Buy used:
Used: Like New | Details
Condition: Used: Like New
Comment: Looks and functions as if it were new. Item will come in original packaging.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.

Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier - Designed by Alex Cavalli | 3.6 Watts Per Channel, Fully Balanced Amp

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Brand Monolith
Color BLACK, WHITE
Style Liquid Platinum
Item Weight 5.12 Ounces
Control Type Button Control

About this item

  • LUMINOUS TUBES. THE POWER OF SOLID STATE. SPECTACULAR SOUND. As an embedded tube/hybrid amplifier (DC coupled in to out, no coupling caps), the Liquid Platinum gives you the beautiful sound of tubes together with the grunt of solid state circuitry to drive the headphones. It uses two 6922 tubes or exact equivalents, such as 6DJ8s.
  • SINGLE ENDED and BALANCED INPUTS and OUTPUTS: With multiple inputs and outputs for balanced and single ended operation and easy front panel input selection, the Liquid Platinum is compatible with just about everything.
  • KEEPS ITS COOL. The Platinum is ventilated with two long, screened slots on either side of the top and large screens on the bottom to ensure that it is well cooled. Ensure your amplifier has enough space around the vents and is not in a sealed enclosure.
  • YOU'RE PROTECTED.The Liquid Platinum has a built-in, slow power on. It warms up the heaters first and then, after a short delay, brings up the SS rails and tube HV, protecting the internal circuitry during startup.
  • It also includes a connection delay to the headphones and an active offset detector, just in case an internal fault or source fault applies too much DC voltage to the output, it immediately disconnects your headphones
Serve a springtime stunner
Get ready for Easter Learn more

Product Description

The Monolith liquid Platinum Headphone amplifier by Alex Cavalla is a balanced version of the highly regarded Cavalla audio liquid crimson amplifier. The Platinum features fully balanced/differential amplification with 3.6 watts per channel (balanced) into 50R load. With multiple inputs and outputs for balanced and single ended operation and easy front panel input selection, The liquid Platinum will bring your music listening to new heights!.

Product guides and documents

What's in the box

  • Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier

  • From the manufacturer

    Monoprice Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
    Monoprice Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli

    Monoprice Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
    Single Ended and Balanced Inputs and Outputs

    With multiple inputs and outputs for balanced and single ended operation and easy front panel input selection, the Liquid Platinum is compatible with just about everything.

    • Crosstalk w/47R Load Balanced Input: -88dB
    • Channel Balance: 0.3dB
    • Audio Output: Unbalanced RCA
    • Weight: 3.2 lbs. (1.5 kg)

    Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli

    The Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli is a balanced version of the highly regarded Cavalli Audio Liquid Crimson amplifier. The Platinum features fully balanced/differential amplification with 3.6 watts per channel (balanced) into 50R load. With multiple inputs and outputs for balanced and single ended operation and easy front panel input selection, the Liquid Platinum will bring your music listening to new heights!

    • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz ±0.05dB
    • Included Tubes: 2x Electro Harmonix 6922
    • Headphone Outputs: 4 Pin XLR (Balanced), 1/4" TRS (Single Ended)
    • Audio Inputs: 3 Pin XLR Balanced, Unbalanced RCA Single Ended (converted to balanced internally)
    • Dimensions: 8.8" x 8.5" x 2.0" (222 x 216 x 51 mm)
    alex cavalli has been building and designing audio circuits, with a particular focus on headphone
    the liquid platinum gives you the beautiful sound of tubes together with the grunt of solid state
    The liquid platinum has built-in, slow power on.

    Looking for specific info?

    Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

    Feedback

    Monolith

    Monolith Liquid Platinum Headphone Amplifier - Designed by Alex Cavalli | 3.6 Watts Per Channel, Fully Balanced Amp


    Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

    Where did you see a lower price?

    /
    /
    /
    /
    Please sign in to provide feedback.

    Customer reviews

    3.9 out of 5 stars
    3.9 out of 5
    36 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the sound quality, feel and value of the hearing amplifier. For example, they mention it sounds as good as it looks, it's a great sounding hybrid amplifier and it doesn't feel like a cheap toy. That said, some say it'll never leave them.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    9 customers mention7 positive2 negative

    Customers like the sound quality of the hearing amplifier. They mention that it sounds as good as it looks, is a great sounding hybrid amplifier, and has a super low noise floor. Some say that the DAC will be fine, but the matched pair sounds especially smooth. Overall, most are satisfied with the sound performance and design of the product.

