This is a review and detailed measurements of the Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli. It was sent to me for review by the company and costs US $99.99.
The pictures make it look plasticky but it is actually a metal case:
I don't find it that attractive but at least it is unique. The only control switches between inputs and is simple enough.
The rear shows the usual connectors:
Note the inclusion of the 12 volt power supply. All inputs require it including USB (i.e. is NOT self-powered).
Not sure what else to say about it other than it ran cool and reliably.
Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard of 1 kHz using USB as input:
Nice. Distortion at -120 dB is below threshold of audibility (self noise of your hearing is louder). Add some noise to that and the SINAD becomes what we expect in this price category:
Signal to noise ratio fits the same bracket:
IMD distortion versus level shows excellent performance as well:
Linearity is perfect:
32-tone test signal shows excellent, low distortion performance:
THD+N versus frequency shows good response as well:
There is no way to select a filter so you are stuck with the default one in the DAC chip:
Which is fine by me.
Finally jitter:
As is typical, USB has lower jitter/noise.
Conclusions
The measurements of the Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli is uneventful which is what I like to see. It slots right in with its competitors providing an alternative with different form factor, look, brand and support. It is a shame it did not come out last year when it was announced as it would have been quite exciting then, besting many other DACs. Today it does the job and does it well.
I am going to put the Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli on my recommended list. May it have much shorter name in the future incarnations!
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
The pictures make it look plasticky but it is actually a metal case:
I don't find it that attractive but at least it is unique. The only control switches between inputs and is simple enough.
The rear shows the usual connectors:
Note the inclusion of the 12 volt power supply. All inputs require it including USB (i.e. is NOT self-powered).
Not sure what else to say about it other than it ran cool and reliably.
Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard of 1 kHz using USB as input:
Nice. Distortion at -120 dB is below threshold of audibility (self noise of your hearing is louder). Add some noise to that and the SINAD becomes what we expect in this price category:
Signal to noise ratio fits the same bracket:
IMD distortion versus level shows excellent performance as well:
Linearity is perfect:
32-tone test signal shows excellent, low distortion performance:
THD+N versus frequency shows good response as well:
There is no way to select a filter so you are stuck with the default one in the DAC chip:
Which is fine by me.
Finally jitter:
As is typical, USB has lower jitter/noise.
Conclusions
The measurements of the Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli is uneventful which is what I like to see. It slots right in with its competitors providing an alternative with different form factor, look, brand and support. It is a shame it did not come out last year when it was announced as it would have been quite exciting then, besting many other DACs. Today it does the job and does it well.
I am going to put the Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli on my recommended list. May it have much shorter name in the future incarnations!
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
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would think L30/E30 still holds the crown, though.
