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Monoprice Tube Amp

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015.

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  1. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
    #1
  2. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    That looks like a nice amp -nice price too especially for a tube amp. It states it is 25 watts, but that must be how much power the entire unit uses, it couldn't be the headphone output power.

    Man I really want to check that out -looks cool as hell.
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 4, 2015
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  3. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    I think it drives speakers as well. That's why it is spec'ed to 25 watts. There is a speaker + amp combo. It supports bluetooth.

    It's something to think about. I already have a monoprice amp+dac driving my MR5mk3s (Fiio E9 clone with integrated DAC). But if I had to do it all over again, who knows, I might buy a set of discontinued OMD-150s and pair them with this other monoprice amp.

    The VU meter is too sexy.

    (EDIT: meant to say Omni-150)
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2015
    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
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  4. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    It sure is -dang I want that amp! It would be great t connect to the tv to listen to live concerts and movies with headphones. That is one sexy amp and like you said, the VU meter - wow
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 4, 2015
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  5. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Yup. Just showed it to my wife. I would have to get rid of what I have, and might need more space in my bedroom. But not that much more.
     
    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
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  6. AustinValentine

    AustinValentine Friend

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    That is a sexy beast - especially at that price point. If it doesn't sound like complete crap that's a pretty great deal there.
     
    AustinValentine, Dec 4, 2015
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  7. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    @ultrabike well if you end up getting it, let me know how it sounds! I am extremely interested in that amp, especially at that price!
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 4, 2015
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  8. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    LOL! I know. It's untested.

    But some stuff Monoprice has been putting out is half decent. The E9 clone is not bad. The headphones are not too bad either.

    Not certain I will get it. But if I do, for sure I will share my thoughts.
     
    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
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  9. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    +1 Agreed
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 4, 2015
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  10. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I think Monoprice cables are excellent and at a really affordable price. Sure they might not be $200 cables, but they have always worked well for me!
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 4, 2015
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  11. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    I can tell you that a discounted Monster brand RCA type cable broke my father-in-law's receiver sub-woofer output. Too tight and out of spec. No issues with Monoprice's RCA, optical and HDMI cables so far. Nor with their TRS cables.
     
    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
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  12. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    I think the Monoprice premium cables and 14AWG power cables are as good as most of the stuff out there.

    I saw that amp too and couldn't find any reliable comments.
     
    Luckbad, Dec 4, 2015
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  13. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    The monoprice premium RCA cables are way too tight fitting. I don't recommend those at all, as you'll risk damaging your RCA plugs on your amps/dacs.
     
    thegunner100, Dec 4, 2015
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  14. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up. I have their mid level stuff and so far no issues with those.
     
    ultrabike, Dec 4, 2015
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  15. cardigan

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    Is it wrong of me to be traumatized by the presence of bass and treble knobs on the amp? I'm not morally opposed to EQ in general but I get the feeling that this application could be a bit wonky. Besides, I'd want the VU meter to be right in the middle are those knobs are taking up valuable space!
     
    cardigan, Dec 5, 2015
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  16. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I was kinda curious about the bass and treble knobs as well.
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 5, 2015
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  17. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    LOL! This needs it's own thread.

    Not sure why you are traumatized by the presence of bass and treble knobs. They are present of plenty of stereo receivers. I also don't know why one should expect wonky behavior. That proly depends on how one plays with those knobs. One could always not use them.

    I personally like them. They are convenient IMO.

    BTW, What this thing lacks IMO is a nice remote control for the volume (and the tone knobs). An el-cheapo Yamaha stereo receiver ($150) has this. I needs it.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2015
    ultrabike, Dec 5, 2015
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  18. thegunner100

    thegunner100 Hentai Master Chief

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    Im not confident that such a budget tube amp will sound any good... but let's see.
     
    thegunner100, Dec 5, 2015
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  19. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    The monoprice RCA cables are awful. Don't buy them. If you get Schiit stacks, buy the Pysts ones. They're rebranded Straight wire goodness.
     
    Psalmanazar, Dec 5, 2015
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  20. ohshitgorillas

    ohshitgorillas Friend

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    I'm also very curious about this. Any ideas what kind of circuitry is on the inside?

    For the record, I've had mixed results with the Monoprice RCA cables. I've had a few pairs that are perfectly good, if a little inflexible, and I've also had pairs with a death grip. I've moved on to DIY RCA cables for now.

    EDIT: Eh, Bluetooth is a bit of a red flag for something this cheap. Like the USB outputs on new cheaper vinyl decks...
     
    ohshitgorillas, Dec 5, 2015
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