Monolith by Monoprice HTP-1 16 Channel Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Home Theater Processor w/Dirac & Alexa Compatibility

[PENG]

For AV preamp processors, I won't mind spending 10-20 K on a 16 channel unit if I need the feature but also only if they actually use SOTA parts and components. Sadly they don't, ASR will be measuring one like that soon. For example, many of us agreed that most DACs are good enough, not going to be the audio quality bottle neck, but it is a matter of principle that for a > $10k unit, if they cheapen on a few DAC chips that cost less than $20 a piece even for the SOTA/top of the line ones, what else would they have done to cut cost?

For a lot of money, you get specs such as this:

Altitude 32
AUDIO PROCESSING
• ADC Resolution / Sampling Rate: 24 bits/96 kHz
• DAC Resolution / Sampling Rate: 24 bits/192 kHz
• A/D Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 119 dB (A-Weighted)
• D/A Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 118 dB (A-Weighted)

For the Altitude 16, you get:

• ADC Resolution / Sampling Rate:24 bits/96 kHz
• DAC Resolution / Sampling Rate:24 bits/96 kHz

So you can forget about playing DSD, not even the lowest DSD64. Seems like some dongle can do better.
I hate to say this over there, but pretty sure this thing won't come close to 100 dB SINAD, likely not even 95 dB if it was the Altitude 16.

If 11 to 13 channel processing is enough, nothing beats the value of Yamaha's and Marantz, or if balanced outputs are not needed then I would rank them by value as follow:

AVC-X8500H (for Europeans), AVR-X8500H, but only for <$3,000, Yamaha CX-A51/5200, with full warranty only, Marantz AV8805, AV7705/6. Ignore the rest, that's just my opinion (concerns with bugs and why pay more for less), but I did try my best to be objective about the ranking.

It does come with Trinnov, and that may be a compelling reason for the believers.

 

[Irvrobinson]

For AV preamp processors, I won't mind spending 10-20 K on a 16 channel unit if I need the feature but also only if they actually use SOTA parts and components...

I am so glad that I don't have this 11 channel multi-sub affliction some of you have for HT. Y'all make me feel sort of normal, which we all know I'm not, but I really appreciate reading about people nuttier than I am.

 

[RichB]

I am so glad that I don't have this 11 channel multi-sub affliction some of you have for HT. Y'all make me feel sort of normal, which we all know I'm not, but I really appreciate reading about people nuttier than I am.

Nothing over 5.1 is permissible at my house so I maxed speakers instead.
The RMC-1 and Dolby Upmixer are incredibly good. Surround is excellent and panning is great.
Sure another set of Salon2s would be nice but they wont fit.

I am happy with the Emotiva RMC-1 sound and can tune the subs using the onboard controls, so I only use a bass management.
I'll eventually try Dirac 3 but it has a good many releases and as far as I can tell, they are not for new features.

I have seen reports of bricked units after firmware update for the HTP-1, XMC-2, and SDP-55. There are reports of glacially slow updates for SDP-55.
Perhaps, the HTP-1 is the best of the bunch from a feature perspective but I stayed away because I was familiar with Emotiva and liked the hardware design wanted a on screen display,

The SINAD squeaked into the green zone

- Rich

 

[Irvrobinson]

I have seen reports of bricked units after firmware update for the HTP-1, XMC-2, and SDP-55.

And the Outlaw 975.

 

[flyboylr45]

For what it's worth, I just sent my HTP-1 back. It rebooted itself and wouldn't load. Called monoprice.com and they guided me to do a factory reset which entails getting a micro SD card, downloading a disk image onto it and reloading all the software. You better have a PC because they have no idea nor instructions on how to write a disk image with a Mac. After I went through that mess, with a Mac, the processor was making digital noises/pops when surround modes were switched. It did it with a DVD player and when using the Roon app with both Tidal and Qobuz. Emailed them again with the problem and this morning when I went to my theater room the unit was rebooting itself constantly. Nobody had used it for 2 days. Couldn't even turn it on. Back it went. The return process was easy but they're saying the shipping costs are not refundable which I can't believe as this is a DEFECTIVE unit, not just a "I don't want it anymore" unit.

Now to see what I'm going to use as a processor....

Pretty upset as I really liked the unit but not gonna keep a $4,000 paperweight.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

I'd like to say that Monoprice did say that shipping would also be refunded. Too bad the unit turned out buggy.

I did order a Denon x8500h to use as prepro until the very very far future.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[caustic386]

Because of you, I tried using non native Auro3D. It's different, and definitely not junk. To do it I had to switch from 11.1 to 9.1 layout, and because my speakers are positioned for Atmos so they weren't optimal for Auro3D.

I think you are right, if you configure your layout for Atmos, it will be fine for DTS:X and Neural:X as well.

How did you like it overall? Have you used Neural:X to compare? Do you feel there would be significant degradation to your Atmos experience if you stuck with 9.1? Because I haven't done it before I can't get my head around where the diminishing returns really kick in

I'm expecting my layout will be 7.2.4 using front wide instead of SBL/R due to room constraints. RHL/R will be present although I'm still not entirely clear if Denon allows me to get that granular. Coincidentally I came to the same conclusion as you - 8500 if it's on deep discount, otherwise 6700.

I'm really struggling to find anyone willing to offer a ranking (of sorts) for how budget should be allocated towards the speakers themselves. Of course LCR, then probably subs, but after that all speakers are equal? Probably a Q for a different thread, I'm just surprised I can't find an article outlining criteria. Most are "keep them as close as possible" which is reasonable but hard to imagine buying 4 pairs of Kef R3 when each will only receive a small portion of relative output

 

[PENG]

How did you like it overall? Have you used Neural:X to compare? Do you feel there would be significant degradation to your Atmos experience if you stuck with 9.1? Because I haven't done it before I can't get my head around where the diminishing returns really kick in

I'm expecting my layout will be 7.2.4 using front wide instead of SBL/R due to room constraints. RHL/R will be present although I'm still not entirely clear if Denon allows me to get that granular. Coincidentally I came to the same conclusion as you - 8500 if it's on deep discount, otherwise 6700.

I'm really struggling to find anyone willing to offer a ranking (of sorts) for how budget should be allocated towards the speakers themselves. Of course LCR, then probably subs, but after that all speakers are equal? Probably a Q for a different thread, I'm just surprised I can't find an article outlining criteria. Most are "keep them as close as possible" which is reasonable but hard to imagine buying 4 pairs of Kef R3 when each will only receive a small portion of relative output

I think I like it but would not give up Atmos and that's the beauty of the X8500H that allows you to connect more speakers so that you can have both configurations available. With the lower models such as mine, I would have to choose. In my room it would be difficult to run the wire and place the speakers per Auro's recommendation too so I am not going to bother.

Still based on my totally inconclusive quick trial based on virtual, not native material, I have good feeling about Auro3D, I even like Auro2D. The main difference (again, very anecdotal as my speakers are placed for Atmos) seemed to be the 3D feeling, with Atmos, I have to really listen for the sound from above, but it could just be due to my non optimal placement.

I would say if you can do it in your room to have both, and you can grab an AVR-X8500H for well under $2K, go for it. I wonder if @DJ7675 could help you locate one but it wouldn't hurt to PM him, a very helpful guy. He's the one who sent his unit to ASR for bench test.

 

[panteragstk]

I would say if you can do it in your room to have both, and you can grab an AVR-X8500H for well under $2K, go for it. I wonder if @DJ7675 could help you locate one but it wouldn't hurt to PM him, a very helpful guy. He's the one who sent his unit to ASR for bench test.

If someone can get one of those well under $2k, I want one too. That's a steal of a deal.

 

[PENG]

If someone can get one of those well under $2k, I want one too. That's a steal of a deal.

The predecessor X7200WA never dropped below that so it would be near impossible for the X8500H to go below even $2,500 for a new or refurbished one from AC4L. But I know you are just kidding.

 

[DJ7675]

I think I like it but would not give up Atmos and that's the beauty of the X8500H that allows you to connect more speakers so that you can have both configurations available. With the lower models such as mine, I would have to choose. In my room it would be difficult to run the wire and place the speakers per Auro's recommendation too so I am not going to bother.

Still based on my totally inconclusive quick trial based on virtual, not native material, I have good feeling about Auro3D, I even like Auro2D. The main difference (again, very anecdotal as my speakers are placed for Atmos) seemed to be the 3D feeling, with Atmos, I have to really listen for the sound from above, but it could just be due to my non optimal placement.

I would say if you can do it in your room to have both, and you can grab an AVR-X8500H for well under $2K, go for it. I wonder if @DJ7675 could help you locate one but it wouldn't hurt to PM him, a very helpful guy. He's the one who sent his unit to ASR for bench test.

I haven’t seen any under $2k ever. Safeandsoundhq used to do open box x8500 for $2799 (which is what I got). Open box, unlike a refurb offers you full manufacturer’s warranty (Which I think is important for things costing this much). That price is long gone it appears and now looks to be $3399.

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box The Denon Flagship AVR-X8500H powers the next generation of home theater with the world s first 13.2 channel receiver that supports the latest immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. Built-in...

www.safeandsoundhq.com

If you call you might be able to get a bit better. I have had very good luck purchasing a few things from there. I have seen used x8500 around $2500 but if you see one in good working order for $2k I would think that would be a great deal.

 

[PENG]

I haven’t seen any under $2k ever. Safeandsoundhq used to do open box x8500 for $2799 (which is what I got). Open box, unlike a refurb offers you full manufacturer’s warranty (Which I think is important for things costing this much). That price is long gone it appears and now looks to be $3399.

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box The Denon Flagship AVR-X8500H powers the next generation of home theater with the world s first 13.2 channel receiver that supports the latest immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. Built-in...

www.safeandsoundhq.com

If you call you might be able to get a bit better. I have had very good luck purchasing a few things from there. I have seen used x8500 around $2500 but if you see one in good working order for $2k I would think that would be a great deal.

Thank you very much for responding. It isn't for me but for caustic386 who seems to be interested in Auro3D and more than 11 channel processing. If I understand right, the X8500H and AV8805 are the only two in the D+M lineups that allow for both Atmos 13 channels and Auro3D 12 channels (not sure about this one) connected simultaneously so the user can switch between the two without having to re-configure their speaker layouts.

 

[panteragstk]

Thank you very much for responding. It isn't for me but for caustic386 who seems to be interested in Auro3D and more than 11 channel processing. If I understand right, the X8500H and AV8805 are the only two in the D+M lineups that allow for both Atmos 13 channels and Auro3D 12 channels (not sure about this one) connected simultaneously so the user can switch between the two without having to re-configure their speaker layouts.

If I'm not mistaken, aren't those the ONLY two that do both without being at the upper high end?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I am so glad that I don't have this 11 channel multi-sub affliction some of you have for HT. Y'all make me feel sort of normal, which we all know I'm not, but I really appreciate reading about people nuttier than I am.

I only have 5.2.4 in my 26' x 22' x 14' HT room.

So yeah, I do get a good laugh when I see guys talking about 16Ch-24Ch.

Is there an expression for that? Like "You build it, they'll buy it!"

 

[panteragstk]

I only have 5.2.4 in my 26' x 22' x 14' HT room.

So yeah, I do get a good laugh when I see guys talking about 16Ch-24Ch.

I won't be happy till there is no sheetrock left, only speaker.

In all honesty, I just like the idea of having the ability to switch between all the upmixers. That would be a nice add on for me.

 

[Verdinut]

So yeah, I do get a good laugh when I see guys talking about 16Ch-24Ch.

Is there an expression for that? Like "You build it, they'll buy it!"

Yeah! Those guys would be the ones asking us to solve their problems, as more channels automatically means more possible practical problems.

 

[adk highlander]

I haven’t seen any under $2k ever. Safeandsoundhq used to do open box x8500 for $2799 (which is what I got). Open box, unlike a refurb offers you full manufacturer’s warranty (Which I think is important for things costing this much). That price is long gone it appears and now looks to be $3399.

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box

Denon AVR-X8500H 13.2 Channel A/V Reveiver with Auro-3D and HEOS Open Box The Denon Flagship AVR-X8500H powers the next generation of home theater with the world s first 13.2 channel receiver that supports the latest immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. Built-in...

www.safeandsoundhq.com

If you call you might be able to get a bit better. I have had very good luck purchasing a few things from there. I have seen used x8500 around $2500 but if you see one in good working order for $2k I would think that would be a great deal.

SafeandSoundHQ is great. I have purchased my last several preamp/receivers from them. Excellent service as well as pricing. They really have items stock so if you call and talk to them you have great chance of a better price than is shown on the site.

 

[caustic386]

If I'm not mistaken, aren't those the ONLY two that do both without being at the upper high end?

Hopefully I understand correctly, because I just ordered a refurb from WW Stereo, but the 6700 can do it too. Aside from the 8500's independent amp disconnect the 6700 seems to have more future proof potential, at least for my roadmap. Auro, Atmos, and sometime in the next few years 8K UST projector.

 

[PENG]

Hopefully I understand correctly, because I just ordered a refurb from WW Stereo, but the 6700 can do it too. Aside from the 8500's independent amp disconnect the 6700 seems to have more future proof potential, at least for my roadmap. Auro, Atmos, and sometime in the next few years 8K UST projector.

Yes the 6700 can do it, even my 4400 can do it, just that the fewer speakers it allows you to connect would mean more limited configuration options. The 8500 can connect 15 speakers, 13 for the 6000 series and 11 for the 4000 series. You can do the map and figure out the possible configurations, examples: 5.1.2 Atmos + 9.1 Auro3D, 5.1.4 Atmos + 10.1 Auro 3D etc..

You obvious need 10.1 to include the important VOG channel and if you do that with the 6700 it will limit your Atmos to 5.1.2 whereas with the 8500 you can still have 5.1.4 Atmos.

 

[caustic386]

Yes the 6700 can do it, even my 4400 can do it, just that the fewer speakers it allows you to connect would mean more limited configuration options. The 8500 can connect 15 speakers, 13 for the 6000 series and 11 for the 4000 series. You can do the map and figure out the possible configurations, examples: 5.1.2 Atmos + 9.1 Auro3D, 5.1.4 Atmos + 10.1 Auro 3D etc..

You obvious need 10.1 to include the important VOG channel and if you do that with the 6700 it will limit your Atmos to 5.1.2 whereas with the 8500 you can still have 5.1.4 Atmos.

Oh yes, I got you. Attached config is all my room will support. Since I'll have 2 "spare" channels I could probably do pendant speakers but I think those will fail the WAF because, aside from making people feel like they're in a restaurant, there's no great way to hide the cables on ceiling with exposed beams.

Also I still haven't seen a hard ETA for the 8500's 8K upgrade which makes me wonder if they're simply skipping it since 2021 is the year the new flagship is expected. I hope it's an 8700 (8800?) rather than the A110. Nice unit but I'm hard pressed to believe it's worth the premium over the 6700

 

[panteragstk]

Yes the 6700 can do it, even my 4400 can do it, just that the fewer speakers it allows you to connect would mean more limited configuration options. The 8500 can connect 15 speakers, 13 for the 6000 series and 11 for the 4000 series. You can do the map and figure out the possible configurations, examples: 5.1.2 Atmos + 9.1 Auro3D, 5.1.4 Atmos + 10.1 Auro 3D etc..

You obvious need 10.1 to include the important VOG channel and if you do that with the 6700 it will limit your Atmos to 5.1.2 whereas with the 8500 you can still have 5.1.4 Atmos.

That's more what I was referring to. The fact that it could handle so many different speaker configurations. If I paid for the Auro upgrade for my 4300, I could do it too, but I'm already using all 11 channels and putting in more isn't really in the cards for me unless I knew what I was getting into.