Monoprice Monolith THX-365C THX Certified Ultra Center Channel. Mid-Budget crusher.
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Written review/data can be found here:
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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
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I've been using a full set of THX Ultra speakers and subs for several years now, including the 365C for the center speakers, and I can say that these continue to blow me away. They're insane.
Great video, looking forward to seeing a test of the SVS Ultra center. Hopefully it is better than SVS Prime center and maybe also KEF 2C 🙂
So glad you do compression measurements. You find really interesting things almost every time!
The smartest new guy doing Audio today. Most respected guy from all of us old guard whos been doing this for a LONG time GREAT JOB BRO!
Thanks, dude! I appreciate the kind words!
@@ErinsAudioCorner its a true story brother. The rest of the guys alot of them like 95% lol just wing it or give you basic information. Or try to give roo. Demos though you computer speakers lol my fave HA mad props to you my good sir
I keep forgetting that my home theater journey started with the super budget 5.1 kit 1056 they sell. Really opened my eyes to better audio and allowed me to learn about speaker and couch placement.
This is awesome. Looks very similar to the SVS 3 way center but the measured performance is much closer to textbook here. Amazing work by monoprice.
Awesome work brotha, you given me hope for canter channels again!!
Amir from ASR just did Revel 553L’s? They measured really well, would love to see more in wall stuff!!
Thank you for this review. I feel you do better testing than some of the manufacturers.
When I see bad test results, especially in expensive equipment, I wonder if any manufacturer testing was done at all.
Great video Erin. I wish I had this info when I was shopping for a center.
Thanks both the owner an you for making the review possible! It would be nice to have a video about the Schroeder frequency. When I run a frequency sweep in my room I can sense the transition from pressure to directional. Never found a way to measure the transition range. I think REW does not show the frequency being played in real time.
I just used your Monoprice link, thanks for the review.
As per usual, great video and review!
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Great review! Please do more 3 way centers under $1000 because, at least for me, thats the deciding factor for picking which speakers to go with.
I totally agree. Who cares how the other speakers measure in a home theater if the center channels terrible.
@@mandybettinger6423
If at all physically possible, employ three identical LCRs across the front.
I'm guessing most all here are well aware of this, but it's worth noting.
Yep, Paradigm has made a 3rd way center called Paradigm Premier 500C, would be cool to see a test of it too 🙂
I have this speaker along with the Mini Towers.
If you don't need fancy veneers or piano black finish, these are pretty sweet.
Replaced PSB Stratus Minis/Center and the improvement was noticable especially in dialogue and vocals.
They do need a sub, period, full stop, these are designed to be used with one.
The money seems to have gone into the build quality and components, but I haven't opened them up. (That would be interesting)
They are pretty hefty, being made of HDF.
BTW, I am driving them with a Bryston 3BST, (125 WPC) and I am thinking more power couldn't hurt.
Yooooooo, that sound measuring robot! Love the low-key mention
Great spokesmodel work!
The camera loves me. 😂
The oddity around 2 kHz in compression testing indicates an effective shift in crossover frequency, so possibly crossover inductor saturation or similar.
The design reminds me of the Wharfedale Diamond 9 .CM. I've been using it for about 20y along with some 9 .6's and 9 .SR's for 7.2.4. I've found them to have solid off axis performance.
I loved the shoulder boombox scene, but then for a second I thought you might push in the tweeter & midwoofer with your finger 😀
Maybe I did... maybe I didn't... :D :D
Hello Erin,
Informative and great review as always. You've reviewed a few THX-certified speakers/Sub lately and they all must go through a similar testing process. So is it safe to say another similarly priced THX speaker will sound equally good? e.g Adrenal, Magnat & etc
Nice. Thanks for doing this video
Aside from the cost, which of the Q350 Q650c 365c do you recommend the most if you use it as a center speaker?
