Monolith by Monoprice out of stock, what are my options

[EscapeV3locity]

Other option that Peng mentioned was get a good AVR and get three 2220's

Why would I go down the path of of AVR? I was told that separating the processor from the amplifier resulted in a superior separation of sound channels and overall quality. I could have just gotten the Marantx SR8012 and called it a day.

But really, I'd say getting the 7000x now and using it for 7 channels while waiting for a Monolith 5 or 7 could be a best bet.

If I get the 7000x now and 5 x 2220, why would I upgrade to a monolith 5x or 7x? Isn't my setup complete and sounding amazing?

 

[Kleinst]

Why would I go down the path of of AVR? I was told that separating the processor from the amplifier resulted in a superior separation of sound channels and overall quality. I could have just gotten the Marantx SR8012 and called it a day.

Just an option but sounds like getting 2 AMPS might make sense.

If I get the 7000x now and 5 x 2220, why would I upgrade to a monolith 5x or 7x? Isn't my setup complete and sounding amazing?

You would just get the7000x now and not get the 2220's and wait on the 5x, 7x in one scenario. In another get the 2220's and the 7000x if you have room for all that.... Those are two options for you

 

[VMPS-TIII]

D Sonic

www.d-sonic.com

@mazersteven - Have you seen any independent measurements of the DSonic M3a-2800-7?

 

[mazersteven]

@mazersteven - Have you seen any independent measurements of the DSonic M3a-2800-7?

No

 

[EscapeV3locity]

It looks like Emotiva wins on many fronts vs. Monlith in this comparison, why doesn't this forum or site even mention or recommend Emotiva? Did they not send you review samples

 

[PENG]

It looks like Emotiva wins on many fronts vs. Monlith in this comparison, why doesn't this forum or site even mention or recommend Emotiva? Did they not send you review samples

One of the reason could be that this forum tend to pay more attention to objective reviews, that is measurable performance data, instead of subjective reviews/hearsay..

Other reasons would be perceived reliability, customer service such as technical support, warranty handling etc.

 

[PENG]

What about 5 Outlaw 2220’s and a 7000x? Probably already mentioned. Maybe get the 7000x now and just run 7 channels till a monolith 5-7 comes back?

I like the 2220 option better but for 11 channel, not a good idea imo. To me, the Monolith amps are outdated design, too heavy for no good reason. It gets recommended because if weight and space is not an issue, they offer excellent $/Watt, probably the best value available in that sense. The 2220 option suffers the space issue obviously, too many boxes for 11 channels.

Best option imo is to get rid of the AV7705 and go with a cheap AVR that should perform better though likely not audibly better. Sorry about pouring cold water on the OP's prepro in this case, but they are just not good value except on money no object basis, but then there are better ones such as the AV8805 and CX-A5100 (but not a good idea at this late of the cycle). The AV7705 is still a current model so it should be easy to sell, cut your loss. Again, sorry to say that, just speaking my mind..

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...instead of subjective reviews/hearsay...

You mean like, "I could hear a little bit more clarity and detail on the Emotiva probably because the Emotiva was pushing more POWER"?

 

[PENG]

You mean like, "I could hear a little bit more clarity and detail on the Emotiva probably because the Emotiva was pushing more POWER"?

That sounds about right if you put such mild claim through and amp with at least 35 dB gain. The output claim would be more like what you see in reality on forums, or audio magazine websites.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm looking at the Marantz MM8077 (7 channel) and MM7055 (5 channel) amps which will cost me around $4600 CDN. The outlaw MODEL 7000X 7-CHANNEL and 5000X 5-CHANNEL will end up costing $2350 CDN.

I would go with the Outlaw amps over the Marantz.

 

[EscapeV3locity]

You would just get the7000x now and not get the 2220's and wait on the 5x, 7x in one scenario.

I really like this scenario.

I'm thinking of just getting the Outlaw 7000x to power all my mains (not atmos likely this year). Then when Monolith 7x is available get that and use that to power my mains on the floor and bump the outlaw 7000x to power the atmos height speakers.

What do you all think?

I could get the Emotiva XPA-7 now and also the Outlaw 5000x. The Emotiva rep. did say they come with 5 year warranty and if your out of Warranty its ~$300 to service.

I tried to contact Monoprice but there is no phone # I can use to call them. Why would anyone complain about Emotiva's support if Monoprice doesn't even have a phone # to dial??

 

[lovinthehd]

How about these phone numbers? https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact

 

[ryanosaur]

I was really keen on checking out Emo a few years back. Their Amps looked like a great deal! I soured quickly when I couldn't get basic questions answered by their tech guys regarding output of their Stereo Modules as you stack them with other modules.
Their standard XPA chassis has 7 slots. They give you very explicit information about what to expect from the Monoblade modules.
Beyond their technical sales support, I am also long term shopping for a processor. Their XMC and RMC models were flawed out of the gates, and last time I checked, still carried a burden of unfulfilled promises. Once they got measured over at ASR by Amir, they quickly patched the worst of their problems... but still lost many owners to the HTP-1 because it pretty much worked from the get go.
I followed the HTP-1 owners thread for quite a while over at AVS and am pretty much sold on that product now. Monoprice and Dirac Live both had members actively participating in that thread, answering questions and responding to owner concerns, as well as updating the community about upcoming updates.

Regardless... I would not buy from Emotiva at this point. We've seen very shortlived models come and go, stories of customers that couldn't get gear serviced, stories of customers placing orders that went unfilled, stories of buggy and incomplete gear...
That's just my 2 cents.

Regarding everything else...
I agree that an AVR would likely have been a smarter choice, but you have your processor, and so...
I love my Outlaw Mono Blocks. I have 5, they work great. I may add 2 more in time for my main rig.
Monolith would be worth waiting for, I think. By all accounts, their Amps work well and as advertised. Nothing hidden.
I would strongly advise NOT getting more that 5-7 Amp Channels in a single chassis, ever. If you lose 1 out of 11 and you are using them all... what then?

FWIW, My 5 monoblocks are plugged in to a single Surge protector and from there into a wall outlet. I've had no issues with household power running those, my AVR, Subs, and anything else in my room, all off a single 20A breaker.

 

[ryanosaur]

How about these phone numbers? https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact

AH Drinking Game...
Take a drink when you Google That for Somebody!

 

[mazersteven]

How about these phone numbers? https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact

What Numbers?

Due to current events and the safety and wellness of our team members, phone support will not be available at this time. Chat and Email support will be available during regular business hours. Our Store & Will Call will now be Will Call order pick up only as of March 18. Please wait for the “Your order is ready for pick-up at Will Call” email prior to coming in.

We are working hard to respond as quickly as possible and appreciate your support and understanding during these times.

 

[lovinthehd]

What Numbers?

Due to current events and the safety and wellness of our team members, phone support will not be available at this time. Chat and Email support will be available during regular business hours. Our Store & Will Call will now be Will Call order pick up only as of March 18. Please wait for the “Your order is ready for pick-up at Will Call” email prior to coming in.

We are working hard to respond as quickly as possible and appreciate your support and understanding during these times.

Never said they'd be answering the phone....covid gets in the way sometimes.

 

[VMPS-TIII]

Never said they'd be answering the phone....covid gets in the way sometimes.

Sounds like Denon.

 

[lovinthehd]

Sounds like Denon.

Could be...lots of people aren't going into "the office"

 

[PENG]

Why would I go down the path of of AVR? I was told that separating the processor from the amplifier resulted in a superior separation of sound channels and overall quality. I could have just gotten the Marantx SR8012 and called it a day.

That is hearsay.. Some separated preamp processor will indeed be superior, in terms of specs, but even then the better specs may not translate into audibly "better" sound quality. Your AV7705 is not one of those, it does not have better spec that D+M AVRs, in fact worse, significantly worse in some measurements, such as THD+N at output voltage such as 2 V RCA, or 4 V XLR. You mentioned the SR8012, that one also measured not as good as the Denon AVRs, but the SR8015 appeared to have been much improved, with measurements apparently in par with the several Denon AVRs measured. Higher price, and being dedicated, do not automatically mean better performance, I would agree that it should, but unfortunately that isn't the case.

No one is suggesting that you should go down the AVR path, I simply mentioned it as one of the options, and mainly because if you are going to do 11 channels, AVRs can be appealing because the built in amps are often capable of supplying more juice than the surround and Atmos channel need. But again, its just ideas bouncing if your are open to more. You have the AV7705 now so naturally getting a power amp is the simplest path.

By the way, have you taken the important step of figuring out how much power you really need?
If not, I highly recommend you do that, then you can make an informed decision on which power amp to purchase.

Peak SPL Calculator

If I get the 7000x now and 5 x 2220, why would I upgrade to a monolith 5x or 7x? Isn't my setup complete and sounding amazing?

I don't think you have to, Outlaw 7000 plus 4X2220 if that's your choice, will most likely do a good job for you. The Monolith is hardly an upgrade anyway, as I am sure you know 2X the output only amounts to 3 dB "louder", all else being equal.

The most important elements for an amazing sounding set up are the quality of the media contents and the loudspeakers, and subwoofers of course. Power amps are relatively simple, matured device, there isn't much magic in those, and it does not take much, or cost much to get pass the point of diminishing return. So I would just focus on getting one that is reliable based on track record, have great specs and most important, has more than the power output capability for your need.

 

[mazersteven]

So I would just focus on getting one that is reliable based on track record, have great specs and most important, has more than the power output capability for your need.

And that's these - Outlaw 2220