Aful Cantor 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

Aful Cantor
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

9.1

9.4

Value

8.0

7.6

Price (USD)

$800

$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

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025) against Aful Cantor (2024). These are 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.

Cantor2024
Monarch MKIV20251 yr newer

Specifications

CantorMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $800; $1,150
HearWiki score: 78; 84
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 14BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: balanced-armature; tribrid
Driver configuration: 14BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 14; 10
Active noise cancelling: No; -

Specification comparison of Aful Cantor vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Aful Cantor	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$800	$1,150
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	14BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	balanced-armature	tribrid
Driver configuration	14BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	14	10
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-

What reviewers said

Aful Cantor

The AFUL Cantor is a wired, purely balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes resolution, clarity, and a spacious, natural presentation over a thick or bass-heavy signature. Its tuning is highly balanced and technically adept, but it demands a deep insertion and a secure fit to unlock its full potential, making it a pick for detail-focused listeners rather than those seeking a warm, relaxed sound.

Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and revealing nature
Pro:Balanced, natural tonality with convincing timbre
Pro:Wide and spacious soundstage

Con:Requires a deep, precise fit to perform optimally
Con:Large shell may be uncomfortable for some ears
Con:Bass quantity can feel light on certain tracks

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.

Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters

Con:High price point limits accessibility
Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears

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 Aful Cantor THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV