User Comments

Sam Ho is the Editor-in-chief of Hong Kong's prestigious audio journal: Hi fi Review.

Scan of Sam Ho's SM-70 comments. (Image-only source file.)

After weekend listening I could say that I prefer SE-100 over SM-70 (monoblock mode, unbalanced). Just a little bit. Both models sounds just great and sound-wise purely I would prefer any over Quad Classic tubed I used as a reference.

regards
leo

Hi Mr Poon, I purchased a pair of your demo's months ago and was very pleased with their performance. I knew what to expect as I'd owned 3 SM-70s to great effect...

But I thought you'd be interested as to their performance in a real world "difficult" load environment. My current speaker set up: stacked pairs of Yamaha NS-1000Ms with high frequency augmentation provided by Townshend Maximum SuperTweeters. Each side (all 3 speakers) is driven by one of the SE-100s. There is no sonic evidence whatsoever of any electrical distress.

The SE-100s are a match made in heaven. These little amps, Mr Poon, are magical and at the price, miraculous.

Thank you.
Andy

Hello Mr Poon. My SE 100 amps arrived on April 19th safe and sound. Even not run in and still cold they sound wonderful. The hum that plagued the SM 70 amps is totally absent the 100s are completely silent when allowed to warm up properly.

It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with you and your company and I wish you well for the future. You will probably hear from me again as I found that you can bi-amp SE100s. Oh dear said my better half (or words to that effect). So I better start saving again!

Best wishes to you all
Phil Dennis

Hi C.C., I am very happy with my Monarchy 24 and SE 100 Mk 2s. I added a PSB HD-8 sub woofer to the Soliloquys that we modified. My set-up never sounded better. I like the sound better than when I was using the Monarchy SM Pro 70s.

Best,
Jack

Hello fellow audio freaks! I've just taken delivery of a pair of SE100's to replace my SM70's and they are absolutely fantastic. Much cleaner sounding than the 70's with deeper bass. Fed from a Musical Fidelity A308 pre amp into Monitor Audio GX300 speakers no other amp I have heard can get near these little gems for sheer sound quality.

Just on a side note I took the SM70's round to a friend's to try them in his system. Replacing his Quad valve amps with my Monarchy's was quite interesting. I think the American term is; the Quads got their asses handed to them! SE100's are the audio bargain of the century!

UK Customer

A personal letter from the Editor & Publisher of Bound for Sound, delivered by email to Mr. Poon: "I have just inserted the new Zero Feedback amplifier into my main audio system - I am extremely impressed. I notice that it is much different from the SM-70 internally, more output devices, different parts, heftier power supply, different caps, etc. This is a much better sounding amp than the original SM-70. I know that you are in the process of building a 200 wpc super amp, I hope that it has the same superb sound qualities that this new amp has, just more power."

"I have just started my audition of this amp, and there is much work to do, but my first impressions of this amp are so positive that I thought it necessary to drop you a line."

Good listening, Martin DeWulf - Bound for Sound Report, Editor & Publisher

"Also, the new SM-70 Pro amps are wonderful, and when used in the mono mode, they constitute a new standard at the price point. And you can quote me on that! Again, thank you. Good listening, Marty."

Martin G. DeWulf - Bound for Sound Report, Editor & Publisher

A pair of SM-70 PROs in mono driving Dynaudio S5.4 loudspeakers. (Image-only source file.)

From a letter about his pair of SM-70s: "In April of this year I purchased two SM-70 amps from Monarchy Audio. Mr. Galo's review of the amps in your #5 issue is dead on in terms of sound quality, but not in terms of the problems he had. My amps don't hum (and any hum at all *really* annoys me), they don't blow the fuses, and they don't have much of a turn-on thump; more of an innocuous click." He praised Mr. Poon's prompt, courteous service and the amp's simple, clean, solid build quality.

The listening experience: "I had been using them for a couple of months, then one night, late, I listened to Rostropovich's recording of Bach's cello suites. This is one of my favorite CDs. At the end of the first movement of the 3rd suite, I realized I had been holding my breath for some time. Now, you can't take credit for Bach's genius or Rostropovich's skill, but your amps did something (or didn't do something) amazing, to let the music through to me like that."

On his evolving system: "My system has been evolving for over twenty years. There are now two components in my system that I hear no reason to change: my SM-70 amps, and my Magnum-Dynlab Etude tuner."

Thanks again, Doug Burkett, Eaton OH USA

Easter: "THE AMPS ARE BEAUTIFUL. LISTENED TO THEM FOR FOUR HOURS STRAIGHT. OUTSTANDING DETAIL AND IMAGING. TIMBRAL ACCURACY ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING... DEAD SILENT, I.E., NO MECHANICAL HUM (EXCEPT FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS UPON POWERING UP) AND VERY SLIGHT ELECTRICAL HUM. OTHERWISE, I'M IN LOVE. YOU'RE A GENIUS!!!!!!! I CANNOT SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF YOUR PRODUCTS."

As always, be well. ROB.

"Today I was listening to the SM70's through the AC regens and I have to tell you that I simply couldn't get over the outstandingly beautiful presentation. Again, and forgive me for my repetitive and, most likely, trying observations, but the tonal and timbral purity, the low level detail, delicate upper frequency harmonics, and excellent dynamics, all of it, was just superlative. So awesome that I had to come to my computer to thank you again for your kindness, genius (which I don't believe is an overstatement), and commitment to the art form."

"I am now considering purchasing another 2 AC regen units and a pair of SM70's just to put away for my daughter when she returns from Chicago... I sat listening in awe of the beauty and resolved to communicate my deepest thanks."

As ever, Rob Cherry

"YOU WIN! I won't agree with you that these amps outperform the Pass Aleph II's but I will agree that they are superb amplifiers. In MY system they do not present the depth/spatial information anywhere near what the Aleph II's do (or my tubes amps for that matter). However, their clarity, resolution, transparency, tonality, timbre, dynamics and lateral soundstaging are simply SUPERB and utterly musical. It is, in fact, nearly inconceivable that you have engineered this level of performance at this price."

"I have been in this hobby for over 30 years. I've had Levinson, Rowland, Sim Audio, CJ, Parasound, NAD, Adcom, Pass, and Plinius and I can't even remember the others and let's not get into tubes... But your little Pros... your little Pros... I humbly bow to you."

"On behalf of all audiophile/music lovers who possess the self-confidence to know a good thing when they hear it, notwithstanding it may lack the seemingly required parameter of all high-end gear, i.e., HIGH PRICE, my most sincere thanks."

Rob Cherry

"I have now had both my SM-70PROs up and running in my system now for the last few months. I just wanted to tell you that this is the best sound I have heard from my speakers ever. They sound fantastic. Everything is so realistic and natural sounding. I am headed toward the utilization of balanced inputs soon. Well thank you very much for such a wonderful product. Keep up the good work."

Regards, Ryan

"Unfortunately I've never had the privilege to run them with a fully balanced source. Maybe one day down the road. What is night and day, though, is running the pros as monoblocks versus stereo. I can't imagine only owning one of these. The way a pair solidifies the low end is amazing. Given what they cost, I'd say they're an underrated gem of the audio market."

"They power my Magnepan 1.7's exceptionally well despite everyone saying you need tons of power. I wonder if it's the class AB power that let's them remain delicate yet authoritative. I'm not sure I could bring myself to sell them, especially when they're incredibly hard to find in Canada!"

