Monoprice Monolith 27678 Audio Stand Review
I don’t see a lot of reviews for audio racks or stands. I find that odd because (at least for me) I struggled to find something that I liked for my gear. I’ve said this before, aesthetics is a perfectly legitimate reason to purchase something. I want my gear to look as good as it sounds. I recently snagged a great deal on some used gear and struggled to find something to put it all in. Thankfully, our friends at Monoprice make some very reasonably priced audio racks. I was lucky enough to be able to do a review of the Monoprice Monolith 27678 Audio Stand. For me, it checks off all the boxes. It’s big, beefy, and gives me lots of space for ventilation. Oh, and like all things Monoprice, it’s reasonably priced AT $139. Let’s discuss!
The Specs
The Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand, known as 27678 (Monoprice – we need to talk about your creativity) is a black, four-tier stand. It measures 31″H x 19″W x16.7″D, accepting standard 17″ audio equipment. The two lowest shelves are 7.2″ high, and the third shelf is 8.8″ high, allowing for a tall AV receiver/integrated receiver. Each shelf will hold up to 75 lbs, and the entire stand is rated to hold up to 300 lbs. Let’s say you don’t have to worry about the thing collapsing.
The legs are all metal, and the shelving is MDF. This means that it will be sturdy and durable. I have had stands that have had all sorts of shelves, from metal to glass. My fear with tempered glass is that something will drop on it, and I will see a chain-reaction of exploding shelves. Not with MDF – drop away!
Looks Of The Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand
I know you are tired of hearing me say this, but looks are subjective. The Monoprice Monolith 27678 Audio Stand is best described as utilitarian. And I mean that in the best possible sense of the word. I have looked for a stand that is a) functional, b) reasonably priced, c) good-looking, and d) offers enough storage. I found several that checked many of those boxes but were expensive. The 27678 does all of those. Plus, if you want to add some very audiophile-esque spikes to the bottom, you have that option.
As I mentioned above, it’s an open design, giving you lots of airflow around your gear. There is also a small cutout allowing you some modest cable management. You won’t struggle to place your gear or access it after you set it up. That’s a huge plus for me. Closed-back designs are terrible if you need to plug something in afterward.
The finish is black satin. Satin finishes tend to hide any fingerprints and dust better than a gloss finish that highlights both. Plus, a black satin finish should blend in with most gear and décor easily. But if you do need something in a different color, Monoprice offers the Monoprice Monolith XL Audio Stand (product number 39165) for $179, and it comes in satin black, espresso, and maple.
Assembling The Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand
Assembly of the Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand is straightforward. The parts are clearly labeled, and the instructions are clear and well-illustrated. Everything you need to assemble comes in the box, and as long as you take your time, there are no surprises.
One tip is to have a towel or blanket available. You are assembling the stand upside down. So the blanket or towel will ensure you don’t damage the shelf or your floor. Plus, when you are assembling it upside down, remember to orient your parts accordingly.
It was probably about 20 minutes from start to finish, including cleanup of the boxes and packing materials.
Performance
There is not a lot to say here. The stand is sturdy and well-made. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and I do not fear it collapsing or falling over. Because it comes with spiked “audiophile” feet, the Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand adds depth and added warmth. I noted nuances about my favorite tracks that I hadn’t noticed with previous stands. Even my wife…
Okay, I can’t keep that up anymore. A stand won’t change how your gear sounds. No matter what audiophiles believe. Seriously though, it’s a great stand and incredibly well-made.
But, I could have continued to use my mini-fridge. That was utilitarian as well!
Our Take
At $139, the Monoprice Monolith Audio Stand is perfect for those who want something that looks stylish but doesn’t break the bank. The Monolith stand is everything that I could ask for in a stand, and it’s no-nonsense. Plus, if you need other options, Monoprice has several options available for you! A happy AV Enthusiast has options.
I highly recommend this stand. Its price, construction, and ease of assembly make it a no-brainer.
