Monolith By Monoprice Belt-Drive Turntable Review Specs

Specs
Type: Belt drive
Playback Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
Wow and Flutter: < 0.15%
Rumble: –55dB
Effective Tonearm Length: 218.5mm
Tonearm Overhang: 18.5mm
Analog Audio Output: Phono- and line-level RCA
Digital Audio Output: USB, Bluetooth
Dimensions: (WxHxD, inches) 16.5 X 4.9 X 14.2
Weight (pounds): 9.7

Company Info
Monoprice
monoprice.com

COMPANY INFO
Monoprice
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Billy's picture

Ahh yes, vinyl. I may be old and senile, but I still remember when they were the best we had (that is, unless you were a high roller and could afford pre recorded reel to reel tapes). My tired old brain also remembers the horrid product sold to us. Records sold new to us full of clicks and pops, even after cleaning. ( I finally broke down and bought my first CD player after paying extra for what I thought was a quality classical label record of a Mozart piece. Despite my Thorens turntable and a high end cartridge connected to McIntosh amps, and in turn were connected to Infinity IRS Beta speakers, it sounded awful. I tried to return it but the record store manager finally said that all of that release came back and to just take the cash instead of another.) I also remember skips and jumps, and unplayable records. Kiddos, ever leave a record in the car on a warm summer day? We did that too, more than once I might add. Digital files are unlike anything on vinyl, they totally rock. No hiss, no groove noise, no clicks, pops, jumps. No cleaning. Full dynamic range. Nothing but clean pure sound. Is something missing in a digital signal? Of course, but can your ears hear the difference? My old ears are not like your young ones, but I think I can still hear the improvement that 40 years of innovation has given us. Do I still spin records? Sure, once in a while for nostalgia. What I remember at those times is being young, and how different the world was then, but that warm mushy feeling does not make records superior in anyway to modern digital signals. It is just a fad, just like too many tattoos, or getting your nose pierced with a big ol bone so you look like a jungle head hunter. This soon will pass, like this grumpy old man will.

barfle's picture

I have a fairly large vinyl collection, around 1200 discs. While some of them also have digital recordings in my collection, many don’t, either because they were never made, or because I missed the opportunity when they were available.

Although I also have a handful of tech to address such shortcomings as surface noise, I find that most of my records sound fine without all that tweaking. But really, if I didn’t have a turntable, I couldn’t listen to half of the music I own.

LillieVilla's picture

I completely relate to your perspective. Vinyl records have a distinct charm that transcends technology – they encapsulate an entire experience, summoning nostalgia and forging a profound connection to the music. Like you, I have a deep affection for music, and I've discovered that the analog richness of vinyl adds a unique dimension to the listening encounter, which digital formats struggle to capture. The manner in which music intertwines with our lives, stirring emotions, is truly remarkable. On a related note, I'm also a writer and wanted to share a helpful resource: https://writinguniverse.com/essay-types/analytical-essays/. Interestingly, I often find solace in music while engrossed in my creative pursuits, as the two harmoniously complement each other, elevating both the musical and writing odysseys.

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