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Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report

73.97.205.225
Posted on April 8, 2019 at 12:45:49
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002









Text taken from a previous post in Cable Asylum:

https://www.audioasylum.com/audio/cables/messages/17/176484.html

-snip-

"I have a secondary USB DAC/headphone amplifier that is primarily used for a television/home theater application, but also listen to it as a change of pace for a USB computer streaming audio application. For the purpose, I currently use a relatively good-sounding Belkin Gold 2.0 USB cable for the secondary USB application, but I've been wanting to try a solid core conductor USB cable instead. While the reference USB cable for my primary USB headphone application is an otherwise excellent sounding Neo by Oyaide Class S USB cable featuring an advanced stranded conductor design, I have no experience of a solid core USB cable for either headphone amplifier application, as of yet.

There are relatively few solid core USB cables compared to a typical stranded USB cable product intended for use with computer peripherals, and in the case of the solid core AudioQuest products in the audiophile marketplace, they are priced a bit too high for my wants/needs for use with a non-critical listening application. This is not to say it's not important to fine tune any device I listen to at any given time, but at a suitable price point. What also made the AudioQuest offerings unattractive is many models feature silver plated conductors, which is something I tend to avoid for audiophile purposes. However, after trying a high-quality Monoprice Commercial Silver Series HDMI cable featuring silver plated copper conductors, I changed my mind about the topic when it comes to an HDMI digital audio application. The twisted pair for the digital audio signal run of a USB cable is similar to that of the twisted pair for the digital audio signal run of an HDMI cable, so it makes sense to give a silver plated copper USB cable a try for a secondary application. At least I'll gain experience of the cable type, with right of return if I'm not satisfied.

What also makes the Monoprice Monolith USB cable attractive is the low-cost involved for a 2 meter length at only $19.99 (1 meter length is $14.99), which is substantially less than an AudioQuest USB cable product with a similar design. While I don't anticipate that the low-cost product will be a jaw-dropper, it just might outperform the respectable Belkin Gold 2.0 USB cable that's only a cut above a typical USB cable intended for use with computer peripherals."

-snip-

As a follow-up to mentioning the Monoprice Monolith USB cable as an inexpensive new solid core USB cable intended for audio applications, I've given it enough time to burn-in so as to properly evaluate it vs. a competent Belkin Gold Series 2.0 USB cable intended for use with computer peripherals. The Belkin Gold is a comparatively good sounding USB cable for audio use vs. other mundane USB cables I've tried, and it has a good reputation as an entry level USB cable for audio use when purchased at deep discount price on the web. However, the low-price of the new Monoprice Monolith USB cable should fit the budget of any serious end user who seeks a very good sounding product for little cash outlay.

While both USB cables sound good in their own right, the solid core Monoprice Monolith USB cable is clearly better at providing a more focused soundstage presentation, whereas the presentation of the stranded Belkin Gold Series USB cable sounds notably more diffuse in comparison, with spatial cues and ambient information less defined in character vs. the Monoprice Monolith USB cable, to my ear. While the Belkin USB cable does sound quite musical and pleasant to the ear, subtle timbrel information is better conveyed by the Monolith USB cable which makes it a higher resolution cable product, in my experience. It's so good, it rivals the subjective sound quality of a much more expensive stranded Neo by Oyaide Class S USB cable for a more critical listening USB application. In fact, I purchased another Monoprice Monolith USB cable to swap-out for that application, so I'll find out which product actually spends more time there, over the test of time.

See link:

 

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Do you know if they make those in A USB C? , posted on April 8, 2019 at 13:30:44
John PA
Audiophile

Posts: 4019
Location: The lower 48.
Joined: August 27, 2000
 I was looking but couldn't find it.


iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.

 

RE: Do you know if they make those in A USB C? , posted on April 8, 2019 at 15:03:05
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Hi John PA, the Monolith USB cable was just released, so Monoprice is new to the audiophile-quality USB cable marketplace, which is not as filled with as many USB cable options to choose from as other kinds of audiophile cables are. I expect more Monolith USB cable types might be offered in the future if the new one that's available is well-received by end users.

