FS: Monarchy Audio Delux 18B D/A Preamp

[RuSsMaN]

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

[AndyGwis]

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.

[halo]

so, this is a DAC as well?

[hoosier21]

so, this is a DAC as well?

yes
.

[Sami]

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.

[AndyGwis]

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.

[heiney9]

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

[steveinaz]

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.

[AndyGwis]

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?

[Ricardo]

for the remote?

Edit; Andy was faster.

[steveinaz]

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.

[RuSsMaN]

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

[dorokusai]

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.

[halo]

I'm interested but I'd have to move some gear first. Do they make a black faceplate for it?

[RuSsMaN]

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

[heiney9]

I've never seen one in black though.
Cheers,
Russ

I've never seen one in black either, I don't think it does.

[Ricardo]

Victor, I think this can help: ;)

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29186&highlight=paint

[RuSsMaN]

Victor, sent the email to Monarchy - waiting for a reply. You're up - Sami wants a remote (lazy bastard).

[halo]

Thanks Russ but I'm going to have to pass. Sorrry for the inconvenience.

[RuSsMaN]

No inconvenience at all Victor. They did write back and they never offered a black facia for the 18B.

Cheers,
Russ

[AndyGwis]

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!

[RuSsMaN]

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.

[AndyGwis]

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!

[jmwest1970]

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

[RuSsMaN]

When are you leaving? Stop on buy and get something to go!

[heiney9]

When are you leaving? Stop on buy and get something to go!

Instead of fast food carry out, Russ offers audio carry out!

[jmwest1970]

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.