Monoprice Monolith M1060 and M560 Planar Headphones
May 11, 2017 at 2:58 PM Post #3,812 of 8,051
I was initially excited about Dolby Atmos for headphones and so I dropped the $15 right away, since I have an Atmos 7.2.4 home theater and absolutely love it. I only tried it with my Fostex Mk3s, but I really hated it with music. It totally killed the higher frequencies. I must say that the positional effects on the demo material was pretty awesome though, despite the tonal balance being suboptimal.
I too purchased the Dolby Access plugin right away after learning about it here. I'm running a 7.1 home theater ATM, but my twin subs and 4 Atmos speakers are currently enroute to transform it to 7.2.4 =D

I'll have my HT Atmos up and running around the first part of June. Completely stoked, can't wait!

Regarding the Dolby Access plugin for PC...I would absolutely use it while gaming or watching movies with headphones. For music, I'll likely leave it off. Now that I have it though, I'll leave it on for 2-3 days to get used to it.

Have only tried it for a couple songs so far, but I pretty much agree with your assessment. Highs seem to shrink, though it does seem to play with soundstage width and add some reverb. I think I AM getting more used to it the more songs I listen to with it enabled, and it's becoming more pleasing.

Of interesting note, I think that the larger the soundstage the headphone has to begin with, the greater the effect of the Dolby Access. M1060 received more spatial benefit than my Stax does (M1060 has a wider soundstage to start with). It IS a different flavor, but I've always put more stock into close-in detail and imaging than a wider soundstage; others may have different preferences for sure.

I only have M1060 and Stax 207 to test on presently. The rest of my headphone collection is being Bogarted by reviewers DMS3 and Zeos Pantera :p

I'll probably IM you to discuss Atmos HT :)

@CluckerByte Thanks for sharing the Atmos for Headphones info, I *am* glad I now have it to play around with.
 
May 11, 2017 at 4:56 PM Post #3,813 of 8,051
I too purchased the Dolby Access plugin right away after learning about it here. I'm running a 7.1 home theater ATM, but my twin subs and 4 Atmos speakers are currently enroute to transform it to 7.2.4 =D

I'll have my HT Atmos up and running around the first part of June. Completely stoked, can't wait!

Regarding the Dolby Access plugin for PC...I would absolutely use it while gaming or watching movies with headphones. For music, I'll likely leave it off. Now that I have it though, I'll leave it on for 2-3 days to get used to it.

Have only tried it for a couple songs so far, but I pretty much agree with your assessment. Highs seem to shrink, though it does seem to play with soundstage width and add some reverb. I think I AM getting more used to it the more songs I listen to with it enabled, and it's becoming more pleasing.

Of interesting note, I think that the larger the soundstage the headphone has to begin with, the greater the effect of the Dolby Access. M1060 received more spatial benefit than my Stax does (M1060 has a wider soundstage to start with). It IS a different flavor, but I've always put more stock into close-in detail and imaging than a wider soundstage; others may have different preferences for sure.

I only have M1060 and Stax 207 to test on presently. The rest of my headphone collection is being Bogarted by reviewers DMS3 and Zeos Pantera :p

I'll probably IM you to discuss Atmos HT :)

@CluckerByte Thanks for sharing the Atmos for Headphones info, I *am* glad I now have it to play around with.

I am glad I'm not crazy. :) I gave Dolby feedback on their support page asking them to do something about the killed highs. It will be interesting to see if they do anything about it.

I would be happy to share more info on my Atmos HT setup. I look forward to your messages. I am also on avsforum with my same username.
 
May 11, 2017 at 7:15 PM Post #3,814 of 8,051
Can anyone advise if the paper towel mod application requires a paper towel type that you get in any public toilet dispenser or the type you have in your kitchen ie kitchen roll ?.
I received the M1060's about 2 weeks ago and let them burn in whilst my custom balanced cable (XLR) arrived, hooked them all up yesterday to the MATRIX M-STAGE HPA-3B Amp and was totally underwhelmed :frowning2: compared to my Fostex THX-00-mahogony. though the mid and highs where there, the bass was piratically non assistance unless I turned up the volume significantly or used the high gain switch, and even then there was no contest, they where also not as Punchy as the THX-00's, if anything the purchase has made me appreciate the THX-00's even more, I read on this forum that pumping up the Bass a few DB realy helps but unfortunately my source is not a computer so I dont have an equalizer.
I'm hoping that the Mods will help with this starting with the paper towel concept. and then then some new pads, although spending an extra $120 on pads is a bit of a risk, as if these don't improve, out they go.

cheers

JCB
 
May 11, 2017 at 7:36 PM Post #3,816 of 8,051
Can anyone advise if the paper towel mod application requires a paper towel type that you get in any public toilet dispenser or the type you have in your kitchen ie kitchen roll ?.
I received the M1060's about 2 weeks ago and let them burn in whilst my custom balanced cable (XLR) arrived, hooked them all up yesterday to the MATRIX M-STAGE HPA-3B Amp and was totally underwhelmed :frowning2: compared to my Fostex THX-00-mahogony. though the mid and highs where there, the bass was piratically non assistance unless I turned up the volume significantly or used the high gain switch, and even then there was no contest, they where also not as Punchy as the THX-00's, if anything the purchase has made me appreciate the THX-00's even more, I read on this forum that pumping up the Bass a few DB realy helps but unfortunately my source is not a computer so I dont have an equalizer.
I'm hoping that the Mods will help with this starting with the paper towel concept. and then then some new pads, although spending an extra $120 on pads is a bit of a risk, as if these don't improve, out they go.

cheers

JCB
You're looking at the wrong headphone if you want TH-X00 levels of bass. The TH-X00 is made for closet basshead audiophiles. It still has an excellent sound to it but bass is always there. M1060 may not have crazy bass but when it's called for, especially sub bass, it shines.

Any tips for softening the treble even more, even without the paper towel mod and with velour pads? I still find sibilance here and there, really annoying
Did you do Audeze Vegan pads or Brainwavz pads or something else? Don't use paper towel if you want less treble.
 
May 11, 2017 at 7:36 PM Post #3,817 of 8,051
M1060 $361.99 (pad upgrade) or MD Fostex TH-X00 $399.99 ? :thinking:
:right_facing_fist::left_facing_fist:

I have the TH-X00 Ebony, and M1060 with mods. Overall I really prefer the M1060s for most music and gaming. I strongly prefer Planar drivers since first listening to them. The M1060 have become my daily drivers, benching my beloved HE-X V2. The M1060 is not a better headphone, but it can certainly be more fun. The TH-X00 Ebony I really love for EDM and just listening to music without justification. Just listen to the music. I just received my 2.5mm cable bases to add a detachable cable. My biggest complaint is the damn headphone cable being so thick and long. You could use it as boat anchor cable! I'll update that thread once I get it done. Love the Ebony's, and this mod will be huge!

I am glad I'm not crazy. :) I gave Dolby feedback on their support page asking them to do something about the killed highs. It will be interesting to see if they do anything about it.

I would be happy to share more info on my Atmos HT setup. I look forward to your messages. I am also on avsforum with my same username.

I've been happy with my headphone setup the past month since getting the M1060s. My collection covers everything, they're is nothing headphone wise I need.

I've been on AVSforum a ton researching 75" HDTVs. I want 4K, HDR, and bigger than my current 65" VT60 plasma. That is already sold to a friend for 1K, so I just need to lock in on a great 4K, HDR, and gaming TV. Currently eyeing the Vizio P75-C1 as it's being completely upgraded to the 2017 model. The other is the Sony 75" 940E, which is about twice as much. Need to just find a deal on either and I'm buying. Maybe I'll see you over on AVS!
 
May 11, 2017 at 8:29 PM Post #3,818 of 8,051
Does anyone else have driver matching issues? The 4-5k peaking is noticeably worse on my left driver, and I swear it's getting worse over time. Without EQ, there's an overpowering whistling at these frequencies that makes them pretty much unlistenable. Even -40db+ high-Q cuts at the offending peaks doesn't really solve the problem, though it does help enough to make them (mostly) enjoyable to listen to again. These headphones do everything else so well, but this 4-5k problem has gone from rendering a distractingly unnatural timbre in the midrange to being nearly unlistenable without significant EQ. Might try to exchange with another pair if Monoprice will let me, but I'm curious if I'm the only one with this problem.
 
May 11, 2017 at 8:39 PM Post #3,819 of 8,051
Monoprice seems to have a good handle on unit to unit driver matching but there has been at least on instance of a M1060 with a superior "ortho wall". A pad change will make the biggest difference, definitely more so than paper towel mod. I recommend Audeze Leater Free Vegan pads but it seems some Brainwavz offerings are also good. There are new circular (finally!) Brainwavz pads which could be interesting to try.
 
May 11, 2017 at 8:50 PM Post #3,820 of 8,051
Can anyone advise if the paper towel mod application requires a paper towel type that you get in any public toilet dispenser or the type you have in your kitchen ie kitchen roll ?.
I received the M1060's about 2 weeks ago and let them burn in whilst my custom balanced cable (XLR) arrived, hooked them all up yesterday to the MATRIX M-STAGE HPA-3B Amp and was totally underwhelmed :frowning2: compared to my Fostex THX-00-mahogony. though the mid and highs where there, the bass was piratically non assistance unless I turned up the volume significantly or used the high gain switch, and even then there was no contest, they where also not as Punchy as the THX-00's, if anything the purchase has made me appreciate the THX-00's even more, I read on this forum that pumping up the Bass a few DB realy helps but unfortunately my source is not a computer so I dont have an equalizer.
I'm hoping that the Mods will help with this starting with the paper towel concept. and then then some new pads, although spending an extra $120 on pads is a bit of a risk, as if these don't improve, out they go.

cheers

JCB
i think you have the best mid-fi of both world ,,
just give it more time and you will discover what the th-x00 is missing with different genera of music you listen to..
 
May 11, 2017 at 8:56 PM Post #3,821 of 8,051
@CluckerByte, I think you might want to post in one of the threads related to Dolby, might get more info / impressions there.

Though I am sure that you are correct... I have an interest in this and have been quite interested in the reports.
As he is using the 1060 for testing, it is on topic, at least to some extent.
I would not mind seeing further reports on his progress.
 
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May 11, 2017 at 9:08 PM Post #3,822 of 8,051
Can anyone advise if the paper towel mod application requires a paper towel type that you get in any public toilet dispenser or the type you have in your kitchen ie kitchen roll ?.
I received the M1060's about 2 weeks ago and let them burn in whilst my custom balanced cable (XLR) arrived, hooked them all up yesterday to the MATRIX M-STAGE HPA-3B Amp and was totally underwhelmed :frowning2: compared to my Fostex THX-00-mahogony. though the mid and highs where there, the bass was piratically non assistance unless I turned up the volume significantly or used the high gain switch, and even then there was no contest, they where also not as Punchy as the THX-00's, if anything the purchase has made me appreciate the THX-00's even more, I read on this forum that pumping up the Bass a few DB realy helps but unfortunately my source is not a computer so I dont have an equalizer.
I'm hoping that the Mods will help with this starting with the paper towel concept. and then then some new pads, although spending an extra $120 on pads is a bit of a risk, as if these don't improve, out they go.

cheers

JCB
Without serious EQ, the 1060 will never be the bass cans that the THX-00 (ANYTHING) are. That is not what they do. I highly doubt that you will ever make them do it.
They do take EQ well (from my limited listening time) but never match the Fostex. IMO, either you take them for what they are and accept that (and for the price they have some nice qualities) or return them. If you are a Basshead... at all costs, they will never get it for you. But really, no planar design will likely do that. In addition to the 1060,I have the He 400, 400i, 500, 560, and 1000. If I want to indulge my basshead tendencies, I do not listen to any of those. My thx-600 or THX 6xx, OTH, is where I go.
 
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May 11, 2017 at 9:34 PM Post #3,823 of 8,051
Without serious EQ, the 1060 will never be the bass cans that the THX-00 (ANYTHING) are. That is not what they do. I highly doubt that you will ever make them do it.
They do take EQ well (from my limited listening time) but never match the Fostex. IMO, either you take them for what they are and accept that (and for the price they have some nice qualities) or return them. If you are a Basshead... at all costs, they will never get it for you. But really, no planar design will likely do that. In addition to the 1060,I have the He 400, 400i, 500, 560, and 1000. If I want to indulge my basshead tendencies, I do not listen to any of those. My thx-600 or THX 6xx, OTH, is where I go.
I get that they are never going to be as close as the Fostex in the Bass area, and I'm no Bass head, but the difference is not slight its Huge, I even compared them with my PSB M4U2 cans and my mates Fidelio X2 and the BASS is simply not there, no Sub Bass no Mid Bass. I think the MID and upper ranges are great and less muddy than than the Fostex, so if any of the Mods dont improve the Lower frequencies by much I guess there is no point spending the $$ or messing with the earcups.

cheers
 
May 11, 2017 at 9:47 PM Post #3,824 of 8,051
I get that they are never going to be as close as the Fostex in the Bass area, and I'm no Bass head, but the difference is not slight its Huge, I even compared them with my PSB M4U2 cans and my mates Fidelio X2 and the BASS is simply not there, no Sub Bass no Mid Bass. I think the MID and upper ranges are great and less muddy than than the Fostex, so if any of the Mods dont improve the Lower frequencies by much I guess there is no point spending the $$ or messing with the earcups.

cheers

If the bass isn't there at all (I.E. if it's rolling off) either it really doesn't like your amp or you got a bad pair. I am a bass head and the M1060 usually will satisfy because they will reach as far down as required. It will thump well all the way down to 20hz. But If I really need bass, for movies in particular, I still prefer my DT770. So if you aren't hearing any bass either in in extension or volume on bass heavy tracks, I would say something is up for sure.
 
May 11, 2017 at 9:59 PM Post #3,825 of 8,051
Can anyone advise if the paper towel mod application requires a paper towel type that you get in any public toilet dispenser or the type you have in your kitchen ie kitchen roll ?.
I received the M1060's about 2 weeks ago and let them burn in whilst my custom balanced cable (XLR) arrived, hooked them all up yesterday to the MATRIX M-STAGE HPA-3B Amp and was totally underwhelmed :frowning2: compared to my Fostex THX-00-mahogony. though the mid and highs where there, the bass was piratically non assistance unless I turned up the volume significantly or used the high gain switch, and even then there was no contest, they where also not as Punchy as the THX-00's, if anything the purchase has made me appreciate the THX-00's even more, I read on this forum that pumping up the Bass a few DB realy helps but unfortunately my source is not a computer so I dont have an equalizer.
I'm hoping that the Mods will help with this starting with the paper towel concept. and then then some new pads, although spending an extra $120 on pads is a bit of a risk, as if these don't improve, out they go.

cheers

JCB

OMG, of course not. After listening to the TH-X00a super punchy and bassy headphone almost all other headphones will sound like they have no bass. Any headphone with with a somewhat balanced sound even if it a bit on the bassy/warm side will sound lean in comparison.

The M1060 has good bass in quantity and very good in quality, but it will not have the quantity of bass as the TH-X00. Their just two very different animals.

Lay off the TH-X00 for a bit, then try the M1060. You can't listen to them togeather, the TH-X00 will steal the the bass from everything around it... that sneeky rascal.
 
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