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Post by reeltoreel on Aug 17, 2023 4:24:32 GMT -5
Call me crazy but I just purchased a Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 Processor. Most of the time the units are out of stock for months. I purchased a 'B Stock" unit for $2450 direct from Monoprice. I have an Emotiva RMC-1, XMC-1, MC1, & two XSP-1's. I wanted to try an alternative vendor's solution. I have not given up on Emotiva's ability to eventually deliver the features purchased in the RMC-1. This HTP-1 will be initially mated to a couple of Monolith Power Amplifiers (7x200, 5x200) before exchanging it out with the RMC-1 that is currently connected to two Emotiva Power Amplifiers (XPA-7 Gen3, XPA-6 Gen3). I also have an XPA-5 Gen3 mated to an XSP-1 providing a bi-amp source. I am looking for discernable differences in audio quality between the power amplifiers (Emotiva's switching power supplies vs. Monolith's large transformer power supply) and the differences in the user interfaces and functionality of the RMC-1 vs. the HTP-1. I understand the HTP-1 is not without its faults but many praise its functionality over other pre-pros including the RMC-1. I am hopeful that the Emotiva hardware and firmware upgrades for the RMC-1 are coming very soon. Version 3.2x has made the RMC-1 much more friendly. A side note: A recent upgrade to a LG OLED C2 television, now functions so much better with the RMC-1 than previously with an older Samasung 4k television model.
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Post by doc1963 on Aug 17, 2023 7:24:03 GMT -5
Call me crazy but I just purchased a Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 Processor. Most of the time the units are out of stock for months. I purchased a 'B Stock" unit for $2450 direct from Monoprice... I won't call you crazy because I considered this unit myself back when it was first released. However, what I couldn't get beyond was "service after the sale". Basically, there isn't any... It comes with a 5 year warranty... and if your unit fails during that time, they will only "exchange" it. Or, you can accept an equal value in store credit. There is no option for factory service. For you, it gets a little worse... If you purchased "A Stock", you exchange for "A Stock". If you purchased "B Stock", you can only exchange for another "B Stock". In either scenario, there must be one available (in-stock) for you to make an exchange. And since you've already mentioned it, you know that availability is always questionable and should be cause for concern in this case. Although they should, they do not hold back any of what little inventory they get to address potential warranty claims. Hopefully, you'll get a good box that will work perfectly for you for a long time to come and never have to worry about this... many have. But this is something that you should be aware of just in case you didn't already know. Worst case scenario is that you might end up with $2,450 worth of miscellaneous cables or other Monoprice products...  |
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Post by LuisV on Aug 17, 2023 10:28:24 GMT -5
I certainly won't call you crazy... but I'm curious as to how it works out for you as well as how it sounds compared to the Emotiva processors that you have. Also curious about the Monolith amps... any feedback that you can provide, would be appreciated.
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Aug 18, 2023 16:50:07 GMT -5
Call me crazy but I just purchased a Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 Processor. Most of the time the units are out of stock for months. I purchased a 'B Stock" unit for $2450 direct from Monoprice. I have an Emotiva RMC-1, XMC-1, MC1, & two XSP-1's. I wanted to try an alternative vendor's solution. I have not given up on Emotiva's ability to eventually deliver the features purchased in the RMC-1. This HTP-1 will be initially mated to a couple of Monolith Power Amplifiers (7x200, 5x200) before exchanging it out with the RMC-1 that is currently connected to two Emotiva Power Amplifiers (XPA-7 Gen3, XPA-6 Gen3). I also have an XPA-5 Gen3 mated to an XSP-1 providing a bi-amp source. I am looking for discernable differences in audio quality between the power amplifiers (Emotiva's switching power supplies vs. Monolith's large transformer power supply) and the differences in the user interfaces and functionality of the RMC-1 vs. the HTP-1. I understand the HTP-1 is not without its faults but many praise its functionality over other pre-pros including the RMC-1. I am hopeful that the Emotiva hardware and firmware upgrades for the RMC-1 are coming very soon. Version 3.2x has made the RMC-1 much more friendly. A side note: A recent upgrade to a LG OLED C2 television, now functions so much better with the RMC-1 than previously with an older Samasung 4k television model. That’s a good price. Good job on getting the HTP-1. I would want one for DLBC but it never panned out. |
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Post by vcautokid on Aug 18, 2023 23:05:06 GMT -5
I have always been curious about the Monoprice HTP-1. Would love to know the comparison vs. the RMC-1 sound wise.
