Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Neutral-sounding amplifier
- A lot of clean power for a $100 amplifier
- Does not lean warm or cold
- A small unit, so can travel with it or set it up on a desk
- Preamp outputs provide a way to connect to speakers, if desired
Product Considerations
- Pyramid-shaped feet don't grip surfaces well, making it slide easily
- The build quality of the JDS Labs Atom is higher because the Liquid Spark has a plastic case
- The power brick has a very long cable that can be a pain to manage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Cleaner and more neutral than the Magni
- Has about twice the power of the JDS Labs Atom
Takeaway: The Liquid Spark is a powerful amplifier, especially for the price, that is clean and neutral. It will sound great for those who have efficient headphones and don't need all the power in the world.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier
reviews
[{"title":"Monoprice Liquid Spark Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIIQLVCDUuw","source":"Joshua Valour","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Review: $99 Shocker! Monolith 'Spark' By Cavalli Audio Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq6M1qqmWDs","source":"Joshua Valour","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier - I thought it would suck. But I was wrong.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShMWGEDbhQ4","source":"Joshua Valour","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Z Review - JDS Atom vs Liquid Spark","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e566rUoYeDM","source":"Hi-Fi Insider","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Review of the Liquid Spark, SMSL M500 and Hifiman Sundara's","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kag_DRuYYWA","source":"Hi-Fi Insider","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Monolith Liquid Spark Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zwsaI3sIiw","source":"Z Reviews","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Monoprice Monolith Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier ...","link":"https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1018/Monoprice_Monolith_Liquid_Spark_Headphone_Amplifier_Review.htm","source":"enjoythemusic.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Monolith by Monoprice: Liquid Spark by Alex Cavalli Review","link":"https://headphone.guru/monolith-by-monoprice-liquid-spark-by-alex-cavalli-review","source":"headphone.guru","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 108dB (ref. 1 V rms input / 2 V rms output @ 1kHz)
- Crosstalk: -73dB (ref. 1 V rms input / 2 V rms output @ 10kHz)
- THD+N: 1 V rms (20mW): 0.007% @ 1kHz, 5 V rms (530mW): 0.035% @ 1kHz, 10 V rms (2.12W): 0.065% @ 1kHz
- Output Impedance: < 0.1 ohms
- Gain: +3dB or +6dB
- Input: Unbalanced stereo RCA
- Headphone Output: Unbalanced stereo 1/4" TRS jack
- Preamp Output: Unbalanced stereo RCA jacks
- Output Protection: Delay and offset protection
- Dimensions: 4.6" x 3.7" x 1.5" (117 x 94 x 38 mm)
- Weight: 9.6 oz. (271g)
Description
The Monolith Liquid Spark is a compact headphone amplifier developed by Alex Cavalli for Monoprice. It provides everything people have come to expect from a Cavalli Audio design. It uses dual 18V filtered power supply rails to produce wide voltage swings for additional headroom. The Liquid Spark offers plenty of power at 1300mW RMS into a 50 ohm load, with very low distortion and switchable gain.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Monolith products often emulate high-end designs and technologies from brands but at significantly lower price points.
- Monolith headphones tend to have a neutral frequency response, closely resembling studio target curves, which suits critical listening and allows for easy EQ customization to individual preferences.
Select products
Select product comparisons
M1060 Planar Headphones
- Positioning: A budget-friendly open-box planar headphone that offers an accessible entry point into planar magnetic sound.
- Description: Uses a planar magnetic driver to deliver clear mids and controlled bass, making it a solid choice for casual home or small-room listening. In comparison to the higher-end models in the lineup, it caters to buyers with modest budgets who require a simple, no-frills planar experience.
M1070C Over Ear Closed Back Planar Headphones
- Positioning: A cost-effective closed-back planar headphone built for everyday use with enhanced isolation and practicality.
- Description: Combines a refined closed-back acoustic chamber with planar magnetic drivers to offer precise imaging and controlled bass response in a sealed design. Relative to the more premium models, it gives users a balanced option for portable or in-office listening without demanding high-end amplification.
M1060C Over Ear Closed Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
- Positioning: A closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed to deliver a classic, neutral sound signature with improved driver technology.
- Description: Reproduces audio with detailed mids and dynamic bass response to suit discerning listeners in controlled environments. Compared to its siblings, it strikes a balance between affordability and refined tonal accuracy.
M1570C Over Ear Closed Back Planar Headphones
- Positioning: A premium closed-back planar headphone that elevates sonic performance through enhanced driver refinement and sophisticated design.
- Description: Features advanced driver tuning with balanced connectivity that improves imaging, clarity, and extended bass response for a more immersive listening experience.
AMT Headphone
- Positioning: A high-end AMT-driven headphone that integrates THX AAA technology for a distinct, audiophile-grade listening experience.
