@ernestoditerribile]

They should make it have 10 memories for different headphones and max volume in the next firmware update

[@kettlez3892]

i've got one of these, the headphone jack has snapped and is rattling on the inside of the unit. I want to find out how to dissemble it and replace the headphone jack. Dissembling doesn't seem straight forward. I cannot find a replacement port. Although watching this video I have seen that you can use it through USB OTG and optical which seems like the only way that I could use it but would prefer to remove the loose metal piece in the portable amp in-case it decides to cross with something it shouldn't and blows up.

[@Thevikingcam]

Got it and yes Z is right. The BEST portable AMP/DAC easily. It may make me sell my +1000€ Audio-GD NFB 28 AMP/DAC. It is better than 90% desktop AMP iw heard too :D

[@turbomustang84]

I've watched Zeos turn it off like 20 times. That's what he is very good at.. Making me want something I don't need LoL

[@0s0sXD]

Hey zeos, I bought HD 58x Jubilee headphones and I'm looking to combo them with an amp & dac. i thought these look like a fantastic choice but i want to stick them on my desk and use them for my computer permenantly, i thought that would just kill the batteries after 2 years of my constant daily use and then the amp would not be portable anymore or maybe wouldn't function as it's suppose to cuz the batteries are fucked. what do you think should i get it or get something like JDS labs atom

[@ticco8926]

Amazing review, Monoprice THX and BTR3/ES100 for ultra Portable. Keep up the Humor

[@davidc1892]

How does this compare to the Woo WA11? Do either of them stack up against the sound quality of a desk top setup like the Magni/Modi?

[@TuckHayward]

Got mine yesterday, here's my take. I spent hours blind testing myself with a Sescom A/B switcher: iPhone SE 3.5mm output vs. MacBook Air usb to the THX Portable. Playing the exact same songs via iTunes on each device at the exact same time and the exact same volume, then twisting up the cords a bunch and plugging them into the switcher so that I had no idea which was which. I tried dozens of different tracks, many genres from classical to metal, full spectrum of audio and recording qualities. M40X's, HD58X's, and HD650's. Switching back and forth listening as intently as possible desperately trying to hear any difference in sound. ABSOLUTELY NONE. Half the time I couldn't even make a guess as to which was the THX because they literally sound 100% exactly the same. The other half of the time I thought MAYBE I could hear a very slight improvement in one, so I checked which it was and it was the iPhone just as often the THX. The only time the iPhone was SLIGHTLY lacking in power was with quiet tracks using the HD650's. All this said, the THX portable sounds absolutely phenomenal, It's also indistinguishable from an iPhone... This is my own personal experience and yours may be different and that's great. However, I strongly recommend everyone BLIND A/B tests themselves before making any claims about anything. Snake oil and placebo are real.

[@RodneyGurdal]

If I'm not planning to go anywhere with it, is this good for desktop use? Or should I spend the extra $200 more than the Monolith THX Desktop DAC/AMP?

[@MichaelSiroshtan]

The best review intro: "Oh, schiet!" 😅

[@jay108D]

Another inspiring late night drunk Z review that makes us all spend money

[@keithjones1924]

Is that just a standard optical wire input? Looks like a special kind of wire cause its just a hole its now square with the two 45 angles on one side.

[@randalllawkin]

Man monoprice is killing it

[@damienvalites5455]

I just recently became interested in amping a pair of headphones. I'm looking for something really nice value wise that I can use for mixing that is also portable (the DAC combo with this is a big plus). I have the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm headphones for mixing but I definitely feel like I could drive them more. I do my vocal recordings with DT 770 PRO 80 ohm headphones and I like the way they sound (for recording vocals) when running them directly from my RME Fireface UCX (feel no need to headphone amp the DT 770's when recording vocals though). So obviously I already am an "RME Fan" but after paying $1350 for the UCX, I think the RME ADI-2 is extremely expensive and overkill, especially because I have a nice pair of studio monitors. I became interested in the Topping L30 because I heard about some of the guys in studios using it when mixing on headphones. Is this Monoprice Portable gonna work well when doing my mixes with the DT 990's?

[@davido810]

Great review , the more I watch this channel, the more confused I get about my next purchase!!😂 I was settled to get the archel pro and dac but now.....

[@bradd5961]

Z, how would this go with decent IEM's (eg Unique Melody Miracles). Could I emphasize mids or bass interchangeably? I'm looking for a portable version that can do something similar in terms of EQ to something like the Schiit Loki.

[@lok777]

What does THX add or do to the amp? like what is the difference- if this product had a version that was a non THX amp what would be the difference between that and this, the "thx enabled" version?

[@MrJhuang999]

If they could do a software update to lock the volume knob that world be awesome . Free wheeling volume knob does sound scary

[@gustavocohen2816]

hi, first off: i love your reviews (even when they are a bit over my head! lol). would you pick the monolith thx portable over the mojo for electronic music? i listen to a lot of IDM. your input would be greatly appreciated! best, g.-

[@Mani-aX]

what bookshelf stands are those! ? love the look and size of them.

[@SuperBROKEN81]

What's better? This or the new FIIO Q5s TC with the AM3D amp?

[@jfopps]

Just received mine. Hans Zimmer, Mountains, +5.0dB, t60rp. I cried.

[@jkey0356]

Ha that soundtrack is one of my fav's what headphones were you using?

[@jfopps]

Fostex t60rp

[@joshchacko7729]

Great visual on that crossfeed expansion. Hats the fucking fuck of to you sir. 🧐🎩🎩🎩

[@polaricebear80]

You never talked about it what came in the box? I’m thinking of getting it and was wording what wires came with it. Thanks in advance.

[@Utkarsh_A]

3:56 Can you please review the THX module for the Q5 pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and compare it with this.

[@seltzertronics2538]

How does this compare with the iFi Micro iDSD BL?

[@carlitosway7654321]

Would you prefer this portable amp or a jds labs Atom with a dac?

[@chad2524]

Are you gonna review the q5s?

[@tichyzishh3379]

Argh why no BT? Missed opportunity right there me thinks 🤔

[@mikkol79]

O behold. The blessing of the Z!

[@asaruxiii3026]

Wait, so can I use this for my iems on the go portable? As far as the knob I have an xduoo so I know the pain of the volume easily turnt way up while in your pocket.

[@redleader7988]

I consider the volume know too sensitive. I like fine control over the volume.

[@Adam-qs5ir]

Love it. A link to watch War Games.

[@-havoc-tzu-3197]

Watched the first 30 seconds and bought one.

[@tenveri]

fiio is coming with a thx portable too though

[@JMAudioEditions]

@@tenveri I just got mine and reboxed it up- its all hype- the Oppo HA-2SE is far supperior and unlike this does digital out from iphone ez. This will not do digital out from iphone at all. They want you to use analog out from dongle! lol. What piece of work both Z and this product is- plus it makes digital noise through my etymotic in ears. tons of noise- RF rejection is nonexistent in this POS

[@rsdno]

Hi though I can't be a pandrones member until December ,do you still like the Monoprice Monolith ?

[@gypsygib]

I hope more amp/dacs come with eq.

[@lorcro2000]

I'm going to wait for the FiiO Q5s with their AAA module and wait for reviews. It's $350 which is well past my own pain point for anything mobile but we'll see. The specs are eyepopping anyway, on paper. And Q5 owners can of course just pick up the amp module for theirs if they don't want to upgrade to LDAC and all that other Bluetooth hotness.

[@samk.871]

Please need help in knowing what cable/s I need to purchase along with this DAC, To connect to my MP3, PC, etc. Thanks

[@letsgobrandon6545]

type c to micro usb cable

[@samk.871]

@@letsgobrandon6545 would you be please to give me a link for one?

[@jaycrusnik6620]

Real good Port/DAC powerful paired with AEON FC, blue tacked an MPOW bluetooth 4.2 w/AptX receiver and it's golden lol.

[@f.m.f962]

"A little... T H I C C" or so he says.

[@Joe-if5rq]

Please help can't decide. I need a powerful portable headphone amp will be using in anolog mode only if it comes with a dac that's fine. Here are my choices don't know what to get monoprice thx aaa, xduoo xd-05,topping nx4 dsd,onkyo dac-ha200

[@tedmanasa907]

Great review, Zeos. I have a Dragonfly Red. Is the Monoprice THX AAA circuitry an upgrade over that to drive planer Oppo PM-3s?

[@bobcoco6047]

For sure it blows the Red out, it's on the Chord Mojo level of quality! But now you can wonder how it compares to the Cobalt... I'd bet it's still better, but the fight would be much closer, & the form factor of the Cobalt makes it unbeatable on that category (portability), while the Mono *thx has features... & not the least.

[@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju]

You know the review's gonna be good when it's 34 minutes long and the wallpaper is *that hot!🔥*

[@tpacalypse]

Is this better than the CHORD MOJO or IFi Xcan? Anybody here knows?

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Does the EQ ing can be done while still playing the music so we can monitor the change? Also, you don't really use the Fiio BTR3 for your portable Bluetooth needs anymore?

[@jasonmelo9379]

Is there 3.5 to 5.5 optical cable? I'm trying to use my Chromecast audio.

[@jussimattsen4583]

Have you had a chance to hear the new Monolith Desktop Headphone Amp/Dac yet?

[@DaBomb5309]

should i get this or the element 2? cant decide between the two

[@SirGrey]

Damn, I wonder how well this will go with the Verum 1's...

[@mclement052164]

Can it drive a Sennheisee HD6XX well? What about Audeze LCD2?

[@thump3r]

wow that funny my lg v50 has setting similar to that. it add dtx surround but you can fix it front, wide or side to side. it seriously works and makes a big difference. its takes my iems from amazing to amazing in a different way haha

[@sammcguckin4828]

Hi Z, What are your current choices for a DAP? Could you add a DAP/portable and IEM section to your rocmmendation lists? Please and thank you. Kind regards, Sam.

[@fernandotous9567]

Is this better than the EL AMP from JDS lab???

[@dae8894]

I would also like to know

[@human__________]

is it possible to connect this to an external volume dial so it's more comfortable to use on a desktop?

[@colin8601]

Wait I'm a dumb newb. What is the use case for these? Portable dac/amp/storage?

[@LDBaha]

I know this is a Dac/Amp but how does it compare to the Fiio A5?

[@DeathbyBambi]

So this can easily replace my sound blaster g6 amp and dac? Using it with dt990 pro 250 ohm mainly for music and gaming

[@bl0xy]

I have same question but im using the mmx300

[@pennfootball71]

does it have the power to drive the ZMF Aeolus with some headroom?

[@ludacrisdt]

I’m powering my Fostex T60rp with Radsone’s EarStudio ES100 single ended perfectly fine. Please review the ES100 and be on the look out for future Radsone products.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Another vote for the EarStudio ES100. Excellent BT receiver/transmitter. I'm powering the Sendy Aiva's with them now, but have also powered the ModHouse Argons.

[@bilelbeavis977]

@@JeffJacquesmd I'm so confused between this and the es100 with upcoming birthday money lol obviously want both cos they serve different purposes but seriously does the es100 rival this for sheer power?

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Tyler Durden the THX AAA has more sheer power. I prefer it personally. The ES100 is very good, especially balanced and is key for BT freedom. Horses for courses Hope that helps

[@bilelbeavis977]

@@JeffJacquesmd Jeff, I haven't asked you a question for a while, but I got the tin P1's and was a bit disappointed with the power my thx portable gave to it, would a desktop amp give me any more advantage over this for harder to drive stuff? I'm getting into headphones a bit more lately? Thanks

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Tyler Durden probably. I have a Cavalli x Massdrop CTH which drives the ModHouse Argons effortlessly. Consider picking up a desktop amp if the THX portable isn’t doing it for you.

[@m4nc1n1]

Would you buy this or the SML 200?

[@emix1010]

Why is the Cayin amp upside down?

[@zunayedtashique5543]

The URL for the product doesnt work. Can you provide a working link please?

[@gregoryhopkins144]

Made it 30% through watching before I bought one. Watched the rest afterward. Can't wait for Wargames.

[@kyb4649]

Can I tether this dac to something like Loxjie stereo amp?

[@darrellross8609]

Dear Z, "Battery Question". I use the THX Portable desk only, never on the bus. Can I use it usb charging at each use, or will that really mess with the batteries' life? Congratulations on RMAF. Love the red shirt, Best, D. from STL.

[@derzulya]

I bought IFI iDSD Nano BL just a month ago. Why now Zeos? :/

[@tenveri]

the iDSD is a fine product