AKG K3003 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.

AKG K3003
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

7.6

9.4

Value

7.6

Price (USD)

$840

$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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

K30032018
Monarch MKIV20257 yr newer

Specifications

K3003Monarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $840; $1,150
HearWiki score: 59; 84
Released: 2018; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 2BA hybrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: hybrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 2BA; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: -; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 3; 10
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz; -
Impedance: 8 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 10 g; -
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; -

Specification comparison of AKG K3003 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	AKG K3003	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$840	$1,150
HearWiki score	59 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2018	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 2BA hybrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	hybrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 2BA	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	-	8 mm
Drivers per side	3	10
Frequency response	10 Hz - 30 kHz	-
Impedance	8 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	10 g	-
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	No	-
Connector	3.5 mm	-

What reviewers said

AKG K3003

The AKG K3003 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with two balanced armatures to deliver a detailed, class-leading sound signature. Its build quality is excellent, and it offers tuning filters for slight sound adjustments, though its high price and non-detachable cable may give some buyers pause. While wired and lacking ANC, it remains a notable choice for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade portable listening experience.

Pro:Excellent build quality and premium materials
Pro:Detailed, class-leading hybrid sound
Pro:Tuning filters for minor sound adjustments

Con:Very high price for the feature set
Con:Non-detachable cable limits longevity
Con:Comfort may be average for some listeners

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 AKG K3003 THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV