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Monoprice Planar Magnetic Headphones — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Over-Ear HeadphonesMonoprice Planar Magnetic Headphones

Monoprice Planar Magnetic Headphones — image 1

Monoprice

Monoprice Planar Magnetic Headphones

Expert Review Analysis

The Monoprice Monolith Over‑Ear Planar Magnetic headphones feature a large 106 mm driver, planar magnetic technology and swappable leather or velour earpads, delivering deep bass and low distortion. They require a solid headphone amp (200 mW‑4 W) and are best suited for audiophiles seeking detailed, bass‑heavy home listening or mixing.

✓ Best for: Audiophiles who own a dedicated headphone amp/DAC, enjoy bass‑heavy genres, and need low distortion for critical listening or mixing in a home environment.✗ Not ideal for: Portable or on‑the‑go use, listeners without an amp, those who prioritize a spacious soundstage, or anyone needing lightweight, isolated headphones for travel.

Pros

✓Deep sub-bass extension down to 5‑10 Hz with minimal roll‑off, delivering powerful bass impact.
✓Extremely low total harmonic distortion (<0.1 % at 100 dB) provides clear, detailed imaging.
✓Comfortable plush leather and velour earpads allow long listening sessions without fatigue.

Price History

Current

$265.98

Average

$240.32

Lowest

$170.99

Highest

$329.82

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#2,737Best#41Worst#5,469 +1,609

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Cable TypeBraided 3.5 mm cable

Adapter Type3.5 mm to 1/4" adapter

Carrying CaseIncluded hard carrying case

Audio

Driver Size106 mm mm

Impedance50 ohms ohms

Sensitivity96 dB SPL / 1 mW dB

Frequency Response10 Hz – 50 kHz

Maximum Power Handling10 W (200 ms) W

Design

StyleOpen-back

Magnetic StructureLinear Symmetry Magnets

Magnet TypeSymmetric Push-Pull Neodymium

Headband DesignFloating metal headband

Earpad MaterialLeather and Velour (swappable)

Features

Open Back DesignOpen-back architecture for spacious soundstage

Swappable EarpadsLeather for bass impact, Velour for tighter bass control

ComfortLarge plush pads designed for extended listening sessions

General

BrandMonoprice

ManufacturerMonolith

Model Name116050

ColorBlack

Release Date2017-07-29

Magnet

Magnet TypeSymmetric push‑pull neodymium magnets

Dimensions & Weight

Height4.9 inches

Width12.2 inches

Depth11.8 inches

Weight0.26 pounds

Research Sources

soundstagesolo.com

audiosciencereview.com

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User Reviews

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4.1

(462 reviews)

$265.98

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116050BlackHeadphone (Over the Ear)

Over-Ear Headphones

✓High sensitivity of 96 dB/mW and 60 Ω impedance enable efficient use with dedicated headphone amps.

✓Floating metal headband design reduces resonance and adds to the premium build quality.

✓Swappable earpads let users tailor bass response and comfort to personal preference.

Cons

✗Intimate, in‑head soundstage can feel closed‑in compared to more expansive open‑back designs.
✗Requires a solid headphone amplifier (200 mW‑4 W) to reach full performance, limiting portability.
✗Upper treble may be lifted or dull without EQ, leading to less separation in bright passages.
✗Tight earpad installation can cause resonances and may need careful adjustment for optimal sound.
✗Overall weight of around 580 g makes the headphones less comfortable for extended wear for some users.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓eCoustics highlights deep sub‑bass texture and solid imaging as standout strengths.
✓Techaeris describes the M1060 as “perfect sounding” with low distortion and superior bass imaging.
✓SoundStageSolo notes the planar design delivers reference‑grade detail comparable to the Audeze LCD‑X.

Criticized by Experts

✗eCoustics points out the intimate soundstage and need for ample power as drawbacks.
✗Techaeris mentions the upper treble lift that can inhibit separation without EQ.
✗SoundStageSolo warns that the headphones need a good amp to achieve their best sound.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Consumers praise the strong bass impact and comfortable plush pads for long listening sessions.
✓Users appreciate the value‑for‑money offering in the planar headphone market.
✓Many users like the ability to swap leather and velour pads to adjust bass response.

Users Complain About

✗Everyday users report the headphones are power‑hungry and need a quality amp.
✗Users find the soundstage feels closed‑in, making it less immersive.
✗Some users experience treble peaks or dullness unless they apply EQ or change pads.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the Monolith for its deep, textured bass, low distortion and solid imaging, noting it rivals higher‑priced planar models like the Audeze LCD‑X. However, they also caution that its intimate soundstage and need for a capable amplifier limit its appeal for those seeking a wide, open soundstage or plug‑and‑play simplicity.

What Users Say

Everyday users love the powerful bass, comfortable pads and overall value, but repeatedly mention the headphones’ power‑hungry nature, closed‑in soundstage and occasional treble issues that often require EQ or pad swaps to resolve.

Common Complaints

Power‑hungry requiring a good amp, intimate/closed‑in soundstage, upper treble peaks or dullness without EQ, and tight earpad installation causing resonances.

What People Are Saying

“Excellent bass depth and texture, no roll‑off until ~20Hz”
eCoustics review

“Perfect sounding”
Techaeris review

How It Compares

vs. Audeze LCD‑X

Advantages

✓Similar 106 mm driver size and planar technology for detailed sound
✓Potentially wider soundstage and reference‑grade tuning

Disadvantages

✗Higher price point and heavier build
✗Requires amp but less power‑hungry than Monolith

Choose the LCD‑X for a more expansive, reference‑grade experience if budget allows; choose Monolith for similar performance at lower cost.

vs. HiFiMan (general low‑mid range)

Advantages

✓Typically lighter and easier to drive with lower impedance

Disadvantages

✗Smaller drivers and less bass impact compared to Monolith’s 106 mm planar design

HiFiMan is better for portable or amp‑free use; Monolith excels for stationary, bass‑focused listening with an amp.

Rating Trend

Rating4.1/ 5Reviews462+29 reviews +0.09