FS: Monarchy Audio Delux 18B D/A Preamp

RuSsMaN
RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
edited February 2008 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
Released in 2000, the Monarchy Audio 18B had an MSRP of $995. SUPERB condition - this unit is really like new. I hate to use the word 'mint' for anything that isn't factory sealed - but this one really is in mint condition. Original box, manuals, and Monarchy literature / reviews included. Features optical, coaxial, and balanced inputs. Two sets of outputs, one fixed, one variable. The preamp functions make this a no-brainer for a minimalist 2 channel rig using only a cd player. This thing sounds AWESOME. I challenge you to find a cleaner, more well cared for example of this hardcore dual 18 bit processor / preamp.

Any questions? Email me.

$475 shipped
Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
Post edited by RuSsMaN on
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    Damn, that thing is pretty.

    If only I hadn't purchased a A308 lately, I would hook my CD player up to this, plug it into my B&K ST125.2, and run a nice little minimalist 2-channel system. With as little as I use my tuner, TT, etc., I've got a lot of unused gear.

    Nice piece.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2008
    so, this is a DAC as well?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,411
    edited February 2008
    halo wrote: »
    so, this is a DAC as well?

    yes
    .
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited February 2008
    halo wrote: »
    so, this is a DAC as well?

    Has to be with a digital input. :)

    I'd be tempted but I promised next preamp will have remote.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    Well, if you had a source with variable gain on the remote, you'd be in good shape. Wish I would've won that SCD-555ES on Ebay the other day. That, this, and a cheap B&K amp would make an awesome little system.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited February 2008
    The 18B is a superb sounding Dac. Russ, does it have the piggyback option? On some of the 18B's it was an upgrade option then eventually it became standard issue.

    I can't say enough about what a great sounding unit this is. I have a friend who has one and for a very long time my brother used a 33C. He now had the NM24 which is Monarchy's tube DAC.

    Anyone who is on the fence for a DAC, this is the one to get your feet wet with. Monarchy makes some of the nicest sounding gear out there and they are affordable to boot.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2008
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    Well, if you had a source with variable gain on the remote, you'd be in good shape. Wish I would've won that SCD-555ES on Ebay the other day. That, this, and a cheap B&K amp would make an awesome little system.

    Why would you need variable gain on the source? It's got fixed and varible outputs.

    That thing is awesome, especially for the price.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    I meant variable output on the source's remote so that I wouldn't have to go through the excrutiating pain of raising / lowering volume manually with this piece in use as the preamp. Dats all.

    Stevie, are you close to Mesa, Arizona?
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited February 2008
    for the remote?

    Edit; Andy was faster.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2008
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    I meant variable output on the source's remote so that I wouldn't have to go through the excrutiating pain of raising / lowering volume manually with this piece in use as the preamp. Dats all.

    Stevie, are you close to Mesa, Arizona?

    Ahh remote, got'cha--my bad. No. Way south east, about 75 miles se of Tucson. I'm in Cochise county.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    Last call, off to the 'gon tomorrow. Let me clear, as Steve also mentioned - the unit is first and foremost a DAC - it just so happens to not only have the regular fixed output, but a variable set with volume control + a preamp stage - in case you wanted to bypass using a separate preamp altogether - but it still can be used alone (just to be clear).

    It sounds better than my MSB Link, but I'm selling for an old timer friend of mine, and I've got debts to pay before any new toys come around - otherwise, it would be MINE ALL MINE.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2008
    That's a helluva box for such a small item.....that makes me feel good when gear is shipped overdone. Nice DAC and I like the pre-amp option with volume control, that's trick.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2008
    I'm interested but I'd have to move some gear first. Do they make a black faceplate for it?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    It's a full sized component, as wide as my Melos, not as tall.

    Halo, that would be a question for Monarchy, I'll shoot an email over and ask. I've never seen one in black though. Sami sent me a pm at 9:49 tonight, so I've got him first in line.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited February 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    I've never seen one in black though.
    Cheers,
    Russ

    I've never seen one in black either, I don't think it does.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited February 2008
    Victor, I think this can help: ;)

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29186&highlight=paint
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    Victor, sent the email to Monarchy - waiting for a reply. You're up - Sami wants a remote (lazy ****).
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited February 2008
    Thanks Russ but I'm going to have to pass. Sorrry for the inconvenience.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    No inconvenience at all Victor. They did write back and they never offered a black facia for the 18B.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    Halo - stop being such a facia-ist and buy the thing!

    It reminds me of my Theta DAC except even better looking and more functions. Sure it sounds great. Someone buy it before I have to!
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    Just buy it Andy. 'Cause you or Sami are going to have to buy the speakers I'm putting up tomorrow. Get ready to move your Thiels.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    Hope they are bigger thiels (CS 2.3s, plz!!!). Dibs if so. . .

    Maybe it will turn into a "come check out the speakers and maybe take home the Monarchy" type deal. . . and I'll end up with speakers, the Monarchy, and probably some mini mirages with holy grills.

    Actually, hooked those mini mirages up to a sub and receiver for my mom's workroom and they sound fantastic!
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited February 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    Just buy it Andy. 'Cause you or Sami are going to have to buy the speakers I'm putting up tomorrow. Get ready to move your Thiels.

    Thanks Russ! You would do this on the day I'm headed back home. It's all good though. I pulled the trigger on some Totem Rainmakers while I was in town. :D
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2008
    When are you leaving? Stop on buy and get something to go!
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited February 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    When are you leaving? Stop on buy and get something to go!

    Instead of fast food carry out, Russ offers audio carry out!
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited February 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    When are you leaving? Stop on buy and get something to go!

    Unfortunately, I didn't check the forum during lunch. I left right after class or I would've taken you up on the offer.
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