Thanks for the review, this is for anyone really, will this center channel work with the new Klipsch RP-8000f II's? They no longer make the RP-600C and I do not have space for the 404c and 504c.
@Erin's Audio Corner , thanks for the video. I just purchased 3 of these to use as LCR as they were on a really good deal (less than $250 per piece). Was hoping to use these as LCR and put the 365Cs on the L/R vertically. Looking at the off axis measurements, not so sure now. Am I better off buying the 265Bs for my L&R? I can get them for the same price as the 365Cs.
Not sure I'd stand this exact model up on its side.
@ErinsAudioCorner - sir, You measured the SVS Prime (non ultra) center in your past center channel video... Comparing the horizontal polar it looks as tho the Prime center performed better. Is this correct and do you, from your data, say the Prime delivers a better seat to seat "sound" for wide dispersion for home theater
Hi Erin, I have watching your videos, especially pertaining to Center-Channels. I have a 20 year old Cambridge SoundWorks system with a center-channel, 4 cube-speakers, and a Pioneer receiver. I am unhappy with dialogue, many times we can't understand speech in Amazon series. So we increase volume. Is the probable cause the center-channel? if yes, which would you recommend today for under $500? Please help!
The narrowing of the tweeter pattern horizontally and vertically looks really good. The distortion at higher decibels looks unheard of at this price point. Good to hear the compression probably won't be audible.
Its interesting that this one uses the same mid/tweeter as the upright version (mini-tower/bookshelf), but this one doesn't have the dip in horizontal polar at 6k
Wondering how these sound like compared to the svs ultra and or prime in terms of clarity sitting directly in front
Could you add a trend line to what the early reflections directivity index and sound power directivity index should be? That would make it easier to see how EQ-able a speaker is, and maybe even figure out a one number metric for EQ-ability like we have with the preference score.
Here's the issue I have with your request: boiling things down to a single value (such as the preference score) is often more misleading and harmful to the purpose of understanding the fact that speakers are a give and take thing and that there is really no such thing as a perfect design. The preference score was intended as an "in-house" analysis method to help weed out poor designs rather quickly. It wasn't intended to be the de facto standard for loudspeaker purchase decisions. Sean, himself, will tell you that.
Even within that context alone, the prospect of what DI "should be" doesn't really exist. There is no research to show what is the preferred DI (i.e., omni vs narrow vs everything in between). However, there are various preferences.
I do sometimes provide a trendline for the DI to give people an idea of what it's doing. You can find those in my other reviews. Probably just forgot it in this one.
I would love to see you with some of their towers that go along with this center. They could be real giant killers.
Would it make sense to match this with the Polk R700s since the reserve series doesn't have a 3-way center? I can't spend $1,700 on the L400.
1:00 coming in HOTT "While it's not perfect it might be the best center channel in this price bracket with the least compromises❤❤🔥🔥"
What bookshelves should I pair with these? I was initially planning on going with the Emotiva C1+ center and B1+ bookshelves before I saw your reviews (I also realized they’re out of stock anyway). This is my first home theater system and it’s a small room so looking for the best I can get for the cheapest :)
Great detailed review.
I've tried so many center channels, Paradigm 600C, Klipsch 504C, Klipsch 450C, Emotiva C2+, JBL 520C and even recently, a Revel C208. Although I think the Revel might sound slightly better, for the price difference, I always come back to the Monolith.
Hey man , can you tell me your thoughts on the Emotiva C2+?
@calvinrobinson4310 hey, no problem. The C2+ is obviously a big speaker with big sound. I just found that in my room and with my setup, it didn't blend as well as the THX-365C.
@@MrDafloof Oh ok, thanks for the quick response. I have the C1+ I was just wondering if the C2+ was a worthy upgrade
what are you using for your left and right? Trying to figure out what to pair these with
@ice_hot I'm using JBL studio 590's left and right. Great speakers when on sale
I just returned one of these centers. It was just OK to me. I was trying to replace a 2 way Definitive Technology clr 3000. There was no improvement, and to be honest, it sounded a little "thin" compared to my old center. I wanted to like it. I really did.
