Monolith HTP-1 16-Channel Processor

[Sonnie]

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

Totally missed that fabulous idea. I knew we've been keeping you around for good reason. You are really proving yourself useful. Keep up the good work.

 

[JStewart]

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.

This is what I love about AVNirvana. You can always can get help when you need it!

 

[SRW1000]

I don't know if you're following the AVS thread, but Jerry just posted that his system recorded a brownout today, but the HTP-1 wasn't affected.

Here's the post: https://www.avsforum.com/threads/th...-owners-thread.3112176/page-388#post-60322790

I don't know if it's OK to point to other forums here, but the AVS thread has been very helpful with this product. At almost 8000 posts, it's somewhat overwhelming, though if you don't follow it at least every other day.

Scott

 

[Sonnie]

Yes... we have it linked above in the first post. I look at it all along, but I don't follow it because I don't want to get constant emails and a lot of what is discussed is not helpful. It can certainly be helpful at times. Some questions might be answered quicker here.

AVS Support Thread - You can always contact Monoprice support, however the wait times can be several days or even a week+. It's not that they have poor service, it's simply that they, like many other businesses, are working under unusual conditions during the COVID times. Posting in the AVS support thread may yield you a faster solution to any issues you may be experiencing, short of having to actually contact support.

 

[SRW1000]

Oh yes, you're right. I had forgotten about your earliest posts. The first couple pages of their thread are invaluable to any new HTP-1 owner, such as the proper wiring guide for XLR to RCA cables, if you need them.

There's a lot to weed through, though, and it can be insurmountable trying to find the posts for a specific problem, and this thread can help clear things up a bit quicker and easier.

 

[Sonnie]

Yep... in some cases we'll know the answer, some cases we can point them to the answer... or simply advise them to search that thread, as dreadful as that may be at times.

 

[JStewart]

I don't know if you're following the AVS thread, but Jerry just posted that his system recorded a brownout today, but the HTP-1 wasn't affected.

Thank you. I follow the thread but had not seen it yet.

I did put a multimeter on the HTP1 and amplifier circuit a few times, watching it about 5 min each time. Each time I got a voltage drop of up to 0.8 volts with the equipment in use. Lowest voltage read was 121.9 with program material playing above my normal listening level. I was going make a pigtail so I could check amp draw too, but it doesn’t seem useful at this point.

I have not had a power on event since first reporting it two days ago. After it happened I 1. Reverted to firmware 17.1 (current highest non-beta) from 18.2 Beta and 2. Changed from fast start mode to full shut down. Today I re-installed 18.2 and left full shut as is.

The larger concern remains spontaneous re-booting while in use. This has happened 2 more times in the last two days and has now occurred on each firmware version. Just to rule it out, I had also re-seated the power cord on the back of the unit and plugged it into a different socket. One of the events occurred afterward.

If Monoprice doesn’t respond by Monday I’ll be reaching out to them once again to try and keep this moving forward.

Let you all know how it gets worked out in the end rather than bore you further with the play by play.
Suggestions still gratefully accepted though!

 

[Sonnie]

The spontaneous rebooting would make me somewhat ill, that is for sure.

My thinking if they can't fix it, they should swap you out for a new one given your issues and having to go thru the hassle.

 

[JStewart]

I could not choose Full Bass optimization with 3.0.11,

The fix is in.
Release Notes – Dirac Live – 3.0.12
2020-12-10
Added

• Installer now supports unattended usage.

Fixes

• Fixed issue with non-responsive select Dirac Live Bass Control button.
• Fixed crash on MacOS when user exited through “CMD+Q”
• Fixed issue where the rightmost curtain could not be dragged to the right.

 

[Sonnie]

The fix is in.
Release Notes – Dirac Live – 3.0.12
2020-12-10
Added

• Installer now supports unattended usage.

Fixes

• Fixed issue with non-responsive select Dirac Live Bass Control button.
• Fixed crash on MacOS when user exited through “CMD+Q”
• Fixed issue where the rightmost curtain could not be dragged to the right.

Thanks for posting.

 

[AustinJerry]

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.

I have a very sensitive monitor on my home power grid. It reported a brief brownout down to ~60Hz the other evening, and the HTP-1 was unaffected. So, I don't think the power-on events that I experienced were power related. I had a power-on event when the device was on a UPS. Overall, I experienced four power-on events, but none since Nov 18th. So who knows, maybe the problem is gone...

 

[JStewart]

I have a very sensitive monitor on my home power grid. It reported a brief brownout down to ~60Hz the other evening, and the HTP-1 was unaffected. So, I don't think the power-on events that I experienced were power related. I had a power-on event when the device was on a UPS. Overall, I experienced four power-on events, but none since Nov 18th. So who knows, maybe the problem is gone...

Thanks Jerry. Your input is appreciated.
Be nice if that issue is gone.
More concerning to me are random reboots. Got a little under two weeks left in the 30 day return window. Not much time to get a firm resolution.

 

[Sonnie]

I have a very sensitive monitor on my home power grid. It reported a brief brownout down to ~60Hz the other evening, and the HTP-1 was unaffected. So, I don't think the power-on events that I experienced were power related. I had a power-on event when the device was on a UPS. Overall, I experienced four power-on events, but none since Nov 18th. So who knows, maybe the problem is gone...

What UPS are you using Jerry?

 

[AustinJerry]

What UPS are you using Jerry?

Sorry, I haven't been paying attention. I have a small APC UPS that I use to keep my DirecTV DVR from losing power. Nothing else is on it, and I only used it temporarily with the HTP-1 to see if power issues were causing my spontaneous power-ons. As reported, it made no difference. Strangely, I haven't had a power-on event for over a month. No idea why they suddenly stopped.

After the Dirac rep (Flac) confirmed that there is a 30-day money-back guarantee when purchasing DLBC, I am considering giving it a try. For those who are unfamiliar with my setup, I have four subs sitting behind a MiniDSP 2x4, and am using a single sub output from the HTP-1, with no DLBC. I am usually only interested in the sub response at the MLP, which is exceptionally good with the 2x4. But I am curious about DLBC's capabilities, and since I can test it out with a money-back guarantee, it seems like a good project to keep me occupied during the pandemic. I'll share my findings here, of course.

 

[Sonnie]

Thanks Jerry... that would be good to hear your thoughts. I personally am not sure it's worth it. I've not been able to tell any significant differences myself, whether it be 4 subs, summed subs and/or full bass optimization on/off. It all sounds the same and measures the same.

As for spontaneous power on events... I've had two over the last few weeks. We lost power temporarily and our whole house generator cuts on, the HTP-1 cuts on as well. So our power losses do cause it to power on. It's not a huge deal, other than it's on and it shouldn't be, and I now know to check it when we lose power, except if I am at the shop, I can't very well turn it off until I get back home.

 

[SRW1000]

After the Dirac rep (Flac) confirmed that there is a 30-day money-back guarantee when purchasing DLBC, I am considering giving it a try. For those who are unfamiliar with my setup, I have four subs sitting behind a MiniDSP 2x4, and am using a single sub output from the HTP-1, with no DLBC. I am usually only interested in the sub response at the MLP, which is exceptionally good with the 2x4. But I am curious about DLBC's capabilities, and since I can test it out with a money-back guarantee, it seems like a good project to keep me occupied during the pandemic. I'll share my findings here, of course.

I have a similar setup, in that there aren't enough outputs on the HTP-1 to control four subs, so I have to use the MiniDSP 2x4 HD. I've only done a single-position Dirac calibration so far, and only time-aligned the subs. But even with the free level of DLBC that comes with the HTP-1, my bass has never sounded punchier than it did watching Tenet this weekend.

I would imagine I'd see a similar response with other movies, but am also curious what the other two tiers of DLBC could offer.

Would love to see the results of your experiment and if you think the upgrade would be worth it.

Scott

 

[AustinJerry]

Thanks Jerry... that would be good to hear your thoughts. I personally am not sure it's worth it. I've not been able to tell any significant differences myself, whether it be 4 subs, summed subs and/or full bass optimization on/off. It all sounds the same and measures the same.

As for spontaneous power on events... I've had two over the last few weeks. We lost power temporarily and our whole house generator cuts on, the HTP-1 cuts on as well. So our power losses do cause it to power on. It's not a huge deal, other than it's on and it shouldn't be, and I now know to check it when we lose power, except if I am at the shop, I can't very well turn it off until I get back home.

As for the power-on events after a power outage, those are different than what happened with my HTP-1. Mine powered on without any measurable power fluctuation. Many devices have a user-selectable option as to what to do when there is a complete loss of power: either stay powered off, or power back on. It would be nice if the HTP-1 would offer a similar option, which would address the issue you had. I don't think it would be that difficult to add this option.

