CES 2019: Monoprice Unveils Its HTP-1 16-Channel Processor with Dirac and New Sealed Subs

CES 2019: Monoprice Unveils Its HTP-1 16-Channel Processor with Dirac and New Sealed Subs​

(Monoprice) The all-new HTP-1 Processor will ship this coming fall.(January 3, 2019) There’s always one or two bombshell CES reveals that rock the home theater world, and this year Monoprice is taking the controls and striking first. Just minutes ago, the company officially raised the curtain on two new Monolith product classes that have been kept under tight wraps.

First up, we have the all-new Monolith HTP-1 Home Theater Processor. Aggressively priced at $3,999, the HTP-1 delivers a whopping 16-channels of processing backed by support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound (along with Dolby and DTS upmixing alternatives). That means enthusiasts can utilize a variety of speaker arrangements, including max deployments of 9.1.6, 7.3.6, and 7.5.4 for Dolby Atmos, and 7.1.4 or 7.5.4 for DTS:X.

Connectivity-wise, the rear of the HTP-1 presents seven upgradable HDMI 2.0b input modules loaded with compatibility for current 4K video technologies, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, along with a host of digital and analog input options. It also offers two HDMI 2.0b outputs, with one capable of delivering Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) performance for immersive sound. Other outputs include 16 balanced XLR connectors for primary subwoofer and amplifier connections.

Monoprice says the HTP-1 will ship with a Google Chromecast dongle for access to audio sources such as Spotify, while also internally housing Bluetooth and Roon Endpoint connectivity.

Among a range of “audio enhancements,” such as PEQ, 4thorder Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers, tone controls, and the like, Monoprice has opted to grace the HTP-1 with Dirac Live Room Correction functionality.

This particular processor is currently scheduled to begin shipping sometime during Q3 of 2019. Based on Monoprice’s ability to deliver Monolith products on time, this date should hold true.

Monoprice is also unveiling three new THX Certified sealed subwoofers. The all new 10”, 12”, and 15” models have the same amps, two-layer long fiber pulp/glassfiber drivers, and HDF cabinet construction found on its popular THX Certified ported Monolith models. And, once again, the subs are finished in a Black Ash vinyl covering, featuring two RCA inputs and XLR input/outputs. I’ve had an early peek at preliminary frequency responses for the three new models and the low-end looks like it should hit hard and deep, with bass performance down to 20Hz and below. This is great news for enthusiasts looking for high-end performance from affordable sealed designs.

Monoprice has not released official weights for any of the three models.

Pricing and model designations are as follows:

• M10-S 10” THX Certified Sealed 500 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $499.99
• M12-S 12” THX Certified Sealed 500 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $799.99
• M15-S 15” THX Ultra Certified Sealed 1000 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $1,299.99

All three subs are expected to begin shipping sometime during February or March of 2019.

(Monoprice) The new M10-S 10" Monolith Subwoofer*Editor's Note: AV NIRVANA has confirmed that the HTP-1 will ship with Auro-3D onboard!

 

[NBPK402]

Any more info? I like that it has dirac builtin...hopefully for all channels. Is it controllable via IP?

Is anyone here getting one to review?

 

[Grayson Dere]

CES 2019: Monoprice Unveils Its HTP-1 16-Channel Processor with Dirac and New Sealed Subs​

(Monoprice) The all-new HTP-1 Processor will ship this coming fall.(January 3, 2019) There’s always one or two bombshell CES reveals that rock the home theater world, and this year Monoprice is taking the controls and striking first. Just minutes ago, the company officially raised the curtain on two new Monolith product classes that have been kept under tight wraps.

First up, we have the all-new Monolith HTP-1 Home Theater Processor. Aggressively priced at $3,999, the HTP-1 delivers a whopping 16-channels of processing backed by support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound (along with Dolby and DTS upmixing alternatives). That means enthusiasts can utilize a variety of speaker arrangements, including max deployments of 9.1.6, 7.3.6, and 7.5.4 for Dolby Atmos, and 7.1.4 or 7.5.4 for DTS:X.

Connectivity-wise, the rear of the HTP-1 presents seven upgradable HDMI 2.0b input modules loaded with compatibility for current 4K video technologies, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, along with a host of digital and analog input options. It also offers two HDMI 2.0b outputs, with one capable of delivering Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) performance for immersive sound. Other outputs include 16 balanced XLR connectors for primary subwoofer and amplifier connections.

