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Monoprice Monolith M1570 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$450
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Monoprice Monolith M1570 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Poor

4.0

Poor

6.9

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Monolith M1570 is an open-back, audiophile-grade headphone featuring massive 106mm planar magnetic drivers with a dual linear symmetry magnet array, delivering an expansive frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz and a high maximum SPL of over 130dB. Characterised by its 60-ohm impedance and 96dB sensitivity, it typically requires dedicated amplification to fully realise its detailed, warm sound signature and holographic imaging. Main pros include its exceptionally low distortion (less than 0.1% at 100dB), a spacious soundstage enhanced by its open design, and the inclusion of both lambskin and velour memory foam ear pads for sound customisation. However, significant cons include its substantial weight of approximately 700g, which can cause neck fatigue during long sessions, and an open-back nature that offers zero noise isolation while leaking sound to others.

Technical Specifications of Monoprice Monolith M1570

Overall score

4.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.2

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.9

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

7.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Monoprice

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Monoprice Monolith M1570 vs the average headphone

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1570 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.106 mm vs 40 mm
13 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.65 mm vs 43 mm
0.2 % lower distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.65 mm vs 60 mm
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
0.63 m more useful cable length
Monoprice Monolith M1570 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
50x higher input power handling
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
27 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (130 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
20 dB higher max SPL
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Boom microphone included
Monoprice Monolith M1570 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1570 worse than the average headphone?

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3.21x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1570 is heavier than the average headphone (700 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
3.21x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1570 is heavier than the average headphone (700 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Monoprice Monolith M1570 is heavier than the average headphone (700 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.700 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1570 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
4.44x more expensive
Monoprice Monolith M1570 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).
Monoprice Monolith M1570 is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
17.3% worse value for money
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.74 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Monoprice Monolith M1570 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.74 vs 6.736).5.74 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1570 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Monoprice Monolith M1570 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Monoprice Monolith M1570?

Exceptional sound quality with a warm, smooth, and detailed presentation
Expansive, wide soundstage that offers a 'holographic' listening experience
Punchy, well-extended bass that provides satisfying low-end impact without bleeding into mids
Accurate imaging and instrument separation, making them effective for both music and competitive gaming
High value for money, often described as 'entry-level summit-fi' when purchased on sale
Versatile sound signature that responds exceptionally well to EQ adjustments
Includes both lambskin and velour earpads to allow for sound customization

What customers dislike about Monoprice Monolith M1570?

Extremely heavy (approx. 644g to 700g), which can lead to significant neck fatigue during long sessions
The headband design is often criticized for poor weight distribution and can be painful on the crown of the head
Non-standard mini-XLR pinout makes finding compatible aftermarket balanced cables difficult
Changing earpads is reported to be a difficult and frustrating process
Large, bulky physical dimensions make them entirely non-portable
Requires a powerful amplifier to reach their full sonic potential due to low sensitivity
Some users noted potential build quality inconsistencies, such as loose clamping force or creaking

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

13/09/2019

Monolith M1570 Over Ear Open Back Balanced Planar Headphones

The Monolith M1570 open-back planar headphones are lauded in user discussions for exceptional sound quality, featuring a massive soundstage, realistic vocals, and high-value performance that rivals more expensive models. Pros include a punchy mid-bass, smooth, detailed treble, and a robust all-metal build, with significant scaling potential when using balanced amplification and EQ....Read more

trustedreviews.com

26/10/2022

Monolith M1570 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Monolith M1570 are large, open-backed planar magnetic headphones lauded for a warm, energetic sound and exceptional comfort, despite their heavy, 700g "Batman-like" footprint. They offer a highly engaging listening experience supported by a well-designed, pressure-dispersing headband and massive earpads. However, the review notes the significant weight and size as potential...Read more

head-fi.org

13/09/2019

Monolith M1570 Over Ear Open Back Balanced Planar Headphones

The user review on page 24 of the Head-Fi thread describes the Monolith M1570 as an engaging, "fun" headphone offering a warm, dark, and smooth sound signature with excellent midrange realism and deep, textured sub-bass. Pros include an expansive soundstage with strong imaging, outperforming the Avantone Planar and Audeze LCD-X (2021) in pure enjoyment for the reviewer. However, the...Read more

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