Thanks, Mike

"Hello, SM 70 PRO'S are FANTASTIC! Nice design, nice value for the dollar, nice build quality! Running them balanced through Magnepan MMG's, Sony5400 CD player balanced into a Parasound P3. Just bought Magnepan 1.7's. Have a good day, Al Foy"

Enjoy them, Al

"I do NOT normally write to Manufacturers. I bought yesterday off Ebay (sorry!) a SM70 PRO. Wow! For comparison, I have more kit than some Dealers... The only downside is low-level transformer hum. With this I can live. Now I want to track down another so that I can use them as monoblocks! Congratulations. 'High-end, low price.' Indeed."

Mr. Poon's reply on the hum: "The 'hum' is due to a Ground Loop in your system. This can be eliminated by 1: checking out all your ground connections 2: removing the ground terminal to bypass the ground loop 3: reversing the AC polarity."

Keir Watkin.

"A few days back I sent you an e-mail praising a SM70 PRO I purchased from eBay. I also added the unit buzzed a bit. Yesterday I fed it from a Balanced Mains Unit. This stopped the buzz completely." The UK mains in his house run a high 246/247 volts; the BMU's transformer delivered a more benign 230 volts. "Whether the drop in voltage helped, or the blocking of DC helped, or just the operation of balanced mode helped, I know not. The end result is silence. And what a great bit of kit your amp is."

Very best wishes, Keir Watkin.

"Dear Mr Poon. Thank you for reply to my question. I have solved the hum problem by using a ps audio mains regenerator with variable output voltage at 220v the amps now sound superb. Now i know this is not a problem i would like to order a pair of se100 mk2 monoblocks direct from yourself @$1579.80 inc postage."

Philip Dennis, 305 Spring Road, Kitt Green, Wigan, WN5 0JJ, United Kingdom

Writing about the effect the Monarchy DAC has had on his system, Martin continues: "I could not envisage buying any other maker's amps, after hearing my friends system. He bought 5 of your SM70 from Kevin at Living Voice for his 5.1 set up, but they sound absolutely glorious in stereo, driving his Living Voice OBXRWs."

"We have tested potential replacements from Parasound, Shindo, Gotham, Canary and others, costing many thousands of pounds, but the little SM70s are still there and nothing comprehensively beat them."

Thanks again for your help, Martin Smith.

"Dear Mr Poon, I am writing to thank you for the delivery of my SM70 amplifiers. To say I am delighted with sound would simply be an understatement. I am using them in fully balanced mode with the XLR connection. The weight, scale and dynamics of the music is astounding. I will not be changing them. In fact I am already considering purchasing a second pair to bi amp the speakers. (Eminent LFT 16)."

He detailed one issue - a rear-panel 3 amp fuse blew a few times one evening - and asked about mild transformer hum from the amps. Two days later he reported: "I am still very much enjoying the amps, they really are very special. I have had no problems with the fuse blowing and will stick with the 4 amp T rated fuses I have put in both... I am hearing past that now, as I am tending to listen a little louder as the amps encourage that, being so clean."

"For over 30 years now I have enjoyed music and Hi Fi. Not always in that order! I really don't remember all the equipment I have had, but undoubtedly these are the best and the last amps I will purchase."

Many thanks, Kevin.

"I was able to get both of my SM-70 Mark 2 hooked up last night, but since my wife was asleep I couldn't crank it... I woke up earlier this morning than I normally do.......with good intentions!! I fired up the SM-70 Mark 2's hooked up to my NAD C165BEE preamp........it totally blew me away."

"I have had a lot of different brands of amps through the years and this is by far the best amps I have ever heard for the money. They not only sound spectacular but look spectacular!! These will be a keeper for a long time."

Thanks, Marlin Richardson

"Mr. Poon, I love your amps. End of story."

"Thanks for the great deal; they're keepers. I appreciate your time and willingness to work with me. I don't know if you're familiar with Green Mountain Audio, but your amps on these Rio II speakers are awesome."

Many thanks, Ryan Hansen (sent from my iPhone)

"The NM24 DAC / SM 70 MK2 amps / DR-1 interconnects / POCCO speaker cables have been such a delicious piece of audio heaven for me. Now I have music that is 3 dimensional, dynamic with luscious highs and tight bass. Singers lyrics are delivered poetically with realism and air. Superb inner detail and warmth from my B and W 804 Diamonds which have been known to be very revealing to good and bad signals alike. With this combo the sound is magical."

Swapping in Monarchy's DR-1 interconnects over his previous cables proved a revelation: "The Mxxxo's make for an undefined sound with BOOMING bass and biting high end with no inner detail in comparison with the DR-1 IC's. I would not have believed there could be so much lost in a cable... The true defining moment of weather it sounded way better came from my wife who said 'now that sounds beautiful' then asked what I did... I know I said that but clearly I was wrong and Mr Poon was right again."

Thank You, Jamie Johnson

"I recently acquired a single Monarchy Audio SM70 with large logo and 'Pure Class A' on the front. I believe this identifies the unit as first generation SM70 (vs. Mk2). My congratulations on the design and build of the amplifier - you really hit the mark! Compared to current and past amps and receivers from Fisher (500c), Dyna ST-70, Luxman, Sansui, Concept, Parasound, Marantz, McIntosh, Harman Kardon, Emotiva, Peachtree, Decware, as well as home brew Class D incarnations, the Monarchy is the best combination of clarity, detail, grain free with a slight warmth that provides a non-fatiguing listening experience."

"I would like to get my hands on a second SM70 to run them in Mono, but it appears that SM70's are very rare: a recent search showed none on Ebay, and only one (SM70 pro) nationwide on craigslist. Could it be that everyone is holding on the their Monarchy amps? My early listening would support such conjecture."

His system: Peachtree iDecco as DAC/preamp (switchable tube buffering) into Bohlender Greabener (BG Radia) X3 speakers - 4 ohm, 93 dB hybrids with cone woofer and ribbon tweeter - "Initial impression is very nice system synergy."

Best regards, Rob Schatz, Hermiston, OR

"Good Day, Mr. Poon: A comment and a question... My initial impressions on the amp upgrades are far beyond on what I expected. Perhaps some of the difference is due to using only one amp for so long, but once I had both connected, I was thrilled nearly immediately. It didn't take long to notice both the improvement in sound-stage (particularly vertical sound-stage, for which I am difficult to please) and that these are certainly wide-bandwidth amplifiers." He looked forward to getting his Sonic Frontiers Line One pre-amp repaired "to return to a balanced configuration, although the bridged mode alone is far better than I can recall."

Mike

"Hi, Ching, my new SM-70 Pro arrived today! Amazingly fast given the distances involved plus a border-crossing. It's identical to my other unit - thanks for that effort... I ran it in stereo for an hour but I couldn't wait to try 'vertically bi-amping' them so I hooked up both 'Pro's as per your included instructions and - Yay - it sounded even better than running just one in stereo! Not a huge amount better, but definitely a bit more refined, better separation, more effortless 'grip' of my speakers..."

"I'm glad I discovered your company! I can't imagine being happier with my stereo."

Thanks for everything! Douglas

"Hi Mr. Poon: Thank you so much for the Monarchy SM70 PRO. I remember one reviewer gives a very fine praise about the Monarchy M22B DAC for its ability to allow the listener to hear on a CD Diana Krall's bracelet when she plays the piano. I have to believe him. The pair of Monarchy SM70 PRO gives me the illusion that she is singing with her musicians in my listening room (which in a minute or two never fails to lure me into reaching a cup of worthy Cabernet Sauvignon). I thank life for small wonders and mysteries. Currently it is the enjoyment of the living presence of vocal and music from Monarchy's SM70 Pro."

System: LP12 Roksan Artemiz tonearm, Denon DL-103R cartridge; Counterpoint DA-11A transport; Monarchy M24 tube DAC; Monarchy M9 tube preamplifier; EAR 834P phono; Monarchy SM70 PRO mono pair; Alon I speakers.

Daniel Ip

"It's totally fine. Thanks for your help. I connected the pair SM-70 Pros on my rig. They are really good. Much clearer instrument and stage than SE-100 Dulexs do. Really cool. I love it."

Vincent

"Dear Mr. Poon, just had to let you know how steadfastly enthralled I've been with a balanced pair of your SM-70 Pro's since I bought them from you on sale about 3 years back. Having a balanced DAC, I had the XLR connectors in each amp physically replaced with Goldpoint, Surface-Mount Resistor attenuators in order to minimize the wiring distance from the attenuators to the amp inputs. This has worked fantastically well, especially sound-wise."

"...these little amps have responded brilliantly to every single upgrade along the way. All their attributes have increased (tonality, timbre, dynamic range, harmonics, air, etc) and whatever might have been considered their sonic drawbacks (I know they don't do the whole 3D thing quite like the other SET's) are now certainly resolved. They were terrific to start with and these days they're just jaw-dropping... just incredible mid-range and top end and breathtaking transparency from the very top all the way down to the lowest of lows. And what an incredible bargain they were!"

"THANK YOU, Mr. Poon, for putting so much in my hands for so little!! (Couldn't even begin to think of what else I could replace them with for anything close to the same money...!)."

John Robinson, Soddy Daisy, TN

"Dear Mr. Poon, The SM 70 Pros have both arrived. They were very well packed and arrived in great shape... I unhooked my Jadis CA30 class A/B tube amp, and hooked up the 70 pros and set them to run in bridge mono mode... all my fears about losing the liquidity of tube amps were gone. The sound from the 70 pros were simply sweet and liquid, and they have nice body to the sound, not just smooth. I could hear as much clarity and details as my beloved Jadis tube amp, but the bass is significantly tighter."

On Beethoven's Sonata No. 3 for cello and piano (Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax): "I could previously hear the piano foot pedal sound by Emanuel vaguely, but they sounded like someone hitting on paper boxes. However, on the 70 Pros, they sound like real foot pedals with weight. The sound is much tighter and came out clearer, and YoYoMa cello went much deeper." On Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk": "the first few notes usually sounded quite bright and can have a harsh ringing sound, which I thought a solid state amp would fair poorly, but surprise surprise, the 70 pros performed very well."

His front end: Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite SACD/CD player, Audio Research LS7 tube preamp, Spendor SP1/2R monitors, Belden cable throughout. "I am glad I took your advice to go for the Zero Feedback design of the 70 pros. The sound is really natural... You should be given some medals for making such beautiful products for such an affordable price. It goes to show that hi-fi and hi-end do not necessarily mean high prices."

Regards, Dr W. W. Loh, Singapore

Alan reports on the big difference proper full-balanced cabling made: "When I bought the SM-70 PRO's I had to switch to balanced cables as I intended to use them full-balanced mono. Even though the Neutrik XLR's said they could accommodate a 8mm cable I found it way too tight. So I was forced to use a similar but thinner cable. This was a blow as I had evangelized about these cables that I'd been using. I'd found that Supra's Cat 7+ Ethernet cable was truly extraordinary!"

After fitting Neutrik grommets/glands that accept 8-10mm cables and soldering up the Supra Cat 7: "With the Cat 7's good God!!!!!!!!!! The SM-70 PRO's are now delivering in spades!!! Example; The Black Crowes, Thorn in my pride. The acoustic guitar played in the intro comes across as three distinct parts, 1, the plucked string, 2, the vibrating note, 3, the thrum of the guitars body. All of this delivered as a musical whole, not a kit of parts to be analyzed."

"Hey! Mrs. Green now always listens to CD's whilst doing the ironing, but now she's dancing along to the music!!! Thank you. These amps sing!!"

Alan Green (UK)

Mike reports on adding an Airlink CBS 2000 balanced mains unit with a Russ Andrews Power Cord: "There is virtually no noise coming from the Airlink. The Benchmark DAC PRE and the SM70 PRO are connected to the Airlink... There is no audible hum coming from the amp and the speakers are quiet. The amp gets warm, not hot. The sound is clearer and more musical." Update: "Now its settled down, it's stunning! Pace is musical, separation excellent, instruments separated, deep base."

Alan Green, who had passed the SM-70 PRO on to Michael, adds his endorsement: "Whilst Michael and I were conversing about the SM-70 pro that I sent on to him we got onto the subject of isolation mains transformers. In short I said that I was busy saving up for one of the airlink transformers. This is a glowing endorsement for my plans... On the subject of the amps. They sing like birds and my only regret is that I hadn't bought them sooner!"

Mike's system: DVD/Blu-ray drive in PC, SOtM USB Card, Curious USB and Link Silver Cables, Wyred 4 Sound Re-Clocker, Benchmark DAC/PRE (balanced output), Verrestar interconnects, Monarchy SM70PRO Mark II, Airlink CBS 2000 mains balancer/conditioner, Ecosse speaker cables, KEF 104AB speakers rewired with Jantzen 14/16AWG, exterior crossovers with Volt Air cores and Mundorf Supreme capacitors.

Mike, and Alan Green

"Mr Poon, I've now had time to evaluate your SM-70s along with the rest of my equipment, and my initial impressions have been confirmed. I now have the best sound I have heard in my home, ever. (51 years a music lover)." He listens on a fully balanced system: an Ayre universal player (12 years old) and a PC-based music server with Foobar, a Lindy DAC, a Krell Phantom III preamp, and fully refurbished KEF 104/2 speakers.

He notes the UK pricing context: "There is a British company called Sugden, a very well respected maker of class A solid state amplifiers. They make a monoblock pair of amps called MPA-4 that is specified at 165 Watts into 8 ohms... The cost is 10,100 pounds... and yet they don't seem to be able to drive a 4 ohm speaker!"

Postscript, comparing amps with a one-button comparator: "When I compared the SM-70 with my Sugden A21SE signature the most obvious instant thing was the sound stage, with the Sugden seeming to cramp the soundstage, while the SM-70 soundstage went all the way to both speakers, even, seemingly, beyond the speakers."

Best regards, Alan

"CC, More listening to what these little beasts can do, wow!! They are certainly more musical, and detailed than the Pro's. They don't seem to lack for anything! Drool, slobber, they're great!!! They run hot, can't touch em much after an hour."

Tony

"PS: If you're interested in separate amps check out the Monarchy SM70 Pro for $588. Jesus, it's amazing. Just knocks all this Tripath stuff into the dirt, but you do need a pre-amp. Best sounding low-powered amp I've ever heard by a mile."

-Mike

On using the SM-70 for Fountek ribbon tweeters (98 dB, 20W max) in a tri-amp system: "They are very revealing of any flaw in the amp. I've tried many GOOD solid state amps and they all sound really harsh... I tried a Dynaco Stereo-70 on the tweeters and it was quite good but lacked top end 'air' and transient 'bite'... So I bought this Monarchy SM70 after it was suggested to me on the AudioAsylum board - and WOW! THIS is the sound I was looking for. No harshness, very silky sounding but with delicate detail and the transient sparkle that was missing from the tubes."

"The only problem is, the SM70 is such a jewel, it's so beautifully made, that I am having a hard time putting it in my amp rack - I'd rather put it on my dining room table, under a spot light.... I particularly like that thick front panel." On the Quad ESL-57s: "The highs and mids were wonderfully pure.... again, the highs had that 'satin nickel' quality - glare free yet detailed."

In reply, Mr. Poon noted: "The SM-70 PRO yields 40Watts x 2 on 4 Ohm loads."

Bill Milosz

Sigifredo Rodriguez, an electrical engineer and audio buff, wrote about the pair of SM-70 Pros he imported last year: "Needless to say I am extremely satisfied with the performance both in stereo and mono settings... again, great job on these little giants!" He offered to represent and promote Monarchy Audio in Costa Rica.

His son Felipe added: "We are using your amps in a active system... Once again thank you very much for a product that has brought great joy to my life." The family later placed follow-up orders for additional SM-70 Pros.

Best regards, Sigifredo Rodriguez - Sonido y Color SA, Costa Rica

A blog post by the Monarchy Audio Taiwan representative (November 3, 2011), in Traditional Chinese, about pairing the SM-70 Pro with the AC-Regenerator:

SM-70 Pro 與 AC-Regenerator 的搭配是我從來都沒有想過的，因為 AC-Regenerator 的電源供應能力只有 100 瓦，所以我一直認為 AC-Regenerator 只能給前端的器材使用，沒想到犯了一個先入為主的錯誤。原廠回答說 AC-Regenerator 就可以搭配 SM-70 Pro 使用，但是要一台接一台，AC-Regenerator 雖然瓦數不大，但是可以提供充沛的電流，所以給 SM-70 Pro 這樣的後級使用完全不會有問題，他們倆個是絕配。

接上之後，細節多到嚇人，人聲非常非常浮凸，音像非常飽滿而且真實，透明度跟空氣感大增；獨奏小提琴與樂團之間的距離更明顯，音場拉得更深。最令人訝異的是除了這些音響性的改善之外，樂器與音樂的「感情」都被帶出來了，很容易讓人進入音樂的領域。本來在我的系統上 AC-Regenerator 是用在前端的器材，但是經過這次的比試，AC-Regenerator 接到後級的改善幅度反而更大。建議 Monarchy 後級的使用者都可以加入電源處理器試試看！

Two archived snapshots of the AudioReview.com reader-review page for the SM-70 are preserved on file, averaging 4.68/5 (19 reviews) and 4.86/5 (14 reviews) out of a possible 5, with an MSRP of $720-$719. Direct page: AUDIOREVIEW.COM/reviews/Amplifier/product_3204.shtml

Darrel Glidden (Bloomington, IN), a Quad ESL-57 devotee for 15 years: "I have always look for the Holy Grail to run my Quads... But this little beauty, well the music is magic. When used with Quads, you are there... The SM70 has such control over the Quads, from the bottom end (YES there is Bottom end with Quads ESL57's) it's stronger than I have ever heard before, and deeper. The little beasty NEVER complains, never shuts down, and NEVER shows sign of strain, even when driven extremely hard. I highly recommend any Quad ESL57 user out there, to give this AMP an audition."

Robert Cherry (San Clemente, CA): "Difficult to believe that these diminutive amps, they look almost like large batteries, could have the punch, detail, transparency and sweet, smooth top end that they do... These amps are not bargains, they are STEALS! You simply must hear them to believe them."

Gene (San Francisco, CA), after hearing the amps at the T.H.E. Show driving Sound Lab Millennium-1 panels: "I feel like to cry because I think these $719.00 amps sound better than my Pass Aleph 0 mono block and can easily beats lots of high end amps on the market right now. Highly recommended!!"

RR: "The SM-70 Stereo amplifier has to be the best buy in a decade. It has a three dimensional sound stage with bass punch, midrange detail... In the balanced mode, the power is rated at 70 watts!!" And Rene van Es (Holland): "I have been using two Rotel RB-970BX power amp in bi-amp mode to feed my JM Lab speakers and replaced the amp by just one small Monarchy SM-70 Power amp. Heaven opened. For the first time I experienced at home the feeling of musicians having fun playing their music instead of just a hifi sound system sounding nice to good." Also quoted is Gary Galo of Audio Electronics Magazine: "The SM-70 amplifier is an excellent performer, particularly when used as a monoblock. It is incredibly punchy and dynamic, belying its modest power rating."

Note: one SM-70-named file (AudioReview.com 2.htm) turned out to be a Monarchy Model 33 preamplifier page rather than SM-70 content.

For those who have asked Mr. Poon about driving Magneplanar speakers with the SE 100 Deluxe Mk IIs, I am driving MG 3.7s with the beefed up MK IIs (200w @ 4 ohms) and it is a match made in heaven. I have been going to CES and the SHOW for years and I have not heard anything that is better. Not even the $100,000 speaker and amp combinations.

I give the Monarchy SE 100 Deluxe Mk IIs my highest recommendation.

R. Haysley

Last night a friend brought over two "Class D" mono amplifiers that he had purchased several months ago. He was adamant that it would not only beat the SE-100 Mark 2 but would completely change my mind as to amplifier design.

Well, my friend was proven wrong by your amplifiers. In oh so many ways. The SE-100 Mark 2 would not go up as loud. But in EVERY other way it trounced the Class D amplifier. Every time we switched to the SE-100 amplifiers it was as though a curtain was lifted and the performance flung itself out from the speakers! The imaging and sound quality through the SE-100's was so much better it was astonishing.

My friend left very dejected, but resigned to the fact that your amplifiers were sonically much superior to class D in every way. I fully expect him to contact you in the next few months to purchase a couple of your amplifiers.

Warmest Regards,
James Urdiga

Finally I have spared enough time for critical comparison of my newly purchased SE-100 Deluxe Mark 2 monoblocks. I put them into my system which includes OPPO-83 NF Edition and Quad tube amplification - Quad 24 as a pre and Quad Classic power monoblocks. Loudspeakers are JBL LS40.

Track3: Bass line is clear, deep and powerful even with low power tube amplifier. But it is with SE-100 which unveils its full beauty - never heard bass like this - SO clear. Track11: Beautiful female voice sounds soft and charming. Soft and sweet sound is what one could naturally expect from tube amp and Quad does deliver it but surprisingly SE-100 wins over even in this category.

Well, it's time for Quad Classic to get retired. No doubts now it could also win over Quad tube preamp!

thanks
leo

Hi CC, Just wanted to say that I received the SE-100's in perfect condition and have been listening to them via the POCC cables over the holidays. They are excellent, well done!

They drive my Hawthorne Silver Iris open baffles to perfection across the full frequency range providing a full bodied, natural, clear sound.

Wishing you a very happy 2010
reg

Mr. Poon, I spent some time listening last night. I was very pleased with what I heard. Holographic. Soundstage width and depth is incredible. 3D imaging spot on. Center image so focused you could touch it. Very detailed while still warmish.

Overall, I could not believe how good they sound being so small and standing beside the Pass X250 that looks huge in comparison.

Ricardo

Mr Poon, The Amps work wonderful... I have about 25 hours on them... I have been told that they really open up after 40 hours... I can't wait!

I just purchased a second hand Cary SLP 98 pre amp and they seem to pair really well together...

Thanks,
-Anu

I've really been enjoying the SE-100 amps. They bring me one step closer to the musical truth. I am amazed at the superior dynamics, high frequency detail, revealing soundstage, and chillingly lifelike reproduction of voices.

