Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887From real comments

Name: Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Rating: 5 (7 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 7 mentions across 3 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment100%

PROS 100%

Rank based on 7 mentions across 3 aspects

View the verdict as

What users love

Balanced XLR Connectivity0 mentions

Widely praised

Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones0 mentions

Generally positive

Solid Metal Volume Knob0 mentions

Widely praised

What users complain about

No cons data available.

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Based on user comments

Best choice

1Mid

iFi iCAN~$299 · similar price

Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

iFi iCAN~$299 · similar price

Drives almost any headphone

Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls

Musical, layered, engaging sound

High price questioned

Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported

Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

Best value

2Value

FiiO K11 R2R~$199 · 1.8× cheaper

Warm, smooth, relaxed R2R sound signatureExceptional value for moneyResponds well to linear power supply upgradesHeadphone amp weaker than the DAC sectionSome find it too bright or lacking fullnessLow ENOB resistor ladder questioned

FiiO K11 R2R~$199 · 1.8× cheaper

Warm, smooth, relaxed R2R sound signature

Exceptional value for money

Responds well to linear power supply upgrades

Headphone amp weaker than the DAC section

Some find it too bright or lacking fullness

Low ENOB resistor ladder questioned

3Mid

Apogee Groove~$299 · similar price

Smooth, detailed sound signatureDrives high-impedance headphones wellPowerful current-drive amplificationDated micro-USB portLimited power for very high-impedance cansNo native iOS/Lightning support

Apogee Groove~$299 · similar price

Smooth, detailed sound signature

Drives high-impedance headphones well

Powerful current-drive amplification

Dated micro-USB port

Limited power for very high-impedance cans

No native iOS/Lightning support

4Upper

SMSL SU-9~$450 · 1.3× pricier

Strong value for the pricePunchy, detailed sound with good bassBluetooth and MQA convenienceConsidered pricey by someMidrange can sound thin or harshSound-color feature seen as ineffective by some

SMSL SU-9~$450 · 1.3× pricier

Strong value for the price

Punchy, detailed sound with good bass

Bluetooth and MQA convenience

Considered pricey by some

Midrange can sound thin or harsh

Sound-color feature seen as ineffective by some

5Mid

JDS Labs Element~$349 · similar price

Outstanding customer supportDrives demanding headphones wellCompact all-in-one designHigh price relative to competitorsNo balanced output by defaultAwkward controls and web-based EQ concerns

JDS Labs Element~$349 · similar price

Outstanding customer support

Drives demanding headphones well

Compact all-in-one design

High price relative to competitors

No balanced output by default

Awkward controls and web-based EQ concerns

6Upper

iFi Micro iDSD BL~$599 · 1.7× pricier

Strong value versus pricier alternatives3D and Xbass tone controlsDrives hard-to-power headphonesNot truly pocketablePricey versus desktop alternativesAmp noise reported

iFi Micro iDSD BL~$599 · 1.7× pricier

Strong value versus pricier alternatives

3D and Xbass tone controls

Drives hard-to-power headphones

Not truly pocketable

Pricey versus desktop alternatives

Amp noise reported

7Value

iFi Audio iFi Zen Blue~$199 · 1.8× cheaper

CD-like sound qualityRevives old and vintage hi-fi gearGreat with external DACs via digital outAnnoying LED behaviorSingle-device Bluetooth pairing onlyChannel imbalance reports at low volume

iFi Audio iFi Zen Blue~$199 · 1.8× cheaper

CD-like sound quality

Revives old and vintage hi-fi gear

Great with external DACs via digital out

Annoying LED behavior

Single-device Bluetooth pairing only

Channel imbalance reports at low volume

8Upper

SMSL VMV SAP1~$600 · 1.7× pricier

Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers

SMSL VMV SAP1~$600 · 1.7× pricier

Excellent value for money

Drives demanding headphones with ease

Exceeds initial expectations

Inconsistent regional pricing

Cheap-feeling volume knob

Limited availability at some retailers

9Upper

SMSL D400EX~$650 · 1.9× pricier

High owner satisfactionSmooth, non-fatiguing AKM soundAdjustable filters and sound-color settingsSlightly lean bass versus rivalsLacks emotional immersion for some listenersLimited official availability in some regions

