The Best Kept Secret in Speakers? Monoprice Monolith Encore T6 and THX 465-T
The Monolith by Monoprice Encore T6 and THX 465-T speakers both promise unprecedented performance for the money. The value is there, sure, but are they SO good that they make other, more expensive speakers irrelevant? Just how good are the Encore T6 and THX -465T and do they really offer performance that competes well with pricier models from well-known brands, or is there a hidden sacrifice nobody is talking about? Check out my review of the Monolith Encore T6 tower speakers and the THX 465T Dolby Atmos tower speakers to find out if either deserves a place in your living room.
Buy now:
Monolith by Monoprice THX-465T: www.tkqlhce.co...
Monolith by Monoprice Encore T6: www.jdoqocy.co...
Polk Signature Elite ES60 : www.amazon.com...
PSB Alpha T20 : www.amazon.com...
Klipsch RP-280F: amzn.to/3B3dSS2
Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F: www.amazon.com...
Focal Chora 826-D: www.amazon.com...
Klipsch RP-8060FA II: www.pntra.com/...
Klipsch Reference Next R-605FA: www.amazon.com...
Read more at digitaltrends.com:
Discovering Monolith: the best speakers you’ve never heard are made by Monoprice: www.digitaltre...
Best speakers for 2023: www.digitaltre...
How to know if you’re actually getting Dolby Atmos sound: www.digitaltre...
Read more from Caleb at digitaltrends.com: www.digitaltre...
00:00 Intro
03:08 Encore T6 Overview
04:49 THX-465T Overview
05:45 Performance
09:57 Compared to competition & each other
13:13 Final thoughts
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Пікірлер: 142
I am a faithful follower of your videos and think you are pretty much the gold standard for reviews. The background music on this video is far too loud, and most of all very distracting. I will be extremely disappointed if this becomes the norm.
@craighill8211
Жыл бұрын
Not to mention it was the melody from jingle bells
@thestevenjaywaymusic7775
Жыл бұрын
As was pointed out, the background music is too loud over your voice. I am a sound engineer and musician for fifty years, you could solve this problem easily by using a side chained compressor and ducking the music when there is dialogue. If you can’t do it yourself, pay a professional to set it up for you. It would make it much better.
Remember the days when people spent thousands on "speaker wires." When they were tasked to blind test, they were told it was coat hanger wire! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@bearclaw5115
Жыл бұрын
Remember the days? They still do. And there can be differences in audio between speaker wires but more expensive does not equal better.
@jjguillen65
Жыл бұрын
Lol
Music was a bit too loud, otherwise great video. I love learning about "secrets" in the audio category as much as you do haha
One of the first 4k Monitors I bought was a Monoprice it had all the features of the more expensive ones yet the price was much more affordable.
Yes, of course, I would love to get reviews of speakers and AVR’s that even can be used fir music and surround sound. Thanks for your awesome videos.
Really happy to see the 465T get a review. They’ve been super overlooked
@MrFatmac87
5 ай бұрын
The problem is people don't wanna admit these budget speakers sound better then that 5k system they so called built. They feel stupid cause they wasted money
I'm glad a major outlet is finally talking about the, esp since monoprice has a THX certified line of affordable speakers
I run their THX-365T mini towers with their THX-365C center and Monolith 15 subs. Great setup for the money. FYI the mini towers were $201 each and those THX-465T's can sometimes be had for around $500 per speaker.
@mpoll
Жыл бұрын
Got my pair of T-6's from Monoprice on sale for $398 delivered. I'm still breaking them in, but value-wise they were a steal. The only downside is that I really dislike the look of the shiny top cap; it does the opposite of making them look expensive, IMO, but that's a matter of personal taste.
Happy to see audio reviews! 👍🏼
Fantastic video! Love that the channel is branching out beyond TVs as you guys provide great coverage! Curious about Monoprice's IN-CEILING or IN-WALL speakers for whole-house music... They're very affordable but difficult to directly compare against the more pricey competition. Any chance you'd take a look at those?
Monolith amplifiers are also a supreme value!
Have a full system of The Encore series.. T6 .. Has been really great. I put a boost in the 8k and 15k range for some extra high energy.. but otherwise I enjoy them. I'd want something a lot more sensitive for my heights.. but otherwise .. these are really great for a price. Deal on the store or Amazon can get REALLY worth while. I might still upgrade to the THX stuff (unless SVS or Emotiva doesn't tempt me with something great) Nice to see these getting some more love. I think a LOT of people could do well with this brand.. and Monoprice does have a MASSIVE back end to cover for customer service. Monolith .. Amps .. processors .. speakers.. TV .. computer.. You could literally build and entire gaming surround system with 1 brand! .. That's crazy!!!
Thank you for your review. I wanted to give a little constructive criticism about your backing track, it's mastered a little high compared to your vocals. There were a few points in the video I actually had to rewind to understand what was said. That being said, I think your reviews are well structured and quite informative, and I really look forward to the new OLED tv lineup reviews and whatever else you might have cooked up for us the rest of the year.
@radiantthought
Жыл бұрын
came here looking for this comment. love the videos, but the mixing is a bit rough here.
You convinced me. I just bought the T-6. I think this is exactly what I wanted to replace my awful Magnepans. Thanks!
I can't imagine how good the T-6 sounds. I have a pair of T-4s running as my side surrounds in a 7.1.4 theater. I was blown away by what was coming out of the T-4. They are powered by my M7100 that powers all my surrounds.
I wish Monoprice would come out with a Klipsch The Fives/Sevens competitor.
Everyone crying about the music being too loud...i didn't even notice it because i was listening to what you were saying.
Good review….and nice to see the THX series getting more reviews lately. But a lot of mention on law of diminishing returns. While true, just a note the larger THX speakers were released 1-2 years prior to the Encore, so if anything it’s better to view Encore as “even more bang for the buck” using what they learned from the THX series, rather than viewing the THX as an upgrade with diminishing returns. -Proud owner of the THX series since early 2021 :)
I’m a fan of all your reviews, but I’m most eagerly waiting on your review of the new Sonos speakers, especially for special audio, and when combined with the Arc Pro for Atmos. (I don’t have room in my living room for tower speakers!)
Vented speakers trade low frequency extension for transient accuracy. Vented speakers has a more boxy sound; planar speakers have no box therefore no boxy sound at all. If all you need is loud noise, these speakers will suffice. But if you know what music sounds like, you'll want something better.
Just got mine and they are fantastic!
Hi Caleb, really terrific review especially seeing that you don't do speaker reviews that often. But dear God tell your producers or editors to stop with the music behind you. It's irritating AF! Let's just hear you the way we hear you when you do TV reviews.
Wow great review Caleb! Being a huge fan of your TV reviews, I didn't think this speaker review, especially for a speaker from a smaller brand, would be so in depth, informative, and entertaining. Being an audiophile you hit a lot of great talking points and left me with almost no questions about them. Thank you for this one and keep the speaker reviews coming!
@robertmedina3195
Жыл бұрын
If you think Monoprice is a smaller brand you're living under a rock or this isn't your scene. Monoprice is huge and they have the buying power to compete with any brand and they are doing just that. They also save money with their poor customer service.
@michaelgochez7768
Жыл бұрын
@@robertmedina3195 Monoprice as a whole is massive, but they are mostly known for cables and accessories and I'm sure do a lot of wholesale to other businesses. But as for their sub brands, like monolith, they are much smaller compared to other major high and home theater brands. I can argue their subs are what has put the monolith brand on the map, I myself own 3 of them. But their other monolith products have not gotten much love. I can find a million Klipsch and kef reviews but only a few monolith speaker reviews. Mostly by Joe n tell who is somewhat of a brand ambassador it seems. I actually live close to their headquarters and have dealt with their warehouse and store in rancho Cucamonga, CA by phone and in person and actually had good experiences. They had locally based reps, and have corrected all of my issues including a warranty replacement.
Great review as always! Thanks, guys! It would be so nice if we can see a matching amplifier with the same outstanding performance for the price benefits. They are so many options on the market...
Great video Caleb! I always enjoy your reviews, very informative.
I’ve been a fan of Monoprice for many years. Will hopefully be building a home theater within the next couple of years. Would love to have a set of in walls. Do you foresee doing a review of the in wall counterpart to these speakers?
To be clear - the Monolith Brand is specifically addressing high quality audio. Monoprice does not label all audio equipment “Monolith”.
For a spoken review I'd stick with background music instead of foreground music.
That xmas song in the background...
I like Caleb's reviews. I almost always agree with his listening impressions and my measurements confirm what's said as well.
Can't wait for a new place with room for two Monolith 15" subs! Hopefully soon...
A+ for the Dirty Loops vid playing in the background!!
I plan on getting a pair of the big thx 465s. Can't wait
The Monolith power amps are beast!!! Very much an excellent value. Also BLINK 182!!
Currently on sale for 340/pair. I picked up a pair of the Encore T5's a couple of months ago for $180/pair for living room and was so impressed at that price I also picked up the Encore B6's at the same price for the garage. Would be pretty difficult to outperform these speakers at the sale prices.
@michaelhill7500
8 ай бұрын
Looks like it is 2x the price right now
@tbob2224
4 ай бұрын
@@michaelhill7500 I picked them up for 240/pair a few months ago. Really, really good value at that price.
10:55 …is that Jingle Bells?
@NewEraComms
Жыл бұрын
I heard it too.
Now the question needs to be asked, are you going to do a complete home theater system based on one of these lines of speakers and a coupe of their THX subs? Just like you did with the Klipsch 9.2 setup and a LG 97in OLED.
Hi there, came across your video as I research speaker for a home theater build. Do you or anyone have any input between the monoprice monolith thx-465iw thx vs Focal 1000 IWLCR6
I have Kef towers Q750 and love them, will these Monolith beats my Kef's? let get into this.....
ive been wanting to move away from a soundbar setup to get better passthrough support/performance over my vizio m512-h6 but for a bedroom sized space. So much to learn...
@adubs.
Жыл бұрын
Find a nice receiver before you go down the speaker rabbit hole. You can start out with a couple of dayton audio towers from parts express to find some ok entry level speakers and upgrade later. I run their 2.1 bluetooth amp with those towers and a cheapo passive sub in my bedroom and its plenty adequate without costing a ton.
@jeffleonard343
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Focus on a nice set of left and right speakers. If budget allows, a center channel. Home audio is a heck of a rabbit hole to go down. I have zero regrets lol
@shhhpark
Жыл бұрын
@@jeffleonard343 appreciate the info! Definitely need that center channel for vocals which is the main reason why o got the soundbar. I tried starting to research home theater audio a bit ago and it made my head spin! Haha
The Monolith THX speakers are all sold out right now. With Monoprice you never know if that means they're gone forever. But if they do come back, I'd recommend skipping the big towers and instead getting the 365t mini towers and pairing them with a good subwoofer. One from Monolith would be a great choice. It will be cheaper and you probably avoid the cabinet issues Caleb mentions because you're not driving low end through those cabinets.
Funny you should mention the Focal Chora 826-D, I picked up 7 of the (non-D) 826's from Crutchfield for the amazing price of $699/ea and am running all 7 of them in my 7.1 home theater setup. AMAZING speakers, the subtle detail they reveal, it's like hearing music for the first time, even favorites that I've listened to since the early '80's, and the imaging is flat amazing. Monoprice makes great stuff for the price, and if the Choras hadn't been such a once-in-a-lifetime deal I might have considered these. I've been very happy with everything I've bought from Monoprice over the years (HDMI cables and 12ga speaker wire, and some stands) and I WAS considering a Monolith 7x200 amp to drive these in place of my current Onkyo TX-RZ820...but recently I've been drooling over the NAD M28 amp after I saw the amazing test results... I think for the price (they're not "audiophile speakers like the Focals), anyone should be happy with either of these.
Even for music, you want a sub to cover 20-50 hz. It obviously has to be an extremely capable sub to be able to do that, and probably sealed as well to remain fully musical.
Use EQ.. then suddenly bith pairs become next level. Also the monoprice speakers have been known to drop 50% or more.. i got my pair for 312usd shipped.. yes a pair.. and with dsp.. absolutely amazing.
"All that would be needed to get rid of that". - internal muffling and bracing would help, but so would a quality crossover. Air core inductors, 5% metallized poly caps and 1% sandcast resistors.
hi there what's the name and model of the speaker set up you have the white speaker. IM looking for tall floor standing tower speaker
would love to "hear" your thoughts on the Sonos 300, with an arc, it's their first full atmos set up
Love your channel would love some Direction. I have qn90b 75 tv and HW-J8500r Samsung soundbar. Looking to add tower speakers not sure best compatibility with ports and ease of adding to system. Thanks!!
Caleb we want the TCL QM8 info now 😂
Does the 465t experience any of the same mid-bass issues as the t6? You state that it’s better built, but I wonder if the issue is completely resolved with the bigger speaker… thank you!
Did you get in on the pre-order with the first 500 Nakaimichi dragon?
I appreciate the video. Great review as always. I'm confused if the 465-t's exhibited the cabinet issues that the T6's had. I'm not so interested in the Atmos, but it's fine if it is there. So without the atmos engaged, how do you think the 465-T's stack up against the polk R700's. I need a speaker that can be placed near the back wall or in the corner.