Good info, thanks Erin. Do you think it's "okay" to run a bookshelf/tower speaker as a center? Like all matching, L,C,R?
Absolutely. In fact, assuming the bookshelf/tower is good, that’s the ideal way to go.
@@ErinsAudioCorner thank you so much! Have a great day man.
Because of you I call canton, Teufel, heco, Magnat, Adam, Neumann etc...and ask them to ship some speakers to you. Those are all German company's which make good speakers and I hope they will ship them to you. Espacially the 3 way speakers from Adam and Neumann will perform very very good. Spread the word and greetings from Germany 🍻
Great idea! And thanks for spreading the word. :)
@@ErinsAudioCorner you're welcome 😉
Wonder if the in wall version will perform just as good
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the SVS Prime and SVS Ultra CENTER speakers as well!
Also since Klipsch is a very popular brand I'd be curious to see how those CENTER speakers hold up too. I have a Klipsch RC-62ii and am considering switching and wonder how Klipsch's horn etc stacks up against the competition.
Amazing video, as always!
How would this 365C compare with the Klipsch RP-504C when it comes to dynamics?
Get the 365c. I tested the 504c and rc64 III. I prefer the 365 over both
Thanks!
Thanks again.
This or the R2C if you had to pick one? Thank you for all your work!!!
Erin there are a read review but no video review for Kef Q250c. You can tell me if is good and how it compare with Monolith THX-365C? Thanks.
I'd like to see the NHT LCR and HSU Research CCB-8 reviewed
What a coincidence. Yesterday I ordered one in EU for 350Eur. Really curious about it in comparison to already mentioned Magnat LCR100. Ill try to get some room measurements with umik-1.
Hi…could you please tell which eu store did you buy it from? Thanks in Advanced! :)
Hi Erin, nice review! 1. What are your thoughts on the SVS Ultra Center Channel Speaker, does it have any issues and is it a great Center Channel Speaker? 2, What is the best Center Channel Speaker that you have heard for a huge wide spot off axis and has great dialog features?
Erin, thanks for the feedback. What about the older SVS Ultra Center. There's a like new return at SVS for 600. Would you choose the 365c at 500 ov the SVS deal?
Erin, any additional thoughts?
Now the THX certification and all THX speakers have an X curve Which is one of the great frequency response characteristics of THX certified speakers of 70 or 80 Hz is usually rolls off at 80 Hz like i have 11 sonance THX cinema select Certified speakers and the frequency response is between 70 and 80 Hz which is what you are seeing on the graph these speakers were also designed and created to last a very long time but there are also designed to play back the film and music soundtracks just like the Director intended which was the mission of THX in the first place it’s so neat now that we are able to have THX processors and speakers and systems at our own house where we don’t have to go and leave to go to a movie theater to enjoy a great movie or sound
How important is it to have matching HT speakers. So say a guy wants this good performance seat to seat out of this center but has all different brand surrounds like the klipsch rp series.....is this going to mess with everything performance and audio wise?
That area of higher levels of energy off to the side is really baffling :) I'll show myself out :)
😂🤣😂
Why does putting a LR speaker horizontally not work? It would be fascinating to see the test results of one aligned that way for reference!
ruclips.net/video/GZrdsxrcpBw/видео.html
Simply;
Our ears are spread in the horizontal dimension.
Thus, orientation of drivers horizontally creates problematic summation comb filtering peaks/dips.
But yet the jbl hdi4500 was measured horizontally…
Do you prefer this over the emotiva c2+?
I'm currently shopping for a new center channel to improve dialog. I'm looking at two options, the Monolith THX-365C or the new SVS Ultra Evolution center. What do you recommend?
Joe from Tennessee
I'd wait to hear back about the new SVS speakers. I'm not sure I'd make any purchase until I saw some data or a trustworthy review on their new center.