I can't think of another amplifier that approaches this level of performance at $750 per channel. I keep thinking that I should have paid at least three times this amount to get the same performance and build quality. Unless you have an impossible load, a cavernous listening room, or an aversion to some heat production, the SE-100s go highly recommended.

Sincerely,
Clarence W. Hoover III

Hello to the dear peoples in Monarchy. My order has arrived en time. Your amplifier 100 delux MK2 after 3 days of non stop operation is way way beyond what I was expecting.

I have tested mega thousand dollars amps and I don't hear anything that would contradict my feeling and finding. Thank you for putting research where it count and if someone is turned by your reasonable price, they can look at magazine and dream of there next toys in the jewelry department.

CCPOON you have served the music and all the music lover. Thank you.

Gerard

Hi C.C., The new amps sound fabulous. Whether it's removing the oscillation, or the new PC layout, I can't say. It's probably a little bit of both. But, the new ones are more transparent than the ones I just returned.

There's more detail, and better sound-staging, with a greater sense of individual instruments and sections of the orchestra floating in space, with more precise localization. I'm very impressed. This is a very refined amplifier.

Best,
Gary

To Monarchy Audio, I just got my hands on two of your SE-100 delux. I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the performance of these amplifiers.

They sound fantastic when combined with my Sunfire pre-amp and Martin Logan speakers. As you know the electro-stat speakers are very hard to drive and your amplifiers drive them with ease.

Again thank you for building such a fine product that the "every man" can afford.

Kind regards,
Cherian Jose

I've finally got my power amps in full working order. I bi-amped my VAF DCX speakers with A965 on bass duties and the SE100 on mid+high duties.

Initially, I just grabbed the first CD that came to hand, which happened to be the "Best of the Band". I can only say wow and WOW and WOOWWW... was this sound really coming from my speakers and my system? I didn't realize so much information was on a CD. These amps are unbelievable. They are delicate and strong, I can hear the nuances of the human voice, the guitarist hitting his strings unevenly or making slight mistakes, hearing 3 voices harmonising instead of 3 voices making 1 sound.

It's like my whole CD collection has been renewed. Thank you CC Poon for designing and selling such a fantastic product at a realistic price.

Regards
Paul Velkou

Done. I ordered the XLR cables custom made at bluejeans cable. They did not attached pin three on both cables. They arrived this week. I strapped the amps using the RCA from the preamp to the first side, then XLR to the other amp.

The amps are quiet and sound wonderful!!

Best Regards,
James Urdiga

At first I was a bit surprised by the size of the monos, I thought they were bigger, my other amp is a Vincent SV-238MK and it's pretty huge compared to the two SE-100's. I think the size of the amps gave me a little placebo effect in the first hours of listening, I was afraid they did not have enough power, after about one week of listening (40 hours) they proved that I was wrong.

For the first time in my life I could agree that size doesn't matter, at all. I'm mostly listening to metal and stoner rock. To make heavy metal sound great the amps have to reproduce a lot of details, the SE-100's did this so very well, they revealed details I haven't heard before. The bass is mighty strong, giving my speakers a little extra punch.

Overall the Monarchy SE-100MK2 Delux sounds detailed and is very comfortable sounding amplifiers.

Best regards
Stian Sørheim

Hi Mr Poon, The amps arrived in great shape, and sound great! The additional low-level detail really lets me hear into the recording, and I like not having the previous thumps when I turn the amps on.

Mike Fox

Dear Mr. Poon, I recently acquired two SE 100 delux Mk II, to replace my 21 year old Bryston 3B. First, I just wanted to say I like the sound and they are a great value, thanks!

I am using them with Vandersteen 2CE Sig speakers. With the Bryston the sound has always been a little harsh; it is a little more mellow with your amps.

Cheers,
Fred Livingston

Just a quick note about the SE-100's I bought from Dan Edwards. They came yesterday and I just inserted them in the main system replacing the Pass Labs X-350.5. They sounded OK cold and freshly built. After half an hour they were sounding better. After two hours more they sounded pretty amazing.

Soundstage depth was easily twice what I have been listening to. They did get quite warm to the touch but not hot. They have lots of break in still to go.

Thanks,
Robert

Review of the Monarchy SE-100 delux. Date purchased: May 22, 2007. Configuration: Monoblock. Class: A. Watt rating: 100 watts into 8 ohms, 200 watts into 4 ohms.

These monoblocks immediately made a positive impression on me. I could tell the soundstage had moved closer to me by what felt like 2 feet. The female voices are crisper with no "grain" around them. The soundstage also had moved outward. I could pick out the individual location of all the instruments.

I am thinking I have moved my system to a new level. Even my wife commented that she can hear a difference. This is a big step as she has never said this before. I am having too much fun with these amps!

Cherian Jose
Martin Logan Club

Hi Chin, thanks for the very fast shipping, great connectors much appreciated. Have connected the NM24 to the AC regenerator and I must say this has already made a change.

For example Piano more believable timbre, great transients and lots of air. Wonderful product.

Kind regards
Alexander Engel

There is not much I can say about the Monarchy Audio AC-Regenerator that hasn't already been said in the Reviews or user comments. I will say that the Regenerator made a dramatic improvement when incorporated into my system.

It was like a veil had been removed from the music, the bass was more revealing and the overall sound was clearer, livelier and seemed to have more punch than before. These were not subtle changes but dramatic changes in the overall sound. I highly recommend this unit.

I have been a BIG fan of Monarchy's product line and have purchased the SE-250 amps, M-24 D/A converter, the Upsampler as well as speaker cables and interconnects. If you are looking for High End, superbly built, stereo components, at affordable prices you do not have to look any further than Monarchy Audio for your Hi Fidelity needs.

Sincerely
Frank Giannone

Dear Mr. Poon, I have received the P100 AC Regenerator today, in perfect condition.

The P100 has really enhanced the overall performance of my system. I have only hooked up my Marantz SA7 CD player with the P100. The sound stage is now wider, vocal is more focused and it revealed a lot more details which previously I have not noticed, the background noise has also further reduced.

Regards
STKhoo

Dear Dr. Poon, Your regenerator arrived, and my initial impression is extremely favorable. After two hours of casual listening, I compared the CD version of several performances with the vinyl original. The difference was very hard or impossible to discern. This is a remarkable achievement.

Congratulations to everyone who worked on this project.

Best regards
Rich
Reviewer for Bound for Sound

Yes, the AC regenerator works great with the NM24. In fact that is why I bought it and it was from your recommendation. I have both the NM24 and my Upsampler plugged into it.

I really enjoy reading the different reviews on the NM24. I already know what I have, but it is still nice to read how others feel the same way. It is a sort of vindication I guess you could say.

Thank you for your time,
Dave Housteau

dear mr. C.C. Poon,

you made a winner! I thougt the DAC from Audio Note was my thing and so it was. But what you did to my system with the DIP 24/96 is 'not only and thing of beauty', but rather a joy for ever! Splendid. Space, air, accuracy, ..... you say it. Your DIP really blow away a lot of dust from my CD's....

thanks. (I'm interested in the SM 70 as monoblocks, maybe they are in me... but the money therefore isn't yet still there...)

greetings,
jan denissen

Hi,

I had the chance to audition your DIP Mk II borrowed from my friend in my system consisting of a CAL Icon MK II cdp as transport, MSB Link III dac and the rest Mcintosh products. After several mix and matching of the digital cables and finally settling on the best combination for input & output of the DIP Mk II, I sat down and was totally blown away by what the DIP Mk II did. My speakers are true down to 20hz and with the DIP, my speakers or rather the whole system's bass went even more deeper with more authority, power, punch & body including the midbass while the highs & mid-highs were just simply wonderful being so sweet & smooth. The whole system sounded warm, musical with increased imaging, soundstage, wider and more height in the music. I never expected my system to be able to improve more than what it already was.