 

[Sonnie]

It's the only thing in my house that turns on with a power outage, and of course it turns my amps on too.

 

[Sonnie]

Hmmm.... so for two days in a row I have had the HTP-1 to power on via magic. No power outages to blame it on. I went into the room to learn it was already on.

Not sure why they have such a problem with this unit like this.

 

[JStewart]

I got a RMA yesterday. The 30 day return window closes next week for me and I can’t deal with it then. Leaning towards trying another at the moment, but is it just my impression or do there seem to be more bugs lately? In the last week there’s been at least a couple of more owners reporting the spontaneous reboot problem I’ve got.

 

[AustinJerry]

More concerning to me are the reports of spontaneous loud noises coming from the device. Personally, I have never experienced any loud noises, spontaneous power-on's have stopped, and I am not seeing any crash/restarts. And after quite a long time, I finally figured out how to get my HTP-1 connected wirelessly. In other words, my system is currently problem-free.

 

[Sonnie]

The only issue I have had are the power on issues. I thought at first it was merely because I pressed the power button twice, but these last couple of instances were not the case... as I checked the room well after it had been powered down and it was still off... and then checking it later it was on. So there is definitely an issue pertaining to the power. The power on after power outages is also an issue.

The spontaneous loud noise would cause me to send it back in a hurry... as I would have none of that in any way whatsoever,,, it's too risky. I feared ruining my speakers with another processor that was making noises loud enough to give some folks a heart attack, very startling to say the least. I had it replaced and it was still an issue... and it stayed connected less than an hour before it was boxed up and sent back.

While 4K is a bargain for what this does, it's still a LOT of money... enough that Monoprice needs to address the issue fast and furious... as it will end up costing them seriously in the long run. They don't need to get a case of laziness or ignorance about this, which from all indications is what I am seeing thus far... nothing has been done about it for several months, unless I'm missing something that they have done that just didn't work..

 

[AustinJerry]

I agree that loud noises would give me pause. Thankfully, I have not had this issue. If you read the AVS thread, those experiencing the loud noises are mostly edge cases, IMO.

 

[SRW1000]

I've had my refurb unit since the beginning of December and haven't had any spontaneous power ups yet, but our power feed here is very consistent unless there are heavy storms, which are infrequent. We have it and our living room system plugged into APC S15 Power Conditioners. In our old house (near an industrial park) those conditioners would be clicking all the time, trying to regulate the voltage. In our new house, they probably click only once a month.

I did experience the loud noise thing twice. Once when I switched surround modes on the coax feed of my Sonos controller to DTS-X. The volume wasn't that low, and I fixed it, but don't recall what I did. I know I rebooted the unit, and that didn't take care of it, so it may have been changing the PCM detect sensitivity.

The second time was probably my own dumb fault. I tried changing the settings on my ShieldTV while playing back content was running in Kodi. That time the volume wasn't turned down, and it gave me a bit of a start. I don't recall if the mute button worked or not, but the volume button took care of it. I changed the audio setting back, and that solved the problem. I could probably recreate it and post it to the AVS thread, but haven't had a chance to use the theater since then.

It's never happened to me during normal watching, but I can see where it would be a concern.

The team behind the HTP-1 is solid, so I'm hoping it's something that they can track down and correct with the next firmware. If they weren't so responsive to the customer base, I'd be more concerned. Looking at the comments from some of the other processor threads out there, the Monoprice seems to be near the head of the pack with regards to addressing issues.

That's not to say there couldn't be improvements. This is one of those cases where customers looking for leading-edge products can either wait for all the bugs to be driven out in a number of months, or reap the benefits today while taking some chances with temporary problems. I'm going to go with the later, and hope that they continue to make improvements.

Scott

 

[AustinJerry]

A couple of comments. I recently added a power-monitoring device (https://www.tingfire.com/). Since its installation, I have had at least one brown-out, and the HTP-1 did not power up. Since your device is on UPS, power should never affect it.

Also, it seems like the unwanted loud noises occur when switching audio modes while audio is playing. DTS has been mentioned a number of times by others who have experienced the issue. I have yet to hear any of these noises, but I rarely switch audio modes, and don't think I have played any DTS content since getting the HTP-1. I don't purchase Blu-ray movies, so DTS audio would be rare for me.