Buy the Monolith M-OW3: bit.ly/M-OW3 My Review of the M-OW1: th-cam.com/video/QruH8FNugxs/w-d-xo.html My Review of the Monolith THX 10" Sub: th-cam.com/video/CjrMURwjbhU/w-d-xo.html My Review of the Monolith THX 13" Sub: th-cam.com/video/Hs7mS3vyUII/w-d-xo.html My Speaker Leaderboard: bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard My Subwoofer Leaderboard: bit.ly/subwooferleaderboard Channel Sponsors: Monoprice/Monolith: bit.ly/MonopriceJNT Audio Advice: Audio Advice: bit.ly/Audio-Advice Disclosure: The Affiliate links above earn me a commission if you purchase using those links. This is at no additional cost to you. Monolith did send this product free for this review.
There will always be a market for a product like this, especially when you are space constrained. My daughter's apartments living room really cant accomodate speakers on the only wall that works. Using a relatively inexpensive soundbar/"sub" combo now; this would definetely be a step up.
Interesting review. By any chance, have you gotten to demo GoldenEar's Supercinema 3D Array XL or Martin Logan's SLM X3? I think this is an interesting segment that offers a reasonable compromise of atheistics/space saving/"wife approval facfor" and reasonable sound (at least compared to traditional powered soundbars).
I know you don’t recommend it but would you please send me any guides or documentation you use to turn this from an LCR to just a center? You mention you wired it in series but I’m not sure how that’s done. Please 🙏 it would be a massive help.
Monoprice doesn't get the respect they deserve for design, innovation and performance. I really can't think of any other company with the diversity of products they offer.
I'm looking for a 3 channel passive soundbar for my living room. I'm building a theater in our game room. Something like this paired with the inceiling surrounds that I already have installed would be perfect for everyday tv and kids movie watching. I wish you would have demoed some movie scenes with this speaker instead of just music.
Currently I have a sound bar in our family room and would like to do a surround sound but the area is an open concept and my wife would like area not to be cluttered with speakers. Looking to do a 5.1, so with this speaker handling the LCR could I possibly pair this with the encore B6 for the rear speakers?
Has anyone successful used this as a center channel wired in series? As many of us shopping know the regular THX center has been on back order and we’ll be into next year.
That monolith looks almost like a larger version of Henry Kloss “The Center Channel” Speaker. 5 drivers in. Horizontally mounted box about 30” in length. 4 midrange 4” mids and a center mounted 2.5”tweeter. And Polk RTA11TL’s front L/R. Soon to be downsized with KLH Model 6’s. And, soon, either the SVS Micro Sub or the Definitive 8”. The REL is a nice little sub too, but out of my price range. But, it’s time to replace my Polk SW10…. And downsizing is relative to my retirement and downsizing from our current home to something a bit smaller for empty nesters.
Like a HTIB home theater in a box? Not that I know of. The closest thing I could recommend would be a Sonos sound bar and you would buy the sub and rear speakers separately. Sound bars are in one box, but I wouldn't recommend most of them.
Yes. At least that is what Episode calls their speakers like this. I use my Episode passive soundbar in a living room setting where the WAF was important.
Monoprice states on their website that this is a THX-certified sound bar. The music sounded ok through it, but it's designed to serve as a wide-range forward-center soundstage for home theater, which is what they illustrate (in photos) and state on their site. Please perform a Part2 review that shows the correct application for viewers who are interested in the product. If you need a suggestion, Pick a good test movie: Step 1 - sound bar only, Step 2 - add a set of fronts...continue the process until the full THX experience is realized. Since Monoprice recommends a sub, at minimum, viewers need to know how/if this unit fits into their system. This video qualifies to determine if a viewer can replace all of their speakers with one unit, a feat that likely will never be realized in the home theater arena. Hoping this constructive criticism is well received.
The term "soundbar" was added to the description of the product after this review was release. It is intended to be used on-wall as an LCR. I'm not sure why they show it used as a center channel with the M-OW1's for left and right. I've shown that the response is not optimal as a center channel with all the speakers wired in series. I did show 2 binaural demos, one with the speaker pulled away, and one mounted on-wall. I also show the measurements for both setups. I mentioned at least twice in the video that a sub is highly recommended. I did test it with various movies and commented that I thought it was good for those purposes. I cannot use those for demos because of copyright. Did you watch those parts that I mentioned or am I not understanding what you're saying? It seems like you're recommended I do certain things that I did in the video.