Congratulations on a job well done & thank you!

I now have been told that apart from the DIP Mk II, you have a DIP Mk II 24/96. If I may inquire:

1) Is there any difference in sound between your new 24/96 DIP and the DIP Mk II or is it identical in sound? Reason being that I like the DIP Mk II so much that I don't want to get something that's going to change the sound.

2) Also, is the SuperDIP better sounding than the DIP Mk II & DIP Mk II 24/96? If yes, in what way would it be better sounding?

3) The offer you have at your website for the DIP at US$169, is this the DIP Mk II?

I would very much appreciate your advise. Thank you & have a nice day!
Ramesh

Hello,

I just received one of your 24/96 adapters from Microwise yesterday and hooked it up to my system which now has a digital setup of:

Pioneer DVD414
24/96 adapter
MSB Link Dac II

First off, I'd like to say that the improvement in performance is one of the most dramatic I have ever heard in my system, rivalling speaker upgrades and the addition of Illuminati D60 digital cable.

However, there is one slight glitch. I've noticed that when there is no cd in my pioneer (or when it is turned off), the 88.2 khz light on my Link Dac flickers constantly. This only happens when the 24/96 adapter is hooked up.

Is this normal for the adapter/Link combo? If not, is it potentially harmful to my Link Dac?

Assuming that many more people besides myself will try this combination, you may want to address this issue on your website.

Thank you,
Jack Slagle

Dear C.C. Poon, in these weeks I heard the DIP 24/96 (and the new converter) in my audio system. Once again I can say with certainty: there is only one problem when you use a Monarchy digital interface processor, you can't hear the music anymore without it.

Why? Because this DIP 24/96 improves the sound in a very good way (especially when I use the AES/EBU output): the soundstage is wider, the bass is really cleaner, the sound seems more dynamic and the voices are more easy to understand. If you remove the antijitter the sound seems sterile, without body, without soul. Warning! The DIP produces addiction. Both the Monarchy antijitter I use (the SuperDIP and the DIP 24/96) work very well.

In the future, I hope to receive from you some more good products like the DIP 24/96 and the 33 DAC-preamp.

p.s.: The converter has an annoying hummmm... that sometimes comes and sometimes goes...
Thank you once again,
Angelo Ferrari
Via Masegra 28, 23100 Sondrio, Italy

Got the DIP, hooked it between my Sonos zone player and my favorite DAC — sounds amazing. Now as good as my favorite Redbook CD player (made direct comparisons).

You should sell this DIP at the Sonos store as an upgrade!

Many thanks,
Pradeep Mohanroy

The DIP Classic adds immediate and noticeable improvement to a sound system. When I added it in between my CD player/Apple TV and my tube DAC, I noticed more precise imaging and clearer notes across all instruments and vocal. The bass was tighter and the highs have more air/more open.

Everything is better, a little livelier and more transparent. It is really a bargain and no brainer at the current sale price ($249).

Great job, Mr. Poon.
Dan Vu

Hello Ching, just to let you know DIP's straight out of the box first impressions. Plugged and played after one hour break-in. The overall improvements in sound took my breath away. Literally.

Due to the large amount of positive feedback for DIP, I thought I was ready for this. I was wrong. The change in soundstage depth is simply awesome, voices seem to come out from nowhere. And the increased air, lots of air, among instruments really makes the musical message shine in each and every subtle nuance.

I don't know how much break-in time is mandatory for DIP's best performance, anyway, as far as I'm concerned, I feel myself in heaven just after a few hours of use.

My CD player is Musical Fidelity A1 CD Pro used as transport paired with Audio Research DAC 2. Not quite a budget player and a well renowned converter. Well, DIP has raised the bar though. And it did it significantly and magnificently.

For sure one of the best buy in all my audiophile life. Congratulations Mr. Poon!

Yours Sincerely,
Roberto Vecchi

"I bought the DIP Classic to use between my Sonos Connect and Amplifier with built in DAC; it has exceeded my expectations, adding a wider and more natural soundstage, giving the sound a much more organic and analogue feel. I can thoroughly recommend it for cleaning up what can be a muddled sound when using the Sonos as a source component."

Mark (UK)

Dear Sir, I'm writing to confirm the receipt of your DIP Combo. It arrived safely and it works like a bomb! Thanks again for all your assistance.

Regards,
Roman

Dear Mr. Poon, I continue to thoroughly enjoy the DIP Combo in my system. It seems my source and DAC had a bit more to give. It really has had me fall in love with my preamp and amplifier all over again. Now I am even considering upgrading my speakers again to something even more revealing (Dynaudio Confidence).

Thank you for providing real engineering and quality in a high value product.

Kind regards,
Andy

Hi Dr Poon, first of all, thank you very much in sending the replacement transformer so quickly. It gives me a peace of mind that you are fully backing your product and I appreciate it.

This email is about the DIP Combo. While my new 22a is with Eddie and my old 22a is going through some upgrade such as internal cablings since they are so old, I have a mediocre DAC which I used for streaming music file. I moved it to my main system and hooked it up to the DIP. I can immediately notice a big improvement as soon as I hit the play button.

Previously, this mediocre DAC was unable to resolve complex passage — the whole sound stage basically became a mess and all I wanted to do was to turn it off. Now with the DIP, it is able to resolve the image even for the most complex passage. The entire presentation from sound stage, image through to dynamics has improved considerably. I have cables more than twice the cost of the DIP but they never achieved such massive level of improvement across the board.

I can't wait for the 22a to return and I will not hesitate at all to recommend the DIP to my friends — it is a winner!

I will certainly try your DR-1 cable. Is it a silver, copper or silver coated copper cable? I have a few digital interconnects such as Stereovox The Reference XV-Ultra, Oyaide DR-510 and AQ VDM5 to compare it with.

Regards,
Victor

Hi Mr Poon, just arrived today and playing with it and all seems to be bloody good.

Will want to buy another one, do you have it in black?

Roy

Mr. Poon, congratulations. Sincerely, this device is the best thing I put in my stereo chain, ever! It is between HK DVD22 (transport) and MF A3.24 (DAC), with VDH Triaxial Professional and AQ VDM-3 as digital cables, besides other great ancillaries.

The sound is amazing. I would rate 5 stars now against 3.5 stars before them. Excellent money.

Thank you,
Francisco Wanderlei dos Reis

Hi Mr. Poon, thanks again for taking time today to show me around and for the wonderful DIP Combo.

So far all components are outputting 48/96 — the iMac, the 48/96 Upsampler and the DIP Combo — and it sounds so good I am reluctant to even try 48 kHz!

Ever since upgrading my electronics, my horn speakers often seemed too 'bright'. For two years now I have been fighting this 'glare'... have tried major amp upgrades, bought a PS Audio Power Plant, changed speaker wire, got a new CDP, new racks, adjusted channel balance over and over and over, added room treatments galore, etc., etc. Nothing seemed to help that much. The glare was still there.

The DIP Combo seems to have changed all that. I noticed right away that the gain seemed to be lower — I am able to turn up the preamp's volume, which is a good thing — and the glare seems to be just gone. No more gloss.

What a relief! The sound is so much improved it's hard to believe. It's not just the absent glare either, the soundstage seems deeper (if not wider), farther behind and less 'attached' to the speakers.