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Post by reeltoreel on Sept 12, 2023 13:06:51 GMT -5
Finally hooked up the HTP-1 & Monolith Amplifiers. Have not run DIRAC, so no serious audio evaluation yet due to my laptop failure. Initial observations: the sound is clean and quiet. No issues with HDMI. The most interesting differences in the HTP-1 when compared to the RMC-1 is the web-based interface on the HTP-1. At first, I was not thrilled but after setting it up and experiencing the ease of making changes, I like it. I would not be opposed to the next generation RMC using this method for setup. It should be noted that the HTP-1 is much more limited in user parameter settings. The front panel has little to no control over the settings, and the remote control is absolutely necessary for any function or input selections. The HTP-1 is a much simpler pre-processor while the RMC-1 allows the user to make numerous additional setting changes for a more detailed customization. The analog inputs are more limited on the HTP-1 and there is no tuner (if you care). If you still like vinyl, there is no provision for an internal phono preamp. Initial conclusion: The HTP-1 is a solid choice but if the complexities of your system demand more flexibility, the RMC-1 may be the better choice. If I could combine the best features and reliability of both products, it would be near perfect. Will the next generation RMC-1 be that product?
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Post by doc1963 on Sept 12, 2023 13:28:30 GMT -5
Finally hooked up the HTP-1 & Monolith Amplifiers. Have not run DIRAC, so no serious audio evaluation yet due to my laptop failure. Initial observations: the sound is clean and quiet. No issues with HDMI. The most interesting differences in the HTP-1 when compared to the RMC-1 is the web-based interface on the HTP-1. At first, I was not thrilled but after setting it up and experiencing the ease of making changes, I like it. I would not be opposed to the next generation RMC using this method for setup. It should be noted that the HTP-1 is much more limited in user parameter settings. The front panel has little to no control over the settings, and the remote control is absolutely necessary for any function or input selections. The HTP-1 is a much simpler pre-processor while the RMC-1 allows the user to make numerous additional setting changes for a more detailed customization. The analog inputs are more limited on the HTP-1 and there is no tuner (if you care). If you still like vinyl, there is no provision for an internal phono preamp. Initial conclusion: The HTP-1 is a solid choice but if the complexities of your system demand more flexibility, the RMC-1 may be the better choice. If I could combine the best features and reliability of both products, it would be near perfect. Will the next generation RMC-1 be that product? You'll be happy to know that the new G4 processors will employ a web-based user interface (see the G4 thread). Since you mention analog inputs and vinyl, you might be less happy to know that there's no pure analog path through the HTP-1. Everything is converted to digital that isn't already digital. But if you prefer the benefits of Dirac (or bass management in general) over having access to a pure analog path, then it doesn't matter anyway... |
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Post by msimanyi on Sept 13, 2023 10:08:47 GMT -5
Finally hooked up the HTP-1 & Monolith Amplifiers. Thanks for posting, even if it's early in your experience with the HTP-1. I haven't seen any other hands on experiences reported like this, from someone quite familiar with Emotiva's products. |
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Post by msimanyi on Oct 24, 2023 9:31:21 GMT -5
It's been a bit over a month now. Have you tried the Dirac setup in your HTP-1 reeltoreel, or do you have any further comments you can share? I'm genuinely curious about the overall experience and the sonic qualities. |
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ttocs
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Post by ttocs on Oct 24, 2023 9:38:29 GMT -5
^^^^ Same here!
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Post by reeltoreel on Oct 25, 2023 4:12:01 GMT -5
Sorry I have not been able to complete the project. Two 91-year-old parents needs and home repairs before winter consuming all of my time. I will post something "soon". Does that sound like an Emotiva timeline?
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Post by 405x5 on Oct 25, 2023 7:16:10 GMT -5
Sorry I have not been able to complete the project. Two 91-year-old parents needs and home repairs before winter consuming all of my time. I will post something "soon". Does that sound like an Emotiva timeline? Oh yeah…..That time of parents becoming your “children”. A monumental labor of love….especially if 1500+ miles are involved. Best of luck there…. |
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Post by cwmcobra on Oct 25, 2023 10:55:35 GMT -5
Sorry I have not been able to complete the project. Two 91-year-old parents needs and home repairs before winter consuming all of my time. I will post something "soon". Does that sound like an Emotiva timeline? Oh yeah…..That time of parents becoming your “children”. A monumental labor of love….especially if 1500+ miles are involved. Best of luck there…. Amen!! |
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