Is this too good to be true?

[Blair387]

Yeah I was reading about quite a few people having problems trying to buy those monolith amplifiers cuz they've been in short stock everywhere. But I just checked the Monoprice website and they have the 7 channel amp in stock for sale for $1729.

I've been leaning towards this amp for a while now and kind of heading away from the emotiva stuff but I know the emotiva brand is super popular.

Stop wondering if I should just go this route for now and purchase this amp and stick with my Yamaha AVR for the time being to do the processing and to power 4 in ceiling Atmos speakers. I know that won't put too much strain on the AVR, but then I can power my other 7 channels with 200 watts each from the monolith amp.

I've watched quite a few reviews on YouTube about the monolith amplifiers and I know they weigh around 95 pounds which is just insane. But from what people say, ATI actually builds the amps? I'd actually never even heard of ATI until fairly recently after doing this research but it sounds like they've been around a long time and they know how to build a good quality product.

 

[Kleinst]

Realistically, he's not going to be able to get retail price for something that's used even if it is unopened and I question that a little. But still, I wouldn't buy anything used for much more than 50-60% of full retail. You get too close to full price then you might as well just buy from Emotiva and know that you could return if something is wrong in the near future and you could trust the warranty (whatever they have). $3,900 for a Craigslist item kind of would scare me although I've missed out on some things I wished I'd bought. I'd offer him way cheaper and make it a great deal for you. If he won't take that then move on and it's for the best. Monolith 7 plus a Yamaha AVR or Pre/Pro would be plenty good and you would have full warranty and support if something isn't right.

 

[Pogre]

For quite a few years now I've had just a paradigm Millenia 20 Trio on the front left Center and front right. And for my surround I have the ADP 390 is which is a dipole surround speaker. And for my sub I have an old SVS PC12 I belive.

I used to have 4 in ceiling paradigm speakers as well that I used for rear surrounds and two atmos channels. So I had a 7.1.2 system total.

But I had to sell that house earlier this year and I left the ceiling speakers in place. So right now, I'm currently living temporarily with some family, so I only have my original 5.1 paradigms with SVS sub.

But I'm really doing a lot of research in a major overhaul to my next system. New speakers all around, leaning towards some massive JTR speakers and sub. I hear nothing but real good things about them. And all these years I've only had an AVR to power everything, but I'm really considering going the separates route. I've heard that using an external amp really does wonders for your speakers instead of an av receiver?

The last couple years I've been running the Yamaha rx-a3070.

Sorry for the long winded response.

Ah ha! So aesthetics are important then? Paradigm do make great speakers, but have you considered a different form factor? I keep asking about it because if you have the budget for a $3900 amp system, that much put into speakers would make so much more impact for you as far as major improvements in sound quality. Nice amps are nice but once you have enough clean power going with the high dollar upper scale stuff is more window dressing than anything it might add performance-wise.

I think the Monolith amps are very nice (I have the 7). Plenty of good, clean power (more than published), built like tanks and not as expensive as some of the others. They're also built by ATI, who've been in the game a long time and know what they're doing. You could get one of those and still have budget left over for some pretty nice speakers. If form factor and placement are an issue tho, I'm not so sure.

There's always subwoofage to explore too...

 

[Blair387]

Ah ha! So aesthetics are important then? Paradigm do make great speakers, but have you considered a different form factor? I keep asking about it because if you have the budget for a $3900 amp system, that much put into speakers would make so much more impact for you as far as major improvements in sound quality. Nice amps are nice but once you have enough clean power going with the high dollar upper scale stuff is more window dressing than anything it might add performance-wise.

I think the Monolith amps are very nice (I have the 7). Plenty of good, clean power (more than published), built like tanks and not as expensive as some of the others. They're also built by ATI, who've been in the game a long time and know what they're doing. You could get one of those and still have budget left over for some pretty nice speakers. If form factor and placement are an issue tho, I'm not so sure.

There's always subwoofage to explore too...

That's why I wrote in my post that I am currently doing research on doing a major overhaul to my whole system including speakers and then I was looking into eventually getting jtr speakers. Right now my current living situation I'm kind of in between places so currently all of my speakers are wrapped up in boxes for the time being. But eventually I'll probably end up selling those off so I can upgrade the rest of my gear.

