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Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch Edition 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.

Score breakdown

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

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch Edition
  • THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
78
84
Sound
9.1
9.4
Value
4.9
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,800
$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

The THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV is 2 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.

  • Andromeda 10 Launch Edition2023
  • Monarch MKIV20252 yr newer

Specifications

Andromeda 10 Launch EditionMonarch MKIV
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,800
$1,150
HearWiki score
78
84
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
10× balanced armature
2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size
-
8 mm
Drivers per side
10
10
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
8.5 Ω
-
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch Edition

The Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch Edition is a premium wired in-ear monitor with ten balanced-armature drivers arranged in a three-way design, delivering a neutral yet musical sound with clean mids and excellent timbre. Its low 8.5-ohm impedance and high sensitivity make it easy to drive but sensitive to source output impedance for optimal performance. The launch edition features a gold-plated copper cable with 2-pin connectors, while the standard model uses a modular cable, and the build quality is top-tier with a comfortable fit.

  • Pro:Excellent timbre and natural mids
  • Pro:Strong technical performance with good soundstage and separation
  • Pro:Premium build quality and comfortable fit
  • Con:Sub-bass extension is somewhat limited
  • Con:Low impedance makes source matching important
  • Con:High price point for a wired IEM

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 comparisonCampfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch EditionTHIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV