Monolith M1570 Over Ear Open Back Balanced Planar Headphones

[jotaku]

Only just came back to check the thread. I didn't get email updates for some reason. Hope you are well again.
No hurry. I bought one of those adaptors with a short cable as a temporary solution a couple weeks ago.

Yeah I'm better, but life has a way of getting in your way right?! I'm in the middle of little league soccer for 4 kids + my wife and I coaching a team a piece along with everything else. I want to do custom cables so bad for this but time and energy (mostly the later) is in short supply these days.

 

[Litmustesticle]

Can someone please comment ASAP if they have had this issue I am contacting Monoprice about it and I want to have any upper hand I can get negotiating with them. So one of my cops the pin to hold it in is lose. So literally between the cup material, the buffer, and the metal cup holder as well as the flat part of the pin that should be able to hold it all tight I there is enough of a gap for all those pieces to have small gaps in them... for whatever reason the measurement by whoever made the pin it just wasn't tight enough meaning I get a slight rattle with bass and it makes weird noises or if I press on the pin it makes a grinding metal noise and just feels unstable..... It was a huge issue getting it sent out in the first place but this is pretty unacceptable at anything over $200 if you have had a problem like this or problems with the ear cups metals or pin assembly or loose tolerances please post ASAP to help me get the best resolution for my case.

Hey, this happened to me too. You might be able to find my earlier comment in the thread for reference. I was super pissed.. they arrived late and the pin you're talking about was fckd up and clanging around inside of the cup. After sending it in for an RMA they LOST TRACK OF IT, so I had to call and get it sorted... process took over a month. I don't think you'll be able to leverage anything out of Monoprice, I tried and tried to be like "yo what's up with this garbage quality control, logistics, and customer support? Can I have some free balanced XLR's when you mail them back out?" Huge no.

Also, the loose/snapped pin on the cup-band connector (which is a horrible design) led to the connector popping off with very little strain. If you've already taken it apart, I'd pop the snapped off metal piece back in the cup so they know that they screwed up when you RMA. lol sorry if you wound up getting my returned pair!

 

[539465]

Hey, this happened to me too. You might be able to find my earlier comment in the thread for reference. I was super pissed.. they arrived late and the pin you're talking about was fckd up and clanging around inside of the cup. After sending it in for an RMA they LOST TRACK OF IT, so I had to call and get it sorted... process took over a month. I don't think you'll be able to leverage anything out of Monoprice, I tried and tried to be like "yo what's up with this garbage quality control, logistics, and customer support? Can I have some free balanced XLR's when you mail them back out?" Huge no.

Also, the loose/snapped pin on the cup-band connector (which is a horrible design) led to the connector popping off with very little strain. If you've already taken it apart, I'd pop the snapped off metal piece back in the cup so they know that they screwed up when you RMA. lol sorry if you wound up getting my returned pair!

laughed so hard at this. No fear my friend I got my contact within the company to OK me to attempt an in warranty repair which I much prefer since I have it documented any opening of the driver area was to troubleshoot as long as I don't directly damage the inners it will remain in warrantly, and yes I had some issues with getting my products but I cannot blame Monoprice for that mess up it was FedEx! I am sorry you had a bad experience and do not discount it at all. My experience has been quite good but my former job specialized in really beating the crap out of huge multinational/international corporations so I have a knack for scaring the crap out of people to the point I usually end up almost immediately talking to a higher up manager. I think the average Monoprice cust. service agent is about average with average sadly not being great, I would say they have the potential to be good from my experience and if you ever find yourself buying from them again and need help settle for nothing but an escalation to a Manager located in the USA and they will take care of you in the future but understandable your last experience sounds like a real witch.

Here are some pictures of the fix I implemented. I could have cut the outside of the washer a bit to make it flush or better but I kind of don't care it doesn't look bad just uneven, also this way preserved more structural integrity of the washer.

Now if I can get Nordstrom to get this diamond watch order they cancelled back in stock so they can honor the original discount I paid.... I hate clothing companies so much, which explains why I dress like a homeless peasant so at least let me have a nice watch!

 

[539465]

anybody find cheap balanced cables?
I am trying to buy this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001813387579.html
for the M1570 and it claims it works just with the M1570/Meze Empy but the empy has the same pinout as the LCD/ZMF from what I understand please help!
Also I know hart audio sells one but not trying to pay over $50 for a simple dual mini XLR when I still have to ask them to modify it before I buy

 

[Claude Debussy]

anybody find cheap balanced cables?
I am trying to buy this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001813387579.html
for the M1570 and it claims it works just with the M1570/Meze Empy but the empy has the same pinout as the LCD/ZMF from what I understand please help!
Also I know hart audio sells one but not trying to pay over $50 for a simple dual mini XLR when I still have to ask them to modify it before I

 

[Litmustesticle]

They do the m1570 custom pinning for free which is something I'm not sure other places will do. If you're keen on investing in the cans, it might be worth it given Hart's modular approach - so you can just order both balanced ends at one go (XLR and 4.4mm for on the go listening). Mine are en route

 

[Admor]

anybody find cheap balanced cables?
I am trying to buy this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001813387579.html
for the M1570 and it claims it works just with the M1570/Meze Empy but the empy has the same pinout as the LCD/ZMF from what I understand please help!
Also I know hart audio sells one but not trying to pay over $50 for a simple dual mini XLR when I still have to ask them to modify it before I buy

do not throw away your money into chinese cables. I did a lot

Just recently, we have made big comparison of various cables with various headphones and turns out all chinese cables sharpen the sound in unpleasant way. Right now, I am still using one of the bad ones with my M1570, but gonna order another FAAEAL cable tomorrow. Why? It is the only cable that sounded good out of the bunch we had tested. Fortunately, they are not selling it with miniXLR connectors and that is also good thing. I would never trust any chinese XLR connectors. Personally, I use (Neutrik) Rean and they are good for sure. The best thing is to order FAAEAL cable, arrange with producer not soldering MMCX connectors and solder Rean miniXLRs yourself. It is easy, really. Their coating is rather weak, also visually not the best, so using cool nylon covers is advisable. You will spend 20-25$ and get yourself outstanding quality cable. I will compare FAAEAL with Neotech NECH-3001 and see if there is any audible difference between them.

About M1570... we also tested them against GoldPlanar GL2000s, double magnet version, but very briefly.. and there was none superiority of one over another. Many folks say lately these GL2000s are so great, blahblahblah. Tuned between HiFiMan and Audeze. Yeah, they are. Layering, soundstaging is great, but tonality and midrange not the best. Probably need some very careful amplifier matching to sound truly best. M1570 are way more universal, easy to match. After auditioning tens of headphones, I must say M1570 are reaaaally cool, especially after EQ and running them balanced. Stock they are just good, but with big weaknesses, like cramped soundstage and uneven FR.. but after EQ? These sound superb. Better than LCD-2C. On par with LCD-2 Shedua or maybe just a very little inferior, but come on, these cost double the M1570.

I use oratory1990 EQ with additional 6.5kHz -3dB to reduce "s" sibiliance which is amplified by this chinese so-called 7N single copper crystal cable. Yeah, for sure it is 7N single crystal copper. F*ckinshit, mehh.

Loving my M1570!

 

[539465]

@Admor Great post man I will wait a little and get some good cables I might poke at you in a month or two to see if you found any premades or for advice on good solder kits.... yeah I love the tonality of the M1570 it's close to Sundara natural but has more weight and richer sound I cannot understand it with my limited experience but damn.... You are right too the default sound I like because I know bass-rolled is more accurate but it really responds to FR changes.

Eventually I will buy the GL2000 when the used price drops another $100 to people selling basically brand new pairs for $300 I knew it had to sound good but first the hype was so much and then the QC issues with some headphones sounding completely different = waiting for sure

@talan7 put me onto iFi amp's eventually I will get a good one like his iFi Sig but if you want bass (I know you can EQ this but this is analog and also it works very well especially on my Sundara and DT990 since it targets the Sub-bass on rolled off cans) the Xbass(not truebass) and the 3D features(this also widens the M1570 soundstage but importantly adds front and back imaging and soundstage they sound superb even on my iFi Zen CAN soo much so I have basically be shilling, also your post makes me want to EQ my M1570

 

[tutetibiimperes]

@Admor Great post man I will wait a little and get some good cables I might poke at you in a month or two to see if you found any premades or for advice on good solder kits.... yeah I love the tonality of the M1570 it's close to Sundara natural but has more weight and richer sound I cannot understand it with my limited experience but damn.... You are right too the default sound I like because I know bass-rolled is more accurate but it really responds to FR changes.

Eventually I will buy the GL2000 when the used price drops another $100 to people selling basically brand new pairs for $300 I knew it had to sound good but first the hype was so much and then the QC issues with some headphones sounding completely different = waiting for sure

@talan7 put me onto iFi amp's eventually I will get a good one like his iFi Sig but if you want bass (I know you can EQ this but this is analog and also it works very well especially on my Sundara and DT990 since it targets the Sub-bass on rolled off cans) the Xbass(not truebass) and the 3D features(this also widens the M1570 soundstage but importantly adds front and back imaging and soundstage they sound superb even on my iFi Zen CAN soo much so I have basically be shilling, also your post makes me want to EQ my M1570

I’d recommend checking out Bucktown Cables, he doesn’t have a website, but he does everything custom, can do the M1570 pin out, and uses high quality Canare cable and high quality connectors (you can choose from a variety based on preference) for his builds, plus has a nice selection of paracord for sleeving. I had him build the one for my M1570 since I needed a 12’ length.

 

[Admor]

I’d recommend checking out Bucktown Cables, he doesn’t have a website, but he does everything custom, can do the M1570 pin out, and uses high quality Canare cable and high quality connectors (you can choose from a variety based on preference) for his builds, plus has a nice selection of paracord for sleeving. I had him build the one for my M1570 since I needed a 12’ length.

High quality Canare cables. Hmm. Sure, they are very high quality giving their modest price of around 2$ per meter. These are far from "high-end" level, you know, right? They are not giving any Copper Purity Class info.. they sound better than worst-quality standard cable used in cheap headphones, that is true. I am testing cables for 10-25$ per meter. Audible difference between such cables and Canare requires whole rig to be on high level, BUT there is audible difference. I think our Monoliths deserve better, but it is also part of audionervosa

 

[hottyson]

I took apart the stock cable and it is the best built cable I have ever seen. They actually filled the 1/4 in connector with some glue material that made it rock solid. I have never seen such a solid cable. I felt bad cutting off the 1/4 connector when so much good craftsmanship had gone into it.

I went to this website to learn about the pin-outs that Monoprice used: http://www.zadiustech.com/monoprice-m1570-balanced-cable-guide/ Using the diagrams and pictures, I was able to cut off the 1/4 and put a balanced XLR on it. There were four Litz wires inside, so no problems making it balanced. If you don't feel comfortable working with Litz wires, don't do it.

 

[hottyson]

Monoprice Monolith M1570 headphone wiring on my set;

Left channel
+Blue
-Copper

Right channel
+Red
-Green

I warn you again, don't do it if you don't feel comfortable working with Litz wires.

 

[hottyson]

I tried a few amps after modification. Using velour pads, initial impressions, amp recommendations, and ratings:

1. RSA EMMELINE XP-7 $700
Great very forward presentation! This pair was detailed and balanced. The highs were tamed by this amp. Out of my some 50 headphones and 40 amps, this is my best pairing right now.

2. HEADAMP GILMORE LITE (discontinued model)
Highs not subdued like on XP-7, but this amp knows how to sweeten the highs so that they are pleasant.

3. HEADAMP GILMORE LITE MK2 $800
What can I say, this amp almost always places in the top three for my headphones. Worked it's magic as usual, creating it's legendary imaging and holographic presentation.

4. SCHIIT JOTUNHEIM discountinued price of $300 This amp is renowned for glaring treble. On this headphone, I enjoyed the glare as it added to the liveliness of some tracks.

5. RSA EMMELINE HR-2 $900
This was odd that the most expensive amp is not in first place. However, on some tracks it was too polite when I was expecting some rude awakening. Don't get me wrong. With more details than any, this amp sounded awesome and sounded better than all of the others on some tracks. I might change my mind on this one after further listening.

Other amp notes:
BEYERDYNAMIC A20 (discontinued model) - Sounded good, but just not amazing. I give it a grade of B+.
MASSDROP LIQUID CARBON X + SDAC $380 - Over balanced XLR, treble/mid prominent, ultra detailed treble, and wide sound stage. Many would like this. But I give it a B.
SCHIIT ASGARD 3 $200 - Sounds great but looses dynamics and details when compared to Jotunheim and other big amps. Holographic. Grade B+.
SMSL SP200 $265 - Airiness muffled. Liveliness gone. Good enveloping sensation. If you like Sennheiser HD6XX then this is for you. Not me. Grade D.

I did not try any $100 amps as I already feel that this headphone needs the top tier to really shine. However, if anyone wants me to try any $100 amps out, just comment and I will try one of them out and share how it pairs with it.

 

[chezzer]

I got my balanced cable for the 1570 from cosmic cables, it looks and sounds superb, I'm at work at the moment but I'll add a picture later, Ian knows
his stuff and the cable was ready the following week.
https://www.cosmic-cables.co.uk/

 

[tutetibiimperes]

I tried a few amps after modification. Using velour pads, initial impressions, amp recommendations, and ratings:

1. RSA EMMELINE XP-7 $700
Great very forward presentation! This pair was detailed and balanced. The highs were tamed by this amp. Out of my some 50 headphones and 40 amps, this is my best pairing right now.

2. HEADAMP GILMORE LITE (discontinued model)
Highs not subdued like on XP-7, but this amp knows how to sweeten the highs so that they are pleasant.

3. HEADAMP GILMORE LITE MK2 $800
What can I say, this amp almost always places in the top three for my headphones. Worked it's magic as usual, creating it's legendary imaging and holographic presentation.

4. SCHIIT JOTUNHEIM discountinued price of $300 This amp is renowned for glaring treble. On this headphone, I enjoyed the glare as it added to the liveliness of some tracks.

5. RSA EMMELINE HR-2 $900
This was odd that the most expensive amp is not in first place. However, on some tracks it was too polite when I was expecting some rude awakening. Don't get me wrong. With more details than any, this amp sounded awesome and sounded better than all of the others on some tracks. I might change my mind on this one after further listening.

Other amp notes:
BEYERDYNAMIC A20 (discontinued model) - Sounded good, but just not amazing. I give it a grade of B+.
MASSDROP LIQUID CARBON X + SDAC $380 - Over balanced XLR, treble/mid prominent, ultra detailed treble, and wide sound stage. Many would like this. But I give it a B.
SCHIIT ASGARD 3 $200 - Sounds great but looses dynamics and details when compared to Jotunheim and other big amps. Holographic. Grade B+.
SMSL SP200 $265 - Airiness muffled. Liveliness gone. Good enveloping sensation. If you like Sennheiser HD6XX then this is for you. Not me. Grade D.

I did not try any $100 amps as I already feel that this headphone needs the top tier to really shine. However, if anyone wants me to try any $100 amps out, just comment and I will try one of them out and share how it pairs with it.

Nice write-up of all of the different amps. I just have two, a Massdrop THX AAA 789 and a cheap Bravo tube hybrid. I haven't tried them with the tube hybrid, but with the THX 789 they sound great. I've been tempted by the Rebel Amp and the new Singxer SA-1 just to try out what the whole Class A amp thing is about, but the Rebel doesn't have XLR in or out, and I've heard the Singxer described as 'warm' which is something I'd rather avoid, I think I'd prefer a completely neutral and transparent amp that doesn't color the sound in any way, as I can always use EQ to get whatever bass/mid/treble tweaks that I'd like.