- Description: Uses unique AMT technology alongside dual high-performance DACs to provide exceptional clarity, expansive detail, and an immersive soundstage rarely seen in planar designs.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
805
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
2016
Our take on the brand
Monolith, a hifi audio brand, stands out for its exceptional transparency by publishing full CEA-2010 burst-test output tables and third-party measurement results directly on product pages, while offering broad THX certification across multiple categories at accessible prices. The brand provides engineering details rarely shared by manufacturers, including 48-bit DSP data paths with per-woofer customized limiter profiles, along with customer-friendly policies such as 5-year replacement warranties and 45-day money-back guarantees.
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What if you spend more?
Musical Fidelity
MX-HPA
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The MX-HPA’s technical performance is stunning. Typically, distortion from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is less than 0.005%. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 120dB (‘A’ weighted). Frequency response is ruler flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-0.1dB). The MX-HPA is capable of a short-term peak of 10 watts (for one cycle) and has two gain positions: 18dB (8X) and 24dB (15X). Inputs are either balanced or single-ended. The MX-HPA will automatically convert single-ended inputs to balanced. The MX-HPA is genuinely fully balanced from beginning to end.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic
- Fully balanced design
- Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (>120dB 'A' weighted)
- Versatile because it automatically converts single-ended inputs to balanced signals
- Dual gain settings for versatility with virtually any headphone impedance
Product Considerations
- May be overkill for entry-level headphones
- The twin-XLR alternative is not the only means of balanced connection
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity MX HPA is a remarkable piece of equipment that represents a significant achievement in balanced amplification design. It delivers a listening experience that is hard to surpass with technical excellence and practical versatility.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Product Page
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Erzetich
Bacillus II
932
932
/
2
Reviews
Erzetich is a Slovenian hifi brand known for amplifiers and headphones that incorporate aged linden wood (a national symbol), vegan construction, and fully serviceable designs with pro-style connectors. They also engineer amplifiers with dual-mono class-A topology.
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Video review
Our take on the brand
Erzetich is a Slovenian hifi brand known for amplifiers and headphones that incorporate aged linden wood (a national symbol), vegan construction, and fully serviceable designs with pro-style connectors. They also engineer amplifiers with dual-mono class-A topology.
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SMSL
VMV P2
999
999
/
2
Reviews
Fully balanced design, 4 ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC)! The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the SNR is as low as 133dB! A total of 99 low-noise op-amps are used in a parallel design. High output power, 16 ohm output power up to 12W, 32 ohms up to 6W; The specially designed volume potentiometer greatly reduces channel deviation; 3 gears gain control, low gain is specially optimized for IEM; Pre-out function, can be used as Hi-End pre-amp; Classic retro toggle switch operation; Ultra-compact design, very suitable for desktop headphone system; High-precision low-temperature drift resistance, performance is not affected by temperature; High-quality relay and non-impact sound design; 20Hz to 100KHz(-0.5dB) frequency response; The headphone amplifier has comprehensive protections such as DC, overvoltage, and overload protection; Built-in high-efficiency and low-noise power system.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Product Strengths
- Original and stylish design
- High power output, up to 12 watts
- Overload protection
- The XLR, RCA input switch, the headphone amplifier or preamplifier switch, and the low, mid, and high gain switches are located on the back of the unit, potentially making them difficult to access
Product Considerations
- The unit uses 99 low-noise op-amps in parallel, which is considered excessive and potentially detrimental to sound quality
- The unit uses the cheapest balanced potentiometer
- The unit uses a couple of switching power supplies
- The total harmonic distortion is only at its super magical level with a very high wattage
Takeaway: The VMV amp has high power and overload protection that might work to drive headphones. It could be a great amp for someone willing to try it out.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
650
/
65
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a CNC milled aluminum chassis and durable construction
- Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology by THX, aiming for transparent sound reproduction without coloration
- Relay volume control provides precise channel matching
- Plenty of power to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding planars
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- No pre-amp output
- The notched volume control might not be to everyone's liking
- Gets quite warm during use, especially with the SU-9 DAC stacked on top
- Some reviewers noticed a clicking noise when adjusting the volume
- The three-feet design may not be as stable as a four-feet design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SMSL SP200: Better unit at repelling noise, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower total harmonic distortion—completely solved the SP200's issue with not having a pitch-black background
- Vs. Benchmark HPA4: Very close to the HPA4 in performance, with some minor differences observed only with high-end headphones
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-9 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier with a clean, transparent sound. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking for an accurate and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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SMSL
HO100
217
/
Released
2022
HO100 Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision feedback circuit with distortion as low as 0.00006%, and an ultra-low noise power supply design that outputs noise as low as 1.3uV.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Budget-friendly headphone amplifier focused on quality
- Robust all-aluminum exterior, with rigid toggle switches, and smooth volume control, giving it the same fit and finish as SMSL's higher-end HO200
- Delivers a clean, neutral, and transparent sound, faithfully reproducing the source audio without adding coloration
- Extremely low noise floor
- Versatile due to its three gain levels (low, mid, high) and its ability to drive both sensitive IEMs and harder-to-drive headphones
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to powered speakers, functioning solely as a headphone amplifier
- Does not have preamp capability
- Reviewers have noted average microdetails
- While the design looks smart and subdued, the tempered glass panel easily grabs fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL HO200: HO100 lacks RCA/XLR outputs and has lower wattage, but is more compact and is preferred if the extra power and outputs are not needed
- Vs FiiO K5 PRO: It has better driving power, a lower noise floor with IEMs, and lower distortion at maximum volume
- Vs JDS Labs Atom+: It has higher maximum power, handles maximum volume better with lower distortion, and offers better overall detail in the micro detail, and a more relaxing signature
Takeaway: The SMSL HO100 is a compact yet powerful headphone amplifier that delivers clean, neutral sound suitable for various headphones. It is well-built and offers excellent value for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Schiit
Midgard
219
/
Released
2023
Midgard is simply the best measuring, highest power discrete headphone amp we've ever made. But that's not all. Midgard's new Halo™ topology also offers the potential for higher performance where it matters—at your ears.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Objectively an excellently performing amplifier with a discrete design and potentially lower noise floor than op-amp based designs
- Subjectively has a slightly bass-focused, full-bodied sound, with a focus on the texture of midrange elements, leading to a more natural vocal presentation
- Offers excellent value for money, competing with Far East manufacturers on both performance and pricing
- Has plenty of power to drive most headphones, including high impedance models
- Features both single-ended and balanced inputs/outputs and can be used as a preamplifier
Product Considerations
- The volume knob may have a scratchy feel
- The halo feedback design may not make a significant difference in terms of measured behavior of headphones
- Protection circuit may kick in and limit power at lower impedances
- Preamp outputs cannot be switched off when using headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Magni+, the Midgard offers better clarity and separation, especially when using the balanced output, but the tonal balance is similar
- Vs Schiit Asgard 3, the Midgard is more neutral and clarity-focused, while the Asgard 3 is warmer and richer, with a better sense of soundstage depth
- Vs Topping A30 Pro, the Midgard offers a resolution and finesse that the A30 Pro cannot reach—being more natural, open and fun
- Vs Schiit Jotunheim 2, both are similar in terms of overall sound quality, but the Midgard stands out because its midrange is stuff from legends
- The Midgard is a magnificent improvement compared to the Schiit Magnius
Takeaway: The Midgard is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier with a balanced, full-bodied sound that is well-suited for many headphones. Its discrete design and excellent value make it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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SMSL
SH-8S
229
/
Released
2021
SH-8S Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC), with distortion as low as 0.00006%! It has an ultra-low noise power supply design, with output noise as low as 1.3uV.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Enjoyable overall presentation with a punchy bassline, slightly euphonic midrange, and crystalline treble response
- Expansive soundstage that allows the music to breathe and come to life
- Enough power to drive most moderately hard-to-drive headphones, even those with higher impedance
- Detailed and textured vocal range that is a touch more forward and warmer than clinically accurate
- Tactile controls allow quicker access to changing any of the settings on the device
Product Considerations
- Slight bright tilt, which may require careful pairing with other components
- Bass is present, but slightly rolled off
- Lacks a screen, which some users may find to be a downside
- Balanced connection is present for convenience, as the amplifier itself is not a differential design—meaning it's single-ended by nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SMSL SH-8s bass tends to be a touch more forward, SMSL SH-9 delivers a slightly tighter bass line
- The SMSL SH-9 has a markedly more controlled treble response
- Both have similar power output at 16Ω, but Topping A30 Pro maintains higher power at 32Ω
- The SMSL SH-8s has a fuller instrument timbre, but Topping A30 Pro has a more euphonic vocal range
- The SMSL SH-8s has much bigger headroom, and feels more spacious compared to the Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 Pro
- The SMSL SH-8s is clearly digging more details, and is also able to develop a wider soundstage with better separation and layering than the Topping L30
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-8s is a well-built amplifier that sounds promising. If the listener has darker sounding headphones or a darker source, the SMSL SH-8s might be worth checking out to open the sound a little bit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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iFi
ZEN CAN 3
229
/
Released
2024
For those who crave more from their headphones, this all-analogue amplifier delivers 2,000mW of power, supports xMEMS drivers, and offers five EQ modes – including presets that electrify gaming and movie marathons.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Multiple analog and DSP-free modes are featured
- Class A circuitry is designed for flagship iCAN Phantom
- XBass+ and XSpace analog signal processing modes are included
- It can drive a wide range of headphones, including xMEMS IEMs and high-end planars, with up to 2000mW output
- Build quality is robust and durable with a premium aesthetic
Product Considerations
- The included generic power adapter is a disappointment
- XBass+ can sometimes be overpowering, and XSpace might artificially widen the soundstage
- The amp may be too powerful for very sensitive IEMs, giving little volume control in these situations
- Some reviewers found the sound profiles not to audiophile tastes
- The 4.4mm Pentaconn input/output can be somewhat limiting and costly
Takeaway: The ZEN CAN 3 is a versatile amp with a robust build and unique features like XBass+ and XSpace, making it a good choice for those seeking enhanced sound without digital processing. It is great for gaming, movies, and music listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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