Monoprice
Monolith by Monoprice Desktop Balanced Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology
Best desktop amplifier for audiophiles seeking pristine, high-resolution sound.
Experience unparalleled audio with the Monolith by Monoprice Desktop Balanced Headphone Amplifier and DAC. This premium device boasts dual THX AAA™ 788 amplifier modules and an ESS SABRE® 9038Q2M DAC for exceptional clarity and power. Immerse yourself in expansive soundscapes with Dirac Virtuo spatial audio and enjoy high-resolution streaming thanks to MQA compatibility. Designed for all headphones and IEMs, it offers versatile balanced and unbalanced connections, delivering remarkably low noise and distortion for a truly refined listening session.
$498.54
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 733
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Amplifier
2788
/ x THX AAA™ modules
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking pristine, transparent, and noise-free sound reproduction
- Listeners powering demanding, high-impedance planar magnetic headphones
- Budget-conscious enthusiasts wanting high-end performance at a lower cost
Who should skip it
- Modern listeners requiring Bluetooth or versatile analog connectivity
- Design-focused users wanting a premium, compact aesthetic
- Users with limited desk space or poor ventilation
Performance breakdown
Amplification Power
Massive output drives even the most demanding planar magnetic headphones effortlessly.
Signal Clarity
THX AAA technology ensures an incredibly clean, noise-free listening experience.
DAC Precision
ESS SABRE architecture delivers exceptional detail and high-resolution audio fidelity.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input and output options accommodate any professional desktop audio setup.
Spatial Audio
Dirac Virtuo creates a convincing, expansive soundstage for immersive media consumption.
Build Reliability
Robust construction backed by a generous three-year warranty for peace of mind.
Key Specs
Amplifier
2x THX AAA™ 788 modules
DAC
ESS SABRE® ADC ES9820Q and ES9038Q2M
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.0005%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
> 110dB (A-Weighted)
Maximum Output Power (32Ω)
3120mW (Balanced)
Playable Frequency Response
1Hz ~ 40kHz ±0.5dB (96kHz input)
Dimensions
8.7" x 7.8" x 2.0"
Digital Inputs
USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU
Features
- Industry-leading THX AAA™ amplification
- Immersive Dirac Virtuo spatial audio
- High-resolution MQA streaming support
- Versatile balanced and unbalanced connections
- Designed for all headphones and IEMs
- Exceptional low noise and distortion
- Premium ESS SABRE® DAC
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Monolith DAC and Amplifier for its exceptional value and technical performance. The integrated THX AAA technology delivers an incredibly clean, transparent, and neutral sound signature with immense power and a near nonexistent noise floor. This fidelity allows subtle musical details to emerge clearly, driving both sensitive IEMs and demanding planar headphones effortlessly. While some find the accuracy analytical, most value this neutrality for achieving absolute fidelity. Combined with its robust build quality, users feel this device offers performance comparable to much costlier high-end equipment, making it a highly recommended purchase for serious audiophiles seeking technical excellence.
Know before you buy
Yes. The Monolith is designed to handle a wide range of gear, from power-hungry full-size headphones to highly sensitive in-ear monitors, thanks to its low noise floor and high output power.
Yes, it features built-in MQA compatibility, allowing you to decode and play back high-resolution MQA audio files directly from supported streaming services.
THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology is designed to reduce harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortion. This results in a cleaner, more transparent sound that stays true to the original recording.
No, this unit is strictly a dedicated headphone amplifier and DAC. It does not include preamplifier outputs for controlling external speakers.
You have plenty of flexibility with USB, Optical, Coaxial, and AES/EBU digital inputs, making it easy to connect to a PC, CD player, or other digital audio sources.
Dirac Virtuo uses spatial audio processing to create a more immersive, speaker-like soundstage. It helps move the audio 'out of your head,' making the listening experience feel more natural and expansive.
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