 

No disagreement here...., posted on April 10, 2019 at 05:59:46
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Like to keep the Mac Mini a few feet away from the rest of my system and the 2 meter length is perfect for that.

Been using it for about a week and the Belkin Gold is now living in the large unused cable box.

Again, the IsoRegen powered by the LPS-1 'UltraCap' supply takes care of a LOT of USB related problems, be they computer related or cable. Still, the MonoPrice cable is a steal.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: No disagreement here...., posted on April 10, 2019 at 22:08:30
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 I've yet to find a method/device that eliminates the need of high-performance cables. In fact, if there is an appreciable increase in resolution due to something added within the signal chain, all the more reason to use high-performance cabling to get the best out of the improved method/device placed in the signal path. That said, even entry-level gear tends to benefit from anything that clarifies the signal. There is no cost ceiling other than what one is willing/able to spend. A SOTA cable/connector interface is never wasted unless gone unappreciated. Audiophile-quality power cords can make a great impact on even the most modest audio gear. I use one of the best power cords in my collection with an unexpected audio component that greatly benefits from its high-performance characteristics. What is your AC delivery system like, Ivan303? Do you implement any aftermarket IEC power cords, or simply use the stock power cords included in the box?

Cheers, Duster

 

RE: "What is your AC delivery system like....", posted on April 11, 2019 at 07:16:53
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001

Lucky to have my own, personal 10KW transformer sitting in a large metal box at the street.






Wires underground, with about a 200-300 foot run to the meter on the side of the garage. Lots of ugliness involving solar panels after that with lots of data running on the power lines going to both Power New Mexico and SunPower but NOTHING like living in a city with a dozen people all sharing the output of a transformer on a poll.

Power distribution within the home is problematic as well. I prefer all of the 'crap' to be on one phase then all of the good stuff (audio, incandescent lights NOT on dimmers, etc.) isolated to the other, but the electrician just gives me a 'look' when I suggest a major re-wire of the circuit breaker box.

Plus the audio gear resides in a built-in book case designed for TVs of 25 years ago and there is no changing that. Rats nest of wires and power cords and about 1/2 hour of work to change anything.

Do have the DAC and on an $80 Swedish made power cord of some sort and the integrated amp is on a rather large cord that seems adequate to the task.

Bottom line, dedicated transformer is a good thing, household wiring not so much.

New refrigerator helps a lot as well, both for ambient noise and electrical.

As regards the USB cable, there is no 'cable' between the IsoRegen and the DAC. The MonoPrice cable runs from the Mac Mini to the IsoRegen which plugs directly into the DAC via an adapter (pictured above) which allows for cutting the 5V which the Amanero USB > I2S board inside the DAC does not use.

While I don't experience much difference with power cords on big boxes like amps and DACs I do hear quite a bit of improvement when using linear supplies on source devices like the uRendu and even the Raspberry Pi.

That said, the Audio-GD DAC is at least 25 lbs. and more than half of that is power supply. Guessing Ayre did a pretty good job on the power supply of the integrated amp as well.

Linear supply for the Mac Mini is still a work in progress. The IsoRegen did such a good job of cleaning up the digital input from the Mac Mini it's no longer an urgent issue but one I am guessing will be audible even by cable agnostic like me. =:-0

If someone gave me a check for $30,000 to spend on audio I'd likely upgrade by DAC, AMP and Speakers while what I SHOULD do is give it to an electrician and completely rewire the house!







First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 12, 2019 at 10:50:23
Ghosthouse
Audiophile

Posts: 3
Location: Central PA
Joined: March 22, 2007
 A very infrequent Asylum poster but regular reader, I wanted to add my recent experience with the Monolith USB purchased on the strength of Duster's report.
I'm using it between Aries Mini and Schiit Eitr USB/SPDIF converter. A Black Cat Silverstar 75 coax connects the Eitr to Gungnir MB. Balanced Cardas cables connect Gungnir MB to Schiit Freya pre-amp and Freya to Taranis power amp that drives Totem Forest speakers via Cardas Clear Reflection cables.

The Monolith was used in place of an Oyaide Neo D+ Class A USB cable (see The Absolute Sound review) and which I had found clearly better than entry level Audioquest Pearl (100% Cu) or Pangea AG (solid silver) USB cables that I owned. Right out of the box, using Peter Gabriel's So CD which serves me as a reference recording, I heard differences. At the same volume control setting, music was slightly louder with the Monolith and there was more treble energy present (might explain the apparent increase in volume). This "more treble" was not harsh - something I'm very conscious of when present. In the first few minutes of use, I could hear new detail in various sections of PG's songs...e.g., in the reverb/ambient effect of the mid section of Mercy Street; in Laurie Anderson's whispered lyric in the final track, aka Excellent Birds.

I played on repeat for several hours the XLO CD's burn in track (copied to hard drive) through the Mini/Monolith USB cable and did more listening later in the day. On the track, Good Morning Mr. Coffee! from Anders'/Holdswoth's Heavy Machinery CD there is some very well recorded cymbal work in the opening seconds of the song. With the Monolith USB in place, this was heard with a richness and fullness I'd not experienced previously.

For $15 delivered (1 meter length) I believe the Monolith is a very high value product especially considering the positive TAS review of the Oyaide Class A which it bettered. Thanks to Duster for his report.

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 13, 2019 at 09:55:27
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 I'm glad to know the Monoprice Monolith USB cable performs as well as it does when placed in your system, Ghosthouse. It has currently replaced an Oyaide Neo D+ Class S USB cable for both my reference and secondary USB applications, since I find the Monolith USB cable simply provides a higher resolution presentation, especially notable are spatial cues and ambient information retrieval, whereas the stranded Oyaide USB cable while musical sounding, does not provide the level of detail that the solid core Monolith USB cable provides. Something of interest to mention is that I've compared the 1 meter version vs. 2 meter version, and I prefer the presentation of the longer 2 meter cable. I find that it provides better inner detail and a somewhat more three dimensional soundstage presentation, with a bit more coherent imaging. Subtle but significant improvement, to my ear.

This finding could be a matter of synergy rather than an inherently better sounding length that can be relied on from one system to another, so reports by others will be necessary before a claim can be made about something which cannot be confirmed by a single end user. The difference might not be as profound as what may be heard when an optimized length is selected for a 75 ohm characteristic impedance S/PDIF digital coaxial cable application, but it is similar in effect since the soundstage can collapse a bit when a shorter length S/PDIF digital coaxial cable is implemented, depending on the digital front end, and depending on a particular make/model S/PDIF digital coaxial cable, and how it is terminated. Since I have not read any reports about the 90 ohm characteristic impedance of USB cables being length-sensitive in some manner, the notion of the 2 meter version Monolith USB cable sounding better than the 1 meter version is only anecdotal evidence as reported by one listener, at this point. YMMV

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 13, 2019 at 13:14:40
Ghosthouse
Audiophile

Posts: 3
Location: Central PA
Joined: March 22, 2007
 Happy to share the good news, Duster. I was actually considering going to the Class S or possibly Oyaide's Continental 5S when I read your report about the Monolith.

Yes, better "spatial cues and ambient information retrieval" captures a lot of the improvement I'm hearing. I believe this is aided by extended high frequencies enabled by the Monolith USB (repeating myself) compared to the Oyaide Class A.

As far as 1 vs 2 meter as the "better" length, only trying (given little financial risk) the 2 meter will let me know if there's an audible benefit vs the 1 meter.

I do think A'gon handle, AudioEngineer, Steve ??? (drawing a blank on the last name...he makes the Offramp DAC stuff) holds that the same 1.5 meter length is best for USB as it is for 75 ohm digital coax. He has cited a paper in support of this position but I've not read it and don't know the (apparently) science-based argument behind the claim (s).


