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. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    ^ Yeah...

    I think it depends on your gears and how they interact with the supposedly higher noise floor as well. For instance, I have sensitive headphones (IEMs and full-size and stuffs) that when plugged into the stock amp with SMPS will produce a bit of audible hiss. Using LPS, this is down to almost inaudible levels even with super sensitive IEMs.

    Also, I have a Jensen ISO-Max as well and I'm guessing the transformers just don't like the floating ground of MCTH, so there was quite a bit more noise with ISO-Max being used. Using LPS is an obvious improvement in that case regardless of the headphone.

    If you don't find yourself using super sensitive headphones or Jensen ISO-Max, I don't think you have to cry about it.

    Maybe I should put that in the MCTH's thread...
     
  2. dmckean44

    dmckean44 In a Sherwood S6040CP relationship

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    That's what the jumpers on the back of the ISO-Max are for, you should be able to find a setting that works with the floating ground of the MCTH.
     
  3. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Tried all of the combinations. Nothing helped. The noise is an inherent and real problem with MCTH in this case.
     
  4. m.i.c.k.e.y

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

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  5. m.i.c.k.e.y

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

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  6. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    not entirely surprising or interesting given the history of KG and Cavalli. TLDR Cavalli and Schiit are shit and cheap and, did I mention shit?
     
  7. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I'd like to describe his comments there as "rude", not "interesting".

    Regardless of his knowledge and experience, KG's comments (along with spritzer's ones) are nearly trash (bad attitude + hardly evidenced + naively reasoned), showing no hint of professionalism - truly great experts respect others work in the same industry, sometimes too conservatively. Maybe OK for texting between friends, forum post? definitely no.

    EDIT: dislike because the link may potentially waste people's time.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
  8. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Yeah, I went browsing around that place. Lots of very vitriolic personalities. Think I'll stay away.
     
  9. JustAnotherRando

    JustAnotherRando My other bike is a Ferrari

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    Regardless of how skilled or respected in the industry some of the members on that site are, the way some of them have conducted themselves has made me never want to have anything to do with their products.

    Which was something that did come into play the last time I bought an amp.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
  10. m.i.c.k.e.y

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

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    KG's comments, however rude, (given his knowledge, experience and contributions to the audio community) I think is valid. How many of us here really know this stuff?

    Interesting for their criticism and attitude towards Alex Cavalli's design principles.

    As a potential customer I want be informed what is this all about and remain open about it (thus shared the link).
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
  11. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I am not sure whether you understand their comments or not.

    If you understood, please justify why KG's argument is valid IN SBAF.
    If you want to know what they meant, ask there. They will kindly answer to your questions.

    Share any links here only when you are convinced that referring to them is NOT NOISE.

    P.S. Please think about how Amir and Jude are regarded here. I see virtually no difference.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
  12. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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  13. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    Then buy a GSX Mk2 and be done with it. That's basically the criticism you are reading there. This is just history repeating itself...

    edit - His opinion is Chevy bashing on Ford, or Burger King bashing on McDs. Let a loaner tour of this thing happen, and let the masses decide. At least we have the luxury of being able to buy one whenever we want, unlike on Massdrop...
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2018
  14. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    He's just salty because despite all his wisdom, the GSX Mk2 sounded like absolute garbage. Like smearing old honey on a piece of sandpaper and rubbing it on the taint inside my ears.
     
  15. Erikdayo

    Erikdayo Friend

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    Wonder how it sounds paired with a Sabre DAC and T1 gen 1.
     
  16. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I pity the fool that finds out. Worst HD800 experience ever...
     
  17. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Alex's comments are only rude, but every amp designer has to make some tough decisions, otherwise make an impractical amp in size and cost. Some just chose that compromising path in a different way. That's what makes it fun for us, otherwise everyone would be making über purist Class A amps..yawn.

    Everyone should know Gilmore is all class A or bust, so anything outside of that he will trash. He's not off on his limitations, but changing any of that would seriously change the design and price and size. So, whatever.
     
  18. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Eh, if it was only just GSX Mk.2.

    I have listened to many versions of the KGSSHV, including one that was supposedly built by Spritzer himself. Let's just say I don't like any of them, out of any headphone (used a variety of Stax... and I used to own a SR-007, too), and I actually considered buying a KGSSHV at one point but after listening to it, I decided to let the idea go.

    Having great electrical knowledge does not equate to having good ears. Just like making a great electrical signal amplifier is not the same as making a great audio/headphone amplifier, but eh... this is just piling on now.
     
  19. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Didn't like GSX2, and didn't hear KGSS series. But BHSE (I guess this is also KG's work, right?) via 009 was kinda nice to my ears, although I was not convinced by its hypes, crazy prices, and super long lead time.

    Like Bill-P, long ago seriously considered to purchase KGSS or KGST for myself, hoping it might be an improved bhse. It didn't happen in the end.. feeling very relieved now.
     
  20. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    It's been established long ago that people who need to shit all over someone else's work are incredibly insecure, which in turn should tell you how they really feel about their own product.

    Lets keep the discussion to this amp...WHEN IT COMES OUT OR IF YOU'VE ACTUALLY F*CKING HEARD IT!!
     

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