Monoprice Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Vtory, Apr 4, 2018.

  1. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    Good things come to those who wait. Amps I’ve waited for we’re the best I’ve owned
     
  2. elwappo99

    elwappo99 Friend

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    20180608_120858 (3).jpg


    Got an update on the initial production units. Both the Spark and the Platinum.

    I'm digging the subtle monolith and cavalli logos recessed in. They seem like they beckon back to the original classy Cavalli chassis more than the Carbon did with the white logos.
     
  3. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    But how does it sound?!?!??!
     
  4. dropadred

    dropadred New

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    Quite a silence surrounding these for some time now, is it not?
     
  5. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    ETA is (currently) early Oct. Prol silence will continue for at least two months unless Monoprice sends several beta units to sbaf's senior ears. Or, maybe there exist some embargo restrictions.
     
  6. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    Yeah this is something I'd sign anything for an early listen. The polarity of it being a Cavalli and Monoprice joint product. Cavalli brings a mostly positive opinion, and the often negative opinion (not me, but many) of Monoprice tends to leave a bad taste (i.e. the Audeze knock off ear pad debacle).

    Make for an interesting science experiment if a mass manufacturer can take something a small house was forced to charge thousands for, and only charge hundreds...
     
  7. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Should be possible.

    Not only economies of scale at work, as well as optimising for large production, but they're also using an smps to get it to Mjolnir prices.
     
  8. sahmen

    sahmen New

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    Any updates on possible LPS models that can work well with this unit? I am not an expert in deciding such things simply by looking at specs, so having actual examples of 36v LPS units that actually work well for audio amps, or are likely to work well would be really helpful to me.
     
  9. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    This is about three months late, but Monoprice hasn't been that bad with their audioshit lately (their Orthos aside.) Their subwoofers are actually pretty damn nice.
     
  10. dBel84

    dBel84 Friend

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    From the thread over at HF = not bad at all for a customized LPS.

     
  11. roscoeiii

    roscoeiii Acquaintance

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    Hopefully someone with more LPS engineering experience here or on HF can weigh in on the features you'd want to see on a custom LPS in order for it to provide a big step up from a LPS.

    Looking forward to the release of this Platinum, and further listening impressions.
     
  12. dBel84

    dBel84 Friend

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    the biggest difference in custom is being able to request a desired voltage output with sufficient current.


    [​IMG]

    I just assumed that this used a simple LM317/337 type regulator but just took another look - this is not a simple LDO regulator , looks like those are rectifiers on the small heatsinks and mosfets attached to the bottom of the chassis. It would be good to see some specs on this supply but I cannot imagine it will perform poorly.

    To build such a thing from parts alone would cost more than the $110 that they are offering for a group buy.
    - transformer ~ $30
    - Chassis ~ $30
    - parts ~ $50 - $80 ( including PCB )

    add shipping in from multiple vendors and you will quickly be looking at much more.

    Perhaps this would be a good investment from SBAF to send to yoda atomicbob.

    ..dB
     
  13. sahmen

    sahmen New

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    Might it be a good idea to ask the folks at sbooster, if they might be interested? I used one of their LPS units on my Logitech Squeezebox touch, and the transformative effect has been just phenomenal!
     
  14. m.i.c.k.e.y

    m.i.c.k.e.y Facebook Friend

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  15. westermac

    westermac Friend

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    Cavalli Liquid Spark is now in stock at Monoprice: http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=33304

    Going to give it a go and see if it can dethrone my Magni 3 as budget utility SS amp. I enjoyed the original Liquid Spark when I heard it some years ago, moreso than the Liquid Carbon. It sounded snappier and more engaging.
     
  16. HotRatSalad

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    I was on the throne when i got the stock notification email. Spark ordered ! Is there a spark thread ?
     
  17. westermac

    westermac Friend

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    Nope, not yet. I'm sure someone (maybe myself) will start one once units start shipping out.
     
  18. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    TMI
     
  19. westermac

    westermac Friend

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    Went ahead and ordered an (Acopian) LPS since the Spark shares the same voltage (and similar amperage) requirements as the Liquid Platinum, which I plan on getting as well. I'm anxious to see how both units can be improved with a better power supply. The MCTH made me a power supply believer.

    EDIT: It just occurred to me that by the time I get my hands on the Liquid Platinum I will have 3 different Alex Cavalli amplifiers produced in partnership with other companies. So glad Alex decided to begin licensing his designs after closing Cavalli Audio so that his excellence in amplifier design can live on at more accessible price points than were possible with his own operation, putting them within reach of so many new people!
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2018
  20. ohshitgorillas

    ohshitgorillas Friend

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    Here's hoping the LP+LPS (LP^2S?) will be on the level with TOTL amps. It has the potential to save me and a lot of other people a small fortune in the quest to acquire an endgame amp (HD800 SDR+Anax and Atticus).
     

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