 

[Pogre]

That's why I wrote in my post that I am currently doing research on doing a major overhaul to my whole system including speakers and then I was looking into eventually getting jtr speakers. Right now my current living situation I'm kind of in between places so currently all of my speakers are wrapped up in boxes for the time being. But eventually I'll probably end up selling those off so I can upgrade the rest of my gear.

For most of us the rule of thumb when it comes to budgeting for a system is to put the bulk into your speakers and subs. Like 60 - 70% of the budget. JTR make some pretty kickass speakers and a totally different form factor compared to what you have now, so I'd say you're definitely open to ideas!

I personally think (and quite a few others here will agree) that 4k is an awful lot to spend for amplification. You can achieve much better results shifting the focus (and budget) into the speakers (subs too, they're just big speakers). A good midrange AVR will power most speakers with decent sensitivity to very high spl and sound good doing it. Just make sure it has a full set of preouts so you can add more amplification should you choose to down the road.

I started there, with a good AVR, then got the amp quite a bit later once I got my speakers and subs sorted. And honestly I can't say I noticed any improvements or differences when I added it other than my AVR running much cooler and I started getting braver with the volume... lol. I went into it knowing I was making a superfluous purchase and didn't expect any improvements, but... I wanted an amp!

 

[mtrycrafts]

Well I responded back to the seller and asked why exactly are they selling them especially since they've never even been opened? But they didn't really go into much detail about that, they just said that they can't use them.

And I asked how long they've had these for, and I was told a few months and they have almost a full warranty remaining.

As suggested, and, ask for a picture of the box and serial number. With that you may be able to ask Emotiva about those components, where registered etc.
Yes, something just doesn't sound right.

 

[Blair387]

For most of us the rule of thumb when it comes to budgeting for a system is to put the bulk into your speakers and subs. Like 60 - 70% of the budget. JTR make some pretty kickass speakers and a totally different form factor compared to what you have now, so I'd say you're definitely open to ideas!

I personally think (and quite a few others here will agree) that 4k is an awful lot to spend for amplification. You can achieve much better results shifting the focus (and budget) into the speakers (subs too, they're just big speakers). A good midrange AVR will power most speakers with decent sensitivity to very high spl and sound good doing it. Just make sure it has a full set of preouts so you can add more amplification should you choose to down the road.

I started there, with a good AVR, then got the amp quite a bit later once I got my speakers and subs sorted. And honestly I can't say I noticed any improvements or differences when I added it other than my AVR running much cooler and I started getting braver with the volume... lol. I went into it knowing I was making a superfluous purchase and didn't expect any improvements, but... I wanted an amp!

Well that $4,000 you're talking about is for an 11 channel amp and the xmc-2 amp, not just the amp alone. Yeah I wouldn't be spending $4,000 on a amp by itself either.

I just thought it sounded like a good deal because that amp on emotiva is website sells for $3,000 by itself, and the 11 channel amp is another 2000. And he's asking 3,900 for both

 

[Blair387]

As suggested, and, ask for a picture of the box and serial number. With that you may be able to ask Emotiva about those components, where registered etc.
Yes, something just doesn't sound right.

Here is the actual link to the Craigslist listing. He does have both the boxes. But I'm pretty sure the serial number is not going to be on the box itself normally it's going to be on the actual device itself.

Emotiva XMC-2 and XPA-11 GEN 3 - electronics - by owner - sale

Brand new unopened, package deal, My loss is your gain XMC-2 True Audiophile Sound Quality...

seattle.craigslist.org

 

[Blair387]

Well that $4,000 you're talking about is for an 11 channel amp and the xmc-2 amp, not just the amp alone. Yeah I wouldn't be spending $4,000 on a amp by itself either.

I just thought it sounded like a good deal because that amp on emotiva is website sells for $3,000 by itself, and the 11 channel amp is another 2000. And he's asking 3,900 for both

And just checking the jtr website and the speakers that I'm looking at getting, just for the towers alone for the fronts they are $2799 a piece. So if I buy two or possibly three of those for my front 3 plus all of the surround and Atmos speakers and sub then yeah I'm going to be well into a big chunk of budget for my speakers alone. So in the long run $3,900 for the amp and processor really isn't going to be a big portion of the budget

 

[Blair387]

And I guess I forgot to clarify this guy lives just a little over an hour drive away from where I live. But whenever I bought anything off Craigslist in the past I usually always try to convince the other person to try to meet me halfway somewhere

 

[Movie2099]

And just checking the jtr website and the speakers that I'm looking at getting, just for the towers alone for the fronts they are $2799 a piece. So if I buy two or possibly three of those for my front 3 plus all of the surround and Atmos speakers and sub then yeah I'm going to be well into a big chunk of budget for my speakers alone. So in the long run $3,900 for the amp and processor really isn't going to be a big portion of the budget

Just based on your JTR speaker list and wanting a 7.2.4 setup, you're going to look at dropping
$15k-$25k if you went all JTR. Speakers and subs. I have JTR listed as a potential setup for a second home theater and doing that will cost around $25K for speakers and subs. They are not cheap by any means, but they are very nice and will sound amazing.

Keep in mind the XMC-2 is not an amp. It is a processor. If you like Monoprice poroducts, you should look into their 16- processor they just released late last year. Its around the $4k mark. It is made my ATI. It has some pretty solid reviews and I would trust the customer service more with monoprice over Emotiva if anything were to ever happen. You could do a whole Monolith setup if you wanted. So $4k for processor and another $4k for amps. Get some decent cables and you'll be set.

 

[Blair387]

Just based on your JTR speaker list and wanting a 7.2.4 setup, you're going to look at dropping
$15k-$25k if you went all JTR. Speakers and subs. I have JTR listed as a potential setup for a second home theater and doing that will cost around $25K for speakers and subs. They are not cheap by any means, but they are very nice and will sound amazing.

Keep in mind the XMC-2 is not an amp. It is a processor. If you like Monoprice poroducts, you should look into their 16- processor they just released late last year. Its around the $4k mark. It is made my ATI. It has some pretty solid reviews and I would trust the customer service more with monoprice over Emotiva if anything were to ever happen. You could do a whole Monolith setup if you wanted. So $4k for processor and another $4k for amps. Get some decent cables and you'll be set.

Yeah I realize the xmc - 2 is a processor. I was responding to someone else's comment regarding me spending $4,000 on amps. And I was responding to that person saying that $4,000 is for the 11 channel amp plus the xmc processor. Because I'm not going to spend $4,000 on an amp alone. An earlier I checked Monoprice website and they have the 7 channel amp in stock for around $1729 I believe.

And I also just got some good news a few minutes ago. I have a friend who's going to be buying something from me for about $3,200 so I should have a that money by this weekend, that I wasn't expecting.

 

[Kleinst]

I don't think it's unreasonable to think that guy has to take a $1K hit trying to resell those. It's just as likely legit as not. But you just take a risk and spending $4K on gear that might or might not break down and be covered. If it were $1.5K that's a different story. Sounds like it's worth pursuing some other options with those $. Can't go too wrong with an Monolith 7

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't understand the unopened thing myself....I always check for stuff to be operational soon after receipt. Does appear the warranty is easily transferable by the original buyer, though. I don't particularly think I'd go for this gear myself, and part of that is because of Emotiva rubbing me a bit wrong for long term support issues I've seen posted (including the owner of Audioholics' own experience with their top of the line amp).....but I don't need it either. The JTR speakers would do fine with your Yamaha I'd think in any case.

 

[Blair387]

I don't think it's unreasonable to think that guy has to take a $1K hit trying to resell those. It's just as likely legit as not. But you just take a risk and spending $4K on gear that might or might not break down and be covered. If it were $1.5K that's a different story. Sounds like it's worth pursuing some other options with those $. Can't go too wrong with an Monolith 7

Yes I've heard pretty much nothing but positive things about the monolith amps. I know they have their own processor now too but I haven't done too much research into that.

I put out a different topic a couple weeks back asking for everyone's advice on what I should do in regards to getting a new processor or not? My current Yamaha AVR powers 9 channels, but can process up to 11. But I guess one way or another you need an external amp to get those additional two channels of power.

But like I said before my end goal is probably going to be a 7.2.4 system and I was going to use I monolith 7 channel amp for the 7 Main and Surround speakers at then probably just use the AVR to power the four in ceiling Atmos speakers. That would definitely take a lot of strain off of AVR and those aren't used all that much anyway so they don't require a ton of power unlike the rest of the main surround system

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes I've heard pretty much nothing but positive things about the monolith amps. I know they have their own processor now too but I haven't done too much research into that.

I put out a different topic a couple weeks back asking for everyone's advice on what I should do in regards to getting a new processor or not? My current Yamaha AVR powers 9 channels, but can process up to 11. But I guess one way or another you need an external amp to get those additional two channels of power.