Have you tested the SVS Ultra center channel speaker. Wonder how these 2 compare. The Ultra is a few hundred more.
I haven't. I thought I did but it was the Prime.
i have some speakers in mind, but i cant find ANY online reviews in english despite being a british manufacturer. I was wondering if you would be able to try and get ahold of some and test them.
I KNOW you would like the speaker because they are BIG (1.2m tall) , but cant find anything performance related graphs etc
the speaker in question is the " Mission ZX-5 " - at £1,600 - looks like a lot of speaker for the money. Check it out if you can get ahold of some so i know if its worth me buying.
Cheers Erin
Better than the HSU CCB 8 as a center?
Been looking for a new center that wont have mtm lobing.
great
if someone went from a non top of the line klipsch center to this, do you think the average person could notice the difference?
have you tested or considered testing anything from RSL or ascend acoustics?
Yes, I went from the Klipsch 504c to this Monolith and I thought it was an upgrade. Less bright, but more clear vocals with a punch when needed
@@bkline3147 hi! i currently have klipsch floor standing. considered the 504c but looking at others too. many seem better but im not sure about everyone recommending staying with the brand. it doesnt make alot of sense if i use auto eq anyways and the center often plays other things? if you also have klipsch L and R speakers did you notice somthing was off moving away from klipsch center?
@dwkaolawdj wdkaöakl I had all klipsch speakers (front, center, surrounds and backs) and changed to a full monolith system and thought it was a noticeable improvement. I have since moved on to a Monitor Audio 350c 6g center and it's even better. Best center I've ever owned, very clear voices. To each his own I guess, but I would highly recommend a 3 way center speaker and stay away from the klipsch's 2 or 2.5 way center speakers. Even mismatching the center would be better. I still have and still like Klipsch, but not their center speakers compared others I've heard and owned.
@@bkline3147 thanks for the message! have a nice day
would i beat a kef 150 and/or 350 on its side ?
Please review the 465IW at some point!!!
SO MANY GREAT SPEAKERS OUT THERE I'D LIKE TO HAVE FOR MY 'HOME-THEATER' ---- "OF COURSE" i'D ALSO LIKE TO HAVE THAT MERCEDES 500 i SAW THE OTHER DAY.
The in-walls measure well @ asr
hello my name is giovanni, i'm italian and i've been following your channel for a few days, i love home cinema, i have a 7.1 or 5.1.2 system composed of dynavoice df-5 front speakers, center the dynavoice definition dc-5, sub rel ht1003, side surrounds dali fazon sat, surround back dynavoice magic around 5, atmos speakers dali alteco c1, I would like to change the center and put a better center that gives me excellent mid frequencies, I would like your opinion which one to buy, my budget and '1000 dollars. I'm waiting for your reply, thanks in advance.
Great review as usual, the thx-365c looks like good value, they also sell a thx-365t which looks basically the same thing but with atmos. I don't like up firing atmos so I was wondering if you could just buy 7 thx-365c. I know you can not wire up the atmos but then I'm paying for something I'm not going to use. Sorry if it's a stupid question.
A couple of months ago Youthman and Jonathon had Hobie onto their live stream. He is responsible for the Monolith product line at Monoprice.
He commented on people's complaints about the 365T and the inclusion of the Atmos modules. He thought if it didnt effect the final price of the unit, why not include it and if you dont like them, do not use them.
Buy the 365T be happy with them and just dont use the Atmos Modules.
Wow, looks like this might be better than the Emotiva and SVS. Monoprice continues to kill it over there!
Way better than the emotiva.. Specially the c2+
vs-NHT M6?
@@shaolin95 Have you actually heard both speakers?
Hi...sir.. is silver c250 7g a good center or not
How do I find you amazon affiliate link? I have to order some things.
Here’s one for wire. But anything you purchase through the link will work.
amzn.to/36vpCke
How do these compare to some of the higher end Klipsch?
I've not found a Klipsch I've been really fond of so my answer would be skewed based on past experience and not knowledge of a specific Klipsch center channel.
I have compared or to the 504c and rc64 III. I picked the 365c over both.
The 2 bass has a 17” behaviour, because of the distance between them..! 🤓👍
This or Emotiva c1+?
❤❤❤
Would you recommend this over the SVS Prime Center? It's slightly cheaper, and seems like the one that got the best results in that price bracket (in my interpretation of the results, at least).
Yea, I think I’d have to give the nod toward this one based on what I’m seeing (not based on memory of what I heard which is useless at this point).
@@ErinsAudioCorner I actually considered going full Monoprice, but didn't because they are 4 Ohm. Not sure how big of a difference it would make, but I wanted to avoid getting a separate amp. I went with JBL 590s for LR, the matching 520c center, and Def Tech DI series in walls. The only weak spot I felt was the center. I replaced it with the SVS Prime Center thanks to your measurements and have been pretty happy with it. It blends way better, and doesn't need +6 db boost. I haven't finished acoustic treatments and running REW yet either, but I think I'll stick with it. Thanks for all the great info!
@@keithemanuel1072 I've read that concerns about insufficient power for 4 Ohm speakers may be overblown (pun unintended lol). I myself have a Denon S760H, which is supposedly able to handle 4 Ohm speakers. I had been considering this Monoprice center channel and its matching THX-265B bookshelves, but your comment is giving me pause. I'd love to hear Erin's thoughts on the matter.
@@keithemanuel1072 get this one. I had the 365C with JBL 580 fronts for awhile and it sounded great, especially at reference level.
@@JabsJibo I had the fans with 590s!
Do you have a promo code for the Monolith v2 15?
Thanks for asking! This should work. www.kqzyfj.com/click-7732025-11552490?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monoprice.com%2Fproduct%3Fp_id%3D42851
@@ErinsAudioCorner unfortunately no discount with that link. Thanks anyways.
Wow awesome speaker and its cheap!
Best have that AC/dehumidifter off whilst running haha
😊
vs-NHT M6?
I'm curious about how the Energy RC-LCR fares in today's HT environment. It's "discontinued" and has been for a decade, but you can still buy it NIB many places and it's built better than ANYTHING you can buy for that price.
NHT C LCR definitely needs to be tested. Same exact configuration.
Dang bro..you can hit the runway on the weekends for a little extra cash.
Anyone know what it takes to make THX Certification?
I don’t. And from what I’ve been told, no one can tell you. My understanding is you must sign an NDA when trying to get your speakers to meet one of their specs and the info isn’t made public, otherwise.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Yeah, Matt Poes said he can’t get any info from any of his contacts/industry’s friends. All we know is that it has to meet a certain SPL level with a % THD threshold, have a minimum dispersion width, and I think a bass extension frequency threshold based on its class (tower, bookshelf, etc.).
But then with subwoofers I’ve heard you can meet the certification even if dual subs are needed, which is odd.
@@ErinsAudioCorner
It's THX certified.
- What does that mean?
It means that it's THX certified.
- You already said that.
@Dominic Feira "I said what I said!".
@@ErinsAudioCorner an NDA for a non-industry standard certification? That doesn’t sound suspicious at all (sarcasm). The only truths I knew about THX was that certain DVDs had video and audio tuning to ensure artistic intent playback if the user incorporated it into their a/v system as well as George Lucas explaining all speakers should crossover at 80Hz to the subwoofer.
If THX considers their certification methods proprietary and secretive, then how does that help the public to know how the standard measures up? The certificate does not impress me.
Speaker manufacturers would do better to seek @Erin’s Audio Corner certification because the testing/performance data is there for all to compare. Much more valuable than whatever THX certified means IMO.
Erin, With Kef R3 L/R, would you recommend this over the Kef R2c?