Monoprice says the HTP-1 will ship with a Google Chromecast dongle for access to audio sources such as Spotify, while also internally housing Bluetooth and Roon Endpoint connectivity.

Among a range of “audio enhancements,” such as PEQ, 4thorder Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers, tone controls, and the like, Monoprice has opted to grace the HTP-1 with Dirac Live Room Correction functionality.

This particular processor is currently scheduled to begin shipping sometime during Q3 of 2019. Based on Monoprice’s ability to deliver Monolith products on time, this date should hold true.

Monoprice is also unveiling three new THX Certified sealed subwoofers. The all new 10”, 12”, and 15” models have the same amps, two-layer long fiber pulp/glassfiber drivers, and HDF cabinet construction found on its popular THX Certified ported Monolith models. And, once again, the subs are finished in a Black Ash vinyl covering, featuring two RCA inputs and XLR input/outputs. I’ve had an early peek at preliminary frequency responses for the three new models and the low-end looks like it should hit hard and deep, with bass performance down to 20Hz and below. This is great news for enthusiasts looking for high-end performance from affordable sealed designs.

Monoprice has not released official weights for any of the three models.

Pricing and model designations are as follows:

• M10-S 10” THX Certified Sealed 500 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $499.99
• M12-S 12” THX Certified Sealed 500 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $799.99
• M15-S 15” THX Ultra Certified Sealed 1000 Watt Powered Subwoofer: $1,299.99

All three subs are expected to begin shipping sometime during February or March of 2019.

(Monoprice) The new M10-S 10" Monolith Subwoofer

Very nice new offerings by Monoprice! I can't wait for a review of the 16-channel processor : )

Doing a Google search I also came across some new Monoprice THX certified speakers coming that have a release date of 2/28/2019. This is the THX Ultra certified center speaker: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=34189

 

[Todd Anderson]

Any more info? I like that it has dirac builtin...hopefully for all channels. Is it controllable via IP?

Is anyone here getting one to review?

That's about all the info that's out at the moment... not sure if it's controllable via IP.

This literally became public this afternoon. Here's a few specifics:

Other Inputs

• Trigger in
• USB Service Port
• Ethernet
• Alexa Compatibility (Requires Echo or other Amazon Device)

Chassis

• Size: 17.1”W x 5.7” H x 12” D
• Front panel touch screen 4.3 inch diagonal, RGB 480 × 272

Audio Inputs

• Toslink x3
• Coaxial x3
• AES/EBU
• USB Audio (24bit/192khz)
• 2 Stereo Pairs RCA

 

[Todd Anderson]

Very nice new offerings by Monoprice! I can't wait for a review of the 16-channel processor : )

Doing a Google search I also came across some new Monoprice THX certified speakers coming that have a release date of 2/28/2019. This is the THX Ultra certified center speaker: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=34189

They had those speakers on display at CEDIA 2018... here's a little info on some of the reveals they had there:
https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/c...et-image-with-new-monolith-branded-gear.3378/

 

[Todd Anderson]

Any more info? I like that it has dirac builtin...hopefully for all channels. Is it controllable via IP?

Is anyone here getting one to review?

Just got a response on how Dirac is controlled:

"Same way as the NAD 777v3 or 758v3--through wifi. In fact, the whole processor GUI is controlled from your tablet, phone, or computer through wifi."

 

[Matthew J Poes]

This is pretty cool! I wonder if this is built by ATI for them? It would make sense. They make their amps. If so, that’s a good value.

 

[tesseract]

The Lexicon MC-10 has some serious competition with this piece!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

The Lexicon MC-10 has some serious competition with this piece!

So does the RMC-1, AudioControl M5/M9, NAD M17v2, etc.

 

[bkeeler10]

Wow, didn't see the pre-pro coming at all. If they meet timelines and the firmware is stable on release, look out RMC-1

 

[apgood]

Wow, didn't see the pre-pro coming at all. If they meet timelines and the firmware is stable on release, look out RMC-1

Yup will be very interested in this if it is stable.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Audio Inputs

• Toslink x3
• Coaxial x3
• AES/EBU
• USB Audio (24bit/192khz)
• 2 Stereo Pairs RCA

Stereo only, I am guessing.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I’d be willing to bet good coin that these guys get this puppy to market sooner than later.

