Monolith HTP-1 16-Channel Processor

[JStewart]

I believe as a beta tester it's automatic on your account, I know mine was as well. 3.0.11 has a bug they are working on... so I back to 3.0.9.

Well that's an unexpected surprise.
I was able to run the calibration on 3.0.11 but only had one sub connected via XLR at the time. What issue did you run into?

Glad to see you got those cables stretched.

LOL. Thanks!

 

[Sonnie]

Well that's an unexpected surprise.
I was able to run the calibration on 3.0.11 but only had one sub connected via XLR at the time. What issue did you run into?

I could not choose Full Bass optimization with 3.0.11, which supposedly does a better job of blending the speakers to the subs at the crossover, whereas if you don't use it, it equalizes the full range of the speaker based on the crossover points in the processor. I've run it both ways and really can't tell a difference, nor does it measure differently, so I can't say for sure it's doing anything better.

 

[JStewart]

Hmmm, I could choose it and ran it, but using different firmware than you on the HTP-1. Or it could be the single sub I was using vs your four. Thanks. I'll know what to do if I run into it.

 

[Sonnie]

I'm running 4 subs, but only using one sub preout on the HTP-1.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm running 4 subs, but only using one sub preout on the HTP-1.

Why are you choosing to run that sub config, Sonnie? Why not all four as separate channels?

 

[Sonnie]

Why are you choosing to run that sub config, Sonnie? Why not all four as separate channels?

Because Dirac does not prioritize timing over response. The timing between my front and rear subs is different when I choose to run multiple subs. When I inquired about it, they advised that if it will make the response better, they will use timing to do so. However, it does not improve the response. I have a relatively flat response with my subs prior to running Dirac... don't need any help with timing. So... I time align them myself and run them as one sub. Dirac also does not get the levels set correctly from front to back subs, which is another issue. Dirac averages the level prior to making it's corrections, thus it causes them to be off.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hmmm. Interesting. Perhaps it's a room size thing (my room being smaller than yours), but thought the Bass Management applied by Dirac resulted in the best bass my room has ever delivered.

With yours being relatively flat, from the get-go, you have a significant advantage!

 

[Sonnie]

Yes... I placed them where they'd have the best starting response. When I tried to do 4 subs... it was all messed up. It sounded okay, but measurements confirmed it was not right.

 

[Todd Anderson]

That's kind of a bummer, although, it's silver lining bummer. I know you were itching to put their bass module to use.

Does the HTP-1 ship with the module loaded? Or do you you have to buy it separately?

 

[JStewart]

That's kind of a bummer, although, it's silver lining bummer.

Haha. A good way to put it.
An interesting thing is that with DLBC if you use the same measurements and move the XO from where it was and back again it will re-calculate and get different filters. Multi-Sub Optimizer (MSO) works the same way in this regard except that with MSO if you want to leave the timing untouched, or limit the range of the adjustment in milliseconds, you can do that, whereas with DBLC you can't. Its reasonable to assume that Dirac has some limit to the range but if or what it might be is not published.
What DBLC does bring to the table is a completely automated turnkey system that works really well, so its much better suited for the vast majority of users. DBLC is also optimizing across the seats that had measurements for a uniform response where our friend Sonnie is optimizing for Sonnie's chair.

 

[Sonnie]

It's 500 bucks if you have to buy it. I'm a beta tester, so it didn't cost me anything.

I still use it, although it's just one sub... and as previously mentioned, I am unable to tell a difference between Bass Optimization On or Off.

Perhaps if you have multiple subs that are not symmetrically placed like mine, the Bass Control would be better suited for you, but I just don't like having my bass not being perfect time-aligned for music. For movies it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal, but for music, I am striving for perfection to the original at this point.

It keeps the wires run to the back down. I daisy chain my subs, so I only have two wires run to the back into a splitter.

It's really a moot point since I'll be using the SHD for my two-channel listening in a couple of weeks.

 

[Sonnie]

Haha. A good way to put it.
An interesting thing is that with DLBC if you use the same measurements and move the XO from where it was and back again it will re-calculate and get different filters. Multi-Sub Optimizer (MSO) works the same way in this regard except that with MSO if you want to leave the timing untouched, or limit the range of the adjustment in milliseconds, you can do that, whereas with DBLC you can't. Its reasonable to assume that Dirac has some limit to the range but if or what it might be is not published.
What DBLC does bring to the table is a completely automated turnkey system that works really well, so its much better suited for the vast majority of users. DBLC is also optimizing across the seats that had measurements for a uniform response where our friend Sonnie is optimizing for Sonnie's chair.

Good point indeed.

Something else I about the optimization is that ability to setup several filters using different crossover points... 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz... being my 15A speakers are flat to below 20Hz with dual 12's in each one. It gives me lots of options to listen to.

 

[Todd Anderson]

It's 500 bucks if you have to buy it. I'm a beta tester, so it didn't cost me anything.

I still use it, although it's just one sub... and as previously mentioned, I am unable to tell a difference between Bass Optimization On or Off.

Perhaps if you have multiple subs that are not symmetrically placed like mine, the Bass Control would be better suited for you, but I just don't like having my bass not being perfect time-aligned for music. For movies it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal, but for music, I am striving for perfection to the original at this point.

It keeps the wires run to the back down. I daisy chain my subs, so I only have two wires run to the back into a splitter.

It's really a moot point since I'll be using the SHD for my two-channel listening in a couple of weeks.

All makes sense.

I figured you were likely running your mains full range for music and bringing subs in for home theater... but it sounds like you use the subs at lower x-over?

 

[Sonnie]

Yep... been liking 40Hz for two-channel, but I like it higher on movies. Ideally, two completely different response curves between music and movies... with movies being a little hotter in that 60-120Hz range.

 

[JStewart]

There’s also a DLBC version for a single sub with the bass management being the key feature. For those with a single sub or a sub group already optimized some other way, this is an option. I think it’s $350 but don’t quote me on that.

The HTP-1 includes Dirac Live full range. For some products it’s $100 to upgrade to full range from the limited to 500Hz version they come with.
The HTP-1 does not include a measurement mic.
There are some processors, JBL comes to mind, that come with a DLBC license. The purchase price is higher so I guess it’s being paid for one way or the other.

I think Monoprice has taken a good path here. Don’t add to the cost for a mic when a good many will have one for REW already. Include Dirac Live full range because all customers will use it. Don’t include DLBC in the HTP-1 price because not everyone will need or want it.

 

[JStewart]

When I got home last night the HTP-1 had turned itself on. Triggered the amps on of course. Time to reach out to Monoprice customer support.

 

[Sonnie]

I'm wondering if this is the beta firmware causing it for some reason.

I've noticed if I am not careful and press the OFF button twice, once it cycles off, it cycles right back on from that memory press.

 

[JStewart]

I had seen that too the first two times it was powered off. Was using Harmony remote.
This time I had checked it before leaving for work and it was off then.

 

[JStewart]

Regarding the random reboots I reported in post #49. Monoprice just suggested a voltage sag on the line. I'll put a meter on it with everything running to see if the line voltage is sagging, but like most folks I don't have a recorder if its an intermittent thing. And they have not re-occurred since returning to the latest "Master" firmware 1.7.something at the moment. When they occurred I was on beta 1.8.2. So your point of firmware being a problem may indeed be correct.

They had no immediate answer for the power on by itself issue and said they would get back to me via email after looking into further so as not to hold me up on the chat.

I'm prepared to swap out this refurbished unit for a new one and pay the difference. Have to wait and see if it comes to that.

 

[Sonnie]

I will upgrade to the next beta and see if anything odd happens. Have you looked in the AVS thread to see if anyone there has updated and had the same issue? If you see updates and no complaints, then it could very well be power lags. I'm curious about the power conditioner units out there, if they really help or are just snake oil. I think some of those come with regulators, caps, etc... keeping power stable. I might start another thread about those.

 

[SRW1000]

Regarding the random reboots I reported in post #49. Monoprice just suggested a voltage sag on the line. I'll put a meter on it with everything running to see if the line voltage is sagging, but like most folks I don't have a recorder if its an intermittent thing. And they have not re-occurred since returning to the latest "Master" firmware 1.7.something at the moment. When they occurred I was on beta 1.8.2. So your point of firmware being a problem may indeed be correct.

They had no immediate answer for the power on by itself issue and said they would get back to me via email after looking into further so as not to hold me up on the chat.

I'm prepared to swap out this refurbished unit for a new one and pay the difference. Have to wait and see if it comes to that.

This has been reported by various members on the AVS forum thread.

@AustinJerry may be able to add some more information, since he was experiencing the problem. I think he last reported that he didn't have any issues since updating to 1.8.2.

I'd hate to see you return your unit and pay the difference to get a brand new one, only to be faced with the same problem.

 

[Sonnie]

Agree... I somehow believe it's not your unit, but something else going on, like the voltage lag maybe.

 

[JStewart]

I'd hate to see you return your unit and pay the difference to get a brand new one, only to be faced with the same problem.

Thanks. That would be worst possible outcome here.

Agree... I somehow believe it's not your unit, but something else going on,

High probability.
Come to think of it, I didn’t have any issues at all when the cables were too short

 

[Sonnie]

I suspect if you retro back to the cables being too short the problem will go away. That cable stretcher could have damage the cables, so you'll need a cable shrinker for the retro.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I suspect if you retro back to the cables being too short the problem will go away. That cable stretcher could have damage the cables, so you'll need a cable shrinker for the retro.

Just run them through the washer and dry on the highest temp setting. Should shrink them.