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Black desktop headphone amplifier DAC unit with front controls

Monoprice Inc.

Monoprice Monolith 143862 Desktop Headphone Amplifier DAC

SKU CH-3C71-G49QF

Desktop balanced headphone amplifier and ESS SABRE DAC with THX AAA 788 modules, Dirac Virtuo spatial audio and MQA compatibility

  • Product typeHeadphones
  • Product colorBlack
  • Product weight4.99
  • Key featuresTHX AAA Technology
  • Dual THX AAA 788 modules deliver ultra-low distortion
  • ESS SABRE 9038Q2M DAC provides precise digital-to-analog conversion
  • Dirac Virtuo creates immersive out-of-head soundstage
  • MQA support renders studio-quality masters
  • Balanced and unbalanced connections suit any headphone

Monolith 143862 balanced headphone amp DAC

The Monolith 143862 is a desktop headphone amplifier and DAC built around dual THX AAA 788 modules and an ESS SABRE 9038Q2M converter. It supports MQA decoding and Dirac Virtuo spatial processing for an expanded soundstage. Balanced, unbalanced and digital connections are provided for a wide range of headphones and IEMs.

Before ordering check your sources and cables

Verify that your playback device can supply a digital or analogue signal the unit accepts and that you have the appropriate balanced or single-ended cables for your headphones. The amplifier requires mains power so confirm a free outlet near your listening position. No software installation is mentioned so driver support on your operating system should be confirmed if USB audio is used.

Upgrade from basic integrated audio

This unit replaces a motherboard headphone output or a simple USB dongle when you need THX AAA amplification, ESS SABRE conversion and MQA rendering in one box. The jump is worth it if you own demanding headphones that benefit from balanced drive and want Dirac Virtuo spatial enhancement. It is not for listeners who only need a portable battery-powered solution or who require multichannel speaker outputs.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Earbuds & Over-Ear Headphones, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $491.99
Pricier than about 91% of the 7,078 comparable items (median $25.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameMonoprice
Model name143862
Part number143862
Product typeHeadphones
Product colorBlack

Questions about this item

What comes in the box with the Monolith 143862 and what must I buy separately?

The unit ships with the desktop amplifier-DAC itself; headphones, interconnect cables and any source device are not included and must be provided by the user

How do I decide between the THX AAA 788 amplifier sections and the ESS SABRE 9038Q2M DAC when choosing this model?

Both are built into the same 143862 chassis — the dual 788 modules drive the headphone outputs while the 9038Q2M handles digital conversion, so there is no separate version to select

What does the THX AAA 788 specification mean for everyday listening on this amplifier?

The dual 788 modules provide high output current with very low distortion and noise, giving clean, controlled drive for both low- and high-impedance headphones

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