On the balanced interconnects? Is that Belden cable fully shielded? With copper braid? Or is it just aluminum foil shielding? Seemed kind of thin to be braid-shielded and that's important for me since I live close to a radio tower and foil shielded interconnects in my system are prone to pick up RFI.

Happy Turkey Day,
Kerry Brown

Mr. Poon, yesterday, October 27, 2011, I received via Fedex the Monarchy DIP Combo. I am 65 years old and have been an audiophile for more than forty years. The improvement that this piece made in both of my systems was incredible, to say the least. The sound was smooth, warm, detailed and musical and utterly pleasing to the ear.

I have been searching for this all my life and to think that $400 bought me this degree of pleasure was truly a miracle in my eyes. Mr. Poon helped me by answering all my questions and he was very generous with his time. He has won a customer for life!

Sincerely,
Paul Lella

Hi Poon, I have to say I am very happy with the DIP Combo. It is doing a good job in my system. First I did not notice anything, almost nothing, when I plugged it in but now I am hearing the improvement in the overall sound stage. It sounds more dimensional. On the other hand Kevin is not happy with it; his DAC MSB Gold Link III already up-samples and with the combo it does not sound at all different.

I really like the Spica TC-60s, it definitely got my attention, a very nice upgrade. Do you have plans of selling it? If so, how much are you asking for them? I am selling my Dahlquist's due to its massive size but the TC-60 a good size that's why I held on to them. Can you tell me what to upgrade and how? I will have someone else do it for me unless of course you want to do it for me, I can pay you. I was pretty impressed.

We came to Kevin's place and listened to the Dahlquist's; Poon I have to say they sound amazing, Dahlquists can sing. After listening to the Spicas he wants to do the Regnar Upgrade on his pair. I did the brass screws upgrade and just that made a huge improvement and I can't imagine how much better it can get with the Regnar upgrade.

If you are back in the Bay let me know, I would like to come hear the TC-60s again. Maybe in a month or so I will buy another DIP combo from you, I need another unit.

Best regards,
Sean.

Dear Mr. Poon: All my friends know you, they comment you a genius. This Combo is my first gear from MA. Its de-jitter function is no doubt to me. The most amazing is its upsampling effect on 3D imaging, focusing and transparency. It kicks my RME ADI-192 DD miles away, which is five times more than the Combo. With your free delivery, it is absolutely a steal to me. Thank you for your genius and generosity.

Wish you have great business and Merry Christmas.

Regards,
Tak

Ming, the DIP is working great! You have made a very wonderful product at such a price point! I bought mine from you for less than $150.00 and it beats the heck out of Genesis Digital Lens!

I'm seeing Francis again in the weekend of Feb 16-17. I learn a lot from him about audio, music, business and life.

And now that you ask — how much is the new DIP which can do 24/96?

Anthony Andaleon
1714 Hillside Ct., Gurnee, IL 60031

Wow, very pleased with the DIP/upsampler. Purchased it to compliment their NM24 DAC. I now have two superb Monarchy products! I can't wait to try one of their amps! Fast shipping and good communication.

Thanks for the positive transaction.
Tiedye

Dear CC, much deserved accolade have been accorded this Monarch Upsampler by others that I would not here attempt to pile on more.

As I have made clear to you, I am just a music listener. A choosy one if one insists, but I don't profess to know engineering, or talk audiophile lingo.

My current system is made up of Thiel CS 3.7 speakers driven by a vintage ML 333 with 800 watts @ 4 ohms, McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD Player, Monarchy M24 Hybrid DAC & line amp, Monarchy AC Regen, and an assortment of Tara Lab, Transparent and Monarchy interconnects. My musical taste is classical, Irish traditional, and New Age.

With the Monarchy upsampler working in synergistic fashion with the M24, both taking electricity from the AC Regen, my system achieves a sound I am very pleased with.

Most notably, I am amazed how much additional activities artists "buried" into their music that are waiting for premium systems to discover, and the upsampler is instrumental in digging out those buried treasures.

Every decent music player is capable of producing the obvious notes in pleasing ways that most people would enjoy and be satisfied with, but most will not be able to appreciate the realism of lungs pushing air to activate vocal cords, fingers plugging and scratching strings, sticks banging on tight skins, walls vibrating long after the notes have come and gone, and all the little "sneaky" notes and sounds the artists embedded into their "main" notes that everyone hears.

Take a drum note for example. Hitting a drum once does not produce one sound, but a multiple of sounds and noise. First is the air created by the stick before the drum is hit, then the whacking noise when two objects connect, then the sound from the skin singing, then the body of the drum vibrates which causes everything to vibrate, then the raspy sound when the skin settles back from the oscillation. In this context, the act of hitting a drum is a very long event. The Monarch upsampler does not miss a thing out of this event.

Certainly those things I just described would be unimportant to most people, each and everyone music lovers not the least, but to a minority of listeners, myself included, those seemingly reality details are significant for enjoyment and for which handsome sums are sometimes paid. To put another way, if I do not hear those wind and scratches and whacks and wall moves and the hidden music, I would be disappointed.

It also need to remind everyone that I am also concurrently enjoying the notes with all the air, soundstage, coherency, sweet treble, tight bass, non-fatigueness, etc. that have been amply described elsewhere.

The final verdict, in so many words, is that I NEED the Monarchy upsampler for all my redbook CD's. It is not the most expensive component in my system, but I need it for complete music enjoyment.

Adolfo

Hi, I have a DIP Classic in my system feeding into a Scott Nixon (non over sampling) TubeDac, and love the combination! The TubeDac without the Classic does not compare, it makes a big improvement in almost every aspect.

Recently, I read an article where a person replaced the stock clock in his Classic with a Tent Labs after market clock. I know that you have spent a lot of time in both research and listening to get the DIP Classic to sound as good as it does, but how can it be improved?

Hypothetically, if you could make any changes in components (resistors, caps, clock etc) what would you change? I know this is a tough question, as a manufacturer, to answer. However I do value your knowledge and work with this product.

I guess I am curious about taking things up a "notch", and feel that you would know more about this than anyone....

Thank you for making such a fine product, and also for any suggestions or opinions that you could offer.
Kevin Erickson

Dear friend,

Thank you. Just recently Monarchy Audio products were added up to my "escape machines".

Pairing MA "Classic" with my Meridian DAC was a definite improvement. Also in my system #2 the MA "Upsampler 48/96" did its considerable magic. Monarchy Audio is here to stay! No going back!

Appreciate your sending of the equipment-related graphs.

Again thank you very much. Best regards,
Jose Miguel Benitez

Dear Mr. Poon, thanks so much for your prompt reply!

I realized (with a chuckle I might add) after I sent this email that I purchased two of the first Monarch DIP's, the Classic that you sold back over fourteen years ago. These are your devices and I had not realized it until now. They have been silently sitting in my stereo cabinet, one is being used to re-clock and reduce the jitter from my Slim Devices audio server, the other re-clocking the Wadia 170i transport that I have my iPod on.

I absolutely detested the iPod device plugged into my system when I first got the Wadia 170i a couple of years ago. Then I remembered I had bought two of your DIP devices many years ago and one was currently not being used. I decided to install it between the Wadia and my preamp.....the sound difference was like night and day.

These little DIP devices are built like a tank and sonically are remarkable. If your amplifier is as well built and musical as your DIP devices are, I am sold!

I will be ordering the two amplifiers from you this week with much thanks. And from a customer that has already purchased something from you, years ago, I thank you for your quality craftsmanship and workmanship!