@@joentell I would consider, without asking Monoprice directly, that they depict the M-OW1s used in conjunction with the sound bar to to provide the needed forward fill and frequency range that the sound bar by itself cannot supply. This image from the Denon site illustrates my thoughts - manuals.denon.com/AVRX7200W/EU/EN/fig/Pict%20SP%20Layout%209.1_UJDCILzlzmepsk.png I appreciate the two applications - on and off wall, while (as your review supports) the on wall installation seems to function best. Your statement about the subs being necessary was well received and I agree. I watched the video twice before commenting to try and provide you with genuine feedback on the review. It seems where my expectation and your limitations lie is with the ability to perform a YT review showing the home theater aspect (movies), which I understand...but it still limits the ability for viewers to have a direct visual/audible comparison of what this unit can do for their setup. Thanks for doing what you can and passing on the information as best YT allows you to do so.
I have to use copyright free music, so that's something to consider. Saying all new music sucks is like saying all new movies suck. We may have an emotional attachment to older music we heard while growing up and that skews our opinions.
@@dvvaughn564 I think there are just so many genres, and options for music nowadays, there's a lot of options for music you might not like. But, do I think that the younger generations just don't have the same creativity, passion, emotion to create good music, no. Why would that be the case? Computers have made it easier for artists to create music in their bedrooms. Look at Billie Eilish. Do you think her music is horrible? What is the decade you believe good music stopped being created? I'm sure the current generation feels that their music is the best. I feel like mine is. I'm sure there were some old guys that said The Beatles sucked too. Same old thing. I don't want to be one of those old guys.
Buy the Monolith M-OW3: bit.ly/M-OW3
My Review of the M-OW1: th-cam.com/video/QruH8FNugxs/w-d-xo.html
My Review of the Monolith THX 10" Sub: th-cam.com/video/CjrMURwjbhU/w-d-xo.html
My Review of the Monolith THX 13" Sub: th-cam.com/video/Hs7mS3vyUII/w-d-xo.html
My Speaker Leaderboard: bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard
My Subwoofer Leaderboard: bit.ly/subwooferleaderboard
Channel Sponsors:
Monoprice/Monolith: bit.ly/MonopriceJNT
Audio Advice: Audio Advice: bit.ly/Audio-Advice
Disclosure: The Affiliate links above earn me a commission if you purchase using those links. This is at no additional cost to you. Monolith did send this product free for this review.
Let me get that discount code to buy
@@nseven_pyro3677 wish I had one
This is literally a LCR glued together 🥹
There will always be a market for a product like this, especially when you are space constrained. My daughter's apartments living room really cant accomodate speakers on the only wall that works. Using a relatively inexpensive soundbar/"sub" combo now; this would definetely be a step up.
they sounded really bright and crispy👌
Interesting review. By any chance, have you gotten to demo GoldenEar's Supercinema 3D Array XL or Martin Logan's SLM X3? I think this is an interesting segment that offers a reasonable compromise of atheistics/space saving/"wife approval facfor" and reasonable sound (at least compared to traditional powered soundbars).
I know you don’t recommend it but would you please send me any guides or documentation you use to turn this from an LCR to just a center? You mention you wired it in series but I’m not sure how that’s done. Please 🙏 it would be a massive help.
Monoprice doesn't get the respect they deserve for design, innovation and performance. I really can't think of any other company with the diversity of products they offer.
@@jackshane227 by your logic anybody who makes a car with four wheels is stealing Henry Ford's design 😅🤣😭
I see no innovation whatsoever.
I'm looking for a 3 channel passive soundbar for my living room. I'm building a theater in our game room. Something like this paired with the inceiling surrounds that I already have installed would be perfect for everyday tv and kids movie watching. I wish you would have demoed some movie scenes with this speaker instead of just music.
Currently I have a sound bar in our family room and would like to do a surround sound but the area is an open concept and my wife would like area not to be cluttered with speakers. Looking to do a 5.1, so with this speaker handling the LCR could I possibly pair this with the encore B6 for the rear speakers?
Has anyone successful used this as a center channel wired in series? As many of us shopping know the regular THX center has been on back order and we’ll be into next year.
That monolith looks almost like a larger version of Henry Kloss “The Center Channel” Speaker. 5 drivers in. Horizontally mounted box about 30” in length. 4 midrange 4” mids and a center mounted 2.5”tweeter. And Polk RTA11TL’s front L/R. Soon to be downsized with KLH Model 6’s. And, soon, either the SVS Micro Sub or the Definitive 8”. The REL is a nice little sub too, but out of my price range. But, it’s time to replace my Polk SW10…. And downsizing is relative to my retirement and downsizing from our current home to something a bit smaller for empty nesters.
