Wireless-powered loudspeakers have become one of the best-selling products in consumer A/V and there are no shortage of products for every budget. The portable category has become a huge driver of those sales because consumers want to take their music with them; and that includes the beach, cottage, work, and even the local park.
Nocs and the Monolith Aluminum
We recently reported on a small company Nocs Design, that is offering two wireless-powered speaker models, the Mini and Monolith. Apparently, these models are successful as Nocs has announced a third entry to their product line, the Nocs Monolith Aluminum.
Let’s see what it has in common with the previously released models and what’s different.
Tip: Nocs speakers are designed in Sweden and assembled in Estonia.
Shared Features
Non-Traditional Physical Cabinet Design: The first thing you notice about the Monolith Aluminum (and all Nocs wireless speakers) is their non-traditional physical design in which the speaker drivers are laid out in a rectangle rather than a more traditional vertical layout.
Nocs Studio Sound: Streaming all your music content with Nocs Studio Sound.
Spotify and TIDAL Connect: You can stream music from Spotify and TIDAL to the Monolith, Mini, or Monolith Aluminum directly from your smartphone or other compatible device. Stream FLAC and Dolby Atmos content through TIDAL Connect.
Easy Setup: The Nocs Design Music App (Android/iOS) provides easy setup and control of the Monolith and Mini.
Multi-Speaker Connectivity: Connect up to 8 Nocs wireless to expand your listening experience throughout the house.
NAT (Nocs Amplitude Tuning): This feature provides consistent sound over the entire amplitude range.
ScanSpeak DISCOVERY Drivers: Full range or mid-woofer drivers with coated fiberglass cones and neodymium magnets
Diaphragm Material: PP composite with elastomer.
What’s Different?
Construction: The Monolith Aluminum is CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum, and then sandblasted and anodized.
Power Supply: The Monolith and Mini both run on AV power directly, but the Monolith Aluminum incorporates a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery has a capacity of 5000 mAh, which can provide up to 15 hours + of continuous playtime on a single charge. A USB-C charger is provided.
From Daniel Alm, CEO of Nocs Design: “The challenge once again has been to strip away all that is unnecessary. Countless hours were devoted solely to achieving the perfect symmetry in the positioning of the drivers. There are no logos, no frills – only the sleek yet refined appearance of solid aluminum remains. Timelessness is paramount to me.“
Comparison
| Nocs Monolith Aluminum | Nocs Monolith | Nocs Mini | |
| Price | $1,000 | $1,500 | $800 |
| Power Source | Recharageable Battery – Un to 15 hours (USB-C charger/adapter included) | Universal input 100 – 240VAC, 50-60Hz power supply | Universal input 100 – 240VAC, 50-60Hz power supply |
| Speaker Type | Powered Wireless – 5-way | Powered Wireless – 5-Way | Powered Wireless |
| Cabinet Construction | CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum, then sandblasted and anodized | CNC-machined birch plywood | CNC machined MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) |
| Tweeter | 1 x .8-inches | – | – |
| Full Range Drivers | 2 x 2-inches | 3 x 3.5-inches | 2 x 3.5-inches |
| Woofer Drivers | 2 x 4-inches | 3 x 6-inches (vented/bass reflex) | – |
| Subwoofer | – | – | Custom-tuned subwoofer module with a passive radiator. Neodymium magnet, long stroke subwoofer driver. |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) | 39 Hz to 23 kHz | 30 Hz to 20 kHz | 40Hz to 20kHz |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Class D | Class D |
| Power Output | 225 watts (5 x 45 W) | 150 watts | 110 watts |
| Maximum SPL (at 1 meter) | 96 dB | Not provided | 94 dB |
| Bluetooth | Ver 5.3 LE AAC, SBC | Ver 5.0 ACC, SBC | Ver 5.0 ACC, SBC |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Not mentioned | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tidal Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nocs Design Music App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Multiroom Connectivity | up to 8 Monoliths | Up to 8 Monoliths | up to 8 Minis |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 348 x 230 x 57mm (13.7 x 9 x 2.24 inches) | 550 x 380 x 180 mm (21.5 x 15 x 7 inches) | 270 x 230 x 106 mm (10.6 x 9 x 3.9 inches) |
| Weight | 4 kg (8.8 lbs) | 12 kg (26.45 lbs) | 3.3 kg (7.9 lbs) |
Initial Impression
Nocs has taken an interesting approach both to product design and sound quality goals with its Monolith Aluminum, Monolith, and Mini powered wireless speakers. Some may not like the design, but it is not the first time this look has appeared in a speaker as Stratton Acoustics offers up a similar design in its very high-end Elypsis 1512 loudspeakers.
The new Monolith Aluminum combines the Nocs design approach with compact size that includes a rechargeable battery, making it more portable. However, although fitting into a carry bag is nice – it would have also been more practical to include a built-in carry strap or handle.
In addition, the $1,000 price tag is expensive for a compact portable speaker.
Price & Availability
The Monolith Aluminum will be available is available for pre-order at $1,000 USD and 1,000 EUR for Europe. It is offered with two finishes – natural silver & matte black. Shipping is expected to start in November 2024
Tip: It is being reported that early pre-orders (50) will include an alcantara sleeve to protect the speaker. A heavier-duty carry bag is optional. Each purchase includes three free months of Tidal. There are 150 units total being offered for pre-order.
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