While exciting at $3.9k... that’s still a massive boatload if cash. Someone is going to REALLY need to want those extra Atmos channels. Worth noting, DTS:X will only matrix to 4 height channels.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Who am I kidding... I want those extra channels in my room!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

I’d be willing to bet good coin that these guys get this puppy to market sooner than later.

While exciting at $3.9k... that’s still a massive boatload if cash. Someone is going to REALLY need to want those extra Atmos channels. Worth noting, DTS:X will only matrix to 4 height channels.

It can be used for subwoofers too. That’s why I want it.

 

[JStewart]

It can be used for subwoofers too. That’s why I want it.

Lots of questions to be answered about the flexibility of and how Dirac will work with the sub channels. (Thinking also of the recently announced Dirac subwoofer module). Exciting possibilities.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Wow, didn't see the pre-pro coming at all. If they meet timelines and the firmware is stable on release, look out RMC-1

No expansion capability, so it's more likely a threat to the XMC-2/RMC-2. However the upmixer could encroach on the RMC-1 market, since Emotiva seems to have dropped that for the time being.

 

[bkeeler10]

I'm just thinking that if someone was interested in a 16 channel unit, and has been considering the Emotiva because it was the only option below $8k or so, but has been wary because of the incredible delays in getting the RMC out and the bugs and missing features when it was finally released . . . that's the person that will probably be very eager to get this instead. Like me, if I had the cash to do a 16 channel setup.

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Lots of questions to be answered about the flexibility of and how Dirac will work with the sub channels. (Thinking also of the recently announced Dirac subwoofer module). Exciting possibilities.

Well my understanding is that the limitation around the Dirac bass management will generally be in the hardware. If this has reassignable channels, and it must, they should be able to be repurposed for subs. Hopefully 3-4 of the sixteen can be used for that.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this is a cheapened version of a really good processor we already know and lust after. It’s parts quality externally is clearly not as good (which for the price difference makes sense), but if the internals are mostly the same, and further, I’d the firmware is mostly the same, this will be a great value.

 

[bkeeler10]

Just noticed it looks like the analog outs are XLR only - no RCA connectors. Interesting.

 

[Flak]

It can be used for subwoofers too. That’s why I want it.

Lots of questions to be answered about the flexibility of and how Dirac will work with the sub channels. (Thinking also of the recently announced Dirac subwoofer module). Exciting possibilities.

Yes, it should support Dirac Live Tier1 multisub module

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Yes, it should support Dirac Live Tier1 multisub module

Let’s hope they choose to implement it!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Just noticed it looks like the analog outs are XLR only - no RCA connectors. Interesting.

Not such a big deal though. If they implement it right, you can use adapters and it can compensate internally for the voltage difference. I don’t imagine any sound degradation. In fact some consumer gear that is inherently balanced and used a balanced to single ended conversion chip have worse analogue performance due to the added chip. Most Marantz products are the reverse, they are inherently single ended and convert to balanced through a chip, causing added noise. I rather they just pick one and stick to it.

 

[bsinger]

Well my understanding is that the limitation around the Dirac bass management will generally be in the hardware. If this has reassignable channels, and it must, they should be able to be repurposed for subs. Hopefully 3-4 of the sixteen can be used for that.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this is a cheapened version of a really good processor we already know and lust after. It’s parts quality externally is clearly not as good (which for the price difference makes sense), but if the internals are mostly the same, and further, I’d the firmware is mostly the same, this will be a great value.

Article states Atmos and DTS in a 7.5.4 set-up. Looks like 5 subs. Good for those using 4 subs and a tactile, or 2 subs along with LRC towers that include powered sub, or 4 subs and a MBM or...

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Article states Atmos and DTS in a 7.5.4 set-up. Looks like 5 subs. Good for those using 4 subs and a tactile, or 2 subs along with LRC towers that include powered sub, or 4 subs and a MBM or...

Yeah i saw that. Just a matter of figuring out how flexible the firmware is for setting this up. Lots of products have a .2 sub channel that doesn’t allow full independent control, which is needed.

The Harman approach uses common eq and common crossovers for all subs but differentiated the phase. The Geddes approach uses a common eq, but different crossover frequencies and phase for each sub. Dirac is an unknown but may even use different eq for each sub. We want to see that this allows full independent control of every sub channel like Datasat does. I suspect this will be as flexible as we want it to be.