SMSL D400EX~$650 · 1.9× pricier

High owner satisfaction

Smooth, non-fatiguing AKM sound

Adjustable filters and sound-color settings

Slightly lean bass versus rivals

Lacks emotional immersion for some listeners

Limited official availability in some regions

10Value

iFi Audio iFi ZEN DAC 3~$229 · 1.5× cheaper

Drives demanding headphones wellBalanced output boosts sound qualityImproved clocking for high-res DSDDistortion when leaving the listening areaInsufficient volume for some high-impedance headphonesShort cable length on older version

iFi Audio iFi ZEN DAC 3~$229 · 1.5× cheaper

Drives demanding headphones well

Balanced output boosts sound quality

Improved clocking for high-res DSD

Distortion when leaving the listening area

Insufficient volume for some high-impedance headphones

Short cable length on older version

You are here

14Mid

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887~$349

Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887~$349

Balanced XLR Connectivity

Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones

Solid Metal Volume Knob

Great value
1. FiiO K11 R2Rarrow_upward9
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward4
Good value
1. SMSL SU-9arrow_upward6
2. iFi Micro iDSD BLarrow_upward4
3. iFi Audio iFi ZEN DAC 3arrow_upward1
Warm sound
1. FiiO K11 R2Rarrow_upward10
2. iFi Micro iDSD BLarrow_upward1
Wide soundstage
1. FiiO K11 R2Rarrow_upward5
2. SMSL SU-9arrow_upward3
3. SMSL D400EXarrow_upward2
Balanced output
1. iFi Audio iFi Zen Bluearrow_upward2
2. iFi Audio iFi ZEN DAC 3arrow_upward2
3. JDS Labs Elementarrow_downward3
Build quality
1. FiiO K11 R2Rarrow_upward3
2. iFi Audio iFi Zen Bluearrow_upward2
3. Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

The Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887 draws interest from listeners looking for a transparent, uncolored balanced headphone amplifier. Several commenters plan to pair it with demanding, hard-to-drive headphones such as ZMF Aeolus at 300 ohm and Monolith M1060, hoping for more headroom than a DAC's built-in headphone out provides. One viewer praised the metal build of the volume knob as a nice detail in an early review. Others ask whether balanced XLR inputs can be fed from gear like a Focusrite Solo audio interface or an iBasso DX220 DAP, suggesting balanced connectivity is a major draw. One buyer mentioned budget being a constraint during the pandemic when deciding on this amp.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

cableBalanced XLR Connectivity

4 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple commenters specifically want or ask about balanced XLR connections, either feeding the amp from an audio interface or a balanced-output DAP, or using the amp itself as a balanced solution for their headphone rig. This suggests balanced I/O is a key selling point for prospective buyers.

@Jisooee

Can you connect this Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887 into an audio interface using those balanced outputs? By using an XLR connection. Like I mean 'balanced outputs' from an audio interface into→ 'balanced input' in the THX 887.

smart_display

October 18, 2021

@rafograph

I'm/was interested on this THX 887 because other reviews. I want a \"not-colored\" amplifier. One that sounds \"pure\". It doesn't need to be balanced if it is better and for now as budget is a problem during a pandemic I will put the amplifier connected to a Focusrite Solo Gen3 with line cables to xlr which I already have. They will drive my upcoming Ollo S4X, Monolith M1060, Sony MDR XB700 and Bose QC25 but for most the first two. Do you guys have any recommendations?

smart_display

April 30, 2020

@RaiseYourFamily

How can i connect my Dap - Ibasso DX220 to Thx887 balanced? I have balanced output on my dap

smart_display

April 16, 2020

@pennfootball71

I have a Rupert neve amp i love but that is hooked up to my Naim Uniti star. I need a balanced amp so I am getting this. My single ended on my Mytek Brooklyn dac + is going to Dynaudio Xeo 10 powered speakers. the headphone amp built into the mytek is ok but I have hard to driove 300 ohm ZMF Aeolus headphones that need more power to really light up. The mytek can do it but it's cranked all the way up to like 3 oclock to get there at 80-85%.

smart_display

March 25, 2020

battery_fullSought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones

2 mentions

Generally positive

Buyers cite the need for more power than their existing DAC or amp headphone-out can deliver for demanding cans like the 300-ohm ZMF Aeolus, and are turning to this amp specifically to get more headroom for such headphones.

@rafograph

smart_display

April 30, 2020

@pennfootball71

smart_display

March 25, 2020

check_circleSolid Metal Volume Knob

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter reviewing the unit noted that the volume knob is indeed made of metal, calling out the build quality in a positive light.

@ntraxmartin

The volume knob indeed metal. FYI. Great start on your review. Keep it up.

smart_display

January 29, 2020

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

What users lovefavorite_border

What users complain aboutheart_broken

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Who wins on what (similar price)

Great value

Good value

Warm sound

Wide soundstage

Balanced output

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887From real comments

What users love

What users complain about

Overall Impression