 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 13, 2019 at 19:08:41
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Interestingly, it seems to be a 1 meter length that is problematic rather than 0.5 meter, 1.5 meter, or 2.0 meter for that matter to be aware of. All anecdotal in nature depending on the cable, the termination method, and a particular digital front end configuration, for that matter. YMMV

 

Thanks for the heads up!, posted on May 21, 2019 at 06:46:20
SamA
Audiophile

Posts: 2902
Location: Washington, D.C.
Joined: February 12, 2004
 The Monolith is crazy good! I'm liking this cable a lot.

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 21, 2019 at 07:32:00
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012



Thanks for the heads up, Duster....

I just received my order of 2, one for my son and 1 for me....

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 22, 2019 at 07:00:18
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 I look forward to knowing what you think of the Monoprice Monolith USB cable vs. your current USB cable, old guy 42.

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 22, 2019 at 15:41:45
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hey Duster,

The Monoprice monolith has replaced an Oyaide Neo D plus "S" usb cable. I will listen to the Monolith one month, and then place the Oyaide usb back into my very modest system. I will report my findings then...Again, thank you for the heads-up!!!..

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 26, 2019 at 22:44:30
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
 Duster, old guy 42...
As I mentioned in another post I now have two of the Monolith cables connected via a USB coupler from my Mac Mini to my DAC. Today was the fourth day they've been burning in. Once again I proved to myself that different wire sounds different. I don't have the funds to buy expensive highfaluting USB cables to campare. But I can say the Monolith USB cable is a kickass USB cable. Listening to various audio files I listen to after I change anything in my system the sound is superior to any of my USB cables, diy or manufactured. The sound is much more of everything I want to hear. It is very dynamic, has gobs of presence, an expanded sound stage, low level detail is increased and most of all is more musical. I would love to hear a shootout of USB cables to include the Monolith USB 2.0. I do believe it would kick some expensive ass.

Marvin

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on May 27, 2019 at 03:08:26
old guy 42
Audiophile

Posts: 388
Location: Eastern Pa
Joined: August 12, 2012
Contributor
  Since: August 26, 2012
 Hi Marvin,

I've only had my Monolith in the system for a short time but I am impressed with same. Very dynamic and spacious with solid bass. I will keep it in my very modest system for a month, and then change it out for the Oyaide.

I'm inclined to agree with you Marvin that this Monolith could kick some expensive usb ass!

Enjoy your music Marvin....Ed

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on December 28, 2019 at 10:14:36
bjp222@hotmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: NYC
Joined: December 17, 2019
 Just picked up one of these on your recommendation to replace a generic one. I am curious to see if there is a change in performance.

 

RE: Monoprice Monolith USB Cable Report, posted on January 17, 2021 at 09:30:10
Aaron 01
Audiophile

Posts: 741
Location: Golden Colorado
Joined: July 18, 2004
 I just tried one of these because of Dusters review and wow what a difference. This is just for my computer audio system which is a pair of Kanto Yu self powered speakers and a small 8" Sunfire sub being fed by a Schiit Modi Multibit DAC. From my Asus Zenbook USB out to the Modi I was using some generic USB cable with a clear jacket and silver braiding inide. When I switched out the Monolith the background was blacker, lower noisefloor, more clarity, tone, timber and depth.

Being such a modest system for non critical listening I had my doubts I would hear any difference. I was amazed at how good it is for such a low $ and that I could tell immediately the upgrade.

Thank you Duster.

 

RE: Are LRS in fact more "detailed" than .7?, posted on March 9, 2021 at 20:44:42
paul3
Audiophile

Posts: 253
Location: Pacific NW
Joined: January 2, 2015
 Been burning in a Monoprice Monolith USB cable for a few days. It's connected to my modest Jolida Glass FX Tube DAC. I can report that the Monolith is one hell of an excellent cable. Maybe it will get even better? Regardless, I could not be more pleased.

 

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