    "...Instruments have their own spot in the mix, and the sound is very immersive. Once again, I don't think the soundstage of the Lyr is bad...." Read more

    "...Any balanced DAC will be fine, but the matched pair sounds especially smooth, since the AKM4499 chip in the LP DAC has a long rolloff filter which..." Read more

    "...Absolute garbage experience. Long story short the amp sounds great... if it's working. If its not, expect to be put through the absolute ringer...." Read more

    "Very solid-feeling, sounds great with a super low noise floor...." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the feel of the hearing amplifier. They mention that it is very solid-feeling, does not feel like a cheap toy, and is built like s tank.

    "...In person, though, it's quite nice. Everything feels solid, and the case is well-aligned...." Read more

    "Very solid-feeling, sounds great with a super low noise floor...." Read more

    "...No break in, no A B sampling, no doubt, this amp will never leave my possession...." Read more

    "...Very polite, delicate, sophisticated sound.Compared to more expensive amplifiers the sound is a bit thin and bass lacks body and impact." Read more

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the hearing amplifier. They mention that it's nice for the price.

    "...It feels appropriate for a $700 (or $770 now, I suppose) amp...." Read more

    "...I’ve been an audiophile for over twenty years and this amp is the best value, best bang for the buck I’ve ever owned. Ever. Period...." Read more

    "Nice for the price..." Read more

    Endgame amp at an affordable price...
    5 Stars
    Endgame amp at an affordable price...
    --Introducion--I've had the LP for a couple of weeks now. My sound impressions will be brief as my main goal here is simply to add another data point for those that may still be on the fence.I was on the fence myself. I don't trust Monoprice since this is their first foray into serious headamps. I was expecting multiple reports of shoddy build quality or exploding amps and it kept me from pulling the trigger at first. A huge thanks to the few trusted audiophiles that took the time to talk with me and push me over the edge.One caveat to my impressions is that moving up from the Schiit Lyr 3 meant that my DAC (Schiit Gungnir Multibit A2) was also going from SE use to balanced use. That means that any improvements I hear may be a mix of the amp itself and also utilizing the Gumby more appropriately. There's no way for me to reliably distinguish between the two.All listening is Gumby A2 (USB V)-->LP-->HD650 (stock).--Packaging--I ordered from Monoprice and their packaging of the amp is atrocious. A huge box with two pitiful packing bubbles, which means the amp is bouncing around all over the place during shipping. On the plus side, I was quite impressed with the amp box itself. It feels appropriate for a $700 (or $770 now, I suppose) amp. There's a nice bag for the amp itself, and everything is well packed inside custom-cut foam. I know, who cares, right? It's all about the sound. I only mention this, because value is the big question here. $700 is a lot for someone like myself and I want to feel like the money was well spent. Monoprice has done well here...it feels like a luxury product.--Build Quality--I thought this was a hideous amp when the prototype pics were released. In person, though, it's quite nice. Everything feels solid, and the case is well-aligned. The dark gray on the front plate blends into the black body nicely, and makes the whole thing look very sleek. I have no idea why the left and right balanced inputs are switched on the amp. I originally plugged them in incorrectly and was shocked when I heard the channels switched. But, hey...I always tell my students to take the time to read before answering a question and yet I was apparently incapable of reading the L & R printed above the sockets. So, that's on me. The construction is all metal, there's a good weight to it, and again...it feels like a $700 amp should. This does not feel like a cheap toy.--Tubes--The tube sockets are very tight, which makes installing the tubes fairly difficult the first time aorund. The right tube took some force, but went in without too much difficulty. The left tube felt like I was pressing against a brick wall. I finally realized the tube pins were just a tad crooked, and things went more smoothly after straightening them out a bit. However, things loosen up a little each time you swap the tubes out and after 3 or so swaps everything is fine. Tubes still take a little work to remove, but it's a non-issue. Tubes go in very easily at this point.While the stock tubes are perfectly usable, this amp responds very well to tube rolling. The stock tubes are nice and clean sounding, but lean a bit on the dry side. After rolling some NOS Amperex tubes to add some warmth, the sound is now dialed in perfectly to my preference.--Sound--This is a step up from the Lyr in nearly every way. This isn't a criticism of the Lyr, which I enjoyed quite a bit.The LP isn't aggressive, but the improvement in dynamics from the Lyr are obvious. The stage is also improved, especially in width. Instruments have their own spot in the mix, and the sound is very immersive. Once again, I don't think the soundstage of the Lyr is bad. In fact, I think it's pretty decent relative to some other Schiit offerings. The LP is simply better.Everything sounds very natural and easy, without crossing over into the realm of boring. Clean sound, but not clinical.The sound, in one word?Convincing.Enough said.--Misc.--GAIN - This appears to be the big issue people have with this amp, but it's a non-issue for me personally. There is no gain switch, so you're stuck with 5x gain (14db). I'm typically somewhere between 9-11 on the dial and it's smooth and accurate enough that I don't have any problem getting the volume exactly where I want it. This about the same experience I had with the Vali 2 and Lyr 3 on high gain. Of course, YMMV. I'm only using the HD650, so more sensitive headphones will have less play on the volume knob. If this is an issue for you, then it is worth your time to look into passive preamps or other attenuation methods. I realize this is an extra expense, but the sound of the amp makes it worth it.HEAT - Yep, it runs hot. So what? It's a non-issue.--Conclusion--This amp seems like a bargain to me. I've owned a ton of amps in the $500 and under category and I questioned whether this would be a clear step up.It is.Remember, this is a re-design of the Liquid Crimson which went for around $1500. The Liquid Platinum sounds nearly as good for half the price.Yes, reliability is a question that remains to be answered, but with a 5-year warranty it doesn't feel like much of a risk.--Final Conclusion--Upgraditis Status: Cured.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2019
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Endgame amp at an affordable price...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2019
    --Introducion--