Best Regards,
James Urdiga

Hello Monarchy Audio Team,

The DIP Classic has arrived safely and sounds really great. I am using 2 different DACs, one that upsamples and interpolates and one that does neither interpolate nor upsample or oversample. Both use very effective separate jitter decorrelation and reduction, but with the DIP in between it sounds much better. The resolution is much better, and the bass is clearer and more powerful.

This DIP is really a magic box!! It enhances every Transport-DAC combination, even if they are very expensive.

Would it be possible to put a 96Khz chip into my DIP Classic, if I decide to upgrade my DAC for 96 Khz use?

Thank you for producing so great products, and thank you very much for your excellent service!!!
Best Regards,
Daniel Gaudard

C.C., what a great device.........can't tell you how much we love it and it is, indeed, a superb uptick from our "vintage model" DIP.

Thanks again,
John E. Davis

I have used a 24/96 upsampler for many years between CD, satellite receiver & USB/SPDIF converter as sources feeding a 24/192 DAC with valve output stage. I'm very happy with the results.

I recently tried the USB converter & DIP feeding into a Sennheiser HDVD headphone amp driving HD800 phones in balanced mode. The gains were considerable in increased layering & giving more body & musicality to a lean, very accurate & slightly clinical presentation.

Can you please let me know the details for shipping a DIP Combo to South Australia?

Thanks,
Henry Fellner

CC, thanks for the info. Just another quick question, is the SE-100 Special edition still 100 watts at 8 ohms? I'm pretty sure my speakers are 8 ohm. Just wondering.

BTW, I really like my DIP combo!! Works great!!

Take Care,
Gary L. Peeke

Hi Mr Poon,

I've been running your DIP Combo for several days now. What a great bit of kit! My Hi-Fi never sounded better!

Michael.

Dear sirs,

I am the happy owner of two classic DIPs connected in series, and they have worked flawlessly for many years (I think from '99 or so). They will improve the sound of any DAC, and I always wondered why two were better than one...but the two in series definitely sound better (for me) than a single one.

Anyway, I upgraded my DAC to a Wyred4Sound DAC 1 LE with femto clock, capable of 32/384 so I thought the DIPs may not be necessary...I was wrong, the improvement of the sound, while subtler than with my old DAC, was instantly obvious...only that their limit is 16/48, so I was wondering if a DIP Upsampler is the way to go. And I hate to ditch my classic ones. But since they don't pass 24/96 or over, I wonder what would be my best options to upgrade.

Thank you,
Juan P.S.

C.C. Poon, I received the Refurbished DIP Friday.

I have to admit, I was surprised by the build quality of this component. I was expecting a box made of thin steel and not very sturdy. But what I got was a heavy duty box that was larger than I expected. First Class Job! Also, other than this being an older unit I see no outward signs that this was refurbished. Looks brand new, even the box that also looked dated but hardly worn.

I wish I would have purchased one sooner! Probably the best $99 that I have spent on my system thus far!

I have also hooked it up and used it over the weekend, it works wonderfully and does a better job than the M-Audio DDC that I was using before.

Kudos all around!
Thanks,
Cramer

Hi,

I live in the UK, and a friend in Detroit has just sent me the 48/96 upsampler for Xmas!! Always wanted one and couldn't seem to source them in the UK.

Anyway, having tried it with the optical in on satellite TV — what a great improvement when listening to the music channels! It only works in "stereo" but I guess that is the point you make regarding pre amp/processors? (Linn 5103)

The problem I have is when I connect the DVD player. I'm taking the signal from the digital out using RCA then use RCA dig. in on the preamp. The same "in" as the optical. All I get on the DVD RCA side is a buzzing/clicking/tearing kind of sound!! Am I doing something wrong? I haven't been able to try it with the digital out on my CD player yet, as it is being repaired.

Thanks for your help,
Steve.

To fellow audiophiles: If you have a good DA converter then this little box will really make the best of it. It makes the sound very smooth, all last bits of sharpness disappeared, a very delicate sound with more inner detail, rounder and very relaxed. You can also play louder if you want to. For me it does not sound like CD anymore at all.

This jitter reduction, upsampling and signal conversion from RCA to XLR makes a clear difference that you hear from the first second you connect it. From then onwards you will just enjoy. A perfect product for people with separate converters.

Gerard

It performs well at 96KHZ. Just what you said. More subtle on percussion, detailed and revealing. Excellent. I'll consider the DR-1 and order a couple of pieces when I have the cash.

Michael

Thank you very much for the DIP Upsampler Ming!

It is such an improvement, just unbelievable.... My wife came up to me to ask what I did, because it sounded "so full and rich" (her words) now...

My DAC is a Levinson 36 and my transports are a Sonos music player and a Krell 300cd and the combination of Sonos, DIP & Levinson is so good, I am wondering why I should keep the Krell...

I have read about the SE100 monoblock amps, do you think they would be an improvement on my Krell KAV 250a?

Best regards,
Mats Beem (UK)

Dear Dr. CC Poon, I hope this finds you well.

I have received and successfully installed the upsampling DIP. What can I say but the highest of praise. The DIP has done a marvellous job in my system. Widened the sound stage, removed the harshness, seems that sound has become butter smooth. All this with a pair of cheap Monster coaxial 75 ohm cables ($20 each). I can't imagine the results when I upgrade the cables.

I'm currently running at 48 khz. My setup is as follows:

Source: Denon SACD DCD1500AE (about USD 800)
DAC/PRE: Monarchy M24 with Mullard Amperex 6DJ8 1976 tubes
Monoblocks: Manley 100W
Speakers: Harbeth SHL5
AC: all sources fed using an isolation transformer

The system is performing exceptionally well at 48 khz. Most of the buzzing/humming/whistling has all but disappeared with NOS 6DJ8 tubes. There is a ground loop somewhere, but the DIP provided a great deal of isolation.

Fahad Malaikah

Dear Mr. Poon,

Hello, this is Daniel Rusk from Polytechnic Audio in Sacramento. We just wanted to write a few lines to let you know how much we have been enjoying the new DIP 24/96 processor. After living with the DIP for almost 3 months now the reference system has played hundreds of discs. The result has always been the same...a stellar increase in fidelity and realism. It has been the single best addition ever, even more significant than changing an amp, cables, or any component for that matter.

Immediately one notices a much bigger soundstage with music separated from the speakers. Playing the same music without the DIP in the system, the music seems "pinched", sometimes lifeless and thin. With the DIP installed music flows freely unhindered, beautiful, with unlimited dynamics, warmth and detail. The improvement is truly amazing. Bass improvement is startling; deeper but also with tautness and resolution. Bass pitch is now clearly delineated. Space between instruments and around vocalists is large and filled with ambient detail and information. It is now much easier to hear all the music of the recording at once, pure and lifelike.

And too, we really appreciate the new layout and appearance. With all the connections, including the power cord, now at the back, the unit looks very nice and is handsome to display. But what is really cool is that it has an optical input so people can use it with DVD players for home theater or feed it with their optical signal from a DirecTV receiver.

You might remember we tried to purchase a DIP several years ago when they first became available but you were sold-out at the time. I suppose they had all been grabbed-up! I can only kick myself for waiting so long to phone you again and make the purchase. All that time I could have been listening to much better music!

Now my advice to everyone is...Before buying another amp, preamp, CD transport, upgrading cables, etc...buy a DIP first and discover how well your current system is really capable of performing.

Thanks again for this little gem!
Daniel Rusk, Polytechnic Audio