7th Acoustics Supernova vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 3 of 4 measures.

7th Acoustics Supernova
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.4

Value

7.1

7.6

Price (USD)

$750

$1,150

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Supernova2022
Monarch MKIV20253 yr newer

Specifications

SupernovaMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $750; $1,150
HearWiki score: 74; 84
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 6BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: 6BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 6; 10
Impedance: 15 Ω; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of 7th Acoustics Supernova vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	7th Acoustics Supernova	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$750	$1,150
HearWiki score	74 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	6BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	6BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	6	10
Impedance	15 Ω	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

7th Acoustics Supernova

The 7th Acoustics Supernova is a wired, six-balanced-armature IEM that prioritizes smooth, natural tonality and cohesive musicality over raw resolving power. Its tuning is well-balanced with a particularly engaging midrange, lifelike vocals, and a spacious, well-imaged soundstage, making it a highly enjoyable listen. However, it doesn't dig up quite as much micro-detail as some peers in its price class, and its limited availability can be a hurdle for potential buyers.

Pro:Smooth, natural timbre with excellent tonal balance
Pro:Outstanding midrange and vocal reproduction
Pro:Wide soundstage with precise imaging

Con:Detail retrieval lags behind top competitors
Con:Can be difficult to purchase due to limited availability

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

This flagship in-ear monitor packs a ten-driver hybrid setup—pairing dual 8mm dynamics with six balanced armatures and two electrostatic tweeters—to deliver a reference-grade, studio-neutral signature. It also offers a switchable RUMBLE mode for those who prefer a more pronounced low-end, catering to both purists and bass enthusiasts. The wired-only design focuses on audiophile-grade sound without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Reference-neutral tuning with optional bass boost
Pro:Layered, detailed treble from dual electrostats
Pro:Solid build and premium fit for long sessions

Con:No wireless or ANC options
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Con:Requires a quality source to shine fully

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison 7th Acoustics Supernova THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV