Monoprice Monolith M1570

The Monoprice Monolith M1570 open-back planar headphones deliver reference-grade sound and superb comfort for just $419. They're wired only and lack a decent mic or noise isolation, so they're strictly for critical listening at a desk. If pure audio quality is your top priority and you can live without features, this is one of the best values in high-end headphone audio right now.

We don't toss around words like 'stunning' lightly, but the M1570's sound signature is the real deal. In our headphone database, its overall audio score crushes nearly everything in its category, placing it in the top echelon. The dual linear symmetry magnet array driving that 106mm diaphragm produces a frequency response that's remarkably flat from the midbass through the upper mids, with just a touch of airy sparkle up top. Bass extends deep and stays tight—no bloat, no overhang. If you're mixing or mastering, you'll hear every little reverb tail and compressor artifact. For pure music enjoyment, genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic recordings feel almost holographic. Even busy rock mixes stay well separated, though the open-back design means bass rumble won't punch you in the chest like a closed-back can might. That's physics, not a flaw.

Comfort and usability tie directly into performance because you can't appreciate great sound if you're squirming after twenty minutes. The M1570 nails it. The clamping force is just right, and the earpads have enough memory foam to conform without getting hot. You'll forget you're wearing them during long sessions. The build is utilitarian but sturdy—77th percentile means they're not going to fall apart on you, but the mostly plastic construction lacks the premium metal feel of something like the Audeze LCD line. One weird quirk: our database ranks battery life at the 44th percentile, but that's because it lumps in wireless headphones. These are passive—no battery needed. So ignore that number; the only 'charging' you'll do is making sure your amp has enough juice to drive them, because planar magnetics can be power-hungry. Most modern headphone jacks on audio interfaces or dedicated amps handle them fine, but your phone might struggle to get loud enough without a dongle DAC.

Stacking the M1570 against modern wireless heavyweights feels a bit unfair—to the wireless cans. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are kings of noise cancelling and travel comfort, and their mics won't embarrass you on a call. But open this thing up and play a well-mastered FLAC file, and the M1570 reveals textures and spatial cues those closed-back, DSP-tuned headphones smear over. It's not subtle. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 puts up a better fight with its refined tuning, but it's still a closed-back dynamic driver design, so soundstage and airiness go to the Monoprice. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 and Technics EAH-A800 are similarly luxurious and wireless, with the Px8 especially nailing build quality and style. But again, they're solving a different problem: convenience and portability. If you never leave your listening chair, the M1570 renders them sonically irrelevant.

That said, there are other wired open-backs in this orbit. The classic Sennheiser HD 600/650 series costs less, is legendary for mids, and weighs even less, but it doesn't have the planar bass texture or the sheer resolving power. The M1570's planar driver gives it an edge in low-end control and sub-bass extension. Up the ladder, the Audeze LCD-2 Classic demands more cash and delivers a richer, darker tonal balance with better build. The Monoprice undercuts it on price while staying competitive in detail. So it comes down to taste: do you want that hint of warmth and luxury, or a more neutral, studio-friendly sound at a bargain?

At $419, the Monolith M1570 is a headline-grabber for the planar magnetic crowd. Comparable open-back planars from Audeze or HIFIMAN often start several hundred dollars higher, and while those might offer fancier build materials, the M1570 hangs with them sonically. If you're a studio engineer or a music lover building a dedicated listening station, this is one of the smartest audio investments you can make right now. The trade-off is obvious: you get zero smarts—no ANC, no wireless, no app. But if you've already got a good DAC/amp and don't mind a cable, you're essentially paying for world-class drivers and tuning, not marketing. Just know that for the same $400ish, you could grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 and get a feature-packed all-rounder, albeit with a clear step down in raw fidelity.

If you're hunting for a pair of headphones that puts sound first and doesn't mess around with gimmicks, the Monoprice Monolith M1570 deserves a spot on your desk. These are full-size, open-back planar magnetic headphones with a massive 106mm driver, and they're built for one thing: delivering accurate, low-distortion audio to your ears. At the time of writing, you can grab a set for $419, which puts them in a weirdly competitive spot—cheaper than most high-end wireless flagships, but wired only. No Bluetooth, no noise cancelling, no microphone that's worth using. And honestly? That's the point. Monoprice skipped the bells and whistles to pour everything into the driver and tuning, and it shows. Our headphone database ranks its pure sound quality in the 96th percentile, meaning it's among the absolute best performers we've measured, regardless of price.

Comfort is no afterthought either, landing in the 93rd percentile. The plush padded headband and removable earpads (which you can swap for aftermarket pads if you're feeling fancy) mean you can wear these for hours without fatigue. The open-back grille lets air flow through, which not only keeps your ears cool but also gives the soundstage that wide, airy presentation that closed-back cans can only dream of. At 126 grams, they're surprisingly light for a planar magnetic design, so neck strain isn't an issue. Build quality sits at the 77th percentile—solid, well above average, but not luxury-tier like Focal or Audeze. You're getting good materials and a utilitarian aesthetic that prioritizes function over flash.

But let's be real: these are not for everyone. The M1570 is a studio workhorse and a critical listening tool. It's borderline useless for phone calls (16th percentile for mic performance, and that's being generous) and the wired 3.5mm connection means you're tethered to your gear. If you need something for your commute or Zoom calls, keep scrolling. For anyone who craves the kind of detail retrieval and natural timbre only a big planar driver can deliver, though, the M1570 is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door without spending four figures.

Skip the M1570 if you need headphones for travel, commuting, or noisy shared spaces. The open-back design leaks sound like a sieve and provides no passive isolation, let alone active noise cancelling. If making phone calls or hopping on video conferences is a daily requirement, the 16th-percentile mic performance will frustrate everyone on the other end. Gamers who rely on in-game chat should look elsewhere too—these just aren't built for communication. Instead, consider a wireless ANC pair like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra for all-day versatility, or a dedicated gaming headset with a quality boom mic.

If you've got a quiet room, a decent headphone amp, and a desire to hear your music exactly as it was recorded, buy the Monolith M1570. It's one of the best-sounding headphones we've tested under $500, period. The massive planar drivers deliver a level of clarity and soundstage width that makes most closed-back competitors sound like toys. Comfort is elite, too, so you can vanish into albums for hours. Just make peace with the wire and the complete lack of features. These are not your all-day run-around cans.

However, if your usage includes commuting, office cubicles, or any scenario involving background noise, skip them. The open-back design offers zero isolation, and the mic is borderline unusable for calls. This is a specialist's tool—think studio monitoring, late-night album sessions, or a dedicated hi-fi rig. For that audience, the M1570 is a screaming deal and a genuine joy to listen through.