@ernestryles
Жыл бұрын
There’s a non atmos version, the 460T
@kinggodzilla7647
Жыл бұрын
I have had the Monolith THX460T for 2-channel listening for over a year. I didn't notice any midrange resonance issue at all. The THX-465T and Encore T6 are in 2 different leagues. The THX-465T is THX-certified (has a more linear frequency response), with an oval HDF cabinet (less susceptible to standing wave) and a dome midrange driver (more accurate on vocals). The Encore T6 is not THX-certified, with a square MDF cabinet and a cone midrange driver. I was pleased with the performance of the THX-460T.
@markwalsh2709
Жыл бұрын
@@kinggodzilla7647 - thank you! I realized that the T6 is MDF and the 465T's are HDF. I'm stuck between the 465t's and the Polk R700's. The R700's when on sale at about $700 each, are a better deal. Regardless, I probably will want to augment my Pioneer VSX-LX505 with an amplifier that can drive the low impedance at high volume.
@frommatorav1
Жыл бұрын
@@markwalsh2709 I have the Onkyo NR 7100, which is very comparable to the Pioneer VSX-LX505 you have and it has no issue driving the T6 speakers. You can upgrade your receiver, if you want, but I don't think it would be necessary. The 465T shouldn't require any extra power than the T6 and I've read the Polk R700's are more sensitive and are good with any amp over 80W per channel.
I run these speakers as well as the 13” monster subs. Unreal performance and pass the THX standards. Very neutral sounding but still surprise me with their dynamics. The center channel is truly special. BTW, the cabinet is a monster and made of HDF. Not sure what he is talking about needing more bracing, but we all have our opinions. What I don’t like is the laminate on the cabinet, I can see it peeling over time at the edges if moved around often.
@bearclaw5115
Жыл бұрын
He could have been suffering from too much room gain. A rear ported speaker with a lot of bass could do just that. Nice to know they are made of HDF.
@kellyrickards7132
Жыл бұрын
I know the 465s are made of HDF but are the smaller towers as well?
@PumpUptheJam81
Жыл бұрын
@@kellyrickards7132 Yes, even the 265 bookshelf’s are HDF (five layer).
@user-rp1vu1gk5u
Жыл бұрын
curious how you unboxed the towers? i ordered a pair. one came with the dome of midrange tweeter dented so i have to return it. i havent unboxed the other tower. i completely destroyed the box of the first one. it was stapled at the bottom. any ideas?
@PumpUptheJam81
Жыл бұрын
@@user-rp1vu1gk5u That is not fun at all. My sympathies. If I recall correctly I opened them up as if they were a “coffin” lengthwise and pulled the arch shaped foam (the foam that conformed to the back of the towers) off and lifted them out. I also recall one of my boxes had a puncture that looked a lot like a forklift went after it. Once I had the tower out I laid it on the end of the couch and installed the platform piece that came with it. One thing to note, you may want to look at a DIY remedy for the midrange. There is a strong possibility it is totally fine and just needs to be popped back out (vacuum cleaner or something). I have seen this before when tweeters are dented by kids fingers with no issues since there is effectively nothing behind the midrange dome but airspace. Also, there is another possibility Monoprice *might* send you a replacement midrange but it may be unlikely. Apparently they were facing a LOT of backlash over people having to return subwoofers for an amp failure when one could easily just send the replacement part and a few bolts later a remedy without shipping large objects.
I have the rp 8000,and they really are good stage and dynamic spot on,but I don't like the Dolby Atmos up firing,I believe in heights and in selling, for Atmos,some brands are doing a great job, so much so that one have to wonder,if it's worth buying the high end!
The bottom line is ( and I speak from experience ) if you dont have an amplifier that is absolutely capable to drive a 4 ohm speaker - and these dip into 3.6 ohm territory / these are not for you. A budget AVR driving less than 100 wpc into 8 ohms will overheat and clip. So be sure of your power source or you will damage your gear.
@user-rp1vu1gk5u
Жыл бұрын
will a denon 3300 run the thx 460, 465 towers without that problem?
@Audiomainia2310
Жыл бұрын
@@user-rp1vu1gk5u Possibly - in two channel mode. Once you enable any other speakers the power ratings into the two mains dip - Denon nor many other manufacturers give you all channel driven power ratings info except Emotiva. Not a chance I would take.
@user-rp1vu1gk5u
Жыл бұрын
@@Audiomainia2310 avrs are expensive now. my only option is to buy a 2 channel for the towers and connect it to the denon. any recommendations?
@Audiomainia2310
Жыл бұрын
@@user-rp1vu1gk5u For $799.99 you can get them Onkyo TX NR7100 - 9 channels, 100 wpc, Dirac Live, THX and IMAX certified - HDMI2.1 - everything to drive these speakers and then some. ( 2 LFE subwoofer inputs also )
@MrFatmac87
5 ай бұрын
Get a vintage pioneer you'll be golden I promise.
Have you listened to the JBL Studio 590’s? I love mine
any opinion on Definitive Technology speaker systems?
What are your thoughts on Arendal speakers ?
Caleb, I really want the 465-T's. Btw, you are quite handsome buddy.
Can you tell me the make and model # of your flat screen TV? --Thanks
To all you self proclaimed experts and complainers, Watch the video on your home theater system, it sounds great, great seperation of voice and music, watching on your phone, tablet, or computer does this video no Justice. Listen outside the box....
Digital Trends..Thanks Much !.......
I am puzzled as to why these are called THX speakers. Does this label mean these are not optimized for playing music.
How does their sound compare to goldenear triton twos?
Do. The speakers make you feel the bullets in movies? No center for Dolby?
I wonder how the THX-465T compare side-by-side to the SVS Prime Pinnacles.
Thanks for review
Make a lot more sense in the US - in Australia the T6 retails at up to 1550 USD each!!!
Check out Heco Aurora 1000's at less than $600 per speaker I have been pleasantly surprised at how good they are for the $.
so sad monoprice pulled out of europe :/ They offered some great price/performance stuff. Same as with drop... they also left :(
@FullThrottle2
Жыл бұрын
True, they sold solid subwoofers at reasonable prices. There is no alternative now.
Nice speakers, but i ended buying a pair of Paradigm 6000f speakers. you have reviewed the high end Paradigms but not the lower end. You will be surprised just like all your video;s of TCL tv's. they are still being made after 3 years of introduction.
The T6 vs Klipsch R-620F or 800f?
I disagree on the sub thing with the T6. Even for music reproduction, getting down to 20hz still adds a little something. Certainly you need a musical sub, also; ideally something sealed that doesn't trade sub-bass extension for control.
It is very hard to hear you over the background music in the video. Food for thought on future videos.
🎼🎵🎶Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! 🎵🎶
The jingle bells tho….
Adding the Atmos top speakers to the THX model does not appeal to true HT enthusiasts as this approach has a very limited effect on height immersiveness. Would have been much better to have not included this and lowered the price.
@NewEraComms
Жыл бұрын
There is a version available without the integrated Atmos speakers.
I find it hard to think and concentrate while the hi volume interfering background music is playing while your speaking. (No disrespect towards your work of course) thank you
im sorry but you literally have a lo-fi version of "Jingle Bells" playing @10:45
Heard them. Thought they are good but boxy. Better than pr😅ce qould lead to believe.
awfully mastered video from a sound mixing. fire whoever released this video!
background music is to load and dissecting
Ohh please pit them against the jamo 803s or heck, the hcs!!
@bearclaw5115
Жыл бұрын
803s are garbage.
Good video
Ayyy, not so budget for Aussies. 750 shipping :(
Price is okay but they have a very low cost build. Silk dome tweeters are the absolute cheapest build.
Monoprice always punches above its weight.....
Monoprice is the only place to shop for best price and quality of product.
Gloss black cheapens anything it is put on. When will these companies realize that.
4ohm speakers = no go.
Not anymore lol
moreeeeeee
Up-firing Atmos 👎👎
@Audiomainia2310
Жыл бұрын
The lazy mans atmos. Those upfiring speakers suck. From any manufacturer.
I looking a nice 👌 video
This could (and maybe should) have been an enjoyable five minute Video with the amount of information given, but somehow it has become this long..
Why do these video composers think it's neat and cool to put that DAMNED music in the background while the commenter is talking? I think it is VERY irritating to try to listen to what someone is saying over that noise in the background. STOP IT -- I've just about got to the point where I'll immediately turn a video off if there's background music playing
@KimmoJaskari
11 ай бұрын
Gotta agree here, I don't really need the elevator muzak competing with the speech. Anyone with even a mild hearing issue as well will have to work hard to sort the sounds out.
Nice one 😂
Cheap and cheesy looking... And a 2" mid-range... seriously?!
@PumpUptheJam81
Жыл бұрын
It’s all about the sound. Most modern speaker look cheap and cheesy.
@MrFatmac87
5 ай бұрын
@@PumpUptheJam81 thank you
Speech is barely audible, with extremely distracting background music. Stop this madness haha
Really? Speakers review by someone who keeps a plant on a subwoofer??