But like I said before my end goal is probably going to be a 7.2.4 system and I was going to use I monolith 7 channel amp for the 7 Main and Surround speakers at then probably just use the AVR to power the four in ceiling Atmos speakers. That would definitely take a lot of strain off of AVR and those aren't used all that much anyway so they don't require a ton of power unlike the rest of the main surround system

Your current speakers may need a ton of power, but if you go JTR with their high sensitivity designs I'd try the avr alone first.

 

[mazersteven]

And just checking the jtr website and the speakers that I'm looking at getting, just for the towers alone for the fronts they are $2799 a piece. So if I buy two or possibly three of those for my front 3 plus all of the surround and Atmos speakers and sub then yeah I'm going to be well into a big chunk of budget for my speakers alone. So in the long run $3,900 for the amp and processor really isn't going to be a big portion of the budget

So in other words. FALSE ALARM!!! No Purchase Going on Here

 

[Blair387]

So in other words. FALSE ALARM!!! No Purchase Going on Here

Yes. I told the seller that I was going to have to pass. I'm really thinking about going with the Monoprice monolith amplifier. I have my heart set on the 7-channel and then letting my AVR power my 4 Atmos in-ceiling speakers. Or I wonder if I should just pay extra for the 11 channel amp? I really do like the 200 watts per channel on the 7 channel amp, but on the 9 and 11 channel monolith amps they do 200 for the front three of than everything else is 100 watts I believe. Which is probably still more power to each channel than what is provided by most modern avr's today.

But speaking of that, does anyone out there have a receiver like mine that states it can process 11 channels but only powers 9 of them? The manuals kind of confusing on how to set that up and how to configure it properly. If I stick with my current AV receiver and get a 7 channel amp and I would have to use the pre outs on the AVR correct? But I'm not positive where I would plug in those 4 Atmos speakers into the back of my AV receiver then?

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes. I told the seller that I was going to have to pass. I'm really thinking about going with the Monoprice monolith amplifier. I have my heart set on the 7-channel and then letting my AVR power my 4 Atmos in-ceiling speakers. Or I wonder if I should just pay extra for the 11 channel amp? I really do like the 200 watts per channel on the 7 channel amp, but on the 9 and 11 channel monolith amps they do 200 for the front three of than everything else is 100 watts I believe. Which is probably still more power to each channel than what is provided by most modern avr's today.

But speaking of that, does anyone out there have a receiver like mine that states it can process 11 channels but only powers 9 of them? The manuals kind of confusing on how to set that up and how to configure it properly. If I stick with my current AV receiver and get a 7 channel amp and I would have to use the pre outs on the AVR correct? But I'm not positive where I would plug in those 4 Atmos speakers into the back of my AV receiver then?

Well does it matter what an avr can put out simultaneously really? Does real world content demand that? I have a Denon 4520 that's got 9 ch of amplification and with an external amp capable of 11ch processing (but not Atmos, so I can have in addition to traditional 7ch format a set of wides and front heights). Looking at the back panel in your manual it appears to be quite flexible in amp assignment but you'd probably want to check thru the speaker setup section starting on page 142 for any particulars.

 

[Kleinst]

Yes. I told the seller that I was going to have to pass. I'm really thinking about going with the Monoprice monolith amplifier. I have my heart set on the 7-channel and then letting my AVR power my 4 Atmos in-ceiling speakers. Or I wonder if I should just pay extra for the 11 channel amp? I really do like the 200 watts per channel on the 7 channel amp, but on the 9 and 11 channel monolith amps they do 200 for the front three of than everything else is 100 watts I believe. Which is probably still more power to each channel than what is provided by most modern avr's today.

But speaking of that, does anyone out there have a receiver like mine that states it can process 11 channels but only powers 9 of them? The manuals kind of confusing on how to set that up and how to configure it properly. If I stick with my current AV receiver and get a 7 channel amp and I would have to use the pre outs on the AVR correct? But I'm not positive where I would plug in those 4 Atmos speakers into the back of my AV receiver then?

Personally, and probably for no good reason, I like my amps to have 200 WPC. Those Monolith 9 and 11 AMPS simply split some of the original Monolith 7x amps in half (non technical terms I understand) delivering 100WPC for some of the channels. You know that's probably just fine. But they charge a good bit extra for doing that. I'd rather buy the 7x and maybe a 5x and spend a little more with all channels 200 WPC. Or simply use your Yamaha to drive a couple channels plus the 7x. But that's just me.