    I've had the LP for a couple of weeks now. My sound impressions will be brief as my main goal here is simply to add another data point for those that may still be on the fence.

    I was on the fence myself. I don't trust Monoprice since this is their first foray into serious headamps. I was expecting multiple reports of shoddy build quality or exploding amps and it kept me from pulling the trigger at first. A huge thanks to the few trusted audiophiles that took the time to talk with me and push me over the edge.

    One caveat to my impressions is that moving up from the Schiit Lyr 3 meant that my DAC (Schiit Gungnir Multibit A2) was also going from SE use to balanced use. That means that any improvements I hear may be a mix of the amp itself and also utilizing the Gumby more appropriately. There's no way for me to reliably distinguish between the two.

    All listening is Gumby A2 (USB V)-->LP-->HD650 (stock).

    --Packaging--

    I ordered from Monoprice and their packaging of the amp is atrocious. A huge box with two pitiful packing bubbles, which means the amp is bouncing around all over the place during shipping. On the plus side, I was quite impressed with the amp box itself. It feels appropriate for a $700 (or $770 now, I suppose) amp. There's a nice bag for the amp itself, and everything is well packed inside custom-cut foam. I know, who cares, right? It's all about the sound. I only mention this, because value is the big question here. $700 is a lot for someone like myself and I want to feel like the money was well spent. Monoprice has done well here...it feels like a luxury product.

    --Build Quality--

    I thought this was a hideous amp when the prototype pics were released. In person, though, it's quite nice. Everything feels solid, and the case is well-aligned. The dark gray on the front plate blends into the black body nicely, and makes the whole thing look very sleek. I have no idea why the left and right balanced inputs are switched on the amp. I originally plugged them in incorrectly and was shocked when I heard the channels switched. But, hey...I always tell my students to take the time to read before answering a question and yet I was apparently incapable of reading the L & R printed above the sockets. So, that's on me. The construction is all metal, there's a good weight to it, and again...it feels like a $700 amp should. This does not feel like a cheap toy.

    --Tubes--

    The tube sockets are very tight, which makes installing the tubes fairly difficult the first time aorund. The right tube took some force, but went in without too much difficulty. The left tube felt like I was pressing against a brick wall. I finally realized the tube pins were just a tad crooked, and things went more smoothly after straightening them out a bit. However, things loosen up a little each time you swap the tubes out and after 3 or so swaps everything is fine. Tubes still take a little work to remove, but it's a non-issue. Tubes go in very easily at this point.

    While the stock tubes are perfectly usable, this amp responds very well to tube rolling. The stock tubes are nice and clean sounding, but lean a bit on the dry side. After rolling some NOS Amperex tubes to add some warmth, the sound is now dialed in perfectly to my preference.

    --Sound--

    This is a step up from the Lyr in nearly every way. This isn't a criticism of the Lyr, which I enjoyed quite a bit.

    The LP isn't aggressive, but the improvement in dynamics from the Lyr are obvious. The stage is also improved, especially in width. Instruments have their own spot in the mix, and the sound is very immersive. Once again, I don't think the soundstage of the Lyr is bad. In fact, I think it's pretty decent relative to some other Schiit offerings. The LP is simply better.

    Everything sounds very natural and easy, without crossing over into the realm of boring. Clean sound, but not clinical.

    The sound, in one word?

    Convincing.

    Enough said.

    --Misc.--

    GAIN - This appears to be the big issue people have with this amp, but it's a non-issue for me personally. There is no gain switch, so you're stuck with 5x gain (14db). I'm typically somewhere between 9-11 on the dial and it's smooth and accurate enough that I don't have any problem getting the volume exactly where I want it. This about the same experience I had with the Vali 2 and Lyr 3 on high gain. Of course, YMMV. I'm only using the HD650, so more sensitive headphones will have less play on the volume knob. If this is an issue for you, then it is worth your time to look into passive preamps or other attenuation methods. I realize this is an extra expense, but the sound of the amp makes it worth it.

    HEAT - Yep, it runs hot. So what? It's a non-issue.

    --Conclusion--

    This amp seems like a bargain to me. I've owned a ton of amps in the $500 and under category and I questioned whether this would be a clear step up.

    It is.

    Remember, this is a re-design of the Liquid Crimson which went for around $1500. The Liquid Platinum sounds nearly as good for half the price.

    Yes, reliability is a question that remains to be answered, but with a 5-year warranty it doesn't feel like much of a risk.

    --Final Conclusion--

    Upgraditis Status: Cured.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    58 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2023
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sounds as good as it looks
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2023
    The stack looks and sounds great. I put these together and then switched to a few different daily driver stacks and I thought there was something wrong with my headphones, since everything else sounded worse :) Use latex gloves or hand in a plastic bag when handling the tubes to keep the oil on your skin from getting on it, since they get warm as a lightbulb. 30 second warmup time before green power light comes on. No burn in time needed on this model. Tube savers are good if you plan a lot of tube rolling. The Gear-It cables are studio quality and match nicely, available on Amazon too. Asio4all works great on the matching DAC for DSD playback and bit perfect.
    See the last two photos for an idea of my experience with audio gear. This amplifier is best on the balanced side, but it has a very low (1) output impedance so it's great for planars which have low ohm ratings. The Hifiman Audivina and Edition XS sound especially good. It accepts 6DJ8 type tubes to try changing the sound easily (recommend tube savers, a set it like $4 here). Any balanced DAC will be fine, but the matched pair sounds especially smooth, since the AKM4499 chip in the LP DAC has a long rolloff filter which really does smooth part the harsh part of the treble range.
    It's one of those amplifiers that really impresses when you go back to a solid state one, and immediately notice what you're missing. The amplifier doesn't run hot, but as you can see, the tubes are like light bulbs, and get about as hot as a very low wattage one. The single end doesn't have as much power as the balanced output, but it's still enough for most stuff and nice for IEM's. I just had time to try the Truthear Zero (blue), Seeaudio Yume, and Sennheiser IE600 and all sounded great. Can't go wrong with any of those, and they don't really need a major amp like this, but do sound better than plugged into a phone or Apple adapter by far.
    If you want to get into tube rolling, but have the benefits of a hybrid amp, it's the way to go. Now I only want to use the planar magnetic headphones on this stack, everything else sounds flat with them.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2023
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
    One person found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2019
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2019
    17 people found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    Stephanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super Ampli
    Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2022
    Customer image
    Stephanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super Ampli
    Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2022
    Amplificateur très performant. Jolie look. Il est capable de délivrer une superbe puissance. Le son est légèrement plus feutré qu'un modèle avec THX AAA Technology. Super produit!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    tapiocat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magnífico
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 17, 2021
    One person found this helpful
    Report
    SK AUDIO NERD
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best bang for your buck amps out there
    Reviewed in Canada on January 2, 2022
    Carol Carpentier
    4.0 out of 5 stars Qualité prix incomparable
    Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2019
    Metric Halo
    3.0 out of 5 stars It was a decent sounding amp but sort of boring sounding
    Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2019
    2 people found this helpful
    Report