Kef, for sure. But it’s also about >2x the price.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Understood about the price. Thanks for your input (and your videos)
@@ErinsAudioCorner do you recommend it because it's better than the 365c or because he has kef LR already?
If you can tolerate the look, and have a means of connecting it - wouldn't the Kali IN-5 or IN-8 reign supreme as a center (even laid on its side) in this price bracket?
Actually, that’s a pretty good idea. I didn’t even think about that. Only issue is output because they have built-in limiters (especially at higher output).
How do you think this compares to the Infinity RC263? The klippel results for the Infinity’s look really promising too
The RC263 hasn't been available for at least a year. I doubt it's coming back.
^ what he said. The results for the Infinity looked really good but a) ^ the comment about availability and b) I don't know how well it does at higher volume wrt compression.
Not too shabby of a speaker :)
Of course, these aren't available anywhere.
Any idea how this compares to the Emotiva 3-way center that’s $299?
He has measurements of the c1+ already. This one is much better
erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/emotiva_airmotiv_c1plus/
I bought this in the hopes it would sound great, but its nothing i had hoped for. Sounds like my ears needs to be popped, very subdued and backwards leaning....tried eq, no eq, dirac, different curves... nothing...my Klipsch rp450c it was gonna replace sounds way way better, much more clear, did a bunch more testing....i don't understand why people like it so much. I fed it plenty of power, ditac sweeps and test tones sounds just fine ...gonna try a different AVR just in case
can we please get a rsl cg25 in there please?!?!?!?!?!! it cost 425.....
If you want to send one to me, I’d be happy to review it.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I emailed them to send you one , hopefully they send you one. lol , I am interested in buying their speakers and its around the same price as the monolith.
I been a fan of monoprice since I bought my two 10 inch subs 2 years ago. There quality is just awesome.
Que ohms es
Center channel speakers are generally problematic due to comb filtering. Too bad it’s so hard to buy one extra L-R speaker and use that instead. I’d just mount it above the screen and be done. Naturally, it would have to be sealed or front ported and have good horizontal dispersion. It would be ok to use another brand or model if the main speakers don’t meet that criteria. There are many good sealed and front ported speakers that would suffice.
Preaching to the choir. Did you see my video about center channels?
The Problem with Most Center Channel Speakers. (With Sound Demos & Data)
ruclips.net/video/GZrdsxrcpBw/видео.html
HELLO ACCORDING TO YOUR EXPERIENCE WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND CENTRAL CHANNEL TO BUY AROUND 1000 DOLLARS? SUGGEST ME 3 CENTRAL CHANNELS AROUND 1000 DOLLARS, THIS IS MY BUDGET. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Infinity going to whoop this thing imo
Your opinion is based on bs. This thing already tested superior so not sure why you are spreading nonsense. Fanboys are hilarious
I've watched your other video and the KEF 650c was better
Better how? This one beats the kef in pretty much everything so not sure how you are analyzing the data
@@shaolin95 Aside from the cost, which of the Q350 Q650c 365c do you recommend the most if you use it as a center speaker?
@@starryn4865 I got the 365c a few days ago and I love it. Also have tested many others right now only like the elac 52c, Klipsch 504c and rc64 iii.
The thing I like the most a out the 365c is that it let's my brain connect with the screen better instead of always letting me know the sounds are coming from the enclosure. That is key for me with any center speaker.
It is also easy to drive and the horizontal off axis is really great
Does anyone care about THX anymore?
Well considering how good this center is because it had to meet thx requirements, perhaps you should 😉
THX started as something useful for theatrical playback systems. Then it became a money grab to soak consumer (and then pro) manufacturers wallets. Even Tom Holman himself said it ran off the rails.
Budget at $500.00 ? That's not a budget price ! So your saying your average listener spends what on a center channel ? Please ! I can't afford your advise ! Sorry .
Get a job and stop whining or buy a soundbar.