Are there any dolby atmos speaker packages that include all the speakers and reciever in a kit for 2500 dollars?
Like a HTIB home theater in a box? Not that I know of. The closest thing I could recommend would be a Sonos sound bar and you would buy the sub and rear speakers separately. Sound bars are in one box, but I wouldn't recommend most of them.
@@joentell what about the samsung q990b?
@@johncapone8843 I haven't tested that one
@@joentell np, thank you very much for your reply 😊
Can you use these only as a center channel?
Yes, but only if you use the center speakers. It would sound weird to use all 3.
Sounds great except for the time alignment with the subs.
Would this be a big step up over your average $150 soundbar?
Yes but you still need a receiver a sub and 2 rears
Woah that thing is way bigger than it looks on the website.
anything kills a sound bar except for TV sound
Wouldn't you call this a passive soundbar ?
I guess you could.
Yes. At least that is what Episode calls their speakers like this. I use my Episode passive soundbar in a living room setting where the WAF was important.
Monoprice states on their website that this is a THX-certified sound bar. The music sounded ok through it, but it's designed to serve as a wide-range forward-center soundstage for home theater, which is what they illustrate (in photos) and state on their site. Please perform a Part2 review that shows the correct application for viewers who are interested in the product.
If you need a suggestion, Pick a good test movie: Step 1 - sound bar only, Step 2 - add a set of fronts...continue the process until the full THX experience is realized. Since Monoprice recommends a sub, at minimum, viewers need to know how/if this unit fits into their system. This video qualifies to determine if a viewer can replace all of their speakers with one unit, a feat that likely will never be realized in the home theater arena.
Hoping this constructive criticism is well received.
The term "soundbar" was added to the description of the product after this review was release. It is intended to be used on-wall as an LCR. I'm not sure why they show it used as a center channel with the M-OW1's for left and right. I've shown that the response is not optimal as a center channel with all the speakers wired in series.
I did show 2 binaural demos, one with the speaker pulled away, and one mounted on-wall. I also show the measurements for both setups.
I mentioned at least twice in the video that a sub is highly recommended.
I did test it with various movies and commented that I thought it was good for those purposes. I cannot use those for demos because of copyright.
Did you watch those parts that I mentioned or am I not understanding what you're saying? It seems like you're recommended I do certain things that I did in the video.
@@joentell I would consider, without asking Monoprice directly, that they depict the M-OW1s used in conjunction with the sound bar to to provide the needed forward fill and frequency range that the sound bar by itself cannot supply. This image from the Denon site illustrates my thoughts - manuals.denon.com/AVRX7200W/EU/EN/fig/Pict%20SP%20Layout%209.1_UJDCILzlzmepsk.png
I appreciate the two applications - on and off wall, while (as your review supports) the on wall installation seems to function best.
Your statement about the subs being necessary was well received and I agree.
I watched the video twice before commenting to try and provide you with genuine feedback on the review. It seems where my expectation and your limitations lie is with the ability to perform a YT review showing the home theater aspect (movies), which I understand...but it still limits the ability for viewers to have a direct visual/audible comparison of what this unit can do for their setup.
Thanks for doing what you can and passing on the information as best YT allows you to do so.
O boi I can tell this is gonna be monoprices next big seller
not for me..
100% understandable. Not for everyone. Good for specific situations.
Siamese triplets of speakers ;)
god new music sucks
I have to use copyright free music, so that's something to consider. Saying all new music sucks is like saying all new movies suck. We may have an emotional attachment to older music we heard while growing up and that skews our opinions.
@@joentell man you are always so diplomatic and thoughtful. God blessed you with patience and understanding 🙏
@@joentell srsly joe you have heard the top 40 music?
Ugh horrid
@@dvvaughn564 I think there are just so many genres, and options for music nowadays, there's a lot of options for music you might not like. But, do I think that the younger generations just don't have the same creativity, passion, emotion to create good music, no. Why would that be the case? Computers have made it easier for artists to create music in their bedrooms. Look at Billie Eilish. Do you think her music is horrible? What is the decade you believe good music stopped being created? I'm sure the current generation feels that their music is the best. I feel like mine is. I'm sure there were some old guys that said The Beatles sucked too. Same old thing. I don't want to be one of those old guys.
@@joentell Joe will singlehandedly solve world peace haha